The upcoming NE basketball league is a chance for students to exercise and enjoy the game, said instructional associate Shane Whitehead.

“This is not the NBA,” he said. “There should be no fear. This should be fun.”

A mandatory captains meeting will be Feb. 10 with the games starting Feb. 17 in the NHPE gym.

Fridays are the ideal time for the league to take place, Whitehead said.

“It’s a nice way to end the week,” he said. “You go in, run around and have fun.”

With six teams currently signed up, each team will play each week in the current format with three games played 2-4 p.m. each Friday.

“With six teams, there will be lots of games,” Whitehead said. “Everyone will get plenty of playing time, which is good for the basketball guys who take it seriously.”

He said he encourages players who are new to basketball to sign up and play.

“I’d say come on in and play, have fun,” he said. “The only way you learn is with experience, getting on the field and having fun.”

Basketball is part of the intramural department’s attempt to enhance the students’ experience on campus.

“We do whatever we can do to make the environment better,” he said. “This is just one way to do it.”

—Eric Poe