I got to watch he and his brother play against Texas A&M when I was there. One of the most memorable experiences Ive ever had of witnessing someone so clearly on another level (literally and figuratively). Got to watch him soar in for a dunk in person again last season at TD Garden, with joy this time, and the stadium went crazy. You said it perfectly.
I was fortunate enough at thirteen years old to see Griffin's Oklahoma team play in the first round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament in Kansas City. It was one of the first times that I could recognize the benefit of watching that type of athlete perform in-person as opposed to on TV. His speed and leaping ability so vastly outstripped that of their fifteenth-seeded opponent. He'd make runs for lobs and rebounds imbued with a sense of inevitability, drawing focus from everyone in the arena. Even without the ball in his hands he demanded attention.
It's paradoxical that he could end up retiring so quietly after playing such dazzling basketball at his peak. I didn't even know he'd retired until I read this piece! But that's how careers go, I suppose -- and I hope he's proud of his
This is wonderful.
I got to watch he and his brother play against Texas A&M when I was there. One of the most memorable experiences Ive ever had of witnessing someone so clearly on another level (literally and figuratively). Got to watch him soar in for a dunk in person again last season at TD Garden, with joy this time, and the stadium went crazy. You said it perfectly.
Again, outstanding
I loved reading this!
I was fortunate enough at thirteen years old to see Griffin's Oklahoma team play in the first round of the 2009 NCAA Tournament in Kansas City. It was one of the first times that I could recognize the benefit of watching that type of athlete perform in-person as opposed to on TV. His speed and leaping ability so vastly outstripped that of their fifteenth-seeded opponent. He'd make runs for lobs and rebounds imbued with a sense of inevitability, drawing focus from everyone in the arena. Even without the ball in his hands he demanded attention.
It's paradoxical that he could end up retiring so quietly after playing such dazzling basketball at his peak. I didn't even know he'd retired until I read this piece! But that's how careers go, I suppose -- and I hope he's proud of his
Awesome stuff as always, Katie!