JEagle87

I've watched more NBA games this year than in the rest of my life put together. Maybe that's a stretch, But after I heard that UConn grad Ray Allen was coming to play in Boston via a draft day trade, I got excited. I never really followed the NBA outside of UConn grads such as Ray Allen, Rip Hamilton, Emeka Okafor, etc. I just enjoy the college game more than the NBA. So naturally, I wanted to see the UConn players have success in the NBA as well. Rip Hamilton won a title with the Pistons a few years back, but other than that, I've really only followed Ray Allen. I have an old, purple Allen jersey from his days with the Milwaukee Bucks that's probably in mint-condition because I never really wore it. That jersey was rather big for my 4-foot nothing frame ten years ago. Even through the rough days in Seattle, I really wanted to see Allen get one last chance at a playoff run. The Boston Celtics answered this call, acquiring Allen via a trade as well as Kevin Garnett in a separate trade. Last night, after watching the Celtics suffocating defense on the Lakers and Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen finally got his ring, and this UConn follower rejoiced. But alas, it is not meant to be.

I followed the NBA more closely than ever before. You see, this is the last year I can "legally" follow the University of Connecticut graduates in the NBA. My current school Rider University (Lawrenceville, NJ), will graduate its first NBA draftee in 6'-10" PF/C Jason Thompson. According to the myriad of sports law, after he is drafted, I can no longer follow Allen's Celtics or Hamilton's Pistons. I'm stuck with whoever drafts Thompson, and I'm not complaining. Following the NBA this year has been interesting to say the least. I still don't like watching most games, mainly because I like watching defense. So watching the Celtics and the Spurs along with a few others comes easy to me, but watching basically every other team is a challenge. But no matter what, after Thompson is drafted, I'm changing my CBS profile, buying a jersey and hat online and embracing my new team with open arms. I would love to see Thompson go to a contender, or stay local in Philly or New Jersey so I could road trip with friends to see him play.

I'm not going to get into a college vs. pros rant, that will be for another time. But for this sports fan, embracing the NBA will take time. Watching this years playoffs and Finals have been exciting, and hopefully next year, I'll be watching Jason Thompson and team to be announced on draft day in 2009 challenging for the title. But for now, this "bandwagon" Celtics fan has a week to celebrate. There won't be any buying of championship hats or t-shirts. Perhaps a phone call or two to family and friends to talk about Allen, Garnett and MVP Paul Pierce finally getting to the top.

But congratulations to Ray Allen and the Boston Celtics, the 2008 NBA Champions. You've started to convert this college fan into a potential NBA fan. And while that day may truly never come, it is a start.

- Eagle