I have watched quite a few basketball games these past weeks..and the more i watch it the more i think that the game gives a pretty similar picture on life in general, the only difference is that it is played on a smaller and simpler stage. I believe we can follow example on how we're supposed to live our life from how a good basketball player conduct his game and how he handles his attitude on and off the court

So here are some thoughts that i have gathered from watching too many games.. (maap yaa kalo nggak penting..:p)

- Life is just like a basketball game, there's always the ups and downs. In basketball, sometimes you lead, sometimes you have to trail..and when you're up by more than 10 points doesn't mean you can sleepwalk for the rest of the game, you still have to play your A game, be aware and watch your back because your opponent will try hard to snatch the victory away from you. nothing is for granted.

- I have learned that mo matter how bad you are beaten, you will always see hope. Being beaten is often a temporary condition, GIVING UP is what makes it permanent. Besides, the world doesn't stop for your grief, so you might as well fight your way through the game. remember, it isn't over till the shot clock hits zero and the buzzer beats. one second certainly can change the outcome of the game, unless you're down by 10 with 5 seconds to go..but even then..you can still make the situation better. I know a loss is still a loss, but there is a difference between losing by 20 points and losing by 5 points.

- If you win games, win with class, you don't need to rub it in your opponent's place about how you are better than them..and when you lose, don't be a sore loser, don't whine and make excuses, just feel grateful that you get to experience it all.

- Sometimes, the players have some off night, a night where they couldn't throw a rock in the ocean, much less the basket. But there are still other things you can do to help by playing good defense, rebounding, setting up screen and all that. Same thing happen in life too, maybe you just lost your job and can't help your family financially..but you can still do other things to help in the meantime...or maybe you don't have have much money left in your disposable account to help the poor, but you can still do other things to help like donate some of your used clothes or something (aduh kok contohnya uang2 terus yaa....I'm so lacking in analogy.:p).

- Your mental has a lot to do with how you play your game. Your opponent might be talented and have that famous school name on their jerseys and have a hall of fame coach sitting on the sidelines..but then so what..it doesn't mean you can't compete with them. the thing is to not be easily intimidated, it doesn't mean that you have to disrespect other people or your opponent, but you just have to realize that they are all human too and they are not immune to losing. besides, it is not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog that matters the most. so you just got to be tough and lay it all on the court. tough times never last, but tough people do.

- Same goes if you are from the so called power conference..you might be talented, but if you are not willing to give 100%, somebody else will. nothing is a gimme.

- Respect has to be earned, and in basketball..it is earned on the court. you don't need to be offended when others do not respect you because you're not from the power conference. by being offended means that you're not content with yourself.

- Don't be selfish. teamwork is the key. you may have the all american atheletes, but if they don't play together, it won't mean a thing, it might win you games, but not championship.

- Be cool. just..be..cool. don't yell and curse at the referee (or anyone else for that matter) ...or doing anything that shows your anger. relax, it's not a life and death matter. losing your composure only makes it easier for your opponents..they are the ones smiling cause you've let them know that you're frustrated. just like in life..you need to be able to manage your emotion, you need to have a poise to get the job done and have the attitude of a winner. losing your composure signals insecurity.

-Preparation is the most important thing, the will to win is worthless if you don't have the will to prepare. you can't depend on your luck, afterall luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. (coach Darrel Royal)

anyone want to add to this?..:p