After playing at almost every level I have come up with a storyline on how I view the game of basketball. No this will not help anyone be a better player or jump higher but might interest you if you are contemplating playing at the "next" level.

**Jr high**

The time most of us first join an organized team in which we started playing the game for more reasons other than the halftime snacks and plastic participation trophies. Basketball is the best thing in the universe.

Succesfull players at this level are the hairy guys who hit puberty before the rest of us.

**High School**

I made the team!! I have continued to improve faster than my peers through hard work, dedication etc.. I am now one of the best basketball players in my high school. Practices are more intense, conditioning sometimes seems excessive, 7 a.m. practices, all building up to the big Friday night game where all your friends and your ugly girlfriend are going to be there watching. Nervous and excited at the same time you go out and play the game hoping for that Holy Grail State Championship ring. Basketball is fun

**Division 1**

You worked harder than most players in the state!!! You have nearly perfected your fundementals sp? and you are in tip top shape, maybe grown a few inches taller than the rest and have been awarded a free ride to a D-1 University. You come in as freshmen hoping to continue your reign as being THE MAN you where in high school only to find you are just a boy. You have a lot of learning to do but you stay patient and keep working your time will come.

**Division 1 Junior/Senior**

Finally the time has come! You have learned the program, gotten even better, and have gained the precious confidence of an upper-classmen. You use your foundation to give yourself a consistent game but your most valuable asset by far is your mentality and leadership you have developed. Patience and having a level head is key at this level, those that have it will succeed.

**Professional**

Somehow by some gift from God you where blessed to have the chance to actually make money playing this game. You continue to work harder than ever only to see improvements hardly coming at all. You battle through nagging injuries that you have gotten through the years, theres no way anything is going to stop you now. You know the game better than anyone you know, your in the best shape you have ever been in, you have the confidence of a King and hop in that plane for a journey of a lifetime only to later find out your just a boy competing against men. The game at this level is 99% mental. Everyone can score, everyone is just as good or better than you. The pressure on your shoulders is unsurmountable, a few bad games and your cut like diamonds. Success at this level and from here on out comes to the mentally strong. There are no physical boundaries, no limits. At this level you know when it is your time to shine and you will be ready given that opportunity.

Just a little rambling.. anyway ADIOS and good luck to all you ballers this coming season..