Season Over

It ended up being a high scoring contest today, but sadly, we didn’t end up on top at the end.

Final score: Banvit 96 Besiktas 102

We had our chances, but just couldn’t connect on the shots we needed to take control of the game. Meanwhile, Besiktas hit some big ones in the fourth quarter that enabled them to take control. But such is the game of basketball. A shot here. A turnover there. You win. Or you lose.

Consequently, the season is over here in Turkey (for us). We lost the series 3-1 even though we really only lost it 2-1. We played tough, but just not good enough to stretch it out to game 5. That really would have been fun! But it was not meant to be. So it’s all good.

I ended up 23 points and 5 assists. I scored 17 in the first half and only 6 in the second. They were all over me defensively, so I think I only took about 3 shots in the second half, 1 of which came during the final seconds. Considering that statistic, they must have been playing some really good D! For it is rare that I only take 3 shots in a half!

It has been a good almost 5 months here in Bandirma. I had my ups and downs (particularly at the beginning), but am thankful to finish well. The difficult thing is that I was just feeling like myself and now the season is over! But that is a major reason why I will be looking forward to signing with a team for the beginning of next season, Lord willing. I am thankful for the group of guys I had an opportunity to work with and for our coaches and the entire organization itself. It really has been a good experience for us here in Bandirma.

So now it is officially the off-season. Time to sign up with a team for next year, wherever that may be. And time to rest and regenerate my body so that I can improve my game for the coming year. It will be interesting to see what comes next. Always is.

Thankful for the game,
Joe