The sport of basketball has brought out all of my emotions, from tears of frustration to tears of joy. I had my lowest lows and my highest highs with this sport, but I wouldn't change a thing. Basketball made me who I was, who I am, and will help me decide who I will be. Now I'd like to share with you why us basketball players love the sport.

1. It's the perfect getaway.

When I was stressed or upset with something at home or school, this sport was always there for me. Once I step on the court, everything I am worried about vanishes. It's like I'm in a whole new world and it's the best feeling. Some people talk to their parents when they're stressed, some use drugs, some just sit in their room. I play basketball.

2.. The feeling of winning a close game with your teammates.

The final buzzer sounds and the crowd stands up, screaming and clapping. The players on the court and the players on the bench come together in one big huddle, full of emotions. Everyone is SO happy in that moment. You wouldn't trade that moment for the world.

3. They aren't only your teammates, they're your family.

You spend every day with these people. You get to know every single person on your team, and you start to become a family. You tell each other anything and everything. You have team dinners, team movie nights, team bowling, basically anything. You open up to these people and start to feel comfortable around them. You feel that if you can trust them off of the court, you can trust them on the court too. You build up a love for these people, and it's not just temporary either. You will always be there for each other.

4. There's always something new to learn.

No matter how many moves you can do, there is always a new one to try. There is always room for improvement, and that's such a great thing. You are constantly working to be better. Once you master a move you've been working on, it's so satisfying.

5. The game has a permanent effect on your life and who you are.

Determination, effort, hard work, teamwork, and self control are just four of the many traits I have picked up from this sport that will stick with me forever. It's not just a sport. Basketball builds character. It has taught me how to deal with tough situations in the best way possible. It taught me to never give up, no matter where I stand.