I am Glad we Have Basketball, for a Number of Reasons

    Let me count the ways.

    1. It takes us away from the real world of war, poverty, destitution, sickness, and all types of awful pain. Like wanton avarice and greed. Or cheating. But, there are some of the latter things in basketball. However, there are a lot of officials and overwatch to keep it in check. Moreso than the greater, meaner world.

    2. Great personalities celebrate and share it, like the recently passed Greg Gumbel and John Feinstein. One was more the television commentator, the other was more about the pen. Although he talked it a ton on TV and radio. God bless their memories, legacies, and families.

    3. Coaches can be deified and vilified, all in the same day. A season can make or break the coach, a player, a program. It is exciting, and excruciating, and leaves us to the imagination in many creative ways,

    4. It is a rather safe way to spend our time. Not too many spectators get hurt. Some players do, but not like American football. Not sure about rugby.

    5. Many of us watch the sport and are inspired by the players, teams, storylines.

    6. It generates money and revenue, for many good people and causes.

    7. It makes us entertained, distracted. Some of us a lot more than others. Is it a waste of time? Perhaps by some.

    8. It gives some of us a way to identify for a local or other cause. My church school represents the faith, my state school represents the home state. State and civic pride, if you will.

    9. It helps many young men and women in ways that they would not have otherwise.

    10. It generates emotion, mostly healthy but at times not, but gets people unified for their teams and hopes. Based on heavy competition and real-life skills that do not always translate to the "real world", but pushing many people to be their best.

    What else? There are a few more. But we can let it sit at that for a while.

    Go Hoosiers. Hopefully next year with a new coach. New prospects. 

    My Brigham Young Cougars are still in the mix.

    Go, team!