Dear Theophilus Archive: Sept. 2000

A Chat with Rich Cho, Commissioner of the EBA

David Yi: Who first envisioned the Emmanuel Basketball Association (EBA)?
Rich Cho: It was "Dental" Ed Lee who originally came up with the idea of the EBA. I remember first talking about it with him at the beginning of summer-how great it would be to play basketball all summer long. He had this huge grin on his face as he told me about some of the ideas he had for the EBA. It got me really excited. Unfortunately, he had to leave for Korea, so he left me in charge of starting the league. I drew upon my vast wisdom and experience from forming the Delaware Professional Youth Group Bowling League last summer.

DY: What do you see as the main purpose of the EBA?
RC: I see the main purpose of the EBA as brotherhood. I was really moved by the Promise Keepers' movement several years ago, and ever since I have had a conviction for deeper bonding and accountability among the brothers. It is activities such as basketball from which these types of relationships can emerge or be solidified. It is also a great way for newcomers or non-Christians to come out and get to know the church family in a very non-threatening atmosphere.

DY: Many people seem to have devoted a great deal of energy in the EBA. How do you think the EBA can be a conduit for channeling this positive energy to other constructive things?
RC: I think one of the great things that came out of the EBA was unity among the Emmanuel brotherhood. There did not seem to be too much interaction between the three fellowships (ECF, Charis and Phileo), but this EBA league provided a great way for college students and young adults to just chill out and have a great time together. Before EBA, I did not know a single college brother. Now I know so many of the punks that I'm actually beginning to feel old.

DY: Where do you see the EBA going? In 5 years? 10 years?
RC: Man oh man, what a question. Actually, my "vision" was quite meager: I was just hoping that this summer league would turn out okay. One of the things we would all like to see happen in the EBA is an active outreach to non-believers and people who have stopped going to church. Each week, you would see people bringing out friends from their schools and workplaces; it was such a great way for people to get to know one another. I think the EBA provided a great way for people to take a couple of steps in reaching out to their friends. It is really exciting because towards the end, even the Timothy fellowship brought out a team. Man, brotherhood! I think it has helped bring greater unity to the Emmanuel brothers and by God's grace, it will only get stronger. It is exciting because there has been talk about forming the EFL (Emmanuel Football League), the ESA (Emmanuel Soccer Association), the winter EBA (Emmanuel Bowling League) and even the WEBA (Women's EBA). People have urged me, and I am seriously considering dropping out of school and becoming Emmanuel Sports Commissioner full-time.

DY: We are running out of time, so one final question: Can you comment on Pastor Paul's basketball skills?
RC: It is these kind of questions that cause churches to split. Personally, I was really grateful and blessed by Pastor Paul because he came out the first day and gave the opening prayer for the regular season games. He even played with the Dribblin' Theologians that day, and that was exciting to watch. But I do not think Pastor Paul is too crazy about basketball. It is just not his thing. But I tell you this, if the whole church ran a 5K race, Pastor Paul would come in first place.

DY: Thanks for your time, Rich. On behalf of the EBA, we would like to thank you for your hustle and efforts in running the EBA. Better watch out for the FAB TEN next year!