Hoosier basketball’s lasting impression

Growing up, I didn’t get it.

I had little to no exposure when it came to sports, and I didn’t understand why people cared so much.

My dad used to run half-marathons, and I would stand at the edge of my driveway waiting for him to run past the house so I could cheer him on or splash water on his face.

This is what I called watching sports as a young child.

As I grew older, my dad would sometimes take my sisters and me to Detroit Pistons games.

I never actually cared about the outcome, I was just there to hang out with my family and maybe eat some greasy food.

In high school, I joined the dance team, which involved attending every home basketball and football game.

After performing at halftime, I would immediately pack up my belongings and head home — not knowing or caring if we had won.

Then I came to IU.

As a freshman and sophomore, I would attend basketball games as an excuse to flirt with boys in the stands, take cute pictures and pretend I had school spirit.

Now, after four years here, I get it.

Basketball is more than just a game that consists of passing around an orange ball and aiming it toward the basket.

It is about passion and determination.

Attending a university with such a phenomenal basketball team has given me a sense of camaraderie with my fellow students.

It doesn’t matter which sorority you are in, what ethnicity you are or whether you’re a freshman or a senior.

We all want the same thing.

We want the Hoosiers to persevere with strength and receive that sixth banner.

I never used to understand why people would get so heated while watching games.

I didn’t think that whether a team won or lost would have any great effect on my life.
 
Now, I have become one of those sports fanatics I used to laugh at.

When I am at the game, I find myself in a sea of dedicated fans, taking part in the yelling and sweating.

There have even been times when a stranger was sitting next to me, and we would discuss our mutual urge to run down onto the court and yell at the referee.

I feel the same way when I am watching the game at home with my friends. 

I suppose one could classify me as a bandwagon fan. I’m not ashamed.

Of course I want to cheer on a winning team — nobody wants to be a loser. 

But these experiences have taught me there is power in numbers, and we have become a family.

This season proves that when we all come together to cheer on our team, we help get things done.

While watching the game on Tuesday night and witnessing how proud we are of the Hoosiers, I realized sports aren’t just a simple pastime. It brings people together.

When people have the same goal in mind, it fills the room, or in this case Assembly Hall, with positive energy.

Thank you, Hoosiers, for not only allowing me the opportunity to become a part of history, but also giving me yet another reason to have pride in my school.

I’ll remember the excitement of this winning season long after I graduate in May.

You have truly shaped my outlook on sports forever.

­— azaslow@indiana.edu