This is not a football post. Why? Well, does Birmingham need any additional reminders to be excited for football? Absolutely not. This post is a reminder that the State of Alabama and, more specifically, Birmingham, has got another sport to be excited about: basketball. For the past couple of years I’ve attended (almost) all of the UAB Men’s Basketball games with my dad and brother. I never went to school at UAB, but they hooked me with their “fastest 40 minutes in basketball” style, charismatic players, and exciting atmosphere.
UAB is the reigning C-USA regular season champions. Although the loss of guards Aaron Johnson and Jamarr Sanders will no doubt sting a little, I am optimistic about seeing what Ovie Soko and Cameron Moore have in store this year. The Blazers have a way of playing that makes coming to the games, win or lose, extremely exciting and worth the trip to Bartow Arena.
I never thought I’d enjoy going to these games as much as I do. If you think you’re too girly to care too much about basketball, allow me to give you some additional reasons to attend a Blazer’s game this year:
1. People watching. You’ll see some characters, no doubt. Check the student section for some really awful/awesome moves during the “dance cam”.
2. Good popcorn and Cokes. I am never without either one in the second half!
3. Guys in basketball shorts. I pretend they’re not, like, 18…
4. Hip hop. New and classic jams.
5. Climate-controlled sports viewing. Football can be MISERABLE. Why get sunburned or frost-bitten if you don’t have to?!
6. Better halftime shows. I’ve never been big into band music…here you may see an elementary school hula-hooping team, dance contest, or guys doing tricks on bikes. I’d pay just to see that!
I’m sure by now you’re convinced that UAB Basketball is definitely NOT lame. J Go ahead and get your tickets to see them play their biggest rival, Memphis, on January 7th! This is a game that any sports fan in Birmingham wouldn’t want to miss!
Go Blazers!!
