OK - maybe I just have to voice an opinion on other sports. But I was thinking that these other sports are other "fields of friendly strife." and while I may not go into the detail I do for football, they are worth some comments as well.
Living in Avondale, Arizona, sports are all around me at the moment. Spring Training has just begun for the Cactus League, and the influx of people wearing shorts and t-shirts and hanging out in the sun is noticeable! I'll have to get to some games in the near future before this time is over. Spring Training is truly worth it - you are closer to the players, have a much more relaxed atmosphere than a regular season game, and the daytime games give a perfect break from the busyness of work! It also doesn't hurt that I can get to the facilities of the Dodgers, White Sox, Reds, and Indians in 10 minutes...and within a half an hour or so you can also lump in the Royals, Rangers, Padres, Brewers, and Mariners!
Switching gears, I was able to go to the NASCAR Subway Fresh Fit 500 last weekend with my friend Wes. It was actually a great time! We both rented a scanner to listen to the driver communications during the race, and it really is worth the money! Listening to Robby Gordon after he had been wrecked was hilarious! Also, hearing the strategies and adjustments getting played out by different drivers was also pretty cool - and Jeff Gordon's celebration was great at the end too!
College basketball is wrapping up - which is the form of basketball I do love. Go Purdue Boilermakers!!! Can't wait until March Madness in a week or two. The intensity played in each game at the collegiate level is so much more than what you can see in the NBA. That's why there is no comparison! I'd rather watch Kent State - Akron (last night) than the Bulls-Magic NBA game.
Speaking of the NBA, however, I do follow it. I love how it still boils down to the best "team" winning versus a team that has what they consider the best "players." The Spurs dismantling of the Heat last night is a great example of this. I admire the Spurs, even if it isn't the sexy superstars...but look at who wins championships: Spurs, Celtics since they gelled, Lakers, the Detroit Pistons of a few years ago, it was the teams that put together teams that played. How the Knicks and Heat end up, with their loaded rosters now, remains to be seen. If they come together, then it could be good basketball - but the defense by the Heat last night was nonexistent. I suppose my picks right now as far as the teams playing well together are the Spurs, Mavericks, Celtics, and I'll even through in the Thunder and Bulls. It depends which Magic team shows up...they have the potential of a couple years ago, but also the ability to turn into individuals on the floor.
