Love it or like it?

Love is a word we throw around with such frequency that there is no way we really mean to use it in the way we use it.  We should probably start substituting "enjoy" or "like" a little more often.  We can't really love all the stuff we say we do, can we?  To like something is pretty clear cut.  Why isn't it enough to just say we like something?  There is nothing wrong with that.  Why do we feel the need to profess our love for everything?  First of all, it cheapens the word and how it relates to the things you truly do love (e.g. spouse, kids, family, etc.).  Secondly, I don't think most people are actually being truthful when they say it.  Unfortunately, especially when referring to basketball.  In fact, my experience has told me that most people within the basketball realm really do like the game (they don't hate it), but they don't love it. 

It's easy to say that you love your wife or husband, another family member or any other person for that matter.  That kind of love is somewhat engrained; not perpetual as we all know, but engrained from our childhood.  It's pretty easy to see why we love people.  They give something back.  Our love (we hope) is returned.  Therefore, loving a living person is easy.  Well, maybe not easy, but you know what I mean.  We can all do it.

Having love for an inanimate object on the other hand is tricky.  More than tricky even, it is damn hard work.  Inanimate objects give nothing tangible in return.  They don't say "I love you" back.  They don't return a hug or kiss.  They don't send you love letters, or sext with you (Have never used that in writing before today).  Your return for loving them is internal.  Whether or not your love is returned is entirely up to you, not them.  Inanimate objects, like the game of basketball, can definitely be loved.  They can be.  But most of you don't.  Most of you won't.  Most of you just like it.  (Not that there is anything wrong with that)

The people and players I have come across that have a true love for the game are different.  They do get a return for the love they profess to the game.  You and me, we can't see it, but they feel it.  They continually give to the game because they get a return for their love.  Their love has been confirmed.  These people live the game.  They dream about it.  They eat it, drink it, sleep it, run it, jump it, teach it, play it, live it.  It's never unimportant.  The game is always watching; as if the game is an energy that surrounds them.  It doesn't matter where they are; in an empty gutted barn turned gym or a jam packed arena, the game is what they love. 

Players that love the game, love the gym, and all that the gym represents.  They love ball handling drills.  They know that time given to the craft of controlling a basketball is important.  They have learned to love what those ball handling drills provide them; the power to go places.  They love shooting; whether alone, with a rebounder, using the gun, wherever.  They know that time spent shooting will lead to more made shots.  They have learned to love the sound of the net more than the sound of the rim.  They love conditioning.  They know that everything erodes in basketball when you get tired.  They have learned to love not being tired; the feeling that they could play all day.  They love coaching.  They know that while self evaluating is important, outside, critical evaluation is more important.  Loving players love every aspect of the game, and furthermore realize it's importance.  

Loving players DO NOT let their mouths (or fingers) express their love for the game.  They let their actions do it.  They don't tell you they are going to condition: they show you they did in the 4th quarter of a March game.  They don't tell you they are going to the gym to workout: come the season, their game has improved.  They don't undermine coaching: they accept it as it is meant to be; simply something to improve upon.  They don't tell you they love the game: they show you they love the game.  Remember, the game is inanimate.  It does not read your texts or tweets; it does not hear you.  The only person that can return your love for the game is you.