Let the hysteria begin!

I love all the sports I cover and I've learned much over the past year. But the sport I've loved since childhood is upon us and I couldn't be happier.

There's just nothing like entering a packed gym on a Friday night to watch a couple of games. The smells, the sounds and the competition.

I used to watch basketball on every level, from high school to the pros. But since I like to watch classy athletes with a passion for the game go head-to-head. I have quit watching the NBA. I'd rather watch a bunch of high school athletes compete for a game they believe in than watch a league of over-paid punks attempt to play a game they forgot years ago.

All I've heard before the season is how good the Celtics are going to be -- the best team money can buy. Worked really good for the Yankees lately hasn't it.

Garnett, Allen and Pierce -- a trio of underachievers. They might have some individual accolades but they don't have any rings. And when the season comes to its conclusion, they still will be without them.

I receive a lot of grief because of the fact that I am not an Indiana Pacers fan. If the organization could get itself together and go through a season without making a special appearance on the police blotter, I might reconsider my position, but until then I could care less.

It's strikes me funny that I see individuals in high school who conduct themselves in more of a professional manner than the people who are being paid millions to play the same game. They take the time to talk with kids, go out of their way to be polite to others and represent their schools in a positive light.

I receive a lot of positive comments from coaches and parents thanking me for being at the events I cover. My usual response is "I love being here" or "I love covering the kids" and that is the truth. Part of the appeal of my job is having the opportunity to watch individuals progress from season to season and see them mature into young adults ready to take on the world.

I hope when young athletes at the grade school levels seek athletes to imitate, they look closer to home. The athletes with the most class are at your local gym.