Round Ball in Latvia
Sports fans—imagine this! At 5:00 on a Friday evening you’re considering evening options, and discover the home town team (think Patriots, UNH Wildcats hockey, Celtics—probably not the Bruins) are playing in town at 8:00. Call some friends (3 in this case), meet a little after 7:00, walk 20 minutes to the arena, buy tickets at the door, sit for a drink and snacks before the game (the U.S. Embassy marines were working on a full course meal before the game), then walk into the game with 5th row, non-reserved seats just off center court.
The game was exciting—fast paced, physical, multiple lead changes including double digit leads for and against our ASK Riga team. There was fairly spectacular 3-point shooting from a player or two on each side. “We” seemed intermittently careless and sloppy with the ball—missed fast break layups, errant passes out-of-bounds, way too many missed free throws, but with 3 +/- minutes left the score was tied at 76. After a fast and furious finish (their big, C. Barkley-like center fouled out), ASK Riga won by 3 points.
Highlights of the show? Check the pictures. 1) The game, of course! 2) The half-time antics of several children, including a 2-3 year old or two—the next generation of players? 3) A brief schmooze and photo with the team mascot, a Lion, 4) the blonde-maned, similar-sized, scantily dressed, energetic, gymnast-like cheerleaders, & 5) a chance to chat with the 6’ 10” A.J. Bramlett—former U. of AZ star, drafted by the Cleveland Cavs in ’99, for the past 2 years center of the ASK Riga team. Check him out on Wikipedia—nice guy & one of 3 U.S. starters on the team!
Oh, did I mention the price of admission? One LVL, i.e. U.S. $2.00 each!