When you look at a basketball what do you see? Most would see an orange, sphere, shaped rubber ball. There are black lines and real leather. If you look closer, you would even see the size of the ball in which you are playing with. A basketball could be just a toy for many, or even represent a release for others, but for me, it means a lot more. A basketball represents my blood, sweat, tears, passion, sacrifice, and most of all, a sense of belonging, like a family. At this moment in my life, there are only three things I devote my life to- family, friends, and basketball. Basketball has shaped my life probably more than anything else. Basketball has instilled in me a vicious will to achieve and embrace my ambitions instead of fearing them. Basketball gave me an open opportunity to try something new. New opportunities and experiences are not such a big deal anymore. From academics to personal matters, the lessons that I have learned from basketball has impacted my life.

To me, life is a basketball court. The world in my mind is a hoop, a basketball, a court, and rules. That’s why, it’s my passion, and it makes a great comparison to my life. In life, people say you can be successful without any effort from yourself, an average person living peacefully, or a guy that has tried so hard, but made it so late. Just like basketball. You make hoops to be successful; you defend when you meet an opponent. You pass commonly to have someone support you or reach out a helping hand. Those supportive people are most of the time, your family members, but also your friends for life. You dribble to keep up and to make it to success, while you make sure you don’t travel, or double-dribble. These are violations that are like the cheats of your life. You can make it by cheating, but you have just destroyed and lied to yourself.

The opposing team just made a crucial shot to give them the lead by two with 20 seconds left in the game. Now, it was our possession and there were no timeouts left to strategize. Sweat was dripping down the side of my face, my heart was racing, but my mind was completely focused on nothing but the game at hand. As I dribbled the ball down the court, I looked for my teammates but all of them were heavily guarded by the opposing team. I noticed the girl, who was guarding me, gradually backing up as she was anticipating my move to drive to the basket; so instead I squared up with my feet behind the three-point line and with the game on the line, I took the shot. The entire gym, which was jam-packed, went totally silent. The ball didn’t even touch the rim, it went straight through, nothing but net. My team ran up to me and the stands erupted in celebration. I am far from a sore winner but seeing the opposing team, who were disappointed and heavy-hearted, added to the many sensational feelings and thoughts running throughout my body.
For most, basketball is just another sport or a pastime but to me, it is more than just a game. Basketball sets challenges for myself; there’s a great amount of pressure while playing. Am I going to drive to the basket for a layup or should I take the shot? Do I defend my opponent tightly or do I give her some space? Hundreds of options run through my head with only a couple seconds to decide; this has helped me to quickly think and act on situations. The inability to think on your feet is costly especially in basketball, it’ll be harder to make a shot or it will cause a turnover.

– Marius Gal –