| Contents |
Home |
Archives |
Feedback |
International students plan basketball tourney
By Aaron O. Hall
Staff Writer
Now that the basketball Cats have had their share of the spotlight, other students can see whether or not their talents can shine on the court.
The International Student Council is sponsoring the annual International Basketball Tournament tomorrow at Alumni Gym. Seven teams, in anticipation, had their money ready to sign-up for the event. But the games may have to wait if four referees cannot be found before the start of the games.
For business management junior Hari Paranthaman, the tournament would be a hoop dream come true.
Until three years ago, the Malaysian student had never played the sport. But after moving to Kentucky, he has since developed a love for the game and decided to give basketball a try himself.
If the games take place, this weekend will mark his first time playing in an organized basketball game.
"It's interesting to play in an atmosphere where you know your limitations," Paranthaman said. "You really don't know how good your are until you play an official game."
Paranthaman may have to wait to wait until next year to find out just how good he is. With finals coming up, this may be his only free weekend to participate.
Though he has prepared himself, Paranthaman admits that he is not quite ready for UK coach Rick Pitino.
"I know kids 10 and 11 years old who can take me to school," he said.
But if Leo Cai can help it, the games will go on as planned. Today he will seek out referees for the tournament.
"This is the biggest sports event for international student," said Cai, a pre-pharmacy sophomore.
He has a little more experience on his side. Already he has participated in two International Basketball Tournaments, and in China, Cai played high school basketball.
"I feel it's kind of tradition," Cai said. "We want to share a part of it. We would like to play."
If the games do not take place, Cai said he will either practice or hit the books.
Danny Tan, the event's coordinator, wants the games to go on as planned, but did not seem positive about the tournament taking place tomorrow. Just in case, he was working on holding the event next weekend.
"It's like a tradition," Tan said. "It's been going on for so many years."
Even though the tournaments comes short of remotely seeing a profit, Tan said that the games are all about having fun.
The money taken in goes towards renting the court, and buying the trophies.
The games will begin at 9 a.m. at Alumni Gym, adjacent to the Student Center. Games are expected to run until 4 p.m. The winning team will receive medals.
| Contents |
Home |
Archives |
Feedback |
© Copyright 1996, Kernel Press Inc. All Rights Reserved