A basketballer’s life can be quiteĀ interesting and full of surprises. If you’re a basketball player, you will certainly identify with the following:

-“You play basketball? How come?! You’re short!”

short
People falsely believe that basketball is only for tall people. If you’re a short guy, good luck with the endless sarcastic comments. Don’t waste your time explaining; they will never get that “play maker” is actually a position.

-Thank you for whoever invented shoelaces

shoelaces
Need to catch your breathĀ in the middle of the game? No problem. Just pretend that you need to fix your loose shoelace. It still feels super awkward to haveĀ all eyes focused on you while you bend down to tie your shoelaces,Ā huh! But who cares!

-Basketball gave me the chance to be the actor/actress I’ve alwaysĀ wanted to be

fall down
I know you (my guard) barely touched me but let’s exaggerate by falling down and pretending that you were intending to kill me withĀ this minorĀ push.This will stop the game for a while which will give us a few seconds to catch our breaths. You know it, I know it, they know it, but we still do it. You’re welcome.

-Getting a 3 pointer before the last whistle!

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - MAY 05: Kevin Durant #35 of the Oklahoma City Thunder makes a three-point shot with 12.6 seconds left against the Memphis Grizzlies during Game One of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena on May 5, 2013 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Thunder defeated the Grizzlies 93-91. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Nailed it!

-A good steal followed by a dunk

dunk
You feel like Superman running downĀ the court all on your own just to fly your way up and hitĀ this dunk home! Awesome!

-That feeling you get when all the audience scream “DEFENSE!”

cheering
The adrenaline rush you get when everyone starts cheering is priceless!

-Looking at a teammate and knowing exactly what they want or have in mind without exchanging a word

teammates eye contacts
It’s like we have superpowers!

-Guarding a stinky guy “EW!!”

stinky
Defending is all about being only a few centimeters away from our guard, so guarding an overly sweaty guy who doesn’t use deodorant can be torturous! WHY DO YOU DO THIS TO ME?!!

-Thank you court for being our refuge!

11 March 2010: Long Beach State vs Cal Poly basketball in Anaheim, California. Photo by Matt A. Brown

Regular peopleĀ head to the beach, park or any relaxing place when they feel stressed. However, a basketballer will always go to the nearest basketball court when feeling low. It’s not only a place for practice; it’s a refuge. It’s home.

-Practice shooting in an empty gym

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Big games are all about a crowded gym full of audience, players, and loud cheering. Having alone time at the gym toĀ practice shooting is our favorite time of the day. It’s like finally getting the chance to be alone with your girlfriend/boyfriend.

-Never trust a basketball team abroad!

crazy team
Competing inĀ a championship abroad? Let’s hope the team manages to stay out of trouble. Having around 20 basketball players in a hotel, or wandering around a foreign cityĀ can beĀ unsafe. Never underestimate their crazy genes!

-A FAMILY!

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After all, basketball offers every player and coach the best gift ever: the gift of having a second family, the gift of belonging, the gift of being at the right place with the right people at the right time!

Basketball is not just a game; basketball is life!