After some 14 years, I finally played a proper basketball game last night.  And boy, my body’s in a world of hurt right now.  But it feels good just the same.

I remember going to class in high-school after a Ginebra/Anejo game the night before, eagerly going over what Al Mendoza had to say in his column in Sports Flash.  Of course, he was unapologetically biased in favor of Jaworski.  Heralding the wins and justifying the losses.

I took two classes in basketball in Ateneo soon after.  Becoming the dutiful Blue Eagle, cheering the games, donning the blue jacket you could buy at the caf.

Then I just lost touch with it.  I grew up.  I became busy.  I married and separated.  I was raising two kids. I focused on video.  Pick your reason.  14 years.

Then NBA2k12 happened.  Introduced to me by my girlfriend’s kids.   I was hooked!  Then Linsanity exploded, call it what you will but I was only too happy to jump in the bandwagon.  It’s a continuing story that still fascinates me and I hope no end that it ends triumphantly this season.

And then a group of mostly wedding videographers decided that talk was enough, let’s play ball for real.   That was last night.  My boy’s still achin’ (I was the oldest on the floor) but I’m grinning ear to ear.  I love this game.

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To add the icing on this Bball frenzy, I just shot Mel and Vince’s wedding which was – wait for it – basketball themed!  From the offertory to the grand entrance, NBA style.  Mel was actually a celebrated player with the lady Blue Eagles and the sport is truly a central part of their relationship.

Here’s the SDE…

Game?  Game.