I am please to announce that in our first game, BBC Cottbus White Devils dismantled BC Greifswald (I was tempted by the obvious, giving Grief to Greifswald joke...but I refrained, for your sake).
I don't like to talk heavily about intricacies of the game in this blog. So for the sake of readership, I will lightly touch upon the game.
(Cottbus #1)
Greifswald, from everything I heard, one of the worst teams in our league. Which showed on the scoreboard, the final being something to effect of 87-46. Without sounding too conceded, I will highlight my stats. I had 10 points, all insided (which is where I play this season), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block....and with my head hung low, 4 fouls.
I was frustrated by the referees here in Germany. I, being from the United States, am used to a very physical game down low, with my many elbows to the face, and pushing...jockying for pos-ish...as we say in the Biz. But here, to my surprise, such things are not allowed, resulting in the said, 4 fouls. This hampered my play, because I was on the bench more than I would have liked to be. That being said, I was please with my play, and a 40 point "W" beats a kick in the teeth.
Post game was the most fun. Fans in Europe really love their sports, I suppose thats why the term Hooligan was coined. Basketball, though far behind Soccer in popularity, still manages to reel in fans. We had our arena packed for the game, complete with signs, drums, and crabettes (cheerleaders)...the latter sounding like seafood snack. After the game, we dance and clap at center court, which was both fun and amusing to me. This followed by a victory lap, high-fiving fans. We love our fans, and they love us.
After the game, we enjoyed food at an American Diner/Bar called Jimmy's...which is probably one of the better places to eat in town. It is nice to do things as a team...with my former team, this never happened. Much to my dismay...water is not free with dinner...in fact it is more expensive than most beers. Nicht goot.
After dinner, one of our boosters, was throwing a party for the guys, and a girls birthday. This was a lot more fun than I had anticipated. However, before we could take part in the festivities, the Americans and I retired to an apartment to watch some American Football. What can I say...I am American, and I need my fix.
Speaking of everything American...Brett Farve had an amazing game, completing the game with an amazing 40 yard pass to win. A good night.
We then made our way to the party, which at first started slow, but then I ended up having a great time. German beer, is a little tough on my American stomach, but I suppose there is no Natty-Light over here.
The Germans had fun teaching us German phrases and laughing...probably at our expense. And the Americans had fun, saying complex phrases and watching the Germans try to comprehend.
All in good fun!
I was shocked at how long they party over here. If partying were track meets, America is all about sprinting to the finish. Germany, on the other hand, run marathons. I left, exhausted at 330 am. And much to my amazement...the party went until 5am.
As we were saying most of the night:
This Is Germany.
