NBA Players Celebrate Barack Obama Victory

"The guys are celebrating in there," Rivers said of his players' reaction to Barack Obama's victory. "I told them this isn't a black-and-white thing, don't look at it that way. It's good for America. I don't care who you voted for, America got involved."

Before the game, Rivers had observed, "This is the first time I can remember in sports so many guys being so interested in the results. I've never seen anything like this, ever.

"Players, coaches, everybody talking about it - it doesn't mean they are pro-Obama, pro-McCain, or whatever. It's just that I'm amazed at the interest.

But if there is one out-sized sports influence that an Obama administration will have on the country, it is this:

Basketball will become our national pastime -- a return to "Big" sport relevancy in the U.S. after years of increasing marginalization.

Obama's passion for hoops is well-known, a daily ritual throughout his campaign and a constant presence throughout his life.

Obama will be "Baller-in-Chief." He will install a basketball court in the White House. He will resuscitate the visibility and cachet of the sport, inspiring a generation of kids to take up the game.

If there is a phrase that might have defined his campaign -- and will certainly define his presidency -- may I suggest:

"Obamaball."