Journey of a Basketball Player: Lights, Cheers, and Tears

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Every muscles springs to life with every step taken that’s followed by a faint squeak echoing underneath my Adidas J Wall 1. Every step feels like dead weight that’s stuck in time while images wash across my brain over the tears shed last year and the hype of Kentucky’s unimaginable season up to now. Lights illuminate the hallway packed with every member that represents UW-Madison, but the only noise that’s expressed can be heard is the roar from the inside of Lucas Oil Stadium. Thousands of die-hard fans fill the entire room, yet they only appear like a sea of colors while patiently waiting for the announcer to begin. My mind draws a blank before rising slowly to make my way onto the freshly waxed hardwood floor. “The final player making …show more content…

The ball flies up into the air in slow motion as two hands reached to tip back to their anxious teammates. Kentucky’s center’s hand smacks back the ball to the anticipating teammate, while I size up my opponent that’s not knowing what’s happening. Kentucky drives the ball down the court as it glides from another player to the next, but we can’t control the speed of the game that results with a three sinking through the net. Leadership must be present in order to win, which is something that’s nonexistent at this precise moment. Seven and a half minutes pass with sloppy defensive and offensive skills, until Duje sparks confidence within my team and I after a two point shot. Every possession’s consequence rallies up the score for Wisconsin with Kentucky left behind in the dust. Kentucky doesn’t withdrawal from the fight by racking up the score as we stay stagnant. Every player on both teams exercise the skills learned in practices as we fight for the game we grew up playing in the back yard. Every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears couldn’t keep the streak alive by executing poor skills that left the half with a tie at 36 …show more content…

The game prompts back and forth with possession as fans scream and chant will rising in their seats. Minutes disappear from the ticking clock that determine our fate, while I try to display leadership with every step taken. Breathe. You’ve been working on getting into the Final Four since you made that small footprint on the court on University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. You’ve dreamed of playing for Bo Ryan since you were 12 years old, and just remember what he’s taught you now. If you’ve got an open shot then take it, but if you don’t, then pass it to someone who does. Just remember that this is a team sport, and it’s going to take everyone to win this. Tie, ahead, and down--all we capture on the scoreboard from the quick glances I got when to hustle to make it down court for defense. The clock reads 2:14 when Frank gets the defensive rebounds and passes to Bronson who takes it down court. Bronson quickly passes to Josh before he gives it right back, while I get ready for my open shot. The ball’s given to me when I go inside of the three-point line before going back up for the three. “What’s he doing? Sam, what are you doing?” Bo Ryan screams from the sideline while in his notorious

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