AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Let the real fun times begin in the sports world. March 19-April 4,2015 will be the NCAA Division 1 Tournaments for Women &Men as well as the lower class and smaller tourneys. I absolutely love march madness because I love trying to watch all the games and keeping track of who is upsetting who. The upsets are what make the tournament super fun and the brackets all jacked up. My bracket is pictured above and you can look at my picks. I’m pretty sure I will probably change my picks again before tomorrow due to anxiousness and listening to the experts speaking about each team in the 64 bracket pool with automatic bids into tournament. If you would like please feel free to share who you think will win ! I would love to hear your choices. My top pick for Div 1 is Kentucky just because how their season is going and overcoming close games to getting a victory. I also have the Louisville Cardinals in the race pretty tight as well. I admire Coach Pitino and his will to help his team pull out victories. On the women’s side I have my all-time favorite UCONN-Huskies pulling out yet another title. Coach Geno has a system that works for his ladies and they are just really good against their competition. So how does March Madness impact my life?? Well its simple, Family Time. Spending time with my family is always important to me and we love watching sports game together. Every year around this time, we would be eating snacks and cheering on teams often yelling at the TV. LOL like die-hard fans even if we don’t attend the school.Luckily my hometown school Ohio State is in the tournament and hopefully they pull out their first win against VCU a hard match-up but they can do it. This year unfortunately will be the first time I’m not home to watch the madness or spend time with my mom,dad, and younger sister but I’m sure I will face-time them with the same excitement. I’m still going to have fun and watch every game I can with the same excitement. I hope to attend or work a NCAA Final Four game that would be a lot of fun and the intensity of the whole tournament would be amazing to experience in person. Also the madness of march is trying to complete and stay on top of school work as the semester speeds up and winds down before summer sets in and basketball helps me to stay focused to an extent. So if you are joining in the madness from any aspect, have fun! enjoy it and GO CRAZYYYY!!!….The Madness is here!

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*sigh*

Alot of times I hold alot in until I break.

My mind is on 100 and sometimes I want to scream.

I head to the court, headphones in, phone off.

The basketball court is my place of serenity.

My place to unwind, my place to be free and forget about whatever is going on in my head at the time.

Being at school,I try to hit the court as much as possible but due to my schedule and how my weeks go, I end up not going.

Before I went away from home, I always had time to spend just shooting around and release my inner stress.

It helped me to feel better and focus.

Basketball is everything to me. During times of hurt or when I’m in my feelings so to speak, I turn to nba players and I watch old interviews just to cheer me up or put me in their shoes.

Last Night was a night for it. My mind was all over the place and I couldn’t sleep so I went to youtube and started with John Wall. I watched 5 different interviews where he was speaking about upcoming games or his signature shoe or even being an all-star. I still was in a rut so I switched to Michael Jordan and for some reason I stumbled upon the 1996 finals. This particular championship run was right after Michael’s father was unfortunately murdered. I’ve never experienced a pain such as him but I know that he found his refuge on the court. He played his heart out and once the championship was in hand he let all his emotions out on the court. It was about 3:30 in the morning by this time and in my head I wanted to tell him it was going to be okay. The bulls winning that championship not only solidified Michael as a great but it also showed in a time of a deep pain that basketball can be an uplifter. Lastly and by this its almost 6am, I am watching none other than Kobe Bryant hosting with Jalen Rose and Bill Simmons. They are reminiscing about Kobe’s seasons with the Lakers as well as the best current players of the NBA. This interview showed me more of what players see and think outside of the game. I found my serenity and was starting to feel alot better and able to sleep (it was after 8am this morning). I often say I’m okay when deep down I’m crumbling, I just don’t want people to feel sorry for me especially if its an issue I can handle on my own. Basketball eases my mind and allows me for the moment that it is own to just exhale and breathe. It’s the first thing I go to in times of trouble, happiness, pleasure when I feel alone or when I just want to celebrate. Basketball is my refuge but also my family. It’s like the brother I’ve always wanted and friend  I always needed. What is your refuge in time of storm?

Thanks for reading!

“There is power in understanding the journey of others to help create your own”-Kobe Bryant

It’s funny to think that in a short time all of my favorite/current NBA players will be on their way to retiring. You begin to look back at their careers and think of the legacy or the impact they have had on your life. Kobe Bryant is one of those players for me. He isn’t retiring but his current documentary Kobe: Muse which premiered on showtime March 1, 2015 takes a look at Kobe’s career through his eyes. I watched it in its entirety and decided to blog about it and just pay homage to such a great player and share some of my favorite Kobe Memories!

Kobe Memory #1 – Championship #2 against the Philadelphia 76rs 2001

This memory sticks out most to me because this was when Kobe and Allen Iverson were in their Prime and it was a dog fight back and forth. Kobe came out on top but it was fun to see Kobe and Allen go at it. This second championship was apart of the Lakers upcoming 3-peat

Kobe Memory #2- Championship #5 2010 against Boston

I loved this series due to the fact that this rivalry was once again renewed. I had also graduated from High School during this series and the final game happened to be on my graduation day. I was eager to race home to watch Kobe and to celebrate my grad day with a Laker win and yet another Title. They won and my house erupted, I was so excited to once again witness a legend win another title.

Kobe Memory #3- 81 Point Game vs Toronto April 2006

When I say this memory was unbelievable, It took me a minute to really comprehend what Kobe did this night. Watching him score 81 really left me in awe because since then no one has been able to get that high except Kobe. During this time Kobe aka Black Mamba was in effect. What caught me by surprise the most was the fan reactions and how surprised but respectful of this great accomplishment. One of the greatest moments ever in NBA History.:)

Kobe Memory #4 -Passing Michael 2014

Kobe Bryant and MJ two of the greatest ever to play in the NBA and who alot of people mirror/compare Kobe to. Scoring wise Kobe scored alot of points and rightfully so put him in a space to pass Michael for 3rd all-time leading scorer in the NBA. It was my christmas break and yet again I was able to witness greatness. At the free throw line is where he made history and I almost wanted to cry because I was happy for him. Yes, he one of my favorite players but to watch him accomplish something so great just made me happy and motivated me a little bit that I can accomplish anything I work hard at or put my mind to.

Although Kobe is not playing right now due to recovering from a torn rotator cuff, I know he is mentally preparing for his return. One thing that amazes me about him is that through every injury or setback or personal life battle he has studied every aspect of the game, which I think sets him apart from everyone and has allowed him to play for the last 19 years. In my personal life from watching Kobe since the 2000’s on forward, I have learned and grown to love to never let anything or anyone stand in your way of becoming great. Once he retires, Kobe will be missed, I don’t think there will be another one like the Black Mamba, and I hope to enjoy him as much as I can before he says goodbye.

To Kobe,

Thank-You for being a inspiration, role-model, a comforter in times of need, You will be remembered for all the great moves, clutch shots, game winners, smiles, laughs, fun interviews, serious interviews and just the will to WIN . I admire you.Continue to recover and Kick Butt in rehab..See you Soon.

Love a fan :),

Mariah

In the basketball world, the number 23 is significant. It represents a particular player who was a genius, hard worker, & had a tremendous love for the game. Who am I talking about you ask? None other than Michael Jordan. 🙂 Michael’s impact on my life from a basketball standpoint is that he fueled my love for the game. I was born during the Bulls Era in 1992 but couldn’t really experience the greatness of Jordan until I was older and old replays and youtube became available. In 2003, and right before Lebron James came on the scene, Jordan had one more stint in the NBA playing for the Washington Wizards (my current favorite team) and I got to see him….he didn’t play in this game however but the fact he was in the building supporting his team showed his true leadership. Jordan is an inspiration to me because through adversity and people discouraging him he never let up. He let his actions speak for him. From personal experience, my junior year in high school I dealt with a very hard teacher. It was so bad to the point that my parents had to get involved over a grade mind you. The teacher I dealt with was very rude,belligerent, and disrespectful. However, I on the other remained respectful and continued to do the required work for the course with no complaint while this situation was being handled. At times during my junior year I felt like I was going to crack and not be able to overcome this advanced class ( which I had also taken the year prior with same teacher). To hear a teacher say “you have caused me hell” or ” your parents shouldn’t be advocating for you” really hurt and tore me down on the inside but I never let it show. I eventually was able to get switched out and into a better class. I overcame my adversity and the harsh words my former teacher said to me during my big state exam. I ended up scoring a 596/600 which was a passed advanced and almost a perfect score and proved to her and not only myself that I was capable of doing advanced classwork. I said all that to say this sometimes you don’t have to say much, your work will silence your doubters. Throughout history, Jordan silenced his doubters from being cut from his high school team to becoming one of the wealthiest men in the country right now. Actions speak louder than words, and whatever adversity you may face; keep your head up and push through! You will be victorious in the end. Michael is one of my favorites because he was innovative and creative from a clothing line to his Jordan shoe brand, which are still very popular today even though they are older models re-released. lol Michael has been a role model for me and to properly understand and recognize a true lover of the game. We should all want to aspire to overcome our adversities and follow our dreams. You never know where life may take you. Jordan retired in 2003, a 6- time NBA Champion, Hall of Famer, and one of the greatest players ever to play the game of basketball..Who is your #23?

Thanks for reading my blog for this week..share with your friends/family and be sure to check next week:)

The NBA is a game of spark, surprises, business ventures, and very talented players such as John Wall and Stephen Curry. I have had the opportunity to watch both Steph and John play against each other and MAN! I was really excited. Two of the fastest guards in the league right now among Russell Westbrook & Derrick Rose. In watching them both on and off the court I have found 5 of my favorite characteristics between the two.

1. John and Steph are fast & tenatious.

While playing for Washington , John has been averaging over 3-5 steals a game and is the leader in the NBA to date in Assists. He loves to share the ball with his teammates as well as watch them succeed. In playing for Golden State, Steph was the leader in his own right in 3 pointers made. They both know how to run the floor equally and are not afraid to show emotion.

2. John & Steph are courageous.

When John first came into the league in 2010, He was coming to a team who had many issues and was in the process of rebuilding. Not only did John stay but in the last 3 years Washington has continued to improve and even made the playoffs going as far as the second round last season. On the other hand, Steph had a obstacle he had to overcome during his second season, he had chronic ankle issues which ended up hindering him. He had to have surgery but he didn’t let that hold him back, he came back stronger than ever. Steph is now in the running for MVP as his team holds the top spot in the west and highest record in the NBA thus far.

3. John & Steph have their own shoes!!

I was really excited when I found out both John and Steph were releasing their signature shoe. The #Jwall1 and #CurryOne have both propeled John and Steph into superstardom and all-stars in their own right. Both shoes are appealing to the eye and give an insight into the Men, Friend, and Family man that they are.

4. John & Steph are compassionate.

The biggest characteristic between these two athletes is what they do off the court and their big hearts. I will start with Steph. Steph started doing contests through his twitter using #SC30 where he would ask a question or a task of his fans and Steph would choose the winner and either send them a gift or go visit them. One in particular I remember, Steph wanted to see the craziest shot and whoever had the craziest one, he would visit. I never thought athletes would take the time for something like that but you would be amazed at the type of heart each player has. John’s heart proves just that. In march of 2013, he met a girl named Mya who was battling cancer and immediately took the time to spend with her and uplift her in anyway possible. He even got her favorite artist Nicki MInaj involved to allow Mya to wear one of her pink wigs. Sadly, Mya lost her battle with cancer and in a game where Washington was struggling to win, they found a way deep down to pull out a victory & #Won4Mya. During his interview, John’s emotions took over and he was in so much pain from the loss that he couldn’t finish the interview. I felt so bad for him and wanted to grab him and hug him so he wouldn’t have to feel that pain. I could see his heart in that moment and it made me respect him that much more. It’s not about how much money you make but what you choose to do with it.

5. John & Steph are fearless.

Lastly, John & Steph play so hard as leaders of their respective teams and leave everything they have on the floor night after night. Another reason why I admire them on losing nights they are always figuring out ways to get better and fix the mistakes for the next game. True Athletes with Pure Hearts and Strong souls.

I hope you enjoy this blog and be sure to follow me for more! 🙂

“He didn’t make it…..” The words I heard on the phone from my mom. February 4, 2012 started out as a typical Saturday for me but I could sense something was wrong. I was attending Northern VA Community College at the time and had a class and shortly after my class received a text from my sister stating my dad was on his way to Cleveland, OH to visit my grandmother & sick great grandfather. In my mind I thought everything was okay and didn’t realize that this day was going to be a long one. Later on in the evening I was planning to go to Stonewall Jackson High School Girl’s Basketball Regional Final against Forest Park High School. Before the game however, my baby sister who was 6 decided to eat some old food and ended up getting sick and my mom had to rush to the store to get her something to settle her stomach. My mind at this point was racing because I wanted my sister to be okay and needed to know that my dad was in Cleveland. I was able to go to the game and was sitting with some friends. It was a tight game throughout until Forest Park had a 6 point lead and began to build on it. In the 3rd quarter my phone rang and it was my mom all I heard her say was he didn’t make it and I immediately knew what that meant. I broke down and my sister took the phone, I couldn’t speak but was able to tell my friend’s uncle that my great grandfather had passed away. It was the most heartbreaking loss I had ever felt since the loss of my brother. The hardest part about hearing this news was that I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye and all I had now were the endless memories. Basketball ended up being the comfort that I needed to help keep the loss of my mind. Forest Park ended up winning the game but someone I loved and was close to was gone forever. The next few days ended up being the hardest due funeral arrangements and studying for a final exam. In this difficult time I knew had to be strong and remember all the good times. One of my favorite memories was the stories my gran-daddy harris would tell or just him cooking in the kitchen. He loved making catfish as well as growing his on vegetables in his garden. If that’s the one thing I miss the most is spending time with him. He knew his sports too! We could watch games together and he could know what was going on but shortly after his stroke he stopped cooking and telling stories. I miss him so much but whenever I watch a game, I always remember where I was when I found out that he died. Although this blog is a sad one, it gives me a chance to share some of my personal memories with you.I hope you have a good week<3

Ever felt like everything you had to do from work, school, outside activities just caving in on you to the point of suffocation. I decided to blog today because that was me just yesterday. If you don’t know I am a junior at Radford University studying marketing and on the Executive Board for Diversity Awareness Programming as the Webmaster but also available to help where ever I am needed. I tend to take on a lot in organizational roles sometimes because I don’t like waiting until the last minute to get something done for an event or just my job with updating the websites and events calendar. With all of that I am taking 4 classes with Mondays & Wednesdays being my heaviest days with 3 classes and a meeting shortly after my last class for the day. When I become too overwhelmed, this is where basketball tends to calm me down or relax me for a little bit. After my meeting yesterday, I needed some relief before finishing my homework and eating something which I will get to later but I walked to the gym I was super excited because I was going to be able to at least spend 45min to a hour on the court shooting around so I thought. I was able to check out a basketball but 2/3 courts were occupied due to intermural sports and the third court was filled with guys playing full court and I didn’t want to intrude on their forever on -going game, so I decided wait. Frustration begins to build up in me because I just wanted some time to myself on the court, selfish yes but I was so stressed from everything else at this point that their was nothing else to calm me down. Part of my frustration also came from me not eating all day, which I should have stopped to do before getting super busy but I had 2 back to back classes, so not complaining but I didn’t have anytime to stop and eat and not worry about the next assignment I had to complete. I ended up leaving the gym without having the opportunity to shoot around got subway and was able to watch the LosAngeles Clippers & Dallas Mavericks game on NBA TV. I got my relief 🙂 whether I am on the court or in front of the TV basketball is my unwind technique. It helps me to refocus my mind before I have to finish the rest of the tasks I have. Even though I had a lot to take care of yesterday for those 2 hours the game was on I was able to forget everything that was on my mind. I was able to relax, I was able to enjoy. Stress often for me comes from taking on too much but I do it because I feel like if I don’t take care of it, the task at hand may not get completed on time. In a leadership role, I’ve learned it’s better to be early than to be late. I rather have 3 or 4 events fully ready to go instead of last minute racing against the clock. In my head I treat everything like it’s the 4th quarter, you go hard until the clock hits 0. You never want to put off something more than 2-3 days because then it creeps back up on you hard and then you are scrambling to get everything perfect. I don’t mind the stress but I do recommend taking at least a hour or 2 to do nothing or something you love. 🙂 Hopefully sometime this week I can get my hour or 2 stress relief on the court!. Hope you enjoy this blog!

Growing up, I always found myself around the game of basketball whether it was watching on tv or playing outside I was always near it. The first time I really knew basketball was going to be apart of my life was during middle school. I tried out for the team and made it! my excitement was overwhelming being that I am a very shy person, this was going to be my outlet so I thought. Practice after Practice I found myself getting better from making free throws to shooting jump shots to running sprints. I felt prepared and ready to showcase everything that I was learning with my team on the court. My coach on the other hand didn’t feel the same as I. I mostly sat on the bench and would probably play at most 10 minutes. Our team wasn’t very good and it was frustrating for me that I was being set back and not being able to showcase my talent. This ultimately hindered my decision of trying out for the freshmen team in high school. Even though I chose not move forward with a playing career, I found other ways to really get intrigued by this phenomenal sport. For one, basketball is very fast paced, engaging, fun and it will always keep you guessing. Watching games on TV was one of the ways I stayed engaged in the sport, from high school to the NBA, I really enjoy all levels of this sport. One memory that pops in my head was my senior year in high school our girl’s basketball team was losing to a division rival at home and with the rally and support from our star guard and the fans were able to win and head to the state championships. One of the reasons basketball is so important in my life is because at this time it brought an entire school together as one. It felt like we were all family in that moment. Basketball also helped me fit in during my high school years as well. It was a easy talking point for me and a connector for my peers. People often express their love for things by a person or inspiration and I do have those when it comes down to it but being in school and trying to be accepted, basketball helped a lot. From knowing stats about players or just knowing simple facts about players it helped me to express myself more. I wasn’t always everyone go to person but when it came time for a game I was always there and my peers understood that. Basketball for me is a lifestyle and in some shape or form it has played a key role in decision making, to also thinking of better ways to possibly brand a team. I hope you enjoy this blog as you will get to know more about me through the eyes of this sport and teams as well as people who are in the sports industry who made my love for the game that much greater and special. Welcome to my blog. my world.my life.

Mariah B.