Is it possible to have strong feelings for a guy I met online two months ago?

I started talking to this guy and felt an instant connection. We had so much in common and he has been really sweet. We are friends on face book and I have seen his my space page. But where I get weary is that he will not talk on the phone unless he gets drunk. He has called me twice and left messages. He claims he is really shy. We have made a date to meet then he canceled. When I asked him if it was because he was scared he said yes. So I gave it time and made another date with him but he canceled again. This time saying it's because he doesn't want to miss his basketball game. He is a huge fan of sports. I don't know if he is just playing me or is for real. I would like some advice on how I find out the truth. I find it hard to believe that I can have such strong feelings for someone I have never met and he has expressed he really likes me too. What should I do?