Oct.30 at 1:45 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
zzz

Oct.30 at 1:46 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
this should be interesting

Oct.30 at 1:47 pm

white hot eboy says:
I’m gonna kill this sh*t.

Oct.30 at 1:47 pm

BETCATS says:
Dear Basketball,
Love is war I’m your soldier Touching you like it’s our first time I’mma put you to bed, bed, bed I’ma put you to bed, bed, bed
Love,
Me

Oct.30 at 1:52 pm

Ryan Jones says:
BET, I don’t think you’re eligible to win twice in the same 30 day period. Give the little people a chance.

Oct.30 at 1:53 pm

BETCATS says:
i just had some free time and decided to try and test my luck thats all

Oct.30 at 1:54 pm

BETCATS says:
that wasnt mine that was j-holiday

Oct.30 at 1:59 pm

vmcb says:
yo man I want some of those kicks.

Oct.30 at 2:01 pm

white hot eboy says:
Lang, is there a character limit?

Oct.30 at 2:03 pm

BETCATS says:
lang is ryan lying?

Oct.30 at 2:03 pm

BETCATS says:
and my website is near complete for anybody who wanted to know

Oct.30 at 2:05 pm

Myles Brown says:
Dear Basketball, I love you cause you’re round, orange and pimply and I have low standards. Love, Myles

Oct.30 at 2:06 pm

vmcb says:
You’ve always been there for me, basketball. Sure, maybe I really just got into you a few years ago, but since then, you’ve always been on my mind; when I’m in class, at work, even in bed with my girlfriend, I’m really thinking about Steve Nash’s sweet behind-the-back passes, or Lebron’s jaw dropping slam dunks.
Today is October 30th, but it might as well be Christmas, my birthday, and all those other great days just rolled into one, for today is the day the NBA regular season starts. I have a midterm tomorrow, but chances are I’ll be more focused on watching some ball and keeping tabs on how my fantasy team is doing.
I love you basketball. Summer always starts off badly for me, because that’s when you gone on a sabbatical. But soon I remember “I have a basketball, and there’s a court outback”. Then I’m happy again, because I’m with the one and only thing I really love.

Oct.30 at 2:07 pm

vmcb says:
golden.

Oct.30 at 2:11 pm

Rasheedionics says:
Loving basketball is a one way street. Not cool.

Oct.30 at 2:13 pm

Ken says:
Myles should win it with his entry, so people shouldn’t even bother with more entries.

Oct.30 at 2:14 pm

white hot eboy says:
BETCATS, your sabbatical lasted longer than Bodie’s basketball talent level.

Oct.30 at 2:14 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
Can we be explicit? Like, really, really, REALLY explicit?

Oct.30 at 2:19 pm

white hot eboy says:
Russ, are you guys eligible? Because if I have to go up against pros, I’ll be pissed.

Oct.30 at 2:27 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
dear hoops, i wanna lay you down by the fiiire, and make love to you baby

Oct.30 at 2:28 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
but really, i got a good one coming soon.

Oct.30 at 2:31 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
Nah, I’m not gonna enter. I just want to make sure the entries are as disturbing as humanly possible.

Oct.30 at 2:38 pm

jbn74sb says:
eboy - yes on the character limit. You’re not eligible.
Personally, I’d rather have a signed wheelchair.

Oct.30 at 2:39 pm

white hot eboy says:
You guys will be shocked by mine. And if some stray literature major comes through and wins this sh*t, I’m taking out the SLAM servers from afar. Not really, but you get it.

Oct.30 at 2:41 pm

white hot eboy says:
Bodie, so I’m assuming we won’t see a piece form you on the sorrow of how you have never been able to surpass your father in the basketball world and how your continued lack of basketball ability has caused irrational facial hair growth as an adult to cover your face from shame.

Oct.30 at 2:42 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
ZING!

Oct.30 at 2:59 pm

bryant hicks says:
Dear Basketball, i love this sport so much that what i think is basketball is much more than details it’s more than life it’s a sport that i love and would give anything up for (except for my love for God). Basketball is my life and i just love this sport i’ll do anything for it i mean anything.
sincerly,
Bryant

Oct.30 at 3:22 pm

Rasheedionics says:
Basketball is my love.
She turned me out, orange eyes, had a crush on her
Since 5 years old, met her, fell in love with her
I played with her because she kept me in shape and made me look cool
If I didn’t practice you made me look like a fool
Once we got to know each other, I had to make you my wife
It thought me that it wasn’t just about me but it took five
I keep checkin’ for you every 5 minutes, never leave your side
You keep me glued to TV screen every night
When we first started out you were on down low
Around the way girl with the funky flow
You introduced me to Earvin, Larry, Mike and high top
So I knew it was only matter of time before you blow up
Now you’re big time… ESPN, TNT ABC is keeping you in the spotlight… and it just feels so so right
Between June and November is the roughest time of the year
But that’s when the love for you becomes only so much more clear
You said I can hang with your little cousin til you’re back in November
But she’s kind of lame
and it’s just not the same
All the fun we have together, on my computer I keep you as my homepage
If I miss any part of you I’d go into a blinding rage
You keep me inspired and give me someone to look up to
I’d be completely lost without you
This has meant to be - a true love
Best couple since B and Hov
We’ve been together through so much, thick and thin
You broke my heart when Knicks fell to Hakeem
At that moment I wanted to hate you so much
But my love for you was much bigger than Starks lack of clutch
You made it up to me by giving me Kobe, AI, KG and Tim
Those were our best years – we made a great team
Seeing how me and you were getting along
I knew it was only matter of time before you’d be all over the world
Now it seems like you’re always on the road
You have places to be and people to see
But you still find time to spend it with me
I recently had a baby boy, my son
he’s 1 year old now
I just bought him his first basketball which still shiny and new
I can’t wait for him to take it outside and fall in love with you!

Oct.30 at 3:23 pm

steve says:
Dear Basketball, This letter is long over due. You’ve been there for me ever since I can remember. As a kid you used to keep me quiet, and my parents appreciate that. As an adult you kept me entertained as I sat in the hospital for 3 months, and I appreciate that. You have been there during the good and bad, but have always provided the good even during the bad. During the winters I get to watch the best in the world do what I wish I could, and in the summers I try to imitate what I’ve seen. You are a constant presence in my life, day in and day out. Watching you can be art, comedy and drama all at once no matter who performs you. I’ve seen athletes look like children and kids look like gladiators and that is your mystique. You can make someone feel like a somebody. And for that… I love you.

Oct.30 at 3:25 pm

Opuoro Charles Otome says:
Basketball, basketball, basketball. I’ve never loved another. Whatever the weather I’ll love you forever. You are the most versatile of all the sports for you ar the most passionate

Oct.30 at 3:26 pm

Jake says:
Basketball,
Wow where do I start? We’ve been through alot together havent we? The good times,and…the really bad times. You were at times what nothing else could be to me. My source of confidence,my well of strength.At other times you were my source of frustration and sheer hate. I’ve enjoyed my greatest successes and heartbreaking failures with you. The high scoring,confidence boosting nights, and the humiliating,humbling nights. Through it all you taught me to be strong,to persevere through whatever is thrown my way. For that I thank you.

Oct.30 at 3:31 pm

white hot eboy says:
Damn nice work, fellas.

Oct.30 at 3:33 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
dear basketball,
We have been apart for a couple months now due to my long hours at work, the weather, and various other priorities. I really miss you. I miss the 6 hours a day we would spend together. I miss how i felt when we were together. I remember when i first got to know you, i would skip lunch at school just to be with you. I didnt really know you, but i already knew that i loved you. I hustled so hard just to get close to you, i felt our bond strengthing with each game played. I always played against your closest friends so that i may get to know you better. Sure, there were times when they made me look silly, but that just enhanced my desire to be with you. After years of hard work, i felt that we had become friends. Do you remember the first time i dunked in a game? White men cant jump? Says who? They said i couldnt do it again. The game was put on pause, all eyes on me, i dunked 12 times in a row to demonstrate my love for you. Jeers became cheers. Haters loved. That was our best summer together, i will never forget. Off to school(university of kansas), and that meant less time with you. Although i learned much about your history while there, a tremendous amount of schoolwork prevented me from being with you often. After leaving lawrence, work was always taking up the best times to be with you. Work still dominates my schedule, 6 days a week. I havent had much time for you recently, and for that i apologize. Please forgive me. A new nba season starts tonight, and i hope it will mark a resurgance in our relationship. I will make time for us, late night on the weekends after work, and afternoons during the week. It will mostly be just you and i in the gym, and i am really looking forward to that. However, my favorite times with you have always involved others. Summertime, under the hot sun, at lil J’s court is where the best runs around here can be found. The competitiveness, the skills, the trash talking, the water breaks; how i miss them all. Spring seems so far away. Until then, it will be just you and i, reconnecting, re-establishing what we once had, creating more timeless moments of pure joy.

Oct.30 at 3:39 pm

vmcb says:
zzzz

Oct.30 at 3:45 pm

white hot eboy says:
I hope this sh*t fits. I’m glad I was home half a day today.

Oct.30 at 3:45 pm

white hot eboy says:
Dear Basketball, Where do I begin…..? It’s been 30 years and I feel I’m just getting to know you. As a child, a teen, a young adult and now as a man, you have been with me more than you’ll ever know. Love is hard to define but with you it’s been the easiest kind of love I’ve ever known. You’ve never turned your back on me, you’ve given me strength when I had none, you made me question my leadership abilities and opened up doors to others whom I would have never known otherwise. I remember when I first took an interest in you, I had a hard time even dribbling you for more than 3 times at a try. I was a kid, brought up on baseball, who couldn’t understand your nuances. My hands were little, my body rail thin, and my athletic ability was still forming. I knew the athletes that played you were giants, taller than I could ever imagine to be. It seemed otherworldly to even be able to be part of your world, but I was so intrigued I had to at least try. My initial years being introduced to you were disheartening. I couldn’t understand you. I lost hope. I had no conviction. I cursed you. I felt uncontrollable rage building, with no where to channel it. I heard the words of a very wise man, who told me to “keep trying, you’ll get it someday”. I thought he was being nice and didn’t pay attention. The struggles continued. I gave up on you. I left you alone. I needed to be loved. And you weren’t there. I went back to what I knew best. I had to. I had no choice. You gave me no choice. As a teen, I saw you again, this time as a spectator, who became fascinated with the game’s newest hero. He was a college player at the time, but I knew that his effort and skill was what I wanted to emulate. So I tried to have you accept me again. I kept trying, and trying and trying, until I would cry and hope that I would be better. My friends had you as a mistress already, but you wouldn’t give me the time of day. I would lose touch with school, my friends and at times my family trying to get you to notice me. I worked and played and fought myself and then….it happened. It seemed like forever, but I finally got it. It was like I discovered the secret to the universe. You were there the whole time. But it took me getting past my own stubbornness and taking my willingness to learn about you to make me open your door and enjoy you from a first-person perspective. From that moment, I haven’t stopped the learning process. And it will never change. High school is a rough time for most teens and I was no different. Awkward, goofy all those things that teens try to get past during their formation. You were what made it different for me. I pushed every day, every free moment of my days and tried to perfect you. I started to see a change. It took time. A lot of time. But you started to come around. And so did I. I became obsessed with your every fiber. Whether it was with a ball in my hand, or one bouncing in the corners of my mind, I made you my life and it began to pay off . By the end of my high school life I had mastered you. Well, to the level that a high school player can master you. I was given the opportunity to take you to a higher level and had the dreams of having you as a partner in my educational and professional life come to fruition. The months before my college life were filled with excitement and fear. Fear to let you down. Fear to live up to the expectations. Fear to fail. And then, just as all those fears were going to be faced head on, I had another fear reach out and punch me hard, right to my very core. My father was given a death sentence. Not in a lawbreaking kind of way. But in the way that only severe health problems can touch a family. My father’s cancer diagnosis was to me what Michael’s Piston’s battle’s were to him. A no win situation that had no solution. I had no brothers, no sisters to lean on. It was me and my mother and my father. And my father, my hero, was in this tempest of terror that none of the three of us could grasp. My only outlet to get away from his pain and my own was you. At all hours of the night and day I would turn to you. For solace, comfort and introspection. And you were there. No questions. No fake well wishes. Just you and me. And I had to make a choice. My future with you. Or my future with my father. It took what seemed like a lifetime to make my decision, but I asked you to stay faithful to me while I went away and put every bit of my being behind my father’s long battle with his disease. I left a full scholarship to play basketball on the proverbial Dean’s table and put away my love for you until the time was right. It seemed like an eternity away from you and I always held you close to my heart. And I knew you were never far away if I needed you. I changed my future because of you, and till this day, still love you for your understanding in that trying time. I eventually played college ball elsewhere, in a much less glamourous environment, but I was rewarded with the support of my father, who had beat his ailment. It was a great moment in time for me, as it was he, so many years before who gave me the advice of “not giving up” and it was his own personal struggle and his own perseverance that continued to inspire me to be great and to take his words to heart in my love for you. He supported me in my new challenge’s as I had done for him and his words of encouragement after a bad game or trying moment guided me and made me realize that life is precious and the game is great and can be life-changing. Today, I’m a husband, a father and still a disciple to your hardwood congregation. If anything, I think I love you more now than ever before. The pressures to perform in the past were a chess match I cherished for it’s intricacies, but today’s love is more simple, more on the fringe. I still play the game I love, but for myself and for no one else. No preconceived notions from coaches, scouts, boosters, etc. It’s just about the love now. Nothing else. I have a son. Guess what he loves? You. As a toddler, he’s already filling out his dance card for you. How lucky I am to share my love for you with the greatest love my life has given to me. I took my love and my knowledge and put it to better use. I teach the youth of today what you taught me when I was their age by coaching and molding their minds and abilities so they can someday have the same feelings for you that I do. I take my love for you and turn it into daily discussions with others cut from my same cloth around this country and around the world on the world’s greatest basketball internet site and realize just how powerful and endearing you are to so many. Not just the world’s greatest athletes, but to the every man, the future providers of entertainment to others, and to everyone else who sees your beauty in all it’s facets. Thanks seems to be almost not enough. But for you, I would do anything to show you how much you have done for me, and that…. is eternal gratitude.

Oct.30 at 3:46 pm

white hot eboy says:
I told you not to f*ck with me.

Oct.30 at 3:50 pm

Russ Bengtson says:
Dear Basketball,
Send me my $12.
Regards,
–Russ

Oct.30 at 4:00 pm

Rasheedionics says:
Eboy, that’s not a letter… That’s an essay. Disqualified!!! Just kiddin. It’s good.

Oct.30 at 4:01 pm

white hot eboy says:
That’s how much ball means to me, Rasheed. Now maybe all of ya’ll can understand why I’m here so much.

Oct.30 at 4:01 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
that was pretty good eboy, definitely too long, and definitely more about your family and life problems than basketball.

Oct.30 at 4:03 pm

Dennis says:
Dear Basketball, you’re my good friend. I know I bounce you around from time to time, but I only do it because you want me to; and with that I also feel the love between us. You have so many goals to work toward, but you seem to listen to me and work toward the goal I shoot you to. That makes me feel special. I know that one day, I’d be a star…not because of me, but because you believe in me.

Oct.30 at 4:06 pm

white hot eboy says:
Tarzan, it’s called life experiences. You’ll get there as years go by. I think Converse should give everyone a pair of shoes because everyone’s letter is important to them.

Oct.30 at 4:15 pm

Mike says:
Roses are red
Violets are blue
D-Wade is a pimp,
So I want his shoe! Now if that dont win, we know somethings up

Oct.30 at 4:16 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
ive had more than my share of life experiences. your situation with your father seems like it sucked, im glad hes ok, but i have been through multiple similar situations, some alot!! worse. for instance, i woke up christmas morning in 04 to multiple voice messages saying that one of my good friends had been shot and died. that really sucked. everyone’s letter is important to them, but of course they will only pick one winner

Oct.30 at 4:18 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
and eboy, youre here so much because slacking off at work. i know you are your own boss, so tell yourself that you had better get back to work for your own sake.

Oct.30 at 4:20 pm

white hot eboy says:
Thanks for the concern Tarzan, but my dad passed away two years ago. And I really like that we get to see what the game means to everyone that submits, so let’s not talk down ANYONE’s pronblems, experiences, whatever. It’s a good exercise into insight. And it’s a cool idea from the Converse people.

Oct.30 at 4:22 pm

jbn74sb says:
Damn eboy. That is good, but it almost sounds like an emo musing from Shia.

Oct.30 at 4:23 pm

Sam says:
To my baby, the one who has always been there, Do you remember when they first saw us sleeping in the same bed? And the nights when we kept the neighborhood up with all the noise we made together? We have known eachother since I was 8 years old. You were my favorite out of all the others, so i picked you. You always told me I was the best. We were always together and nothing can break the bond we share. We may not spend as much time together as in the past, but our passion for eachother still burns bright. Thanks for being there for me through the thick and thin, Basketball. I will always appreciate you

Oct.30 at 4:23 pm

jbn74sb says:
Converse people = Nike people, only with a lower salary.

Oct.30 at 4:26 pm

white hot eboy says:
I was going for it, Bodie. Fu*k the emoness. And your second comment is fantastic.

Oct.30 at 4:29 pm

jbn74sb says:
My relationship with hoops is up and down. Ever since I twisted my ankle about a month ago, it has not been as fun.
Time to get back into surfing, weightlifting, mountain biking, and snowboarding again.
I think hoops will be restricted to twice a week.
Gotta keep that b-tch in line, you know…

Oct.30 at 4:29 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
im not talking down on anyone, it just didnt seem like basketball was the focus of your doctorial thesis. seemed to be more about life in general.

Oct.30 at 4:31 pm

white hot eboy says:
Tarzan, are you going to come correct about Ms. Tarzan or is your charade going to continue?

Oct.30 at 4:32 pm

white hot eboy says:
And T didn’t mean you were talking down anyone, ust saying that everyone’s story is cool.

Oct.30 at 4:32 pm

jbn74sb says:
Ms. Tarzan = Rosy Palm and her five sisters.

Oct.30 at 4:32 pm

white hot eboy says:
*I, *just

Oct.30 at 4:33 pm

white hot eboy says:
Very interesting deduction, DA Baracus.

Oct.30 at 4:35 pm

jbn74sb says:
eboy - go and check out some of the other content on here today. I’ve dropped some nuggets of wisdom.

Oct.30 at 4:38 pm

white hot eboy says:
I’ve seen you all over the place today. Are you going to be on a two week run like MJ in 87 when he went triple double happy while you’re in your final stretch run at your current employer? Oh and the eboy-dump comment was weak. Maybe you should find my two way comment I wrote about you somewhere.

Oct.30 at 4:39 pm

jbn74sb says:
I responded to one of your crass comments, but it disappeared…

Oct.30 at 4:41 pm

white hot eboy says:
I’m crass…..

Oct.30 at 4:43 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
in one of my other fantasy leagues there is a team named BA Baracus. seems suspect, bodie might be playing fantasy hoops.

Oct.30 at 4:45 pm

vmcb says:
long =/=good >:- (

Oct.30 at 4:47 pm

vmcb says:
but everybody’s (serious) letters are good.
I hate you all.

Oct.30 at 4:48 pm

Caesar says:
Dear basketball,
Love is like a friendship caught on fire.
In the beginning a flame, very pretty,
Often hot and fierce,
But still only light and flickering.
As love grows older,
Our hearts mature
And our love becomes as coals,
Deep-burning and unquenchable.
.The above is exactly the order of stages through which i have gone concerning you and i have come to realise that you occupy an extremely enormous portion in my heart.As a child i watched nba at home and would eat nothing because i felt you were enough food for my soul.You gave me joy n happiness and all my life i have loved you above all other activities i find myself indulging in.As i grew up my love for you grew wilder and wilder until i could keep it under control no more.I love to the extent of loving all who love you and hating all those who hate you.It is very difficult if not impossible for me to go to bed each day without the comfort of having you by my side.Infact you make me feel so complete.
I honestly dont know how i managed to write all that u have read because u make me speechless!!!My love, with you by my side i feel like heaven is just a footstep away and no matter how hard i try i just cant get you off my mind.I know there are probably too many people who love you but i assure you that my love for you is exceptional because from the first day i set my eyes on you, i have never had a complete day without spending at least 1 hour with you alone.You are the reason i breathe and the cause of my fame oh you sweet game.When i go wild u make me tame and no matter how hard i try the feeling is always the same.I LOVE YOU BASKETBALL AND FOREVER I WILL LOVE YOU!!!XXXXX MUAH

Oct.30 at 4:49 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
anyone else see this: Chukaz says:
@BETCATS: nobody gives a f*ck about you, like Hilary Clinton.

Oct.30 at 4:50 pm

jbn74sb says:
A friend of mine did dress up for Halloween as BA Baracus. In fact, he really didn’t have to wear much of a costume.

Oct.30 at 4:50 pm

white hot eboy says:
Where’s that at?

Oct.30 at 4:52 pm

jbn74sb says:
Chukaz is BETCATS’ white alter ego.

Oct.30 at 4:57 pm

Tarzan Cooper says:
the eddy curry post

Oct.30 at 5:04 pm

ValKo says:
For many men basketball is another form of outlet to get there energy out or some sort of relaxation. For woman who doesn’t understand the game, its another form of way their husbands can try to get out of the house or responsibility. I used to be those woman who hated the fact that my husband left every saturday morning for hours just to play ball. I didn’t get the concept why men wanted to wake up early on a saturday morning just to play ball after a long week from there own jobs. Until my husband joined a local basketball league a few weeks ago. Me being 9 months pregnant and having the size of a basketball myself in my own belly, i started to enjoy watching the game, i saw the love for it and actually was more excited for the weekly game than he was. I got into the game, learning the different terminology of what the referee was calling and got really angry when they didn’t see a foul or when my husband gets elbowed.
You can say i’m a converted basketball fan. I can sit down and enjoy watching a game of basketball with my husband and not nagg him to change the channel. I understand now why men love the game of basketball. Its not because they want to get away from their loved ones, its just another entertainment for men, like women getting a pedicure, or a spa massage. Like pedicure, basketball is relaxing and rejuvenating. You feel good after winning a game or seeing your favorite player make a slam dunk,
As I appreciate his love of basketball, I began to realize that we are closer and had more things to talk about especially after his game. Im not just his wife now but his personal coach and his number one fan as well.
I Val is a new believer of the game and converter of who is not.

Oct.30 at 5:33 pm

H to the izzo says:
Dear Basketball,
You’ve had better,I’ve had worse,
Regards,
Alan

Oct.30 at 5:36 pm

maddskizzle says:
A Love Story I still remember the day vividly. It was 7th grade, after class. I went to the park and noticed you. Intrigued, I walked closer just to sneak a glance. A friend caught the stare and invited me over. It was that moment we were first introduced. I was shy at first, I didn’t know how to act. Palms sweaty, knees shaky but still, it was a glimpse of heaven. We started hanging out, same spot at the park, same time after class. Hours would pass, the sun would set, but day after day, we were happy just being together without a care in the world. Fast forward 10 years. Isolated. I felt I had no one to turn to. Loneliness. No one to share my innermost emotions to. Pain, disappointment, anger, frustration, betrayal, failure, tears. It was at that lowest point in my life that I then realized. Every step, every stumble. It was you who wiped my tears. It was you who shared my smiles. It was you who showed me how to hope, how to dream, how to love. It was you. Basketball. I love you. Thanks,
Maddskizzle #3

Oct.30 at 5:38 pm

maddskizzle says:
damn, it’s crazy reminiscing and realizing how a simple sport can mean the world to you…

Oct.30 at 5:56 pm

Jake says:
I agree skizzle..its nuts.i think back and my whole life has been basketball. playing,watching,collecting,analyzing.Thank God for James Naismith. I’ve always been a klutz,my whole life but when i get on that basketball court its all smooth,symmetry.Sometimes I feel like it was made just for me

Oct.30 at 6:12 pm

jbn74sb says:
I hate you.
Shot won’t go in, keep turning the ball over, can’t get a rebound, and my man just scored on me.
Jumped for a board, came down on somebody, and my ankle hit the floor.
You suck.
All the time, blood, sweat, and money I’ve given you over the years, and this is how you repay me?.
I’m retiring, selling all my shoes on ebay.
We’re through.
(One week later).
Lifting weights is boring. Good for you, but boring. No competition, no playful trash talking, just monotonous and robotic.
Same with running.
Maybe I’ll just go shoot around for an hour.
“Hey, you wanna run with us?”
“No, man, I’m just shooting.”
“Come on, dude, we need you. We’ve only got 9.”
“Fine, but just for one game.”
Rebound, lead the break, look right, pass left, layup.
My man gets the ball, tries to drive on me, and gets nowhere. Forces a shot that gets swatted out of bounds. “Get that —- outta here!”
Come off the baseline, run off a pick, out to the 45 degree angle, catch and release 3. Swish.
D-mn, that felt good.
Playing to 21, down 19-18.
“NO 3’s!”
“Get out on him!”
30 feet from the hoop, man a foot off of me, cause he don’t know what range is.
Look him down, stare at him, quick release. Swish.
“I told you to get out on him.”
“Dude, he’s 30 feet out.”
D-mn that felt good.
I love this game.
“You guys got your 5? Let’s run.”

Oct.30 at 6:16 pm

Ndem says:
i can remember the first time we met.once i saw you it was love at first sight.i took you everywhere i went.girls would be jealous because i didn’t show them the same kind of affection.many of times it was just us.while mom was out working a 9-5 you were always there to keep me company.don’t matter the weather. when i had problems in my life you were always there.i could just go to the court and let you be the judge.always had faith because when it came to you I’d never hear a lie.the determination you gave allowed me to get better at everything i do.never thought i could do those things guess you must of been the only one that knew.i couldn’t picture my life without you. memories we had and more were gonna make.after all these years my heart still feels the same.thank you basketball for my love of the game.

Oct.30 at 6:17 pm

Shine says:
Dear Basketball ,
Without you my life is incomplete.I dont know what i would do without you.Just like the sun lights up the earth,you light up ma life.You bring me happiness i can’t find anywhere.You are the only honest person on earth.Ask why ? Because you never lie to me. You return the amount of love i give to you.You give me back the time spent with you on the floor.If i dont hang out with you most of the time and hang out with friends.I end up hanging out with friends come game time because you do not want to hang out with me.You have taught me some lessons in life.You have given me someone i can express my anger to, someone i can share my joy with.With you there are no boundaries as long as they are okay with your father(the ref.) I can be as creative as i want.You teach the freedom of expression very well. You will always have a place in my heart.Not because i can live a good life because of you , not because i can get fame. But simply because you return the amount of love i give you.As i dribble the ball when im with you by myself you speak to me. You tell me “hard work pays off , you get what you put in,dont stop now, just keep pushing”.We might part ways when i am done highschool. We might not . It all depends on howmuch time i spend with you and howmuch love i show you. You have shown me love.Given me a place where i can always go when my soul is calling for peace. We don’t know what the future holds.But i know 1thing for sure and 2 things for certain. You will always have a place in my heart and i will never let you down. I will always spend time with you until a martitian dress me.In ball i trust. you are the most honest creature on earth.This is because we reap what we sow with you. SHINE

Oct.30 at 6:18 pm

TrippleX says:
My Top 5: Dwayne Wade, Kirk Hinrich, Andre Miller, Udonis Haslem and Maurice Evans

Oct.30 at 6:49 pm

Captain America says:
Dear Basketball: Don’t give the prize to any of the aforementioned. I was born dribbling a basketball through the birth channel.

Oct.30 at 7:01 pm

J.B says:
c’mon. shouldend you people at converse give me the price. since i live in a country where you barely can get a pair of basketball shoes.
instead they’ll just pass you a dutchie.
gotta have some pity for me.
pass them up, and you’ll just help another boy stay drug-free….for the love of basketball

Oct.30 at 7:16 pm

Tariq Nasr says:
Basketball is like a hooker but better cuz its free
So please converse give the shoes to me
Ill wear’em all over so people can see
that the best shoes in the world is the converse d-wade 3
when people see me with em they will all be envy
spew jealousy and try hate on me
but ill keep wearin em and tell the haters to buy themselves a pair and just let me be Peace

Oct.30 at 7:41 pm

white hot eboy says:
Cute, Tariq. And funny.

Oct.30 at 8:42 pm

Ryan H says:
To me this is not just a game. This is my LIFE. Every day and night it is just me, the basketball, and the basketball hoop all on one team. This game is so special to me in a way that i can’t even explain in words. This game has been so good to me. Dwyane Wade is a great role model and an outstanding player. God has blessed him with great success, and i hope he could do the same with me. Every night i look in the mirror and think to myself “who do i want to become?” To me it’s not about winning or losing. It is about the game and what is has to offer. Basketball is a beautiful thing and should be treated with respect. Every day i wake up and thank god for who i am and what he has blessed me with and the ability to go out every day and play something i love……BASKETBALL

Oct.30 at 9:59 pm

kidcatastrophe says:
oh basketball, you’re so fine. you’re so fine, you blow my mind. …basketball. - marty.. END COMMUNICATION.

Oct.30 at 10:03 pm

Keny'e Bogan-El says:
You been the truth before you even knew ,you kept believing in yourself.

Oct.30 at 10:11 pm

TrippleX says:
My Top 5: Dwayne Wade, Kirk Hinrich, Andre Miller, Udonis Haslem and Maurice Evans

Oct.30 at 10:19 pm

Rocco Lamparelli says:
dear basketball,
you never lie and are always pure and true
so great even the greatest athletes cry over you
not just a hobby but a way of life,a passion
you have caused tears of sadness and happiness
i would do anything for you
if you do not play this game you have no idea what i am talking about
you do not know about the hours of sweat and blood poured in to perfecting the game
the brotherhoods and bonds that basketball creates
the way that anyone can become a hero just by putting in hours and days of hardwork
when im playing you it is like nothing else in the world matters and nothing can touch me
from the silky smooth crosses to the crispy passes and the icy j’s everything is perfect
my one love my true passion……BASKETBALL

Oct.30 at 10:38 pm

Ben Osborne says:
This thread showed a shocking improvement. Nice work, everyone.

Oct.30 at 11:52 pm

cliza says:
love,
i tried to imagine life without you today, and failed. i tried to forget how i would startle awake in class, catching a particularly quick pass in my midday daydream run. i tried to forget the uneven concrete at the park, using our shirts to dry it after it would rain, even though it would probably rain again. i tried to forget driving around, looking for runs, thinking we were the baddest dudes around. i tried to forget my utter belief in my explanation to anyone that would listen that i WAS going to dunk in sophomore year, even though i was 5′5″ in the eighth grade. i tried to forget all the skills youve taught me: negotiation, perseverance, humility. i tried to erase everything basketball in my life. what was left, not so surprisingly, was nothing. thank you, and i love you.
clint

Oct.30 at 11:57 pm

Kelvin W says:
To the special part of my life and soul,
No one can take you away from me. People have tried to get you out of my life and instil other things into me. I have fallen into love with others before, but none of them were close match to you, you are simply the best. You have seen me go through the ups and downs. You always seem to be there and listen to me when I have problems. You have witnessed me defeated, but you keep bouncing and tell me, “Don’t give up.” You have witnessed me when I made my brothers in arms proud. I can find you everywhere whenever I want. You have shown me the right path by examples. My love, I might not be the best guy there is, but I promise I will try my heart out to compete with others to make up for my lack of natural talent. You are now part of my life, I will not let you go away. I am glad to have met you, my passion, basketball.

Oct.31 at 12:12 am

Jose says:
When I first met you, I didn’t think we would connect very well
You were a stranger to me, as I was to you.
My friends introduced me to you and i was nervous
Nervous that you weren’t going to accept me in your style.
I didn’t think i could have the connection that my friends had with you.
They had known you for years and i never really paid attention to you.
You were so serious and tough.
I have seen you make people get excited and shouting with joy.
But I had also seen you so powerful, that you made guys like me cry and fall to the floor.
The first few months were a rocky start.
Half of the time i was with you it was as if you didn’t want me there.
I would take shots at you and you would counter them back at me.
My friends told me that i just had to give it time.
You two will click eventually.
And now its happened.
We dont argue and act like the others not there.
Sometimes we mess around.
I take shots at you and you would counter back, but we would still be friends.
and now you have Become someone i can trust.
Someone i can go to when i have problems.
No matter where i am i now where i can find you, By seeing your orange auora.
Most importantly, you helped me better myself, physically and mentally.
Thank you my friend,thank you basketball.

Oct.31 at 12:47 am

Born2Ball says:
Dear Love, I spent my child life bouncing from one foster home to another and living on the street, but you were always bouncing with me.
You helped me develope the skills to get me away from the dead-end life and inspired me to make the right steps to secure a basketball scholarship that I’ve always dreamed about.
All my life I’ve felt like a failure until you gave me a taste of success. And I don’t know how to ever repay you, no matter how much blood, sweat, and tears I poor out..
To the Game of Basketball

Oct.31 at 12:51 am

P-MAC says:
Dear Basketball, if loving you is wrong I dont wanna be right

Oct.31 at 1:30 am

Roman H says:
To My First Love the Game of Basketball,
You know you always been there for me through the thick and thin,Whatever I had problems I would always go to you,Whatever I wanted to be creative you always allowed me to be as creative as I could be,Whatever I couldn’t play with the older guys you were always there with me practicing on the side, you gave me the strength and dedication that I have today,
Even though some may say you’re just a game,
I will never see you way that because you made who I am today,Loyal and dedicated to you in every way,Some may doubt me because I’m only 5’5’’,But you always told me to play hard and keep my pride,The love for you I can’t describe,Because of the way you make me feel inside,That’s why I could see myself without you in my life,I see you and me going somewhere in life,Our future might be unclear,
But I know I‘ll be ok if I have you near,Playing the game for money is something I always dreamed,That’s just something that I hope to accomplish,With practice you and I can make it a reality,
To My First Love the Game of Basketball,
I will always love you and respect you, thanks for being there

Oct.31 at 2:24 am

jay says:
damn this is some good stuff ya’ll came up with. i think eboy will go all Kanye if he does’nt get this one.

Oct.31 at 4:59 am

Tariq says:
Hey, who’s that other Tariq?!

Oct.31 at 5:09 am

Tariq says:
I’m about to drop a crazy sestina on you people. Well, maybe not.

Oct.31 at 5:27 am

Tariq says:
Don’t sit there and expect me to compare you to a summer’s day, you harsh harlot. You murdered too many of my hoop dreams. Remember when I wanted to dunk? And how come my fat, balding uncle with the bad knees could stroke you so smoothly, but I couldn’t? Do you know how crushing it is to lose to a guy wearing swimming trunks when you’re harboring high hopes of having your name on a jersey? And it wasn’t enough that I wasn’t good enough. You couldn’t even leave my heroes alone. I had Shawn Kemp and Penny on my wall. You made them fall. Oh Penny. Remember when he and his boys beat Jordan? Remember when Grant Hill led the all-star game in voting as a rookie? I can’t believe it’s been , what, seven years since Jason Williams’s elbow pass? Six? It just seems wrong that the Suns lost that way last year. I swore I was done. And that stunt you pulled with Oden? And why did the Warriors trade Richardson? That run last year made me smile, and now it’s history. I was hoping to see Garnett and Baron on the same team. Oh well. Speaking of Garnett, I know you can’t wait to see how this whole Celtics thing will pan out. How about the Nuggets? We’ll see. I’m glad tonight’s opening night.

Oct.31 at 5:30 am

Tariq says:
Hey. How come my thing doesn’t have any paragraph breaks?

Oct.31 at 5:38 am

Holly MacKenzie says:
love the part about your fat, balding uncle tariq. This whole thread is brilliant!

Oct.31 at 7:43 am

Holly MacKenzie says:
I AM NOT ENTERING THE CONTEST…But I couldn’t resist writing my own love letter to the sweet game. Trying to write a letter to the greatest love of my life is a difficult task, but it is definitely one that is deserved. Before I begin, I know that my words will not hold the weight necessary to truly express my love for you. There is no definition sweet enough to define the relationship between you and me. I am myself only because of the love I have found in you. As a young girl who had just lost her father to a boating accident and had no brothers to teach her about the joys of sport, no one would have guessed that our love affair could even begin, let alone last for the rest of my life. That is the thing about love. It reaches the unthinkable, touches the untouchable and accomplishes the impossible. One day, flipping through the tv channels I came across the sight that would forever change things. There he was, the man responsible for passing on the greatest love of all. His bright smile, long arms and exuberant joy reached through the screen, pulling me in. That moment was Magic, literally and figuratively. From that moment on, I became addicted to the sweet love that you gave to me and I only wanted more. I would watch, read, study, do everything I could to learn about your past, your present and how I could become a part of your future. I wanted to share this amazing love with the people around me, but they just did not understand. They thought we were just a phase, that you were something I would outgrow, they did not understand that you touched me to the depths of my soul. I remember the day I tried to move from loving you for what you were to loving you the way that everyone else did. It was a disaster. I failed at you. After all of my love, time and effort I could not master you. You broke my heart, tore me down and made me so embarrassed. How could you leave me looking like a fool, and allow these others to excel with you in their hands when I couldn’t even keep a hold on you without tripping up. I was tripping over you and I didn’t know how to stop. I didn’t want to stop but, everyone thought I was crazy for loving you when you didn’t love me back. The thing they didn’t know was that just because you didn’t love me in the way that you might have loved them didn’t mean you did not love me at all. See, it was the lessons that you taught me that I will hold forever in my heart, beside you. Even though I could never master you in the way that the greats could, even though you could not give me the joy of hitting the winning J or stepping in to take that final charge, you gave me the greatest love of all because you taught me real love isn’t about what you get back. Real love transcends all of that. It is the joy I get in loving you that is the gift. It is not what you can do for me, it is what my love for you creates. It creates a me that is more myself. It gives me the gift of a passion for something so great, you have become melded into me and finally, we are one. Without you, I am not myself. I accept that I will never experience you in the “normal” way. It is okay because I get to hold you close and appreciate your love always, never having to be angry with you after a bad game, or taking you for advantage, forgetting all that you gave me. I know that the game is a metaphor of life. Because of you and your devotion to me, I have learned that when you give something your heart and soul you will reap benefits that are greater than you ever could have imagined. I have learned that for every win, someone must lose and that eventually every one of us will be on that losing side but it is okay, because sometimes you need to lose it all before you can get it back. It was only when I tried to give you up, frustrated that people thought I was crazy for the depths of my love for you that I realized if I lost you, I lost myself. I had to be on the brink of losing it all to get it all back. You were there for me the whole time. Never wavering because you knew my love was true. And that is why it doesn’t matter what they might think, you are my rock, my “one true thing”. Soon I began to realize that as long as I remained true to you, doors would open for me allowing me to get closer and closer to you in your purest form. Over time, I have been able to strip away the layers of you and I am now slowly beginning to be able to appreciate you in the simplest of ways. My love for you will never fade, it will continue to grow as I change and evolve because of you. I will take it with me wherever I go, because without you for even just one night the void is one I cannot manage. Wherever this life may take me, I will hold you in my heart because it is you that is the driving force within me. My love for your game propelling me forward. For making me the best that I can be even when I couldn’t give you anything back in return on the court I thank you. And with that thanks I give you my promise to continue to spread that love because whoever gets the gift of your love, gets to hold the world in their hands. Basketball, thank you for being the greatest love of all. All my love and my heart, Holly

Oct.31 at 8:09 am

John Streaks says:
Dear Basketball,
When i was lost, you were there for me. When I was sad, you were there for me.　When I wanted something, it was basketball. Yes, it was always you that I wanted. When I was bored, I will go play with you. Oh basketball you are the only one that was there for me. When I had no friends, when I had no nobody. You always cheered me up and showed love to me. You were the won that gave me the popularity, the glory, the happiness. Before you were there, I was nothing, absolutely nothing. Basketball you have never betrayed me. You always gave me the power to do everything. To have everything. Oh basketball I would not be here without you. I love you so much.
From Zake

Oct.31 at 8:26 am

Jrs says:
Rejection hurts, it’s happened before and it will happen again.
Whenever your answer is no my soul, my spirit is crushed but each time I come back stronger, with a burning desire to prove my worth to you. We’ve been through so much together and we will go through so much more. You’ve asked me to do so much, and I have run, I have jumped, I have bleed, sweat, cried, I’ve done so much and yet I would do it all again in a heartbeat for you because that is the bond we share. You have been with me for Every mountain I have climbed, for every hurdle I have overcome you have been with me, every mile I have run, over every valley I have soared you have been with me, and I know that you will always be with me as I walk the unknown path into the labyrinth that is life, I know there will be ups and downs, rocks and traps along the road but I know you will be with me, always at my side. I know it hurts you just as much as it hurts me to see myself fail, but you have been with me through it all, the passion, the fury, the pain, we’ve been through it together and each time I’ve come through a changed man, stronger, with the mental scars tribute to what we can achieve together and all it takes is a little belief. To my one love, Basketball.

Oct.31 at 8:27 am

white hot eboy says:
Beautiful, beautiful piece, Holly. I really like this contest. So many cool things to read. All about the common theme. Fantastic.

Oct.31 at 9:01 am

ed says:
Basketball, you mean everything to me and that is why every Monday when i get home i can’t wait to put you in my bag and head over to the mens adult league so that i can be whoever i want to be whether it’s wade,kobe,lebron for 3 hrs i escape the daily pressures of life and that is why you mean soo much to me.

Oct.31 at 9:12 am

Tariq says:
Eboy…. I feel the need to ridicule you in some hurtful way, but I can’t conjure up the required effort. Ryan’s been slacking, and you’ve not been put in your place for far too long. Wouldn’t yyu agree?

Oct.31 at 9:21 am

floe says:
Dear Basketball, You are the first girl I ever loved. Used to be, you were all I could ever think of. And when I touched you it was like magic, I could play with you for hours. Days would turn into nights and nights would turn into days but my passion for you would never grow weaker. But then one day I found out you were sleeping with every other guy in high school and even some of the girls. How could I compete? I was not willing to share. So I did what any other guy in my shoes would have done, I walked away. Into the sunset only to realise there was something within me that would always bring me back to you. Yeah that’s right, you gave me genital herpes and I’m coming for you. I watch you from a distance everyday now, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. You better buy me shoes or something if you want forgiveness or the last thing you will remember is me dumping you into the back of the trunk of my chevy before the lights go out permanently. Your Ass is Grass
Floe

Oct.31 at 9:21 am

white hot eboy says:
I thought I’ve been on pretty good behavior lately. But go for it if you feel the need.

Oct.31 at 9:33 am

Tariq says:
Eboy…. Now you’re making me feel guilty. There’s no fun in mocking a willing victim. I express the utmost respect and cordiality towards you, sir. May the sun shine on you.

Oct.31 at 9:33 am

Tariq says:
Sissy.

Oct.31 at 9:35 am

white hot eboy says:
After re-reading Bodie’s piece, I realized it was fictional.

Oct.31 at 9:46 am

white hot eboy says:
Tariq, here, this will make you feel better. Since today is Halloween, have you outfitted your camel with the “sexy nurses” outfit you’ve been holding on too?

Oct.31 at 9:53 am

H to the izzo says:
I was going to write a genuine one but after Eboy’s f*cking dissertation I just stayed with the sarcastic one which is parable like

Oct.31 at 10:10 am

Holly MacKenzie says:
Eboy.. thanks for the kind words. I couldn’t resist putting some words down quickly after reading all of these amazing thoughts. I love this thread! love it. your journey through your relationship with the game touched me enough that I saved it to my computer because I know it’s going to be deserving of re-reads!

Oct.31 at 10:24 am

white hot eboy says:
Thanks for the love, Holly. I think that Ben, Lang and Sam can probably use this a springboard for something in the future for the SLAM readers, because their have truly been so many outstanding reads they’re may be a future spot somewhere for reader submissions.

Oct.31 at 10:25 am

white hot eboy says:
Damn, my there’s got really screwed.

Oct.31 at 10:29 am

Holly MacKenzie says:
ahah its only early, no ones keeping track.. well knowing this place, bodie and shia and tarzan and tariq probably are, but whatever. aahaha. I agree with you. I really did love reading the reasons WHY we all connect with this amazing game.

Oct.31 at 10:31 am

H to the izzo says:
I still have something up my sleeve.*Evil laugh*

Oct.31 at 10:36 am

white hot eboy says:
Izzo, type it on something with a spellcheck please. And didn’t you already write an entry? How are you getting two pieces in concert here. Bastard.

Oct.31 at 10:40 am

H to the izzo says:
What did I spell wrong?

Oct.31 at 10:45 am

white hot eboy says:
I’m going off past works of art. And if you win, I’m coming to Cork and snatching the shoes from the post.

Oct.31 at 10:53 am

H to the izzo says:
That was one post and has since been edited

Oct.31 at 10:57 am

white hot eboy says:
And I’m sure if Bodie wins, he’d fill the authographed shoe with sh*t and mail it to me with a fake Kobe authograph written over D-Wade’s.

Oct.31 at 11:21 am

fatkat says:
My husband’s love for basketball goes far beyond words. When people think of having a role model they think of an older person. Well, not my husband. He is 31 years old and D. Wade is his role model. He plays in a league, and every Sunday before the family goes to the game, he watches D. Wade videos to get him pumped up. We have four boys and they love D. Wade as well. I think he is D. Wades biggest fan and if he wins these shoes this would be one of the most happiest moments in his life. He has giving up so much for his family and it would mean the world to me if he won. My husbands love for basketball is an everyday thing. He sleeps, eats and awake thinking of basketball. He teaches our children how to dribble, shoot, use offense and defense. We walk everyday even in the cold to the park just so he can play basketball. If we weren’t married he would’ve married his basketball which is his mistress anyway. Basketball is his 1st love.

Oct.31 at 11:32 am

Peat says:
BasketBall
I love you so much that my body is about to break up because of you. I tried to play trough my injuries because I didn’t want to stop playing a single day. Result: My spine gave up on me and I had to stop working for two weeks and stop playing for two months. I couldn’t convince myself to stop playing even if I wanted to die because of the pain after each run. I wasn’t able to sleep because of this pain. I finally started to play again a couple of weeks ago and my back is still hurting like $%*& ! We all know I ain’t gonna stop playing this time just like the last time and I’m probably gonna regret it later but Hey, MJ wasn’t lying when he was talking about THE LOVE OF THE GAME. Michael, I know at least one person who got the same problem you have. P.S. I’m problably gonna loose my girlfriend now that the season has begun… Can’t stop watching ! Won’t stop watching !

Oct.31 at 12:03 pm

jbn74sb says:
COD, eboy.

Oct.31 at 12:08 pm

white hot eboy says:
I’d figure as much, Bodie.

Oct.31 at 12:15 pm

Bam Bam says:
THE ARTOF MAKING LOVE ONCE YOU GET THAT RHYTHEM OR THAT STROKE YOU CANT GO WRONG!!!

Oct.31 at 3:50 pm

rob stewart says:
Dear Basketball,
I miss you. I miss the way it was. I even miss the things I used to hate about you. Like the 5am wake up calls to go sprint when others were pleasently still dreaming. I even miss the heart burning windsprints, bone deep injuries, heartfelt dissapointments, and time consuming practices you put me through. Through thik and thin you were alaways there. No matter where I dropped you you always bounced back. Even when we went out of town you were always the same, never changing your principals and expectations of me. I thank you for that. I miss you for that. I love you for that. I think about you all the time and value each and every lesson you taught me.

Oct.31 at 5:37 pm

Born2Ball says:
before you submit a comment…-where it says: Mail(will not be published)(required)…is that asking for your e-mail or street address?? please help

Oct.31 at 6:37 pm

Amani Scott says:
Dear Basketball,
Being what you are to the community I know you have received many love letters over the years. So I’m gonna keep this short and sweet. Although it was you that introduced me to Mario, the love of my life, you will always be my first love. Without you neither one of us would know about hard work, team work, discipline, and determination. Mario knows I’m his number one fan, but I wanted you to know that I’m not only cheering for the player, or the team. I am cheering for the GAME. And even though many women don’t understand you quite the way I do I just wanted you to know that you will always have a place in my heart. Sincerely, Amani

Oct.31 at 6:58 pm

Tariq says:
Eboy… Was that so difficult?

Oct.31 at 6:59 pm

Tariq says:
And to answer your question: yes.

Oct.31 at 7:34 pm

chubbrock_33 says:
SLICE OF CHEESE

Oct.31 at 8:15 pm

Eric says:
Dear Basketball,
Its been you and me for a while now. Since back in the day where me and you played in leagues, then it grew to school ball. Now we are here in college throwing it down together. We have always been together and I think I want to take this further. I’ve gone to money draining camps to be with you and keep you with me. You almost left me broke, (with no money) but I found a way to manage and arrange time with you still. In school, work, church, even while sleeping do I think about you all the time. I care and love you so much that I want to propose and make it official. Will you be with me forever til’ the NBA together? Thank you basketball for everything. Sincerely,
Eric

Oct.31 at 8:57 pm

Chris Norwood says:
How can you be so good to us, but yet break so many hearts at the same time? Look at how you shed all of Kentucky’s hopes and dreams in ‘78 vs. Duke in the NCAA Championship. How Utah fans will never forgive you when you gave Game 6 to the Bulls with Jordans game winning shot in ‘89. And not to mention what happend to Sean Livingston last season on a simple fast-break layup.
I mean, yeah you break our hearts sometimes..But we refuse let you go. You change so many lives each and every day. You keep us out of trouble and influence us to keep going even when we fail. You inspire us to, “fall seven times, get up eight”, just like D-Wade. I love you so much for what you have done for not only me, but for everyone else who loves this game as well. You’re not only the game of basketball..You’re life. And that’s true love..

Oct.31 at 9:41 pm

Chris Norwood says:
How can you be so good to us, but yet break so many hearts at the same time? Look at how you shed all of Kentucky’s hopes and dreams in ‘92 vs. Duke in the NCAA Tournament. How Utah fans will never forgive you when you gave Game 6 to the Bulls with Jordans game winning shot in ‘89. And not to mention what happend to Sean Livingston last season on a simple fast-break layup. I mean, yeah you break our hearts sometimes..But we refuse let you go. You change so many lives each and every day. You keep us out of trouble and influence us to keep going even when we fail. You inspire us to, “fall seven times, get up eight”, just like D-Wade. I love you so much for what you have done for not only me, but for everyone else who loves this game as well. You’re not only the game of basketball..You’re life. And that’s true love.. this is the same entry but i had to fix my typo’s…sorry about that.

Oct.31 at 11:04 pm

blackice87 says:
Dear Basketball, It seems like the timing of my birth allowed me to be in the right places at the right time to fall in love with you, i have been blessed to be born in an era in which i’ve been able to view the greats. Whether on tape, live television, or in the arena i am greatful for the spectacular memories you have bestowed on me. Viewing such moments in my childhood allowed me to fall in love with you, thus driving me to emulate the same execution with you as the greats in the NBA and international basketball. I have so much love for you it has been said to be an obsession, more than even Calvin Klein could ever produce, this could never be bottled. I adore every dribble, I long for every shot, I reach for every rebound, steal, I will dive to save you. You get me out of my seat when you are being played miles away and you can make my day when it has been dark for me. I cannot explain the feeling I get when I get hot with you, and the frustration but love when we are cold together. I will never give up on you, just as when I was a 14 year old trying to slam you. My resolution to achieve that is a testament to my dedication to you, at 5′11 when I was told I would never be able to I never gave up and when I accomplished it I felt as if I had conquered the world. I will always place goals with you that I will strive to reach, and though I may not be as blessed with the gift to do as others do with you I shall never be jealous. I will admire their prowess with you and be glad that you lend yourself to be a canvas for such great artists. I love you basketball, you took my heart a long time ago and you will always keep it. Forever Yours,
NW

Nov.1 at 12:17 am

Tom says:
To the one who I can never truly have all to myself, we’ve been together now going on 20 years, you’ve seen me change from a child to a man, and in turn I have seen you go from being bound to the ground like any normal being, to a worldwide phenomenon play above the ground where the gods once were. But throughout all your growth and all your new admirers, who, as great as some of them are, you were and still are always there for me. To think that it all started from such humble beginnings puts a smile to my face. There I was, in a small town of 5,000 3hrs north of Toronto….as far away from you as possible; at the time I was a quite boy, filled with energy but to shy to ever express it outwardly, and as such did not have many friends…….until I saw you that one day. You were in the hands of a man who took you too new levels, he could see you without looking, and handled you like you were an extension of him. Together you built a dynasty together, all the while he did with a smile of pure joy…..pure magic. I had finally found my outlet, something, that if I treated it right, would never diappoint me….so I studied you, week after week, I watched. I then when I first got too hold you, they said I was too small and I couldn’t have you, you were only for the giants…But as I continued to study I learned that you didn’t discriminate, as long as you were treated right. As we spent more time together, and I moved to the big city, I noticed I was no longer the only one who loved you, you had many admirers, so I stepped my game up, and you took notice. In some circles, I became synomous with you, and although I didn’t have the body you were looking for, too slow, short, I knew you like few around did and you rewarded me. When I was with you was the only time in my youth were I would truly be free and express myself. My best friends I met through you. My favourite moments with you were the quiet ones, just me and you, the only noise was the sound of your voice……”swish” Whenever I was confused and needed to sort through things, you were always there for me and helped me through it. You showed me the rewards of dedication and hard work, and you tested me to my limits both physically and mentally….Most importantly you gave me the confidence to express myself whether I was with you or in the office, or classroom. And for that I will never be able to truly repay you. Although there are those who have mastered you better than I can ever dream of, I am not jealous, because I know you always make the time for just me and you and you speak to me the way only you can…..”swish”

Nov.1 at 1:08 am

J Royal says:
I have been in love with you for some time now and you never really new how I truly felt about you because I would play you, but not to my fullest potential. Until that one game you remember because I sat in that locker room thinking, my family is always here, Im practicing you every night before bed, so just go out there and do your best. I remember just like it was yesterday 12 points, 1 rebound and I kind of made the crowd mad becuase one of my foul shot didnt go in…we won that game, you won my heart and became my love….I feel like nothing between us can go wrong and I’ll tell you why. You bring people you together sit them down and give them pure entertainment, you are a power source in how many are educated in life, your strategy and plays teach me how to crossover bad things in life and shoot for the stars. You have made me happy ever since tha game and everyone after that and NO ONE can deny my love…that’s why I got on my knee and asked that night…… ME: will you marry me basketball
Basketball: Yes Mr. Royal I will And we’ve been happy ever since

Nov.1 at 7:45 am

estoniandude says:
To Basketball Have you ever heard *in love from the first sight* that happend to me too… I didn´t know you when i was in the 6th grade, first time I met you was in the 7th grade september the 2nd.
I had just started studing in the new school, the new gym was a absolut stunner. I went to the gym and my friends where shooting hoops there(and there you were round and orange) they asked me to join so I did, I had never held you in my arms like so when I held then. Friend of mine threw you to me. I dribbled with you a little bit,putting you between the legs and stuff but it was tough to do because I held you for the first time. So we played aginst 2 on 2. At first I got the ball in the corner, when I received you in my arms it was like “shoot me” So I did and you went in squish… From that moment I joined the basketball training groups to spent more and more time with you. I took you to bed with me, to school, to everywhere I went. To now I have spent with you about 5 hours per day, but I feel its not enough. So I asked the club manger to give me the keys to the gym: at first she refused saying”you need to rest” But resting means that I would be apart from you so I asked again and she said that sehe will give me the keys if iI wouldn´t bother her anymore. So I did how I was told - cause i didnt care about the manager i just wanted to hold you and play with you. My most memorable moment is game against the our local opponent. It was 1 min to the end and we were trailing by 12, a player made unsportsmenship foul against me. I took you to my hands and went to the foul-line where you communicated with me. I made 2-2 and we got teh ball too.. so I told to my team-mates that they would give me you in my hands and I would bring us the win with you. So I made two points under the basket and when 3-3 behind the arc. I got a experience for life with you.. I thank you for that and respect you till the end of my life cause you´re IMMORTAL

Nov.1 at 11:30 am

Ankle Breaker says:
Dear Basketball,
My love for you is burning more than 1,000 suns. I want to hold you, shoot you, dribble you, and do a lot of other things with you. You brought me a reason for life. You brought me D-Wade, T-Mac, MJ, and a lot of other legands. Soon I’ll be there with them. We won’t ever lose a game or split apark. Love,
Ankle Breaker

Nov.1 at 12:42 pm

kt says:
dear basketball,the love i feel for you is like no other love in the world.when i needed to talk you were there,when i needed a friend you were always there. when i can`t be with you my soul cries until the next time we meet.forty eight minutes with you is like an eternity in heaven.basketball,you never lied,you never cheated,and for that i just wanna say that basketball,i love you.yours truly, KT

Nov.1 at 2:39 pm

phunkykarma says:
Not a letter, more like a poem,
Here in France, the game is lame,
Time delay sucks the same,
Record the game at 3 am.

Nov.1 at 4:22 pm

Ricardo says:
Dear Basketball im real unlike these other people who just copy and paste these storys or so called inspirations im real because youre the only one i care about whenever i see some other ball i look a way with disgust.when my time ends i will still stand up for the game i love.Richy

Nov.1 at 4:47 pm

AHMAD says:
Hey Baby how you been? I’ve been lost without you what has it been hours, days since i’ve been with you? I cant stop thinking of when we first.I saw how people were treating you and i couldnt stand to see such a terrible thing go to waist. No one could handle you the way i do. I touch you and it feels like magic. I love your soft skin its so luscious and smooth. I lick my lips thinking about how in them lonely nights i just could come to you and we would take walk to the park until we reached our caged destination and i played with you until i got tired.Lol. I know you remember those nights.And im sorry if it seems like i use you but i dont baby i only want whats best for you.I let my friends hold you too but i dont mean to be disrespectful but its a team thing.lol..so when its all said and done know that I LOVE YOU BASKETBALL AND I ALWAYS WILL.
LOVE, AHMAD REYNOLDS

Nov.1 at 5:23 pm

Declan Tuttle says:
Dear Basketball,
You are my true love,my best friend and something that is always there to distract my mind from this confusing world.I think of you as I lay in bed throwing my basketball in the air so I can finally perfect my shot.I watch you on the tv with my favourite players,and you fill my heart with hope that I one day can play with you as a professional.How can anyone understand my true passion for you?No one cares about you as much as I.When I step on the court with the ball in my hands I am finally alone with you.Together we share the sound of the net swishing everytime my shot is right.We share the thrill of driving down the lane and making that shot.Together we are one and that is what makes you my true love.When I leave I cannot wait for the next time we meet.But everytime we reunite we b ecome powerful and swift.If i cannot be with you my purpose of life is nothing more than a boy without his soul. sincerely,
Declan Tuttle,Burlington Ontario Canada

Nov.1 at 6:32 pm

SwitchUpTheGame says:
The most popular girl
not just indoors, but in the whole world
I’m waitin on my own words
lovin you more everytime you swirl
always kept those nice curves
always took a left turn
yes, on that curb
just so we can spend time at the park
so much time that it turned into dark
been like that ever since the start
first dunk was on that shopping cart
there were times where we would be apart
remember what mom s