Back on the Hardwood

A long road trip, creaky knees, and an insouciant attitude towards everything have prevented me from documenting the latest happenings at the Church of the Hardwood.

I've been confronting my Basketball Paradox with increasing intensity lately: if I don't play, my knees feel better, but I feel a general malaise. If I play, my knees start to crack and burn but I feel good and in shape. The Basketball Paradox becomes even more pressing when I visit my cardiologist. I am in ok shape but I'm 15 pounds overweight and have slightly high blood pressure. I need more exercise, Dr. Z says.

The Church fell on hard times while I was on my road trip from Austin to Berkeley but is now thriving again. Minnesota Ben is back from Peru and his shot still has no arch. Fuego is kicking everyone's ass on the boards.

As for me, I'm having a hard time getting up and down the court, but my added bulk has given me an advantage inside. Actually, it's sort of ridiculous. I spent so much time watching Tim Duncan during the playoffs that I unconsciously try to mirror his game on Sundays: catch the ball on the post with your back to the basket. Slowly survey the action on the perimeter. Make a quick but direct move to shoot. Why do I do this? This is not my game.

I've also lost the ability to rebound, which should be pretty easy. The ball comes off the rim, you go get it. I don't know, it's been frustrating, but I still look forward to the Church. I even brought donuts yesterday.