basketball
The world of Basketball detailed by the voices of the unathletic. Discussing play, culture, and, of course, who's the best. Trust the Process.
The Boy in the Stands
I didn’t go for the game. I went for my nephew. He’s thirteen, wears a faded jersey two sizes too big, and talks about football like it’s scripture. “It’s not about winning, Uncle,” he’d said, eyes bright. “It’s about who shows up when it matters.”
By KAMRAN AHMADabout a month ago in Unbalanced
The Night Basketball Felt Like Home
I didn’t go for the basketball. I went because my son asked me to. He’s eleven, wears his hair in messy curls, and talks about the game like it’s poetry written in motion. “You have to see how they move together, Dad,” he’d said, eyes wide. “It’s like they’re speaking a language only they understand.”
By KAMRAN AHMADabout a month ago in Unbalanced
The Night the World Held Its Breath
I don’t remember most New Year’s Eves. But I remember the one in 2020. The world was silent. Streets were empty. And yet, at 11:59 p.m., I sat alone on my couch, eyes fixed on a glowing sphere in a city I’d never visited, tears streaming as strangers on screen counted down to a year none of us were sure we’d survive.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout a month ago in Unbalanced
The Day the Roses Taught Me to Slow Down
I didn’t understand the Rose Parade as a child. To me, it was just pretty flowers on strange machines, marching bands in matching uniforms, and my grandfather’s insistence that we watch it every single January 1st, no matter what.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout a month ago in Unbalanced
Is Eleven Dead?
Introduction Since the day she emerged from the lab with a shaved head and a world of power in her eyes, Eleven has been the heart of Stranger Things. So when fans search “Did Eleven die in Stranger Things?” or “Is Eleven alive?,” the question isn’t just about plot—it’s about saying goodbye to a character who symbolizes resilience, love, and the cost of heroism.
By KAMRAN AHMADabout a month ago in Unbalanced
Former England Women Cricketer Isa Guha Honoured With MBE: A Trailblazer’s Journey Beyond the Boundary. AI-Generated.
Isa Guha’s appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is more than a personal accolade—it is a recognition of a career that has shaped women’s cricket and sports broadcasting in England for nearly two decades. From a precocious fast bowler who broke records as a teenager to a respected voice in the commentary box, Guha’s journey reflects resilience, excellence, and an enduring commitment to the game. Guha burst onto the international scene with remarkable speed. Born in London to parents of Indian heritage, she made her England debut at just 17, instantly becoming one of the youngest players to represent the national side. Armed with sharp swing and relentless accuracy, she quickly established herself as a spearhead of England’s bowling attack. Her early promise translated into sustained performance, as she became a dependable wicket-taker in both Test and limited-overs cricket. The defining chapter of Guha’s playing career came during England’s golden summer in 2009. As part of the squad that won both the ICC Women’s World Cup and the Women’s Ashes, she contributed decisively in high-pressure moments. That dual triumph not only cemented her place in England’s cricketing history but also elevated the profile of women’s cricket nationwide. For many young girls watching at home, Guha and her teammates embodied a new, confident generation of athletes who belonged on the biggest stages. Yet Guha’s impact has never been confined to statistics alone. Throughout her playing days, she was known for her professionalism and advocacy for better standards in women’s sport—fair pay, improved facilities, and greater media visibility. Retiring from international cricket relatively early, she transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, a move that would expand her influence even further. In the commentary box, Guha has become a familiar and trusted presence. Her analysis blends technical insight with an accessible style, helping new audiences understand the nuances of the game. Whether covering men’s or women’s cricket, she brings balance, context, and empathy—qualities that have earned respect from viewers and colleagues alike. At a time when sports media has been grappling with representation, Guha’s success as a woman of color in a high-profile broadcasting role carries particular significance. The MBE recognizes not just her on-field achievements but also her broader service to cricket and society. Honors such as these are often reserved for those whose influence extends beyond personal success, and Guha’s career fits that measure. Through mentoring, public speaking, and visible leadership, she has inspired countless young people to pursue sport, media, or both—regardless of background. Her recognition also reflects the changing landscape of women’s sport in the UK. Over the past decade, women’s cricket has experienced unprecedented growth in attendance, investment, and media coverage. Figures like Guha have played a crucial role in that transformation, bridging eras and advocating for progress while honoring the game’s traditions. The MBE, in this sense, celebrates a collective journey as much as an individual one. Guha herself has often emphasized gratitude—to teammates, coaches, family, and fans. That humility resonates with audiences who value authenticity alongside achievement. It is also a reminder that sporting success is rarely solitary; it is built through community, opportunity, and persistence. As women’s cricket continues to evolve—with professional leagues expanding and young stars emerging—Isa Guha’s story offers a blueprint for longevity and relevance. Excellence on the field can open doors, but purpose and adaptability sustain impact. Her transition from elite athlete to influential broadcaster underscores the many ways former players can shape the future of sport. Being honored with an MBE places Guha among a distinguished group of contributors to British sport. More importantly, it sends a signal to the next generation: that dedication, integrity, and a willingness to lead can earn recognition at the highest levels. For Isa Guha, the honor is richly deserved—and for women’s cricket, it is another milestone on a journey still gathering momentum.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohiabout a month ago in Unbalanced
Nikola Jokic Injury . AI-Generated.
In professional sports, injuries are an unavoidable part of the game. When the player involved is Nikola Jokić, even a minor concern quickly becomes a major talking point. As the centerpiece of the Denver Nuggets, any Nikola Jokic injury naturally raises questions among fans, analysts, and opponents alike.
By Saboor Brohi about a month ago in Unbalanced
Nikola Jokic Injury Raises Concerns for Denver Nuggets’ Season. AI-Generated.
The Denver Nuggets are facing uncertainty as superstar center Nikola Jokic deals with a recent injury that could impact the team’s performance during a critical stretch of the season. Jokic, a two-time NBA MVP and one of the league’s most versatile big men, has been central to Denver’s success, and any absence or limitation is felt across both offense and defense.
By Asad Aliabout a month ago in Unbalanced
Unbalanced
M Mehran Callum Ward never noticed the imbalance at first. Balance is like gravity—when it works, you don’t think about it. When it fails, you fall. He used to be steady. The kind of man who woke up before his alarm, ironed his shirt twice, and brewed coffee like a ritual. He believed if you organized the outside world, the inside would follow. But life doesn’t always agree. Sometimes it throws its weight on one side until everything tilts. For Callum, that tilt began the day his wife disappeared. The Tilt The police asked the usual questions. When did you last see her? Did she seem upset? Did you two fight? Callum answered honestly. He didn’t remember fighting. He didn’t remember much of anything anymore. That, apparently, made them suspicious. Grief does strange things to a mind. It fogs it, warps it, forces it to replay moments like broken film. The house felt uneven without her—rooms too quiet, chairs misplaced, doors slightly open like someone had just left. It wasn’t just the sadness. It was the guilt. Because the truth that Callum never said out loud was simple: he felt her leaving long before she actually left. Conversations that didn’t reach their endings. Dinners eaten in silence. A growing distance that could have swallowed oceans. One night, two weeks after she vanished, Callum heard footsteps upstairs. Not loud. Not violent. Just… footsteps. Familiar in rhythm, like someone pacing. Like someone thinking. He picked up a flashlight and climbed the stairs. Halfway up, the light flickered. The footsteps stopped. He whispered her name. Silence answered. But on the landing, he noticed something new: her necklace, hanging on the doorknob. The same gold chain she wore every day. He hadn’t seen it since the night she disappeared. Callum’s legs nearly gave out. The Unbalance Grows People in the neighborhood started talking. They called him “unstable,” “off,” “not right since she left.” Someone reported that he was wandering the street at midnight, as if searching for something he couldn’t name. Another swore they saw him talking to the empty air on his porch. Callum didn’t deny it. He heard her voice sometimes—soft, like she was speaking from another room. He smelled her perfume in the hallway. Sometimes, he even felt the mattress shift beside him, the weight of a second body settling into the bed. Callum knew grief had gravity. It pulled. It dragged. It distorted. But this was something else. One evening, when the sun was dying into a bruised purple, someone knocked on his door. Detective Rana Hale. She looked tired in a way that went beyond sleep deprivation. “We found something,” she said. The world tilted. The Truth That Isn’t Down at the station, they showed him a photograph. Callum’s wife. But not the woman he remembered—no soft smile, no warm eyes. Her hair was cut short. Her expression was sharp, like a blade disguised as a face. She was standing beside a man Callum had never seen. The detective spoke calmly. “There are signs she may have left by choice. We believe she was involved in something… dangerous. You may not have known her as well as you thought.” Callum stared at the photo. His chest tightened, breath catching like a snagged thread. That was the moment he understood: the imbalance wasn’t an accident. It was a message. His wife hadn’t vanished from life—she’d vanished into another one. “You think she ran away?” he asked. Rana nodded. “We think she’s hiding. And Callum… we think she may come back for you.” A strange relief washed through him. Not fear. Not anger. Hope. If she left by choice, maybe she could return by choice. Maybe the world could even out again. He went home that night with a spine full of static and a heart split down the center. When the Scale Breaks At 3:14 a.m., the footsteps returned. This time, they were not gentle. Callum didn’t reach for the flashlight. He didn’t hide. He walked toward the sound. Down the hall, through the open door, into the bedroom where it all began. His wife sat on the edge of the bed. She looked real. More real than memory. More real than grief. Her eyes were tired, frightened, alive. “Callum,” she said. Her voice cracked like old paint. “I need you to listen. I didn’t leave you. I ran from them. And now—they’re coming.” The room swayed. The world tilted. Every ounce of balance he had left snapped like a pulled thread. “Who?” he asked. She trembled. “The man in the photograph. I wasn’t supposed to survive. But I did. I’ve been trying to get back ever since.” He crossed the room, sat beside her. He didn’t touch her, afraid she’d disappear like fog. “Why come back now?” Her eyes lifted to his. “Because the only place I’m safe is with you.” And just like that, the imbalance didn’t vanish. It became something new. Not steadiness, not order—shared weight. Epilogue They didn’t sleep that night. They packed bags. They planned. They prepared for a world that was no longer straight, no longer stable, no longer kind. Callum learned something in that moment: Balance isn’t the absence of chaos—it’s choosing who you stand with when the world tips. He had spent months trying to regain equilibrium, not realizing that maybe life isn’t meant to balance perfectly. Maybe it’s meant to be held, together, even when it shakes. Especially when it shakes.
By Muhammad Mehranabout a month ago in Unbalanced
Somers Too Big for John Jay in 73-59 Loss
See Photos Below Last year, John Jay swept Somers in the regular season, and the Tuskers were likely looking for revenge. An 18 point third quarter lead said as much. Still, the Wolves got the lead down to eight in the closing moments of the quarter. But the elephants dug in and refused to leave without stomping out the home team
By Rich Monettiabout a month ago in Unbalanced
Tasmania JackJumpers: Rising Stars of Australian Basketball. AI-Generated.
The Tasmania JackJumpers, a professional basketball team hailing from the island state of Tasmania, have quickly become one of the most talked-about franchises in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). Founded in 2020 and making their debut in the 2021–22 season, the JackJumpers have captured the imagination of basketball fans, not just in Tasmania but across the nation. With their unique team spirit, community engagement, and on-court performance, they are redefining basketball culture in a region traditionally overshadowed by mainland teams.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohiabout a month ago in Unbalanced
