Last week I got a chance to see one of the local basketball leagues here in Medan. It was the Semifinals with a Best of 3 format. 4 teams were competing, let's just say Team A, Team B, Team C and Team D. I got to see all the games last week and it came to my attention that I had to write something.
The first day of the Finals between Team A vs Team B was one sided and also Team C vs Team D was regularly the same result. Team A and Team C got their wins. On Friday it was the second game of the Semis. Team C vs Team D was first, but this time luckily it was a closer game then the last time they meet, even though Team C still got the W. The second game, which brought my attention on writing this, was more "dramatic". Team A vs Team B, if Team A wins then they will advance to the finals and meet with Team C who already was waiting in the finals.
The game started off nicely and highly competitive. Not a lot of calls were made so it was a flowing game. In my opinion, Team B was really on a roll giving much pressure on Team A. Team B was leading, Team A was a bit out of their game where they didn't do much. While Team B was getting buckets in, it was still a tight game. But what I saw was team B were more relax on their set plays more than Team A. I guess Team B was frustrating Team A's offense a bit.
After a timeout, team A was on the offense. They called a play, doing a double screen on top of the key. Then it happened, a player in Team B all the sudden went down, the referee's didn't call anything because it was away from the ball (maybe they didn't see it). Play continued and team A scored. Afterwards the Refs called time because the player was still down. That's when all hell broke loose.
Ok, here's what I say. Team A called a play, had a double pick on top of the key. They set the screen nicely until one of the players on Team A putting the pick did it illegally. Let's just say he did more then giving a screen with a fist plus off hand. He got the player for team B directly on the eye socket. I could immediately see him with a black eye. The player was pissed off, with anger pursuing the guy who did it, and also his teammates were pissed. Officials came and sorted things out, eagerly separating the two teams. Both captains were called and consulted. I could see the crowd yelling and screaming all kinds of stuff.
My opinion, basketball is a contact sport. There is no way that in a game of basketball there will be no sort of contact in any means. It's not dirty, but it is what it is. Players will throw elbows, putting in knees, grabbing, bumping, sometimes kicking and headbutting, but hey, it's a contact sport. Bodies will colide and naturally will get bruises and pain and what not. But, I not saying that I approve what the player from team A did. I think it was shameful. Plus the fact that he is more "professional" type of player. But I could see the reason why he did it. His team, Team A, was frustrated. And he wanted to send a message, but in the wrong way. It's a shame I say.
Team B caught my eye when all the sudden they eventually "walked out" of the semis. Now that I personally disapprove. Why the hell would you do that? It's a sport and you ruin it by doing a walk out. I know, the crowd was behind Team B's decision to walk out. But personally, what a shame.
Here's why. Team B was still leading and what you could say on top with momentum on their hands. Team A was frustrated, doing desperate measures. And if it went to the line, I'd say Team B would win that game causing a third and final game. But no, they choose a cowardly choice by a walk out.
I mean, I understand, your player was cheated and you feel the referees who didn't see it wasn't fair. And you feel, well, cheated I guess. But, It's still a sport, It's still a sportsman right. And if you truly are a sportsman, what you would do is "hit" them with points. Hurt them by winning. Cause them pain by the fact that what they did didn't have affect on you and score points. It will hurt them more than you doing a walk out. Where the fact the see you differently and cowardly.
I've been a basketball referee before. And I can say that it is hard. Trying to make the right calls for each moment. You have to remember that referees are not judges, they are there so the match can be formed and maintain through out. It's not easy. And you have to consider the fact that, we are humans, and we do make mistakes.
I personally saw that at least one player in Team B still wanted to play. I saw it in his eyes, he believed that his team could win. But when his team decided to walk out, I saw disappointment. He was the last man out of the locker room. I know how he feels.
That's the difference of being a professional on what you do and not.
And it is the simple fact of being able to compete in anyways that divides the Pros and the Amateurs.
For what's worth, these kind of things like walk outs must stop. It hurts the game. It hurts the sport in general.
Kudos to the player who still wanted to play! I see u kid!
Mastermind out.
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