Basketball community and the search for a place in the world

I began my study of the sport of basketball when I was, well, born. In fact, my father left the hospital to go sit on the fourth row of the NCAA basketball tournament final four in 1996. Basketball influences my life continuously as I watch almost every Kentucky game and live in Lexington one of the strongholds of enthusiastic fans. Basketball creates community and encourages competition for those who watch it.

People long to belong with others. As Susan Cain says in an article for the New York Times, "Collaboration is in." Many if not all of us have been to Rupp Arena, the home court of the Wildcats. However, or all have been to a ball game, and so have missed part of the incredible feeling you expirience.  The exhilarating feeling one experiences during this is incredible. I have been to many ball games and feel strongly about Kentucky winning just like almost everyone else in the arena creating a sense of belonging hard to find anywhere else, satiating my need for a place to belong. 

Kentucky and Duke hold one of the most contentious rivalries in college basketball. The entire rivalry started because of one man, a man who if I could choose one person to never be born I would choose, a man named Christian Laettner. The year: 1992, the game: NCAA regional final, the first Final Four appearance in a number of years on the line. Early in the game, Laettner purposefully stomps of a Kentucky player, warranting a ejection however not even a foul is called. Even Laettner admits, "it was a big mistake. It's worthy of a technical. I don't think it's worthy of getting kicked out of the game even though all the Kentucky fans will disagree with me on that." And rightfully so Timberlake the player stepped on was hurt by the savagery. 1.3 seconds left Kentucky is up 2 points 103-101 Duke inbounds the ball to Laettner he shoots it behind his back makes the goal and wins 104-103, the worst loss in basketball history. This game sparked books such as Duke Sucks and Kentucky vs. Duke: The Rivalry That Started It All which highlight the impact of this game upon our lives. It changed not only the lives of Kentucky fans but also the entire regulations of fouls in college basketball. If you can't tell I hate Duke with a burning passion. This rivalry creates more of a competitive urge in me than just about anything else and competition, the drive to succeed is something everyone needs.

Basketball whether you currently watch it or not has a impact on your life. Watching basketball grants a drive not many activities may. People should watch sports especially basketball for these effects and stop complaining that it's all about the money athletes deserve to be payed they preform an important job in society.