... Euseboi catches the ball on the left wing, right outside the three-point line. ... From player skill levels ranging
More Than A Game By: Aaron Hipolito First-year Jarred Euseboi catches the ball on the left wing, right outside the three-point line. Euseboi surveys the floor and retreats into a triple threat, focused on finding the best way for his team to get a bucket. He jab steps into a hawkish defender and follows it up with a crisp pump fake that the defender bites on, giving Jarred space to operate with. He puts the ball on the floor with his right hand, crosses to his left, and discovers a pocket where he can slip a pass through to his towering big man. Jarred takes one more dribble towards the basket and sneaks a bounce pass in-between two defenders to his big man, who sinks the open lay up. Much to the dismay of the other team, Jarred and his squad are up by twenty points. After the game I asked Jarred why he enjoys the game of basketball. He told me, “Cause Kobe Bryant taught me how. He taught me the love of the game, the dedication it takes. That’s my hero man.” Although Intramural Basketball may not be a hotbed for future NBA prospects and superstars, it gives UCR students an outlet to channel their favorite players, make new friends, manage their time, and passionately compete playing the game that they all love. “I love the intensity of the game. Just the ability to go at my own pace sometimes. I just love the competitiveness of it, especially when it’s a close game.” said Alex Estrada about the joy he finds in competition. Many UCR students come out because of their love of the competition and their deep, unconditional love for the game of basketball. Andrew Saffold, or to his peers Drew, explains that “[IM Basketball] lets me play with guys that I love. They enjoy the sport like I do, and it's a great way for us to bond. Especially since for a lot of us, our playing days are over. It's a great way for us to bond and get some buckets.” From player skill levels ranging from the highest level of high school varsity basketball to two years of YMCA hoop experience, students all across campus form teams to compete with other college students. The camaraderie, the intensity, and the heart-pounding, fast paced nature of the game are all replicated within the Intramural Basketball experience, satisfying every hooper’s insatiable thirst for competition. Second-year Katrina Jacinto sums up her feelings about the competition by stating, “I love seeing how people really get into it. A lot of us played in high school but we’re not playing in college so this is a space for us to continue our love for the sport and put our passion and energy into it.”
Many that play Intramural Basketball will cite reasons other than competition that drive them to play Intramural basketball. Two of the biggest reasons other than competition that I was able to discern were time management and companionship. Although players love the competition, IM Basketball has helped many UCR students with time management and stress relief. Drew Saffold explains that “It gives me a stress reliever besides sleeping, eating, and hanging out with friends.” Jarred Euseboi states that “It helps me manage my time cause I know that I have to get my stuff done before the game, otherwise I’ll be too tired to do my homework.” Alex Estrada says “[Basketball] Is a gateway for me to relax and keep my mind off of all that school work.” Ravina Patel mirrors these statements, and asserts that “Basketball helps with time management because if I get my work done my reward is playing basketball”. Basketball acts as a hobby outside of school for students to fall back on. The stresses and weight of school can be overbearing for an individual, and the joy of playing basketball can take a student’s mind off of their anxiety inducing school work. Intramural Basketball is a fantastic way to maintain good mental health, and also pushes UCR students toward creating a more organized, structured schedule that helps them stay on track to not only graduate, but also stay sane in the process. Outside of assisting a UCR student’s education, Intramural Sports can help students with the social pillar of college. The team aspect of the game can lead to long-lasting friendships that transcend the parameters of a basketball court. When asked about her favorite aspect of basketball, Ravina Patel says “First of off, it's definitely the team. I made my closest friends being on different teams.” Fellow co-rec teammate Brenda Boudaie then echoes her sentiment, stating that her favorite part is “the teamwork” and “getting to meet people.” One can see and feel these genuine bonds just by watching the games. During the two girls’ game, Ravina catches the ball, sets her feet, and drains a wide open three. She then starts running off to the other side of the court, playfully confident as her teammates on the court and on the sidelines explode with roars of approval. They yell out her name, give each other high fives, and keep the positive energy of the game going. Through these positive interactions, one can visualize the close relationship that their team has. Ravina consistently raves about the beneficial aspects of teammate interaction, stating “[the team aspect] teaches you so much, like how to work with others, and how to excel individually.” An outsider looking in would be able to observe the close conversation, the positive body language, and the joking and messing around that goes on within the team. Intramural Basketball is a beautiful way to meet people, make friends, and learn what human connection is all about. Through the Intramural Basketball experience, one can learn not only about other people, but also themselves.
