Dig deep

Its about 1pm Saturday. 5 hours to game time. Im nervous as if I was going to suit up and play.
Die hard fans and former athletes like myself all know what Im feeling. I played many 3 on 3 Gus Macker style basketball tournaments, and every time, I was nervous. My confidence never rattled, as I thrive on the challenge. I always liked to play people who were obviously taller and better players than me ( wasnt hard to find) because I always feel the drive to shine. There is no sensation quite like when your in the "zone". The basket is as big as a swimming pool and the ball flows off your hand with the smooth release and rainbow flight. If its all REALLY clicking, you can post like Kevin McHale, and fill the basket like Larry Bird. Exhaustion means nothing, the effort of your opponents means less. I have to say, I dont get there a lot, but it happens every now and then. I have learned over the years, that I cant overwhelm my mind with the stakes of the game. I always do better when I focus on game fundamentals. Play hard, stay alert, bend but dont break. That probably doesnt make sense to most, but my player friends know what Iam saying. The pregame mental checklist. Just before the tip off, or the kickoff, or the first tee you push into the ground looking down a fairway. A deep breath and a hard exhale and inner monologue..." go time ". The Spartans have another ridge to climb in UCONN. Thabeet and the post play for UCONN is mighty.Two good guards run the show.They're gonna want to penetrate and pass into the lane so 7' 3" can get his. I dont see many jumpers from UCONN. Maybe Im wrong, but I dont think thats what they're gonna push. Constant mental analysis has exhausted my brain battery. I have beaten this game to death in my mind about as much as I can. Im ready to see em do it. Spartan nation is hungry. People in Michigan are punch drunk from the effects of our failing state economy, and an overall decline in morale. A win for MSU would fan a spark to hopefully build to a flame. The dark underbelly of human kind is slowly showing more and more of itself as we struggle to maintain dignity and some semblance of the style of life we have become accustomed to. Crime is way up, and unemployment is around 12.5% in Michigan. 1 of every 10 people are either unemployed and / or unemployed and on state assistance. Why the mainstream enjoys trashing the upper midwest is beyond me. Doesn't matter, actions speak louder than bullshit. We will rise again. Lets get that party started with a victory for MSU and the Big 10 today at 6pm. Im heading down to Michigan Theatre to watch the game. Michigan Theatre is a Spanish Ren style theatre build around 1930 or so. Very orante and very beautiful. A treasure in our crappy city that just holds onto existence by charity and dedication of people who love it here and want to preserve our towns heritage. Good place to see a show. Time for a shower, some lunch and time to gather up the L.O.S.T cohort. Loud and proud my friends, LOUD and PROUD. GO GREEN.