Hooper’s Misunderstanding: You Can’t Cheat on Basketball

There are few people in the world that loves you unconditionally, your parents, your grandparents and maybe your brothers and sisters. Sometimes we all abuse these relationships and we might not even speak to these people for a while but we really don't sweat it because we know deep down that our parents or grandparents will forgive us and will love us, regardless of what we do and how we treat them. They don't want to see you fail and they hate to see you suffer so they may still buy you some expensive gear or give you some money to put in your pocket, even if you don't deserve it. We take these relationships for granted and often times we don't spend quality time with these special people in our lives because no matter what they are going to love us unconditionally.

One big mistake that I see young basketball players making nowadays is that they try to treat basketball like there close relatives at times. Love them one day and then don't come around for a week or so or until they need something. They really don't spend quality time with basketball but they want basketball to get them to college or make them money one day. But they fail to realize one thing. Unlike your parents and grandparents, Basketball does not love you unconditionally. If you take a day off on basketball, it will take 2 days off on you. Basketball will only love you if you love it back. Trust me, if you love basketball and you put your heart and soul into it and will reward you like you can't imagine.

There is nothing like the relationship between a Hooper and Basketball but the day you decide to cheat on basketball it will catch up to you. When you cheat on basketball, you do it behind closed doors. No one knows that you are cheating but Basketball. You cheat by not working on your game and doing those little things that got you on top. Basketball won't say anything to you about it but come game day when you got hundreds or thousands of people watching you, Basketball will put you on stage and let the world know that you have been cheating. Whether its missed shots, poor defense, or turnovers your cheating is going to catch up.

"If you love the game and have big dreams to succeed, you have to do a better job of building the relationship with Basketball."

Just like any other relationship, it’s not going to be easy. There are going to be some ups and downs and sometimes you are going to have to sacrifice some things you like to do to spend time with Basketball but it will be all worth it. Love the Game and It will Love you back.

-Terry Boykin