Photo By Chief Petty Officer Justin Stumberg | Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain’s varsity basketball team plays against the...... read more read more
When Chief Information Systems Technician Ledget Glover III and Chief Master-At-Arms Nick Brown play basketball it’s usually as opponents.
Even though they share a passion for basketball, their rivalry is palpable with the court crackling with intensity whenever their teams face off.
Glover, known as "LG," hails from Shubuta, Miss., represents U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT). Standing tall and agile, he dominates the paint with his rebounds and layups, earning respect for his precision and strategic play.
Meanwhile, Brown, from Augusta, GA., plays for Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station (NCTS) Bahrain. Reminiscent of Muggsy Bogues, his lightning-fast dribbling and three-point shots make him a formidable opponent, often putting his team ahead.
Both ball players are notorious for their love for the game and competitive spirit which fuel intense matchups in Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain’s regular season captain’s cup league, where NAVCENT and NCTS are tied for base championships over the last six years with a record of 3-3.
“There’s a little rivalry between us,” admits LG. “It’s killing me right now. Every time I see [NCTS] I already know I’ve got one season left to get over on this tiebreaker.”
Basketball isn't just a game for these athletes; it's a lifelong passion. Brown recalls how he fell in love with basketball as a kid, his day incomplete without playing.
“That’s how I knew it was the sport for me. I’ve played football, I’ve played baseball, I’ve played it all,” said Brown. “If I didn’t play those sports, I would be okay. But if I couldn’t play basketball, I don’t know what I would have done growing up.”
Despite their on-court rivalry, LG and Brown form a powerful partnership representing NSA Bahrain on the men’s varsity team. Redirecting their competitive energy towards a common goal, they become key players in one of the toughest teams in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.
Their recent game against the Arleigh Burke-class missile guided destroyer USS Mason, April 30, 2024, a 60-37 win, may seem impressive, but it falls short of their usual dominance.
“We usually beat them by 50 or 60 points,” LG remarks, attributing their success to the high level of competition on base. “It’s easy for us to put up, on average, 120 points on visiting ships.”
Their varsity team has a 1992 Olympic Dream Team feel, blending diverse talents and playing styles to create seamless teamwork. Maybe not Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, or Charles Barkley, but enough firepower and raw talent to breeze through teams in almost every way.
Coach Jeff Clark rarely must call a timeout. With the team gelling together even though they are accustomed to competing against one another.
“We play with each other every weekend and we play with each other out in town,” said LG. “But when it comes down to battling it out on the court, we know each other’s strengths and we know each other’s weaknesses.”
Looking ahead, the varsity team eagerly anticipates the 2024 Summer Open Basketball League which begins May 7. Another opportunity to earn their command the coveted title as NSA Bahrain’s best basketball team.
When asked if he’s ready for the season, Brown can’t help but smile and laugh at the thought of getting back out on the court playing the sport he loves so much.
“Everybody knows,” Brown grins. “It’s what we live for.”
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 05.07.2024 02:50 |
| Story ID: | 470402 |
| Location: | BH |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Rivalries During the Season, Teammates for a Reason, by CPO Justin Stumberg, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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