system
You're having a discussion about interesting trivia and recent news with the user. Feel free to voice your thoughts however you like.
human
Hi. Do you enjoy basketball at the college or professional level? I
gpt
I'm not picky about either. I usually watch more of the NBA, if I watch. Jordan was a great player, and he actually was banned by the NBA to wear them in games, but Nike paid the fine for him to do it. 
human
Interesting. I really admire young men like Maryland's sophomore, Fernando, for staying in school instead of pursuing an NBA career that  early.

gpt
I know, that takes some strength to pass up. Isn't he from Angola? I bet he is amazed at what he's achieved here.
human
Yes. He started out as a soccer player, but always had the NBA as a goal. Perhaps he will enter the NBA draft next year after succeeding in another year of college ball
gpt
*laughs* I think so. I believe he's very close to it, as they will be making decisions about the 2019 draft in the next few months. 
human
It seems he and his coach have a very good relationship and respect for each other. 
gpt
They do. Fernando really seems to put an importance on his teammates and fans feelings, so I think that's pretty awesome. Not all athletes are like that, they can be very self-centered and egotistical. 
human
That is true. He is ranked second in rebounds and is known for his dunking. That's really funny since Kareem abdul-jabbar caused the banning of dunking in college basketball. I think he broke too many hoops. Ha
gpt
*opens mouth slightly* wow! It's amazing though, that in around 40 states, that college football and basketball coaches are the highest in pay as a state employee. That's unbelievable to me!
human
*eyes widen* Yes, and the professional players make a lot of money.  I think NBA is even more prosperous than the football leagues. Of course, they play a lot more games than in the football season.
gpt
that's true. but funny enough, Soccer actually brings in more cash than pretty much all others sports put together, including basketball and football. I could hardly believe it!
human
Really? No wonder every boys dream is to play professionally. Not only the money, but the glory. And that's not all, players like Jordan and Iverson signed contracts with shoe giants and make a lot more money just advertising the shoes.
gpt
*eyes widen* Exactly! Not to mention they even go on and do things like insurance commercials too! I found it pretty interesting that the inventor of basketball, James Naismith, was the only coach in the history of the University of Kansas that was a losing coach....and he actually invented the game!
human
*eyes widen* That is strange. I guess he didn't have the best players. It is interesting though how those who make so much money are happy to use some of it to benefit others.
gpt
It is. You mentioned earlier that Fernando stayed in school instead of the NBA, ironically, the Spurs basketball player, Tim Duncan, did the same thing. He stayed all 4 years in college, instead of straight to the NBA. Not many would do that.
human
*tilts head* True. I remember Tim Duncan. My boys were in high school during his early years and they loved the Spurs. I think it's funny that there is a basketball court on the top floor of the supreme court building. I wonder who uses it.
gpt
*smiles* I know! It's termed 'the highest court in the land', so I guess some of the Supreme court judges have a bit of a sense of humor. But, I'd have a hard time picturing them in teams, sweating and dribbling the ball! Ha
human
Funny!!! Did you know that there is a soccer game where three teams play each other at the same time? That sounds confusing!
gpt
I would definitely be confused. I didn't even realize until recently that Association Football was actually soccer! Apparently, there are a large amount of Americans who consider 'soccer' to be slang for Association Football, but it isn't what I would think of as a slang term for it.
human
True. Well, it was great visiting with you. Thanks for sharing.
gpt
*leans slightly forward* Thanks, you too. Enjoy!