For a girl to be an avid supporter of basketball is a bit rare. While most of the girls are busy with fashion and shopping, I just stay at home with my sisters watching the sport that’s dear to me.
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| Dennis Rodman, Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan |
My
addiction to the sport started with a VHS tape of the Chicago Bulls’ Championship
years in the late 90s. It was my father who bought it for me and my brother as
“pasalubong”. From that time on, I just fell in love with the sport. Who
wouldn’t? You’re seeing Michael Jordan shooting clutch baskets, Scottie Pippen
slamming the ball to the basket emphatically, Steve Kerr, John Paxson and Craig
Hodges burying those dagger threes and who would forget Dennis Rodman? It was
not just his performance in basketball that’s interesting but also his hair
colour. He was the “fashionista” of the Chicago team. Those were the best days
of the Chicago Bulls. I never get tired of watching the video over and over
again. Thanks to technology! We’re still able to view those glorious years of
them up until now.
My
excitement of the game didn’t stop in just watching taped basketball action.
Here came the PBA, the oldest basketball professional league in Asia. My
father’s a fan of the “never say die” Ginebra team and my brother’s a follower
of Coach Tim Cone’s triangle offense with the Alaska Aces. For me not to be
left out, I had to choose my team. The tandem of Asi Taulava and Jimmy Alapag
of the Talk n’ Text Phone Pals (now known as the TnT Tropang Texters) caught my
attention. The team’s name might change over the years, but the support that I
have for them will always be there. As the league progresses, there have been a
bunch of good players in the PBA but “The Rock” and “The Mighty Mouse” will
always be my favourites.
While I
was watching the game between Ateneo and UST, I saw this number 17 guard from
Ateneo. It was Chris Tiu. What’s admirable about him was that he was very calm
and composed despite the pressure from the crowd. You rarely see him encourage
the crowd to cheer for his team. From that time on, I’ve been a fan of the
Ateneo Blue Eagles and of course the very down to earth Chris Tiu. For me, he
was the most popular basketball player in the UAAP.
While I
was watching the game between Ateneo and UST, I saw this number 17 guard from
Ateneo. It was Chris Tiu. What’s admirable about him was that he was very calm
and composed despite the pressure from the crowd. You rarely see him encourage
the crowd to cheer for his team. From that time on, I’ve been a fan of the
Ateneo Blue Eagles and of course the very down to earth Chris Tiu. For me, he
was the most popular basketball player in the UAAP.
Maybe some would think that I
became a fan of Chris Tiu because he’s good looking. At first yes, but once you
get to know him, with the help of the media, you’ll discover that the way he
lives his life is very inspiring. This may sound very “cheesy” but I consider
him as one of my inspirations. He has taught me a lot, especially in living up
to your values.
It’s been
over ten years. From watching taped basketball games to watching those at the
venue live. Those years have been full of learning. And as I am getting older,
I’ve learned to appreciate other leagues such CESAFI and PBA D-League. It’s an
avenue for me to expand my knowledge on basketball and to see promising
basketball stars.
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