Home

Home’s true definition is where you feel comfortable and at rest, somewhere you can picture yourself residing forever, whether it’s in your apartment, at the workplace, or playing a sport.  For me, home is anywhere with a basketball in my hand and a basketball hoop near.  It is the only place where I can picture myself experiencing maximum happiness.  There are three main reasons why I think of basketball this way:  the friendships created while playing, the infinite room to improve, and the sheer beauty of the game. 

While people play pickup games or H-O-R-S-E, they bond with the player they are competing against.  I met some of my best friends playing basketball, and that was the way we strengthened our bond.  Although some disagreements and brawls occur on the court, or as some call it, the“Garden of Eden,” what happens on the court stays on the court.  Teams are not only teams, they are brotherhoods.  

No basketball player will ever be even close to worthy enough to hold the title as “The Perfect Basketball Player.”  There is always things one can improve on, such as your mid-range jump shot, defense, ball-handling, free throws, vertical leap, etc.  That is what I love about basketball.  My hunger for improvement will only grow as I get better.  This hunger will never be satisfied.

A basketball game is usually composed of a ten-foot hoop, an NCAA or NBA basketball, and a hard surface to bounce the ball on.  No matter where this location is at, people play it the same way universally:  whoever scores more points wins.  The ten-foot hoop is at a perfect height, a height most players want to dunk on.  The size of the ball, depending on your league or age, always will find a unique way to fall through the net.  All surfaces will do good for a basketball game, even if it’s on a hill or partially submerged in water.  If you cannot dribble, you can always shoot.  The sport is always changing, such as the way players handle the ball or a player’s shooting form.  Basketball seemingly never stops.

To me, basketball is a flawless art.  I only feel fully satisfied while I’m honing my skills, whether it’s by myself or with others.  Basketball is my passion.  When I play, all my worries seemingly drift away and my stress is cut down exponentially.  It motivates me to do well.  Basketball is not only where my home is, it is who I am.

~Chamalmy