<p>hey all:
so I'm a freshman in college...I'm decent at a particular sport that I enjoy, but I definitely cannot make varsity. Occasionally, at the gyms here in college, I'll get humbly owned by upperclassmen in open runs/open courts, but that doesn't deter me away from playing; losing to them only makes me want to get better (devote some time to drills and physical conditioning to become very competitive at a "higher"--however high that may be--level)...I view it this way: I'm almost 19, I haven't played organized basketball in YEARS, I should be focusing on my academics here at this 'top-notch' institution instead of worrying about getting good at that sport I love, so I guess it's just a time dilemma: should I be spending time working with this sport, even if I know I won't get on varsity or play professionally...sure, I think it'll make me "happy" and physically-conditioned, but is it worth that slight academic sacrifice?</p>
<p>Any suggestions/advice? Am I too old at 18 to continue working at this sport?</p>
<p>No, it is not worth any academic sacrifice to continue with your hopes of playing basketball for anything other than the sheer pleasure of it. Play ball for fun--that's as far as you'll get with it. Academics first---then go shoot some hoops for fun.</p>
<p>i want to make some things clear: i'm not spending 2 hours/day playing this sport, and i definitely will study for an exam/get all homework done FIRST before playing (e.g..i'll skip one or 2 straight days if I have midterm, and go play for some relaxation). I guess I initially mentioned the 'academic sacrifice' because even if I'm done with all my work and am prepared for the next test or quiz, I feel as though I should be doing EVEN more or something related to academics. I try to incorporate basketball into physical conditioning/my daily exercise routine, so I like to think that I'm getting my daily, recommended exercise along with my "fun."</p>
<p>In light of what I just said, do you guys still think the same thing? And just curious, what are your opinions about time spent working out?</p>
<p>If you're getting your work done and your grades are where you want them to be, then go play some basketball. Some people play the guitar, some people run, some people work out at the fitness center---if basketball is your outlet, enjoy! Just remember to keep yourself grounded to the fact that basketball is an outlet and not a career option. lol</p>
<p>lol yeah, im not gonna try out for the team..id be putting myself in the worst and most embarrassing situation. but i have taken a rather strange fascination with dunking lately</p>
<p>just b/c you think you might not make varsity, it doesn't mean you should quit on that sport. in fact, just playing it as a workout can add something else to your social life. lol. definitely, don't quit though even though you're in college already. </p>
<p>on the other hand, working out just at least an hour or two a day is enough.</p>
<p>Basketball is a lifelong sport that can be played anywhere in the world. Keep playing if you love it. If you want to get involved in the BB program, you can always be a student manager for the team. It's a big job, but one that looks good on resumes since it involves a lot of responsibility. Also, at many universities, being involved with a revenue sport (in any capacity) can put you in a position to meet and greet with wealthy and well connected donors who love to offer internships and jobs to "friends of the program." Student managers can also get partial scholarships at some schools. The travel during season can be challenging, but it is fun to go to all of the games.</p>
<p>Of course you should play. That doesn't mean your academics have to suffer either. If you manage your time well, then there isn't going to be an issue. Realistically, you won't become a super star at b-ball, but you definitely can improve greatly at the sport if you practice (provided you have some athletic ability).</p>
<p>play some, but keep your academics top priority...it's definitely possible to maintain both. the valedictorian at Dartmouth last year played varsity sport. it's quite amazing.</p>
<p>I dont see how this could possibly affect academics. I mean really, is 1-2 hours going to kill someone's grades? Keep playing the sport, basketball is something you can pick up and play almost anywhere, including intramural teams at work.</p>