We all airball once in a while!

Sorry its been a while since my last post. I need to do a much better job of following up and keeping everyone informed on what has been going on. I promise I will do a better job! :-)
I want to share about the last 3 ball games we have had. Last weekend, after a disappointing loss at home, we traveled 4 hours north to Geraldton. They were currently the number one ranked team in our division at 7-1 and playing very well. The team that we got hammered by just a game before at home, lost to Geraldton a week earlier by 25. So I knew we had our hands full. Now, if you are an athlete than I think you can relate to what I am going to say next. Do you ever get those feelings in the games that everything is going to be fine? Maybe the game starts our bad and people are worried, but inside you just feel at ease? This was one of those games for me. In front of a sold out crowd, we began the game down 15-0. I know right? But the thing about it was, I was happy with what we were getting. I thought our offense was smooth, we were getting great looks, and they were hitting tough shots. I told the guys in the huddle, just relax and get it back one possession at a time. Sure enough thats exactly what we did. We cut the lead to two by halftime, and in the second half outscored them easily and ran away with a 15 point win. It was the first time the club has won in Geraldton since 1998, so I felt really good about that. Needless to say the game was very interesting. Before it started I told a teammate of mine that I cannot remember the last time I actually airballed a shot in a game. Whoops, bad timing.

Not only did I airball once, oh but I did it twice. I said earlier in my posts how the fans love to give the imports a hard time, oh man. Haha lets just say I was hearing it alright! The funny thing was I wasnt embarrassed at all. My team was winning and I was playing really well, besides though two pull up jumpers lol. The best part of the game though was in the 3rd quarter. I'm glad I decided to wait until I'm overseas to have the best play of my career. I wish you would have seen it. We were pressing full court and my teammate knocked the ball loose from the ball carrier. The ball was sliding in a hurry out of bounds, so I took off. Now picture this. The floor was soooo humid, so it was already slippery enough (which was good because this would have been painful if it wasnt). My teammates fell over to the ground as well as the guard he took it from...I jumped over both of them chased the ball to the sideline. Suddenly everything stopped. It was like time froze. In my head all I could think was, "seriously, coach is going to bitch at me if I dont at least hustle after this...oh well make it look interesting Scott." I jumped from just passed the free throw elbow into a head first dive. Arms stretched out I hit the ground and like a slip and slide shot towards the sideline. To my surprize I was actually gaining on the ball. Right before it went out of bounds I scooped it (still sliding) and threw it over my left shoulder as hard as I could. I smashed into the wall shoulder first and cut my eye. As I look over my shoulder the ball somehow hit off my teammates foot, popped straight into the air into my big guys hands, who shot it, made it, and got fouled. The whole place stood up and clapped haha. I was like, "There is no way that just happened." My sweat mark on the floor was 20+ feet long! My players surrounded me and you would have thought I just hit a game winner. I looked in the crowd and the front row was bowing over hahaha! One of their players even walks up and congratulated me! I thought it was so funny. God decided to humble me however on the very next play when I airballed a ten foot jumpshot. Oh well, you win some you lose some!

We picked up two more wins this weekend and moved into 5th place outta 14. We are the hottest team in the league right now and Marcus is back playing. We really have a shot to do a lot of damage from here on out. We have the toughest first round schedule, followed by the easiest second half. We have 3 more games to go before the break so if we can manage a couple more wins, we will be sitting pretty for the next half of the season.

Aside from ball, everything is also going great! We just got back from having wine and cigars with a friend of ours in the park. Cigars probably arent the best choice, but hey its my birthday tomorrow! April came and went sooooo fast! To think we are about halfway done with our trip is unbelievable! In just about 3 months we will be flying home! Crazy to think. Summertime is coming and I hope this message finds everyone in good spirits!

Want to give a shout out to Mr. & Mrs. Leaf! Its been about 4+ years since we have gone this long without seeing you guys and Marcus and I just wanted to say that we missed you guys. We hope you are doing well and enjoying the change of weather! When we get home we want to have dinner and show you all the pictures! Plus hopefully you enjoy Wolves basketball gear ;-)

Lonesome Athlete

The Gym

Before I begin my story, I have to fill everyone in on what Marcus and I have been doing. I think I have made it very obvious that basketball is much more "laid back" in the land down under. With practice only twice a week, and games on the weekends, we both have TONS of time to use. So....we decided that we would get a part time job. Nothing big, just something to do for a couple hours a day, and put a little extra cash in our pockets to allow us to do some cool things while we are here. One of the players on our team helped get us a job at a telephone shop downtown. We are demonstrators. So all we do is from 11-3 each day we walked around and show people the internet on our model phones. However, most people really dont care, all they want to do is buy a phone, upgrade it, or complain about a problem. Since I cannot answer any of those questions, I just pass them right along to the rest of the staff. Today for example I spent my entire 4 hour working day checking email and watching Hall & Oates videos on youtube. Seriously, if I could be in any band back in the day it would be a toss up between the E Street Band, Traveling Wilburys, and Hall & Oates. Unfortunately the Hall & Oates name would cause a problem and we'd have to come up with something clever. Ok getting off point. So I am working the other day at the store and I look at to see a man dressed head to toe in an army outfit having a conversation....with himself. Since it is an outdoor mall, there are thousands of people walking around. And sure enough, this man is sitting at a table talking, outloud, to absolutely no one. At first I thought it was just strange. Then I thought it was really strange. I asked one of the other employees about it and she told me that he is there all the time. But the interesting day continued. After staring at the ex Vietnam Soldier who talks to himself for about an hour I then turned my attention elsewhere. There were drums, and horns, and shouting in the street. I thought cool, a parade. Nope, not even close, Dressed in bright orange shirts, with massive signs saying, "Help Support Zambia" and "Stop our government." Now...I'm no geography major...wait, yes I am. For those who dont know Zambia is NO where near Australia for one and two, I hardly have a feeling that Australian people are in any direct contact with Zambia. I could be wrong, but...nope they dont. I was actually going to join in because I have always wanted to do something like that. But when I put two and two together, it added up to 5. And that wasnt right. So I passed. With about an hour left to go in my already eventful 4 hour shift, it only got better. I approached a middle aged woman to ask her if she needed any help. She was an aboriginal lady with a beautiful long dress and about 7 total teeth. Apparently in her language, asking if she needs anything implies that we are now best friends and she is open to talk about her ENTIRE life. For the next 28 minutes (seriously, I watched the clock) she told me something about how her husband left in 1989, she has 3 kids who apparently have the same name, she goes clubbin (not dancing!) for the giant lizards in the bush, and she thinks I smell like fresh ground pepper. At some point I thought she was going to club me and put me across her fire. But all the story seemed choppy because I just couldnt stop staring at her teeth. Seriously, if I colored mine with permanant marker, didnt brush for 3 months, and played football without a helmet, they still find a way to edge out hers. I politely ended the coversation when it was time for me to leave and she said, "Gimme ur phone so I ring." I got what she meant. But there is no way on here I was giving Madam Bush Woman my number. Ah just another day in the life of S. Moore.

So here is the real message for today. Now do not misinterpret this message. I want everyone to know how much fun we both are having here. And honestly, I do believe that this is where God wants me to be. But something hit home the other week and I have to share it, because I think a lot of people will understand where I am coming from. No before I begin, please leave your pity and sorrow at the door, cuz I dont want any part of it! This is not why I am writing this message! Alright. Here we go. The other week we had a double header, one game on Friday and one game on Saturday against two tough teams. Coach pulled me aside on Friday night and told me that in order for us to win, I needed to lead this team. The first half begins and we just never really get into a rythem. At halftime we are down to our rivals by a couple points. I didnt play well the first half, so I decided to make my presence known. I huddled the team together before we began the 2nd half and gave them somewhat more than an earful. Man did something hit home. The next 24 minutes were absolutely beatiful. I dont think I have played a better half of basketball in my life. The team was rolling and so was I. Everytime our team got the ball, it was in my hands and up the floor in a flash. I felt great, quick, and made passes that would have made Pistol Pete roll over in his grave. I got to the basket whenever I wanted, and finished almost every shot I took. After the game was over, I just felt great about our teams performance and had that feeling in my stomach that we could be scary good. Here is what is different. After the game we shake hands with the other team and head into the locker room. Coach says a few words, we congratulated each other, hit the showers, got dressed and made our way back onto the court. This was always one of my favorite times as a player. Whether a great game or bad game, I always enjoyed the presence of my family and friends after a game. Just something about it that makes it worth while. Hearing your friends share memories with you, grandma giving you kisses saying you were great (whether you sucked or not), hearing dad say, "You shoulda hit your free throw in the second quarter" (yeah thanks dad), and so on. Having Coach grab your shoulder and whisper in your ear, "Way to play kid. Keep leading this team." Then exiting with your friends to have an after game meal and laugh. Thats what its all about. Not the time between the lines, but outside.

As I exit the locker room I made the turn for the gym. A reporter stopped to do a quick interview. As I continued I got an occasional great game Scott, or nice job American from a few parents or fans. Then I sat my bag down, and plopped on the bleachers tired, but smiling. Then I looked around. Marcus wasnt there because he injured his eye, so he was at home. But I saw the players come out and embrace their families. Hugs were shared, kisses were exchanged, and laughter filled with area. Friends met up with the players and some of the girlfriends/wives were hanging on their shoulders. Thats when my stomach went empty. I had just played the best half of basketball in my entire life, and I was all alone. Not a sad moment, but a different one I think. You dont realize how important those times are, until you dont have them. I'm doing something I have always dreamed about. I am playing professional basketball. I'm doing what others can only dream about doing. I get emails from players everyday that ask me, "How do I do what you and Marcus are doing, what did you guys do to get there?" And you know what, basketball is not what I love. Basketball is just something that brought us all together. Its something that I could do, that brought joy to others. Its just different when you dont have the people you love to share it with. I am glad that Marcus is here, but on a personal level I believe this will be the final time we play competitively TOGETHER. Sure there will be alumni games, and leagues, and this and that.

I do want to keep doing this. I love to travel and to see this world. And I want to do it while I can. So if the opportunity came, yes I would do it once again. I just wanted to share with everyone WHY this game means so much to us. I truly believe that I do it not for myself, as much as I do it for the people I love. So in a word, thank you to everyone. Thanks to mom and dad for never missing a game. I used to HATE having to hear dad tell me something after a game. Now after games he's the first one I want to talk to. Some kids would kill to have their parents come to one game. I would be worried if mine werent at one game. Nikki and Matt for making efforts when it meant cancelling their own plans and for making it so easy for both of us. Grandma and Grandpa for always being there to tell us how great we were, even though we may not of had a great game. Uncle Jerry for always having the right thing to say before or after. Mikey for being a great friend and going out of his way for us. And all of our friends that put basketball in perspective. You are what it is all about! We love you guys and miss everyone!

On a more cheerful note I met a girl whose parents happen to be richy rich and they own like 4 planes. Yeah, her dad is def taking Marcus and I up in one and letting us fly it! I thought I'd finish on a less teary ending!

Easter

Thursday night we had our 7th game of the season. It was only the 2nd home game, as we have been on the road for the last 5 games. Therefore there was a large crowd and they the place was really rocking at the start of the game. Unfortunately the game did not go so well lol. It just so happened that we couldnt have played worse on offense, and they hit every shot they took it seemed like. To make things worse, most of those shots were 3's! I believe they were like 21-32 from behind the 3 point line. Yeah, not too shabby. Plus our 7 points we put up in the 3rd quarter didnt exactly give us the boost we needed haha. Needless to say, it was an ugly game and we lost by 30+. Guess thats why we play 26 games and not one haha.

We have the rest of the weekend off for Easter break, and most of the people just spend time with their families. Dean and Lisa decided they wanted to throw a Passover Dinner which was awesome! I have never experienced a Jewish Passover Dinner, and I have to say that it was a great time. There were about 16 of us or so and it was so enjoyable! Plus, you cant go wrong with free food, and a LOT of it. And yes I did contribute! I brought some soft drinks ;-)

We moved into a new place in the city and its a blast. Living on the beach was nice, but its so much easier to get around here. We are minutes away from grocery stores, food joints, shopping mall, and a bunch of sidewalk shops. There is also a massive park right across the road where Marcus and I can throw the baseball around. Its funny cuz when people walk by, some are confused what we are doing. I dont think they watch much baseball around these parts! We have so much free time that we decided to go ahead and get a part time job while we are here. We have a chance to get with a golf course here, but since it is so far from the city, we are going to wait for a little bit with that. Instead we got in with a Telephone company right downtown (go figure right?) My Grandpa worked for the telephone company, my dad does now, and now his boys can follow in his footsteps! Ha well kinda. Its awesome though. All we do is go around and show people the new features on cellphones. The new features on the high speed internet and tv. We are not supposed to know or answer any questions about the phones or plans, just direct them to someone else if they asks us. So yes, all I am supposed to do is show the internet to people. However, most people just need simple questions answered about their phones, therefore I cannot help them. So today, I talked to 2, thats right 2 people in four hours. Boring? I dont think so. I got a full day of music videos, checking and sending emails, looking up scores on Espn, and even some television. Not to mention we roll in 25 bucks an hr. Thats not an exaggeration...25 bucks an hr to play with the internet on phones and make friends lol. I met a guy from Malaysia today who said he would show me around the country if I ever wanted to visit. My first day I met 2 German girls who were trying to teach me some German words (its not easy ha). So our days are filled up pretty much now until the weekend.

Our next game is on Friday 4 hrs away in a country town called Geraldton. We spend the night up there afterwards so it should be a good time. Hope everyone is doing well and has a great Easter!

A more serious post

Kids at the clinic Marcus and I put on. We usually do about 2 clinics a week with about 100 or so kids each time. They are funny but drive me crazy! They are more interested in hearing us talk than teach then basketball.

Well, a thought came across me today so I thought I would share it with you. I knew that playing basketball would be much different now than it ever would before, mostly because of the relationships I had with my teammates. I mean Briggs, Hughie, Shives, Sheck, KJ, Kais, Mike, Gaff, and so on will always be my teammates. I look at them as if they are "my guys." Guys that I would do anything for anytime. Basketball was just something we had in common that brought us all together. Here, it is much different. I have Marcus, then 10 other guys who I have known for no more than 6 weeks. But something happened in the last game that made me realize why I love this game. All game long this opposing player was giving me shot after shot in the chest as I would cut or get ready to come off a screen. And he would do it almost perfectly so the refs couldnt see. Now usually I am a fairly level headed player and it takes a bit to fire me up, but this guy was none the less started to piss me off. With about 5 minutes to go he gave me another shot in the stomach and I lost my air...it just so happened to be a bad time to lose air as well because I was ready to call for a sub. I hit the ground with one knee and searched for any oxygen I could get back. Coach saw it and absolutely went off! Words were exchanged by the two of us which I wont include in the blog. They went something like "Gosh darnit buddy, now if you dont stop throwing those elbows I'm going to get really really upset." Ok it wasnt quite like that but you get the idea. Therefore, being a great sportsman and showing great character (not), the next play I went for a steal and "accidentally" ran through him in the process. (Parents please keep this message away from your children haha!) The ref obviously called a foul and before I could turn around the player was just about to swing at me. Bracing myself to have my first overseas rumble, I got ready to take a shot...but before I knew what happened one of my teammates came out of nowhere and placed this guy on the ground.

Players then circled up and some words where thrown around but no further damage was caused. My wing man then points at the guy and says, "If you touch my point guard again I'm gonna....." fill in the rest yourself. But after all this crap that happened, I remember sitting in the locker room and thinking wow. My teammates had my back. They were willing to put themselves into my "battle" in order to look out for me. The jersey that we were wearing was the same jersey, which put us on the same team. They have known me for less than two months but are willing to back me up. Although this was something stupid, it did make me realize how important this is. There is a level of respect one has for another teammate, and its great to know that I have theirs. So although they may not be "my guys" who I previously stated above, they are my teammates who I go to battle with. I think this is going to be a great season just because of that!

Who doesn't love meeting new people

Gregory

Emilio

Jesse

Who doesn’t like a list right? After watching a program of the top fifty 80’s songs on tv the other day, I decided that lists are 1.) Interesting and 2.) Provide opinionated people like myself a chance to say things like, “You’re right Scott. I also think Steve Perry’s ‘Oh Sherrie’ should have been much higher on the list.” Or, “Even though I enjoy Hall & Oates as much as the next person Scott, I don’t think they should be rated as high as you have them on your list.” So this section is all about lists. Enjoy!

Top 3 Interesting People I have met in Australia

#1 Jesse (The Rollin Stone Grandma)
I met Jesse while waiting on my bus at the Sterling Station. She is around 90 years old and smells a bit like beef stew. I was sittin on a bench by myself, waiting for my bus when she sits down next to me and says, “Excuuuuuuse me dear, would you be a kind bloke and lift this bench up and pull it into the sunlight.” I politely told her, “I’d love to ma’am but it’s cemented into the ground.” She smiles and says, “Not strong enough eh? That’s ok I could use some shade anyway.” Not strong enough!? Ok…not only was this thing cemented into the ground, but it would have taken the duo of Hulk Hogan and Ryan Briggs to lift this thing! She sits down and continues to tell me how I was nice and that society is no good anymore. Back when she was a girl (which happened to be 1929) people were more relaxed and living was easy. Now things are too fast and people are mean! Before I could reply she got up and began to swing at a rock on the ground with her cane, as if she was golfing. She did this for a good 50 yards!!! 10 Minutes later she comes back and says she got 4 hole in ones! Wow…I am speechless.

#2 Emilio (The Iranian power lifter who needs to invest in longer shorts)
If ‘Tool” was actually a describing word you could use on a person who was oblivious to life, then this guy would be the Master Tool. Emilio lifts at the same gym as Marcus and I, and he is quite the character. First off he is much bigger than any man should ever want to be. I’m guessin if you told him to touch his hands behind his back he would explain to you that it is impossible! Believe it or not Emilio it can be done! In fact it’s very easy. Emilio works out in very big V-Neck jerseys, and each time his shorts get an inch shorter. I’m still not sure why he doesn’t just go by normal size shorts, this guys thighs are like Chris Farley’s waste. I am in pain lookin at him because I don’t think they are getting any circulation! If he keeps it up Emilio is going to be showing off his twig and berries to the population of Perth! And I think we could all do without!

#3 Gregory (The Bus Boy)
This kid might be my favorite. I see him almost everyday because he gets on the train at Sterling as well. This picture of him says it all. He carries around a book bag that is filled with nothing but maps of bus lines and train schedules. I have seriously gone to him to ask a time on a regular basis. I think he has most of them memorized now. Gregory, as intelligent as his is, does however need to find a good dentist in town. I think he thinks receiving plaque is a good thing!

Top 3 Sayings I have heard repeatedly

#1 Scutt, get your oss to tha baseline mate!
This would be said by my coach, almost every practice. I’m still not quite sure what oss means but I’m starting to get somewhat of an idea. And believe it or not, my name doesn’t have a U in it.

#2 Yeah mate, he’s a good bloke.
Wasn’t sure what bloke was at first, in fact, I thought someone was making fun of me when I first heard this. What did you just call me?

#3 Are you keen?
This has probably been said to me ten thousand times so far! I mean I know what it means, but it has been said so much, I am starting to say it! Which annoys me more than you can imagine. Hey Marc, you keen to go get something to eat? Haha he hates it too. Usually I just say it to piss him off.

Top 3 Worst Shows on tv

#1 Larry the Lawnmower
Hands down worst show I have ever seen. So bad in fact I still watch. It’s a kids show about a lawnmower who bosses a rake, shovel, and hose around to do yard work. Not only does it suck, but Larry can be a real pain in the oss if you know what I mean!

#2 Any News channel
The news hear is not interesting, one because I feel like I have no idea what going on in the world, and two because it is so sporadic. It comes off and on throughout the day, and I don’t think there is much set up involved. You know, I’m used to seeing headlines, then weather, then sports, and maybe entertainment. Here there is zero format.

#3 Ready Steady Cook
Ok, I will agree there are some pretty good cooking shows on once in a while. I mean come on, who doesn’t like Emeral? But on this show they pick two people from the audience and pair them each up with a professional chef. Then they have a 20 minute competition on who can make a better dish with the ingredients they have. Sounds decent right? Well it would be if they didn’t have a used car salesman as the host who will not stop talking. I just wanna watch food and see what kind of things they are making…but this guy really dislikes silence! Plus he is 40 and always asks the girls if they are with anyone. Its somewhat creepy.

Top 3 Things I have seen here so far

#1 Outdoor Cinema
Very cool, very simple. In the park, at dusk, watching a great movie while its 75 degrees. Not much to it but a cool experience.

#2 The packed gymnasiums
Small gyms + lots of people = extremely loud! It’s a cool atmosphere. It’s very loud and trust me, they know who the Americans are. They are much tougher on us than our other players but afterwards they all are nice and ask plenty of questions. Home games though are the best because you don’t get any of the yelling, only loud cheering. I’m not sure who she is but I have an elder lady that has a voice like a lion! She is the only one I hear throughout the game and she seems to like saying my name…It still rings in my ear days later.

#3 Snorkeling in the Reef
The reef is better out on Rottnest Island, but we are doing that here in a couple weeks. However, snorkeling around the area is still a blast! You are surrounded by hundreds of fish while you swim in and underneath large coral rocks. The colors are unexplainable.

Receiving votes: Kangaroos on the golf course…they are all over!

Top 3 Different than in America things

#1 After each game there is an MVP giving out for a player on each team. Yes that’s right, they give an award after every game. The gift is…a 6 pack of beer! Congrats, you played well here’s a 6 pack of Corona! Its so weird. You all stand around after the game is over whether you lost or not, and the home coach gives away his game MVP’s. I don’t see Coach K putting this idea into play anytime soon!

#2 That’s what I love about Sundays…back home in good ole American Sundays are a family favorite. Church, lunch, maybe some bbq’s in the back yard. Relaxing, watching football, baseball, or a final to a major golf tournament. All the stores are shut down (besides Wal-Mart of course). Here in Australia, not so much. Sunday Session is what it is called and here is what happens. Families wake up at around 10 am, head to the beach for a surf and a picnic in the park, then hit the pubs. The only thing that is really open on Sundays are the pubs. And they are open LATE! Drinking is seriously a way of life here. It’s just different.

#3 Peeing on the wall.
Yep you heard correctly. There are very few urinals on the wall. Instead there is an entire wall that you just walk up to and pee on. It’s quite interesting and a lot easier to be honest. Then when you walk away, water trickles down the wall. Its quite clever!

Receiving votes Driving on the left side, roundabouts instead of stop signs, hardly any Mexican restaurants, and terrible haircuts. Apparently it is cool for a guy to have either a rat tail, Mohawk, and or two different colors of hair. I’m not sure why this is popular here and I don’t think I will change mine anytime soon. I’ll stick with my Larry’s Mug and Brush thank you very much!