International Basketball

I am not a big fan of the NBA by any means, at least not until play-off time. The games are sometimes exciting, but I would much rather watch the highlights the following day on sports center than an entire game.
What I do find very entertaining though is the international play. The FIBA Americas 2007 has definantly kept my attention and is something I find myself following. I like to watch some of the premiere players in the NBA work together to represent the US. It seems for the most part that everyone puts their egos aside and they genuinely enjoy playing with each other.
Watching players from different teams mix together shows you a different side to each player. On their original teams they are the "superstar" and you know what to expect from them. On the US team, the players are out of their element and on a team of "superstars" and no longer have the same role that they do on their home team, which sometimes brings out a different aspect of their game.
I also enjoy watching teams from other countries play. In this years tournament the USA team is proving themselves to be a dominant force, burying teams like Canada. Basketball is one of the more popular sports in the US, but it seems to be gaining popularity in other countries which is mirrored in teams who prove to give the US some competition, especially in the last Olympic games. Its fun to see if USA's finest size-up to those from other countries, so far this tournament no one has proven themselves a match.

Sport and Character

Through competative sports, both team and individual, I have learned many useful skills far beyond the rules of the games. I have learned teamwork, discipline, dedication, sportsmanship. and hard-work to name a few. These character traits carry over from the athletic field into my everyday life, the same is true of many of my friends and teammates. There are certain values that one acquires through participating in sports which adds to their overall character.
I believe that the athletic community as well as the rest of society expects professional athletes to display not only talent within their expertise, but also the values and sportmanship that they may have learned through playing the sport. I personally respect athletes who are extremely talented and are upstanding citizens as well. In my opinion watching someone who demostrates sportsmanship and teamwork during a sporting event adds to the overall appeal of that player. On the other hand, those who show no values are somewhat tarnished in my eyes. When professional athletes, who are supposed to epitomize sport, display bad character and make poor decisions I often lose some respect for them. For example, recently Mike Vick has been a focal point of much scrutany for his practices and behavior. Regardless of the jail time he serves and if/when he returns to the league, I don't think that I will ever have as much respect as I used to for him as a player. I feel that this may be true for many of his fans as well.