One of my first memories in life was watching my brother, Marshall, dribble a basketball. I was maybe three years old, my brother maybe five, and my grandfather set up a basketball net in his driveway. I couldn’t dribble so I bounced the huge ball with both of my hands. It was massive, bigger than my head, and I had no idea how people actually held it in one hand. I looked up to my brother and was in awe of his master talents. He could actually dribble the ball with one hand and he was strong enough to shoot it at the net. He was going to be in the NBA and I was going to be his biggest competition. Until then, I would watch his every move and learn from the best. That’s what big brothers are for, right?
I’ve been dreaming about basketball since I was three years old and tomorrow I will attend my first NBA experience through QuintEvents. NBA All Star 2013 competitions will get underway with the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge. The league’s brightest young stars from the Rookie and Sophomore classes will battle it out. I can guarantee that these men have similar childhood memories and now they are making them a reality in a big way. What do you think is going through their heads right now? I remember how nervous I was during my first day teaching; this is a whole other level!
I’m about to experience eighteen of the league’s brightest young stars playing in two 20-minute halves. Imagine the adrenaline that will be felt throughout the stadium! I think I’ll feel similar emotions to that of what I felt during skydiving or flying a jetpack. The whole stadium will be alive.
Last year’s Rising Stars Challenge general manager Shaquille O’Neal drafted the team that brought a 146-133 victory over Charles Barkley’s, with MVP Kyrie Irving hitting a perfect 8 for 8 from beyond the arc, 34 points and 9 assists. Just saying these names is making me bubble with anticipation. Say it, SHAQUILLE O’NEAL!
I’m actually going to be there firsthand. Doors open at 6:30 and I’ll try my best to mentally bring you along with me, but some things you just have to experience for yourself.
QuintEvents is an Official Hospitality Provider for the NBA All-Star Game and the NBA Draft. Official Ticket Packages are available through the NBA Events Program. NBA-Events.com is the website for Official Ticket Packages.
Bucket List Publications 
Your enthusiasm is contagious! Go enjoy that.
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“Your enthusiasm is contagious!” This is my favorite comment 🙂
That’s what every writer wants to here.
Have a great weekend and thanks for reading,
Lesley
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Aww too much fun you are making me jealous 🙂
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i always love returning to the states when the sweet 16 is in progress. i schedule my travels around the times/schedules/dates of the games! z
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Have a great time Lesley! Way to grab the dream!
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Our memories of youth puts on the path that leads to a circle of completetion of a target of expection. Its gooooooooood
Johnny
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I am jealous but very happy for you! Enjoy!
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I’d say join me but it might be a long flight. QuintEvents does offer two packages this year in England though. Something to thing about. Their link is above 😉
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Your enthusiasm IS contagious. I actually became interested in basketball for a few minutes =) Good stuff.
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HAPPY VALENTINES DAY TO YOU!!! Muah! Lots of love, Emily 🙂
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Enjoy!
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….still green with envy….but like i said….do your thing girl…..do your thing,,,,@ShaqAttack!!
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You should join me for one of the events 🙂
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Shocked this is your first experience with the NBA ! Have fun ! it might be chaotic but fun … i have a little NBA history
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I haven’t really gone to many live professional sporting events, but being form eastern Canada we didn’t have many options. That’s why I thought it was time to add them to the list. This is a great start 🙂
Have you been to other professional sporting events as well? Is basketball your favorite?
Have a great weekend,
Lesley
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Lesley, our 10 year old Samantha shot 65 baskets Monday, sad my husband and I drilled her, she insisted she shot 65, so yesterday she shot 100! Thank you for your post! Loved hearing when you and your brother were young… I love sending people to your Blog, so many folks have stopped living life to the fullest. They seemed to have traded their dreams for exuses. glad you did not.
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Thank you for all of the encouragement and support. I’m proud of your daughter and I like her determination 😉
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Enjoy I have been to one. They are fun.Live for me always is.
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Very exciting! Have FUN!!
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Although I prefer baseball and football, I do watch some basketball games on TV with DH. Have a good time!
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Jealous! Cheer on Kevin Durant for me – he’s my NBA man.
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I wish I still enjoyed the NBA like I used to as a young girl. This post definitely brought back memories of when I used to always cheer like crazy with my dad for the NYKnicks. Hope you had tons of fun!
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Hav a great time dear…
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I’m anxious just thinking about the game. 🙂
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I love basketball, so I can totally relate to your excitement! I hope you enjoyed yourself…I know it’s an experience you’ll never forget! 🙂
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We had a good taster of basketball in the olympics last year and it is certainly an adreline fueled sport but im not sure if it will catch on in the UK. Saying that the Nicks beat the Pistons at the O2 Arena to a sellout crowd so you never know.
it’s great to see that the enthusiasm surrounding sporting events is the same around the globe. In Europe football (soccer to you lot) breeds the same emotions. If you are ever in England try to get to a match and experience the passion that the fans show on a weekly basis.
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