Team First

How did I convert from being an LA Laker fan for over 20 years to rooting for the Dallas Mavericks? It wasn't because of Mark Cuban, although he's been great. It wasn't because of Dirk, although I love having him on the team. It was because of the Lakers.

The Lakers were a great team and won almost all of the time. They had Magic Johnson as their leader and they played great team ball. Then slowly, but steadily they lost these players. They were still good, but the attitudes changed from team first to me first. I'm not sure who I blame more or Shaq, or the team letting Eddie Jones leave, but I couldn't stand rooting for a team with such selfish players. I literally had no player to root for any longer.

So, for the first and only time in my life I stopped rooting for my favorite team. It was sudden and decisive. I was no longer a Laker fan, but who could I root for. Fortunately for me I have moved to the Dallas area and the folks in Dallas loved the Mavericks. They weren't any good. They were so bad, the announcers would be worried if they only had a 10 point lead during the last few minutes. Of course I've always rooted for the underdog, so it made since to start cheering for the Mavs.

I have to admit it took a few years before I became hooked, but I was certainly a Mavericks fan to anyone who cared to ask. Only after many years of dutifully cheering for this terrible basketball team was my new loyalty rewarded with some success. Although the thing that made me a true Maverick fan was the attitude of the players. The longer I stayed with the team, the more team oriented they seemed to be. The day when Michael Finley stepped aside to let Dirk lead the team was just one example of how they showed teamwork.

Now the Mavericks have ridden their success to nearly the top. I've been disappointed losing first Finely and then Nash. They were keys, not only as skilled players, but also as key role models for how teammates should act. Unlike the Lakers though, the Mavericks continue to bring in players who are team first. They have a great coach, who keeps them centered and focused on playing team ball. Dirk, one of the best players in the NBA, seems to be the most humble superstar on the planet.

I hope that the Mavericks get rewarded for showing us all that working together is the key to success. I would get a lot of satisfaction from their success.

Making a Difference

Often when I'm coaching my sons' basketball teams I feel like I'm not helping anyone get any better at basketball. Fortunately, that's not why I coach. I'm trying to teach these kids about Jesus Christ, and in some cases give them their first exposure to Jesus and how to become a Christian. It gives me a lot more satisfaction when I see behavior improvement in my team than when I see skill improvement.

Not to say that I don't love to see kids learn how to play basketball, but that's not why I'm there. Last year, at the end of the season, a parent came up and let me know that I had helped her son understand how to become a Christian in a way he hadn't understood before. That was a surprise to me, but very satisfying and important.

I'm glad that Upwards basketball gives me a chance to teach kids about God in a fun environment. I'd do it more often if it paid the bills.

One and One...or maybe not

Today both my boys played in their first basketball games of the new season. They play in Upward basketball, and I coach both their teams. Now I'm not much of a basketball coach, but I believe I fit the mold of an Upward coach. This is a league with special rules that emphasize team play and giving everyone a chance to play. Those are things I wish every league would value, and I always emphasize. At the same time the kids are learning about basketball, the coaches take time to teach them about God and how to come to know him. Like I said, a perfect fit for what I like about sports.

That said, the league does keep score for the older kids. Although they don't keep win-loss records for any age. Of course, even if the league doesn't keep score for some younger teams or standings, all the kids and many parents know the score. So, I'm one-and-one.

My younger son's team started out the day getting whipped by the opposition. I felt bad that they couldn't be more competitive, and even a little guilty that maybe I hadn't prepared them. At the same time, I felt good that each boy did play a fair amount of time. They all got an opportunity to touch the ball and be involved in the game. The other team just played better. So the day started 0 and 1.

Later in the day, my older son's team whipped their opposition. I was informed after the game that this was the first time my older son's team had ever won (in any season of basketball)! Once again, I was most pleased that the boys played their best, each had a fair opportunity to contribute, and played with good attitudes. I was also openly proud of my son, as he played his best game ever. While he's not the best player on the team, he has learned to play with his strengths. 1 and 1, or maybe 2 and 0 (2 feel good games to none).