Additional features on this blog will include a weekly sports-related poll. Sometimes, I'll throw one out there with a little humor. But usually, the poll questions will be on serious sports issues that will make you have to think for more than 5 seconds before answering (*cough* ESPN). I will also be including several sub-sections within each article, but we will get to those later. With this 1st post, I just want to allow you guys to get to know the guy whose ramblings you will (hopefully) be reading every week.
I am a 21 year-old student from the west side of Chicago. I currently live in the Rogers Park area with my girlfriend of 2 years. I stand about 6'1" and weigh about 165 lbs, soaking wet and on a full stomach. My friends might say I resemble a shrunken-down Kevin Durant. I played basketball and ran cross-country for a little bit in high-school. That is pretty much the extent of my athletic achievement (and I was decidedly average at best in both sports on that level), though I do still try to exercise 2-3 times per week.
However, I have a passion for watching sports (more specifically the NBA and the NFL) that anyone who knows will tell you is unmatched by anyone else who also leads a normal life outside of their sports-viewing. When the two leagues are in season, I probably watch about 8-10 NBA games per week (Go Bulls!) and 3 or 4 football games per week (dah Bears). That is in addition to the multiple hours I spend watching sports highlight and talk shows, keeping up with sports news online, participating in internet discussion, and talking sports with friends.
If you were to ask my girlfriend what are the 3 most important things in my life, I guarantee you her list would be: my family, her, and "The God-damn Bulls" (and I do quote). I have to admit, one of the key things that has allowed me to be with this one for so long throughout the issues we've had (and Lord knows we've had our fair share) is her ability to tolerate my sports obsession. That is a very underrated trait in a woman, so if you're lucky enough to find one like that (and she's not destroying your life otherwise), you might wanna try keeping her around. She understands that I am very passionate about my sports, though, so she gets in where she fits in, so to speak.
I also follow other sports, but much less avidly. I definitely keep track of the NHL and MLB (especially the hometown Hawks, Cubs, and Sox), but really don't watch those leagues much aside from the Playoffs. I watch a few college basketball games per week, but I don't have a team that I'm really passionate about. DePaul sucks. Illinois, ditto. Let us not speak of Northwestern. I am very much a bandwagon fan in College basketball. Whoever has my favorite NBA prospect in a given year is 'my team'. As far as all the other sports go, I pretty much get my information from the major internet media and TV outlets (yes, highlights). Although on occasion, after a night out, I'll wake up on a weekend afternoon to a golf tournament and keep my TV there.
In a few years time, I hope to turn my passion for sports into a career that can enrich my life, instead of just a hobby. I will consider a wide range of fields, including: positions within team offices, broadcasting (considering broadcasting school), writing, or any other way to get my foot in the door. Enough blabbing now, though. You guys now know more about me than majority of the people I hang out with. True story. So....friends? Whatever, screw you guys. And here come the extras. Since it's my first post, I'm gonna go back on my word a little and show a little homerism. Sue me:
- "Spark of the Week" (Giving recognition to an outstanding individual performance that leads a team to victory)
Edwin Jackson of the Chicago White Sox pitches 8 shutout innings on Thursday to (along with some good run support) ensure that the Sox don't end up losing 2 out of 3 to the lowly Orioles and remain in the hunt for the AL Central Division title.
- "Lit Up" Play of the Week (Giving recognition to a single play wherein an athlete does something truly outstanding, embarrasses an opponent, or steps up in a big time moment)
Derrick Rose of the USA Basketball Men's Senior National Team got his number called by Coach Mike Krzyzewski with Team USA trailing Spain by one and under a minute left. Being pressured by highly-touted international prospect Ricky Rubio............I'll just let this clip do the talking:
.....And that was a FOUL, son! But whatever. D-Rose also came down on the next possession and would not be denied as he got himself to the line and sank clutch free throws to give USA the lead once again, which Kevin Durant preserved with two clutch blocks on the other end to close Spain out in the exhibition match.
Well, folks. That's all for now. This hit is done. But don't worry. Your boy, Kush is never dry. There's plenty more in the bag where that came from. Bookmark me, follow me, whatever, just PAY ATTENTION TO ME, DAMNIT! And I promise the supply will only continue to get better from here. Peace be with you all.
-Kush Man
