Basketball Believers – Jordanteed!

I’m an avid basketball fan and have been for over 60 years! I am on the one hand fascinated by the Xs and Os side of the game, the strategies and tactics, techniques and play diagrams, drills and game plans that are such an important part of determining the level of success that any given team is able to achieve. And on the other hand, I am absolutely mesmerized by the athleticism displayed by the athletes playing the game today at the highest levels. Better basketball all around!

My love for the game of basketball began when I was a rambunctious kid in elementary school. I remember vividly the afternoon that my 6th grade team had been invited to entertain the fans at halftime of a Minneapolis Lakers pro basketball game. Yes, the foundation for the world famous and multiple NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers actually was begun in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

From 1947 to 1960, the Minneapolis Lakers were the pride of Minnesota, winning 4 NBA championships – 1954, 1953, 1951, and 1950. The Minneapolis Lakers also won championships in leagues preceding the formation of the National Basketball Association (NBA). In 1949, they won the Basketball Association of America (BAA)  championship, and in 1948 they won the National Basketball League (NBL) championship. Another example of better basketball!

Growing up, I had the privilege and joy of marveling at the basketball excellence showcased by such future hall of famers as George Mikan, Jim Pollard, Vern Mikelsen, Herm Schafer, Whitey Skoog, Clyde Lovellette, Elgin Baylor,  and Coach John Kundla. One couldn’t ask for better basketball role models! Unfortunately for me, my physical growth during my teenage development years didn’t keep pace with my fan enthusiasm, and so my active participation in the sport ceased.

Fortunately for me, though, in addition to the basketball exploits of the Lakers to follow and cheer, my high school basketball team at Wayzata, Minnesota, was also top notch, winning the state championship in 1959. It was a truly inspiring and exciting example of better basketball at the amateur level, as well!

And so, over the years, I’ve sustained a high level of enthusiasm and favoritism for the game of basketball, and the players that so magnificently play the game. I have, of course, especially embraced selected players that I felt exhibited clearly superior qualities, both on and off the basketball court, and are therefore worthy of the praise and  adoration that fans like myself heap upon them. Kevin McHale, Michael Jordan and Kevin Garnett are examples that  immediately come to mind. They are truly basketball icons, in my opinion.

At any rate, in this weblog we’re going to present information and insights, ideas and tips, suggestions and  recommendations relevant to the game of basketball and in the interest of promoting better basketball for all! I’ll focus on improving your enjoyment of the game as a fan when you watch it and your performance in the game as a player if you play it, your coaching if you coach it, your officiating if you officiate it. I invite you to browse and read, learn and apply and share the information presented here as often and as enthusiastically as I deliver it!

Sincerely,

James Nelson