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November 23, 2009

George Bremer: Hoops season is now here

Every level of the game is on the court at the same time

Sure, the NBA has been under way for about a month, and college basketball got started in earnest last week.

Girls high school basketball also has been humming along for a couple of weeks.

But this week truly feels like the start of the basketball season to me.

It’s not just because boys teams begin tipping off across the state today. It’s because every level of the game finally will be on the court at the same time.

This week is the best week to be a basketball fan until March.

Some early season college tournaments already have concluded, but what I consider to be the Big Three are going strong this week.

The Maui Invitational starts today. The Great Alaska Shootout tips off Tuesday, and the semifinals of the preseason NIT begin Wednesday in New York City.

ESPN’s family of networks and online outlets alone will broadcast 28 college basketball games from today through Friday. Among the matchups? A tantalizing Thanksgiving night tilt between Minnesota and Butler at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

It’s like an early cram session for March Madness. Want to win your office pool (just for fun and pride, of course)? Then tune into ESPN this week.

Locally, there are 14 boys and girls basketball games scheduled between today and Friday. Get out now, while it’s early, and tell your friends and neighbors you were first on the bandwagon.

The NBA has a loaded schedule, too, with 36 games scheduled over the next five days.

Wednesday does the heavy lifting with 12 matchups, including a Pacers’ home game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Thanksgiving, of course, is best known for football. But there are a pair of intriguing NBA battles this year.

Atlanta, currently the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference, hosts Orlando, just one game back, at 8 p.m. on TNT.

Night owls can stick around to watch the young Chicago Bulls battle the always fiery Utah Jazz at 10:30.

Clearly, whatever level of basketball you follow has plenty to offer this week.

I’ve always been partial to the college game, myself. It’s something of a family tradition.

As far back as I can remember, my dad and I would watch as many of the tournament games as we could during this week.

It’s a ritual I missed for six years while I lived in Florida, but it’ll be even better this year.

I’m heading home Friday, and I’m sure we’ll catch a game or two.

But only after open gym at the elementary school where my dad coaches, with the entire family in tow. Even my cousins from Ohio.

I encourage all of you to do the same.

Get the family together, choose your favorite level of play and do a little bonding around basketball.

This is Indiana, after all.

Contact George Bremer: 640-4831, george.bremer@heraldbulletin.com

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