In this edition of Ian’s blog, we will be discussing Varsities, working a wonderful basketball camp in Cork and of course give you my predictions on the NBA Playoffs. (Just saw we all know this blog was written before the start of the Playoffs and may be published after the start haha). With that being said, we will start with last weekend, where all the Irish college basketball teams rendezvoused in beautiful Limerick. The weekend of course started at a pub, where we all had a couple drinks before heading onto the bus from Cork to Limerick. We were heading up to play a college basketball tournament, but it seemed to me to be more of a festival type atmosphere. During the day, we would play either one or two games, then everyone who played would meet up at the local pub or club which would be rented out by The Head of the Tournament so that everyone could join in the late-night festivities. All the scholars, except the golfers (Dom and Kristen) who were truly missed, were there which made for an even more exciting weekend. The weekend was an incredible experience even though we lost all three games, but again the basketball seemed second in importance on this weekend.
The weekend after Maddy and I were contacted to run two girls’ skills sessions. The first session was girls ages 10-12 and the second session was ages 13-16. Both sessions were very effective. There were around 20 girls in each session which helped to make the groups perfect size in order to run certain drills. I personally enjoyed working with the older age group whereas Maddy liked working with the younger age group, so the separation of the groups created a perfect balance for us as well. All in all, a very fun, exciting, productive camp for the girls and for us as scholars.
Now for my NBA Playoff predictions. I have some hot takes with this storyline so make sure to keep reading. First hot take, both teams who were in the NBA Finals last year do not make it out of the first round. LeBron and the Warriors, I repeat, do not make it out of the first round. A dynamic, young Pacers team who plays excellent defense will beat the Cavs, 4-2. The aging Spurs without Kawhi Leonard will still advance past the Dubs (who have an injured two time MVP, Steph Curry). The second take, the Celtics without Kyrie Irving, without Gordon Hayward will make the NBA Finals. They still have great players and don’t forget, one of the best coaches in basketball, Brad Stevens. The final take, the Houston Rockets will be the NBA Champions. They have a deep team, with two stars and a tremendous coach with a great system.
Thanks for reading about what has happened the last two weeks for myself and reading my thoughts and hot takes on the NBA Playoffs. Tune in again and make sure to read other scholars blogs too! Have a great two weeks!!
