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In 1983, I was 13 years old, and each year I watched the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament with my dad every year.  My dad was really pulling for NC State, but we were very worried, when they were matched against the number 1 ranked Houston Cougars.  Houston’s team was so talented; they had a nickname of the “Phi Slamma Jamma”.  They had two players who became legendary in the NBA, Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler.  NC State led actually led at half time, but the Cougars went on a 17-2 run to start the second half, and took a 43 to 35 lead, but State fought back to get the score tied up at 52.  In what was the most thrilling play arguably in the history of college basketball, NC State heaved a 30 foot pass towards the basket that was actually deflected by Drexler, but caught in midair and turned into a made shot in one fail swoop by Lorenzo Charles.  This game winning play led to mayhem on the courts and the famous scene of Jimmy V. running across the court with his arms open wide.  Me and dad woke mom up and got in a little trouble, but it was worth it and I will never forget it.

My favorite basketball game ever was on June 9, 2009. I attended this game. It was the Orlando Magic versus Los Angeles Lakers. This game is the only finals win the Magic have ever had. This game was a Magic home game and our seats were about 10 rows back. The Lakers were winning the series 2-0 at this point. This game was so intense; the Magic didn’t win the game until around the last minute. They played an incredible game on defense and offense. The energy at the game was incredible and I am so grateful that I was able to attend.