Six Things That Shaped PCTI: #1

To kick off PCTI IIIIII I’ve decided to take a look back at the 6 moments that have shaped/changed PCTI into what it is today.

6. Dismissal of PWSNBN. (PCTI IIIII)

5. Arrival of Smo, Chase, and Donley. (PCTI II)

4. Sabin Turns Heel. (PCTI III)

3. Cramp Game. (PCTI I)

2. Arrival of Beas and Paco. (PCTI III)

1. Game 1 Tip-Off (PCTI II, III, IV, V, VI)

When I first heard the pitch of PCTI, I thought the idea sounded fantastic. Bros, basketball, beer, and a different town for the weekend sounded incredible. However, I was skeptical that we all would “buy-in,” and/or this event would continue after 3 years. I know I wasn’t the only one who shared this same reservation. 

The first year of PCTI had its fair share of ups (good basketball, no major injuries, Mike Hite’s son) and downs (poor scheduling, cramps, referees wanting to hang out with us). It was still considered a huge success to coral 14 guys from all over the USA to Lexington for a weekend of basketball. Then Sunday afternoon rolled around, reality set in, and we all returned to our daily lives.

The real test came next. Could we do it all again next year? The answer was/is a resounding “Yes.” Which leads me to this: the biggest moment that changed PCTI forever is Game 1 Tip-Off from PCTI II, and III, and IV, and V, and now VI. The tip-off is almost like the baptism that renews our faith in this thing every year.

Every year, PCTI has its challenges with travel arrangements, baby births, people getting married, family commitments, or LIFE happenings, among other things. I get bogged down in some of that stuff as well because it can feel like a lot to take a break from your life to do this weekend. But every year my love is renewed when the ball is tipped in Game 1.

Game 1 tip off in PCTI II was a game changer. We were able to not only add 2-3 guys into the mix but we managed to make the weekend better. How could we top a great weekend and keep everyone engaged?

PCTI III tip-off was another huge moment. We got out of our comfortable confines of Lexington and ventured a little further West to Dallas. Although we couldn’t take dumps for a hot minute, everyone showed up and had a blast.

PCTI IV tip-off showed that this thing was going to have legs for awhile. To my dismay, everyone showed up and had a very competitive PCTI.

PCTI V showed that even with some adversity of losing a few members, we could still put together an incredible weekend.

Every year, when we tip-off Game 1, I drink it all in. It’s awesome/crazy to think we are in year 6. That's 20% of all of our lives sans Paco. 

I’m paraphrasing but Scott Donley and Hops wrote last year in emails that PCTI is special, and it’s the most unique, exclusive fraternity there is in the world. BC nailed it home when he talked about how basketball is a drug and this is our binge weekend aka our Coachella weekend.

See y’all soon. Portland is gonna get wet!