Basketball

I love basketball...

I recall way back in my high school years, I was an avid fan of the PBA. I was rooting for Shell, and it was during this time that they were able to reach the finals with Alaska. I guess I have watched around 15 live games and almost did not miss any game on tv. My favorite among the players was Victor Pablo. Don't ask me why. I don't know. Upon review, I know that he was not exceptionally good, there was almost nothing about him to idolize, yet, I liked him. Maybe that was enough.

During the same time, my dad first managed the intertown team of our province Pagsanjan. The games were during weekends, and I would always be there with my dad and my brothers cheering for the team. This is where I first met my husband. During this time though, I was nothing more than a friend to him. I was 16 and he was 21. I remember being totally smitten by him.. anyway, thats a different story...

Until now, my dad still manages the team, my husband still plays and my sister's boyfriend is also from the team so it is given that my family is one of the biggest supporters. Last year the Pagsanjan team was the champion, the year before that they were 3rd , before that 2nd, and before that champion as well. It is why we were all really hoping that the team would be champions again this year. The competition is tougher because there were several new teams that were really good, but Pagsanjan was supposedly more mature now and is ready to face the big boys from the other teams.

Sometimes they played well, sometimes they did nott, but they were able to reach the point that it is just a best of three series to determine if the team will be able to make it to the finals. They were competing against Sta.Cruz, a worthy team which already won a championship as well. Pagsanjan won the first game. sadly, they lost the 2nd and 3rd.

The feeling was really bad, it is very disappointing and frustrating to lose the chance to defend the championship. I could see that they were all disheartened, actually, we were all disheartened.. It is sad, but I guess we have to accept that losing is really a part of the game. It also made me think that being the champion is sometimes not simply being the best... Its simply about winning when it counts. I mean, we've all watched movies like Mighty Ducks, Little Giants, The Longest Yard and the like, all movies that shows how an underdog can become the champion. So maybe, sometimes, even though you are the best, you could be beaten by a lesser team. Of course it also goes the other way.. Even though you are not a very good team, but with the help of coaching, game breaks and luck, you could also win. To help me ease my frustration, that is the perception I apply.

(Admittedly though, my thoughts may be just because we lost. Had we won, I think I would say we were the best.. ) Hahaha.