I wore your jersey once. I remember the day Coach pulled them fresh from the box, the bright detail colors popping against the white home jerseys. I remember the crisp Nike symbol to the left, saying, “Just do it”, and the black trim running down the sides. I’m sure you have that memory now, too. I’m sorry about that tiny permanent mark on the bottom right side, I’m sure you’ve noticed it by now (the only thing that makes the jersey imperfect). If you tuck it in just right, no one else will even know it’s there. I promise you’ll love it anyways and can’t wait for the season to start so you can finally wear it. I still remember how it felt the first Friday night I put my number on.
I had that jersey on in my first varsity game, when we didn’t leave the bench and it stayed so clean I didn’t wash it after. I had that same jersey on the first time I didn’t sit once the entire game. That jersey was there for me in my first 20-point game, and there for me the first time I scored nothing at all. Through the ups and downs, the highs and the lows, that number had my back (literally) through it all. The blood, the sweat, the tears. I wore that jersey for years as I grew up as a player, and more importantly, as a person. And I hope it can do the same for you.
I truly hope you have as much fun on the court as I did. The sport was my first true love, and a love like that will never fade away. I hope you love your team the same way that I grew to love mine. Whether it was team dinners, bake sales, or practice, the bonds you form with your teammates are really like no other. Most of all, I hope you learn to care more for the name on the front of the jersey than the name written on the back.
I want you to know that I’m glad you have my jersey. I am honored that you have chosen to become a part of its journey. I hope it is as good to you as it always was to me. Please, enjoy every moment wearing it while it lasts. Someday the final buzzer will sound, the shot clock will hit zero, and you will realize that it is all over. One day the 4th quarter will pass, 15 minutes gone in the blink of an eye, and it will be your last. Don’t take it for granted. I still remember the first time I put my jersey on, staring in the mirror as if it was made just for me. I also remember the last time I took off my jersey. I cried into the collar after a playoff loss as I walked off the court for the very last time.
Please, take care of my jersey. It belongs to you now.
