Hey there, I’m Ivan! I’m the owner and creator of the Hooption site and a basketball maniac!
I’m simply in LOVE with everything related to the most beautiful sport on this little planet we call Earth. If you’re from outer space, let me know if you play basketball on your planet!
My Passion For Basketball Goes Way Back…
The first time I felt the passion for hooping was back in 1996. It was a late night. My father, my brother, and I were waiting for the Bulls – Sonics game six of the NBA Finals to begin.
Of course, we were eager to see the one and only, the GOAT, Michael Jordan.
But there was another player we were super excited to see… “The White Magic” or “The Croatian Sensation”, my man and one of my basketball idols, Mr. Toni Kukoc!
I’m from Croatia, by the way. And You?
The thought of a Croatian player playing alongside the GOAT in the Finals of the BEST LEAGUE in the world was captivating. So captivating, that even today, 25 years later, I’m still deeply in love with this sport and use every opportunity to talk about it.
A few weeks after this event (Bulls won the series 4-2, of course), my father did something that changed my life…
I Got My First Hoop!
I remember coming home one day from school to a super surprise…
My old man was in his workshop (basement) just finishing my first hoop. Being a self-taught carpenter, he built the backboard with his own two hands and bought a steel rim with a chain net.
When I saw the project, I was over the moon from excitement! I couldn’t wait to start hooping!
A few days later, the hoop was ready, the paint was dry, and the street light pole outside our house was already marked and waiting to become my favorite place in the whole world.
Below is the old fellow…
These images are taken about 10 years ago.
Unfortunately, as we grew older, we went in different ways. So my father decided to retire the old hoop.
Nonetheless, I don’t even have to tell you how many hours I’ve spent shooting hoops, imagining myself playing on the big stage, practicing my free throws, crossovers, and three-pointers, playing 1 on 1, 2 on 2, and even 3 on 3 with all my friends.
Needles to say, I became obsessed with basketball. I’m sure you can relate…
Hooption Is The Site For True Hoopsters
One of the main reasons why I started Hooption is to share my passion for basketball with you! In other words, I want to perpetuate this passion that started in me that late night in 1996…
I want to help you find your first (or second, or maybe even third) hoop.
That said, maybe you have a kid who loves basketball too and want to surprise him/her as my old man surprised me. Maybe you need a portable hoop. Maybe you are looking for a wall hoop.
Whichever type of hoop you are looking for, you will find it here @Hooption.com!
So, what type of basketball hoop are you looking for?
Read my Best Basketball Hoops list now to find the one for you (or your kids), and feel free to contact me in case you have questions!
And if you want to invite me for a pick-up game, I’m always ready!
Just say when and where and I’ll be there!
Ivan – The Basketball Maniac 😀