I will admit without being under oath that I am indeed an NBA junkie.
The lockout has been nothing less than a major bummer for me and with a cancellation of the entire season on the horizon I will suddenly find myself with a significant amount of time on my hands that would normally have been spent attending games and writing about the NBA.
Regardless of which side of this debacle one is on, those of us who love the game must now seek other ways to spend the time we would normally devote to what I feel is still the best basketball in the world.
That being said, why not take some of this newly found time and visit the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in New Castle, Ind.? Without question it is a hidden gem and it is well worth the short jaunt east of Indianapolis to see history virtually come alive. Everything Indiana basketball is represented and you will not come away disappointed.
Upon your return to Indianapolis, you could always take in some great hoops action provided courtesy of the Indiana School for the Deaf. Both the men’s and women’s teams play at a high level each and every time they take the floor and Oriole basketball is one of the best bargains you will find in town.
If that isn’t enough to satisfy your round ball appetite, you might consider stopping by the Wheeler Boys and Girls Club to check out the stars of tomorrow playing in their youth leagues. Some of the most spirited play in town will be on display and if inclined, you could take some of that money you might spend at an NBA game and help sponsor a aspiring All Star and their teammates as they hone their skills to perfection.
Make a hoops weekend out of the aforementioned in the near future. You will not regret it and I promise you it will make you forget the NBA lockout as you return to basketball at the grassroots level. I look forward to doing all three again soon, and once you experience it for yourself, I guarantee you will too.
NOTES: For more information regarding the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame log on to: www.hoopshall.com or call them at (765) 529-1891.
To learn more about the Orioles of the Indiana School for the Deaf, you can visit: www.deafhoosiers.com or call the school at (317) 550-4800.
To find out more details about the basketball programs at the Wheeler Boys and Girls Club you can access their website at: bgcindy.org or by calling them at (317) 926-4222.
Danny Bridges, who is finding life without NBA basketball to be more than tolerable and downright enjoyable, can be reached at (317)578-1780 or at Bridgeshd@aol.com.
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