NBA Team - noon Basketball Association - By Stephanie Coffin

Have you grown older, watched your children move on with their lives, retired, don't like exercising all alone at a local gym or just started finding you have more free time on your hands then you know what to do with? How about stopping by the USM campus gym in Gorham on Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday at noon to meet with others for a friendly, but competitive game of basketball.

In the mid-seventies Dave Morrell got a group of men, 40 and older together to enjoy a friendly, competitive game of basketball. The benefits of exercising, socializing and making friends are the extras that came with it. Though participants have come and gone through the last 40 years, this group has stayed strong and intact. Friendships have been made that have lasted through the years. Members are from Wells to Windham, age 40 and above.

The rules of play are: Each game goes to 11 points, team must win by two, if the score is 7-0 then it’s considered a skunk. Members are matched by knowledge and skill, and teams are made up each game day. There is no requirement to be there all three days of the week, it’s come when you can. When you do come, don't forget to bring your game.

Recently I had the opportunity to meet with several of the team members. Dave Robata who heads up the league and Dennis Brown who helps promote the league along with 89-year-old Al Pease, who just recently retired from playing the game. However, Al still enjoys stopping by the gym every now and then for some socializing and to watch the game. Once a member, always a member.

Taking some time to watch these men play, anyone could see it was a fast paced, physical, competitive, friendly and respectful game of basketball. As on any court there was banter being made to the opposing team and ribbing being dished about the play that was made, but there was also laughter and respect for the fellow baller.

This group is looking for new members to join them. You don't have to have been a professional basketball player, you don't have to have college and/or high school experience, in fact you don't even have to have played the game at all, to step onto this court. 

For more information, reach out to Dennis Brown at lakesideme@yahoo.com.