The state of basketball in Peru

Ronny Turiaf and Boris Diaw were here in Lima last week as part of some basketball exhibition thing. We went to their exhibition game where they played with a bunch of “all-stars” from the Peruvian basketball league. Basketball in Peru is not very popular right now, but I think it’s growing. It’s really hard to find a court to play on, but they exist and there are even some friendly public games to join if you know where to go. A lot of the league players are imports from the U.S. or elsewhere, but there are some Peruvians too. The game was a lot of fun, and I’m pretty sure Diaw and Turiaf were the two biggest people in Peru at the time.

The announcer was taller than the average Peruvian

After the game, Turiaf peaced out real quick without signing autographs or anything. He looked a little overwhelmed and/or uncomfortable. We were part of a crowd swarming the bench and heard him urgently ask his handler “Where’s the car?” It’s too bad because, unlike maybe some places in the world that he’s traveled for exhibitions, there was absolutely no danger here. Just a bunch of eager kids who’d probably never stood next to anyone over 6’3″. Diaw was a lot cooler, signing things and posing for pictures while throwing around some Spanish. He signed my friend’s basketball, and I got this picture by just stepping in front of him while he was posing for someone else . Dude is freakin’ tall!

NBA players are kind of tall

But the best part of the game wasn’t even the basketball. There had been a women’s exhibition game first, and in between periods there were some dance performances (some salsa, some hip hop) which were quite enjoyable. So during halftime of the men’s game, with the referees just milling about on the court, a couple people came on and started to dance. Ok, whatever. And then, the refs joined in! And then the coaches! And a whole bunch of other people in random basketball jerseys. Here’s a quick video I shot:

Traditional Peruvian Basketball Halftime Dance

It was like a guerilla performance art number. They danced a traditional Peruvian dance, with scarves and leg kicks, and the entire crowd got into it. Then suddenly it was over, and the refs mopped their brows and gave the crowd a little wave and the second half started and it was business as usual.

I think this is the sign for excessive celebration?

So now you don’t have to ask me anymore why I love Peru. THIS is why.

Want to see more pictures? Check out the picasa gallery here.