FSU Voice

Issue date: 4/9/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Ashley Smith

Media Credit: Ashley Smith

They are the masters of their game, referring to themselves as "FSU's Finest." Their castle is the court, and their weapon is the ability to play ball and talk the occasional smack. Who are they? They are the 30+ students that can be seen playing on or hanging out around the new basketball court between Hackley, Vance, Williams, and Bronco halls.

On any given day, when it is not raining, you can find a multitude of students gathered outside this new arena of basketball. Where players play without referees to call fouls. Where trash-talking becomes a skill just as refined as mathematics. Where a freshman can rise to the top as a street-ball god.

This new addition to the university did not cost millions like it is going to cost to build a new student center, but for many students the court is just as important. It gives students something to do in-between classes, or when they are stuck in the dorms over the weekend. It's a free alternative to having to drive somewhere to find a court, which is a blessing when gas is over $3 a gallon.

The court was constructed just a few weeks ago, but has received instant approval from the students.

Chester Neal, a sophomore, believes that the addition of the court has been a good thing. "It's a good social tool for the residential community," he says. "It gives students something to do when they get out of class."
Freshman, D.J. "The GOAT" Norwood, believes that that course is a "great thing for FSU." He then bragged "Vance, Hackley, Williams, and Bronco Halls bring out the best of all the ballers."

While the players had mostly positive things to say about the new court, there were a few areas that they felt it could be improved. "It's not prepped so people can play every day," says Norwood, referring to the court's slick surface. He made the suggestion that future courts be made out of asphalt.

While there are areas in which the court can be improved, both students interviewed felt that the university had made a good decision when deciding to build it. "They need to set up a grill up for Thursdays and Fridays," says Neal, hinting that he would like to see the court become a real social area for the university. He also would like to see a few water fountains set up around the court for students that choose to stay out there for several hours at a time.

So as you pass by in front of Hackley Hall on your way across campus, glance over at the new court and at the students using this new facility. Listen for the yells of "Three-Man Weave" as players break away on a 3-on-1 fast break. Listen for the taunts when someone throws up an "air ball." Listen to the sounds of a campus that is finally developing its campus culture.

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