Basketball memories

My dad and I have always shared a love for the game of basketball. It started very early on for me, growing up in the Philippines, my dad and uncles would watch the PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) 3 times a week, and occasionally, an NBA game (they usually show Lakers or Celtics games back then) and I would sit there, with them, learning the mechanics of the game for years, until I've developed my own appreciation for it. I was a very enthusiastic basketball fan, to the point where I actually tried out for the basketball team in high school.

The enthusiasm carried over when we migrated to Canada. In Toronto, I became an even bigger hoops fan. I started watching college ball, on top of following the NBA. I became a massive Chicago Bulls fan, thanks to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. I was a die-hard fan of the Bulls. I watched every game, if I missed it, it would be an awful day for me. My friends, especially my guy friends, knew very well how much of a Bulls fan I was, they would purposely root for the opposing team just to get me riled up. When the Bulls lose, I was a rotten loser, and when they win, I was an unbearable winner.

In college hoops, I became a massive Duke Blue Devils fan, and so did my dad. I was also a UCLA Bruins fan (sorry, my USC fam-bam), and the Fab 5 of UMich. I bought the magazines, watched the shows. I couldn't be bothered when March Madness came along. Yup. Big hoops fan.

Anyway, I'm writing this blog as a result of watching the UNC Tar Heels/Duke Blue Devils game tonight. These 2 schools have a lot of history, and they're biggest rivals. Brought back a flood of memories, watching hoops with me pops. Naturally, I rooted for the Blue Devils (who won, by the way). I got a bit teary-eyed watching because it reminded me of my dad. I really miss watching the games with him. We really got into it. Oh, Dad was a massive Boston Celtics fan. He loved how understated they were, no flash, but got the job done. His favourite player was Larry Bird (Magic was his other fave).

Sadly, I've lost my enthusiasm for the game, somewhat. I'm trying to follow the games again, especially with the Toronto Raptors around. But for nostalgia's sake, I will start watching again.