Albin's Basketball Diary

HOW ARE YOU?
For years, my life revolved around basketball—coaching, watching Eldi play, and building friendships through the game.

When we lived in Spain, I had meaningful social interactions every day. Since returning to the U.S. two months ago, I’m still involved in basketball and starting things back up, but I’m not yet back to where I was before we left. Outside of the gym, I’ve only had two social interactions in those two months.

So when people ask me, “HOW ARE YOU?” I honestly don’t always know how to answer. 😌
A little bored. A little disconnected. A little stuck in between. 🤷🏻‍♂️

But I know it’s temporary. I’m rebuilding, reconnecting, and adjusting again to the American lifestyle where everyone seems to be busy, busy, busy.

The basketball is still there. The people will come. I’m just working my way back.

NBA FINALS 2026
NY Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs — DAVID vs. GOLIATH?

I’ve said it before: I don’t follow pro or TV sports closely, and I’m definitely not claiming to be an expert. BUT… I keep hearing analysts and NBA experts talk about Victor Wembanyama like he’s the future savior of basketball.

Sure — he’s emotional, young, insanely tall, and moves like a guard.

Still… nothing about him excites me or makes me want to see him beat the underdog NY Knicks and Jalen Brunson.

Maybe I just prefer grit over hype.

NY KNICKS LEAD 1-0.

For the non-basketball folks: the NBA Finals are a best-of-7 series — first team to win 4 games becomes NBA Champions.

VOLLEYBALL
I’m the kind of sports fan who only watches when someone I know is playing — and only if they’re truly giving it their all.

Watching Orfea play basketball over the years was tough because her heart never seemed fully in it. But volleyball is completely different. You can see how much she loves it, and that makes me happy.

“You’ve got to find yourself first. Everything else will follow.” — Charles de Lint