Why College Basketball Isn't Just For Guys

After a struggling football season, it is time for basketball to once again revive the dampened spirits of Michigan fans. After easily whooping Wayne State in an exhibition game on Nov. 10, I can officially say my favorite season is underway.

I may be a girl, and I may commit many stereotypical girl sports blunders, but I will fill out my March Madness Bracket, and I will be competitive with the teams I choose. Even though I may not be able to spew the names of NBA rookies or noted coaches, basketball is a game of defensive strategies, unpredictable turnovers, and last second shots. Anyone can create a winning bracket, especially girls who love basketball just as much as guys.

So, why exactly do girls love basketball?

1.) A dunk is a dunk. From a male or female perspective, that guy doing a 360 spin before slamming the ball through the hoop or a between the legs dunk is going to get you excited and rallied for the rest of the game. Someoneplease get me a trampoline or a lower net so I can experience the awesomeness of dunking. Nothing is cooler than your team dishing an ally oop right in the face of their rival team, and nothing makes the momentum swing your way favor faster.

2.) Trash talking. Have you ever heard how girls like drama? Yeah, my friends and I can read players mouth when they throw that big fat f-bomb on the screen, or when their elbow accidently slips into the face of another player. I am not in favor of players fighting, as I believe it takes away from the point of the game, but seeing the players play with emotion and passion creates an atmosphere that is irresistible to the fans—women included. Things can get heated during games, and we love a front row seat to sit back and watch it all unfold.

3.) The intensity of the Big10. While the Big10 may be dropping the ball all over the field in football, the competitiveness and skill level is undeniable in basketball. Attending a packed Crisler Center for every game is like having Christmas every week. Endless surprises and emotions within a community of fans bonding over one team, one game, and one hope. Last year I was one of the many students up at the crack dawn to cheer on the Michigan Wolverines against the Michigan State Spartans. Dedication like that is only demonstrated for the fiercest rivals and, as the next point relays, for the opportunity to brag.

4.) Winning gives us bragging rights to your friends at other colleges. When half of my high school decided to attend Michigan State University, I knew there would be some fallout among friendships. However, I remain close to many friends at that “other” school, and nothing is more satisfying than beating them. U of M fans must use the overall football records of all time wins and losses against the Spartans to defend our recent streak of losing performances, but in basketball the players are speaking for themselves.

5. Girls actually like and understand basketball. Plain and simple. Get in the way of a girl and her team and you’ll regret it more than cheating, or forgetting an anniversary or birthday. For all the boys who refuse to admit that a girl can know what a behind the back pass is, a screen, pick and roll, or post move, I’m here to tell you the sport is not rocket science. And, even if it was, females would still get it.