Hoop-It-Up 2007 (Dallas)

After two years in a row of someone having to back out at the last minute or otherwise being unable to get a team together, we finally made it back to Dallas Hoop-It-Up this year. With every passing year it seems that much harder for everyone to get away from other obligations for a weekend on the basketball court. Even the last few years that we did play we usually ended up with only about two decent players (myself and E) and then whoever else happened to be available. Let me tell you, two good players is NOT enough when you play Dallas Hoop-It-Up competitive division. Recreational division would've been fine but just on principle E and myself have a hard time playing in the rec league.

This year was a little different. We had four solid players; not 4 great players, but four solid players. No doubt this was the best team we've had in recent years. The only problem is that our first game at HIU was also the first time we'd all played together as a team. Not only that but I hadn't played much at all during the last year or two and I know the same could be said for one of our other guys. This is worth mentioning because our competition were guys that had been playing together forever and even had their little custom made jerseys and everything. (How precious.)

The weather was almost a factor this year. I think it rained every day for the two weeks leading up to HIU. It finally started to let up on the Friday before and by Saturday the weather did it's usual thing for HIU weekend...sunny and hot. Things were looking good. Best team in recent history. Perfect b-ball weather. I packed a small cooler with water, powerade, and beer just in case we decided to go that route. For whatever reason HIU was at Fair Park this year. What the hell would possess them to have it out there is beyond me but I'm sure they had their reasons. Next year maybe they'll just host it at a landfill. That was really my only complaint this year, location.

Our first game was at 10:30 (nice!) and I rolled into Fair Park about 10:00. This was also the first year I recall not having to set my alarm for way too early in the morning and having to drag myself out there by 8:00 or 8:30. Much as I love basketball, I really don't want to try to hoop before 10:00 AM.

Anyway...I make my way onto the scene, find my squad and our court and it's on. The rundown on each game will come in the next few posts.