August 2005, my wife and I moved from Lexington, Kentucky, the basketball capital of the world, at least that is what UK fans call it.  The only thing that I really remember about what life was going to be like, was “Are you going to be a Jail-Blazer fan?”  I jokingly replied back, “Yes.”  In all fairness I always liked the sports teams from Seattle, so this move was going to all us to enjoy some Seahawks & Mariners games.  At the time, I wasn’t really big on the NBA.  Growing up in Kentucky, there wasn’t a great deal of exposure to professional basketball. 

My father-in-law had some preseason tickets to the Clippers (I think, may have been the Warriors.)  We decided to go as it would be something to do, and we would have the opportunity to watch a NBA game.  We enjoyed the game and the atmosphere, even during the preseason (our hopes weren’t too high for the preseason.)  The following spring, the Blazers drafted LA & B-Roy.  I knew this was going to be the start of something big in Portland.  The following season we bought season tickets, and became huge fans. 

My job has since transferred me back to the east coast to the other basketball capital of the world, North Carolina, but there is and will only be one NBA team that I can root for.  To this day, Blazersedge is the only professional sports team blog that I follow.  I know the lockout will eventually end, and Rip City will come alive once again.  The spirit of the city and the fans is instilled in the Blazers and the team has embraced it.  I know I have, and I am fortunate enough to have been part of the Blazers.

Chris