D-1 Last Day in the DR
Today was our last day in the Dominican Republic, and perhaps the best too. The day got off to rough start with our bus breaking down about 1/2 mile away from the hotel, luckily it was before we were picked up and not after. Not that a bus breaking down is a rare occurance. This was the fourth time one of our busses has engine or tire problems which is very common here.
We waited for another bus to arrive and arrived at the game 45 minutes late. Again, a common occurance here. Everyone of our games started late, it is refered to here as “Dominican Time”. Even when the game was nationally televised our game was 45 minutes delayed for the anticipated crowd. They simply cut into whatever program is airing and televise the game.
The game today was against the entire national team and we played much better. Up until the 3rd quarter we had a small lead most of the way until the final five minutes when our stamina failed us and we ended up falling 66-60. The highlight of the game was in the closing minutes when Elgin Bailey hit 3 consecutive 3 pointers. I’m not sure what the Dominican team thought of the 6′8 265lb center pulling up from way beyond the arc.
The afternoon was spent at the local market. The guys got a good lesson in negotiating and bargaing with the local crafts people for soveniers to take home. Once they realized that their price wasn’t what they really had to pay they got into the art of talking the price down. I think some of them may try this next time they are at the walmart.
Tomorrow we fly home, but all will atest that trip was a success on so many different levels. The friendships that have been forged will serve them well as these teammates face each other this basketball season.
