All About Me

[pdxmuskie]

Since someone on here made the mistake of asking about my basketball experience, here it is from my perspective.

My organized hoops experience began in 5th grade. I was the starting PG on a solid team. Our coach was legit which unfortunately changed the following year. He was no longer able to devote the time and energy to coaching so his brother took over coaching duties the next year. Given his minimal basketball experience he looked to me in tight games to decide on defenses, play calling, etc. He remained our coach through 8th grade. In 7th grade we lost most of our players to the public school and had to pick up a couple players from the year below us. We inherited 2 of their worst players of course since they had a strong roster and wanted to dominate.

Nothing interesting to discuss regarding high school basketball other than to say my team was competitive. I came off the bench playing behind a great athlete and legit baller until my Sr year.

Our team dominated the intramural 6' and under league at Xavier. We also had a top team in the regular intramural league. 2 different guys on our intramural teams ended up playing as walk ons for Xavier. I unfortunately missed tryouts due to military commitments. I will say I was nowhere close to as good as the 1 but doubt I would lose more than 3 out of 10 to the other. I believe my encounter with Posey was in an intramural game but could have simply been a pickup game. I defended James on 1 play, picked his pocket and scored at the other end. I suspect he was a bit embarrassed and angry about that which lead to him attacking the rim and throwing it down.

I played with a group of guys that scrimmaged the Xavier Women's team on a couple occasions.

Generally I was a defensive specialist, often shooting 4 to 6 times per game. If I was left open I'd shoot at a solid percentage. I attacked the rim a fair amount but preferred to dump it off to a big or kick it out to an open shooter rather than finishing around the rim. At 5' 9" with modest hops and mediocre athleticism, it was generally a smarter choice to collect the assist. I rebounded well, locked down my man, generated multiple steals per game as well as about a block a game.

After college I continued my career on the playgrounds of Columbus, followed by Boston, then Charlotte, back to Columbus, then Portland, then Chicago and finally back to Portland. My winning percentage across those cities was generally high but trended higher until retirement a number of years back. Whether 1 on 1, 2 on 2, or 4 on 4, my teams simply won. There were times when teammates expressed frustration with me because I didn't call a foul when the defense obviously fouled me but if I should have made the shot despite the contact, I didn't call it. I'd generally just look at them and say, don't worry, I got this. I'd force the turnover and we'd go on to win.

There were times where opposing teams would blame a player for losing, I'd offer to take him (these were 2 on 2 situations). It was common for the acquired player to lead us in scoring with the result still being a win for my team. It turns out that if you get any decent player the ball in the right spot, he will score at a high percentage.

It was common, especially in Chicago, where guys would run their mouth calling a mismatch when I stepped on the court for the first time. Those were always my favorite moments. I can't recall a time where anyone chirping at me ever played at a high level. I generally gave them no room to breath. I feeling particularly agitated on 1 occasion and didn't even let the guy touch the ball with the exception of twice. Both times, I ripped the ball out of his hands within seconds of him getting the pass.

I will acknowledge that not all those I competed against were legit ballers. But there were a number of dudes on the playground with serious skills. I will also say my skills are just mediocre and based on talent 30% give or take would be considered superior players. I simply hate to lose and find ways to win. Take high percentage shots, make smart passes, never get beat on defense, grab lose balls and create extra possessions.

The low point of life on the court is without question a holiday tournament. I was defending their best player. He was taller, faster, stronger, more athletic and had a great shot. It was the only time I couldn't figure out how to stay in front of someone. Left space and drilled the shot, get close and I couldn't stop him from cutting the corner. He lit me up for 20 in the first half building a big lead in the process. In the moment, I couldn't get out of my own head. He had me beat mentally before he even made a move. Walking off the court at halftime, the fire erupted. I decided he would not score in the 2nd half. Told my coach, I got him, tell us what we need to do offensively to get back in it. I think he scored a bucket and a couple FTs after that but I had him locked down and we came storming back.

There was another holiday tournament where I was scored on multiple times. This 1 bothers me simply because I'm not sure everyone is aware of the reason. I was guarding 1 of the top players to ever play at my high school. I believe his daughters hold several basketball records. We were both alumni at this point. His team was our only real competition to win the tournament so my brother tells me to shut him down. I'm fighting through screens staying all over him. 4 straight plays, he pushes off with his off hand to create separation. Obvious offensive foul. Knowing that getting him in foul trouble is most advantageous, I allow him to extend his arm. No call, no call, no call and no call. I should have changed strategy after the 2nd or 3rd time and pushed into his push off realizing that he was going to get start treatment and I'd never get the call. The consolation however is that he expended so much energy trying to get open that he had to sub out to catch his breath.

Hopefully some of you find some entertainment in the above tale.

[muskieman]

I thought you might have played against Posey in an intermural game I know he played when he was not eligible for a while.

[yellow20xd]

All that to say you're a wannabe???... Dan

[muskieman]

All that to say you're a wannabe???... Dan

be nice .....Dan

[edgecliff hall]

I'm the guy who asked you for this, and I'm glad I did. Thanks you. You took us for a stimulating ride into your personal world of basketball.

[pdxmuskie]

At least I entertained the 1 person who asked for it.

Wannabe, sure. Hard to argue anything else given I was never paid beyond some playground wagers.