A BASKETBALL CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

A Christmas Message for Hoopers
by NBC Camps


T’was the night of the big game
When all through the crowd,
parents hoped that their children would make them so proud.
The players jostled and jockeyed for a top five position,
sitting the bench, a most dreaded condition.



Each hoped to score 30 with pomp and panache
But thirty-two minutes flies by in a flash
The ball lofted high signaling the game’s start
quickly revealing the arrogance in each player’s heart.



Each showed no discernment on good shot selection
corking it up immediately without much reflection.
Each pouted and ranted when subbed off the court,
the coaches criticized and belittled with every retort.



The point spread grew wider, the parents all moaned.
At half-time, the locker room felt like a funeral home.
Then a player apologized for hogging the ball
sparking each to take responsibility for all
of the rudeness, and ego, the critiques and the blame
for losing perspective over glory and fame.



Now humbly, the team re-entered the floor
creating opportunities for others to score.
Those on the bench cheered with great vigor
encouraging play-making with disciplined rigor.



This new attitude changed the final outcome of the game
the victory so sweet, no individual could claim.
And into my mind sprang an old Bible verse
“The first shall be last and the last shall be first.”

And I heard all exclaim as we left from the gym,
the true meaning of basketball is not just the win,
But the sacrifice, integrity and the joy of the sport
by becoming a giving teammate…on and off of the court.

NBC Camps: Change your game, Change your world