Bringing the Heat: Week 5 Rap Session

B-ballers,

What’s good?

The 5th week of our regular season is officially in the books. This season has been so addictive; I was compelled to return to the court this weekend. It felt good being back in the trenches. Ya heard? I mean, throwing lobs to The Phenom, running the break with Bigg Dogg and encouraging my man Mr. Skeeta to look for his shot is all second nature to me. But, competing against fellow ballaholics like: Lil Magic, Runny Ray, The General and Pitt Bull feeds the physical side of my passion for this game.

It was the perfect appetizer to today’s rap session with refined b-ball enthusiast Mr. J.T. Now, I’m old school like block parties and penny candy, but the principal is about to feed our mental. Na mean?

MannofStat: J.T. What’s good?

J.T.: I’m well Mr. Mann. How are you?

MannofStat: I’m aight. Gotta Keep on Swinging. Na mean?

J.T.: I know exactly what you mean.

MannofStat: From the door, let’s inform the masses of how long you’ve been on the row.

J.T.: Moving into my 24th year. Ouch!

MannofStat: I feel your pain my man. My 13 years haven’t been without its scars either. Na mean?

J.T.: True indeed. Basketball has definitely been good for us.

MannofStat: Speaking of, basketball was a mere recreation back in the day. Explain to the masses how this b-ball tournament affects the death row population.

J.T.: You know, I really wish it had been mere recreation for all of us. But, for some those with less talent and limited skills, it became a place for derision, by some with plenty of talent but smaller minds. The limited time access didn’t help at all.

MannofStat: Aight. So what’s the prognosis now?

J.T.: Well, as far as now, I couldn’t be happier. The tournament turns everyone into a Zen practitioner, if only for that short period of time. Nobody is losing themselves to the past, nor running after a future.

MannofStat: Well, don’t stop now; you’ve got my high beams on J.T. Continue to educate.

J.T.: We, all of us, individually yet collectively dwell happily in the present moment. Now, as I am a practicing Buddhist, I couldn’t be more pleased as I am when I witness and live these events. Being in the moment/tournament is very liberating and rewarding.

MannofStat: Is it possible for us to make our tournament even better?

J.T.: It would be nice if we could have more input in all areas. More prep time, you know? Maybe get some film as this program may not exist in the next few years. Just opening up the yard for everyone to view the games that we all might rise.

MannofStat: That’s what’s up! But tell me, who did you watch growing up?

J.T.: “The Big O,” Willis Reed and “Lord” Bill Russell to name a few. These guys were not only talented to the 9th degree; they made it a point to bring everyone on the court with them. That made them all better players. You know what I’m taling about?

MannofStat: No doubt.

J.T.: These days, I find myself more focused on the coaching, but I have a question for you.

MannofStat: Aight, spit.

J.T.: Do you think Pat Riley will come down from the front office to coach again this season?

MannofStat: It’s highly possible. I remember Pat Riley in the 80’s, when he was coaching the “Showtime” Lakers. His competitiveness is unending, so you know he’s getting tired of hearing about Phil Jackson’s 11 championship rings. Feel me?

J.T.: Yes, indeed.

MannofStat: Thanks for stopping by J.T.

J.T.: It’s been my pleasure, Mr. Mann. Thanks for the inclusion

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat: (Fuego) Day 13

B-ballers,


What it do?

Leadership is demonstration. It’s not announced. As ball players, we have to recognize that a team’s decorum can dictate success or it can foreshadow failure. With 4 games remaining in our regular season, it’s only natural for individual frustrations to set in. But, as men we have to surmount individualism, repel the wiles of pettiness and focus on attaining our ultimate goal. Winning on the court or in life, no matter how difficult the task, winning is always an option, because every truly great accomplishment is at first impossible. Na mean?

In game 1, The Realest (1-9) nearly pulled off the upset of the year. With 7 seconds to play, Eddie-B shot a jumper from the left corner that rolled off the rim at the buzzer. The dance of the ball brought the entire rec yard to its feet. It just wasn’t meant to be, because The Realest suffered their 9th defeat.

Silk Money led The Realest and all scorers with 23 points (5/9 from the stripe). The Realest went into the break down by 1, but they started the 2nd half with an 8-0 run, that blind-sided team Gatlins (9-2). The Realest led by as much as 10. Big man, Pit Bull generated his 2nd double/double of the season (10 points and 10 boards). He also had 2 assists and 1 block. Concrete snatched 11 boards for the 2nd straight game, but The Realest couldn’t hold off the Gatlins late game surge. Lil’ Magic and Heart-N-Soul played with the bumps and bruises of a physical regular season, but their youth movement paid the bills, giving HBO and Showtime the opportunity to thrill us with another suspenseful finish.

In the 1st half, Lil’ Magic and Heart-N-Soul combined for 12 points. Billy Ho was on fire scoring 10 points (2 treys) in the 1st half. He finished with 14 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. “Streets” was eating rebounds like Pac-Man, tallying a career best 11 boards. This “Youth Movement” sparked death row’s version of HBO and Showtime, to generate 21 of the team’s 26 second half points. Lil’ Magic finished with 18 points (3/4 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Heart-N-Soul contributed 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal. As a team, Gatlins shot 6/21 from the stripe. Ugh I smell fish, but the Gatlins prevailed, 55-54.

Game 2, Mayhem (10-1) vs Elixir (3-7). The Phenom not only stayed true to his scoring prowess, but he also tied his career high by dishing out 8 dimes. He finished with 27 points, 8 rebounds, 8 dimes and 1 steal. Scoop stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 11 boards, 6 dimes, 3 steals and 8 monster swats ( 16 in 2 games). The Human Eraser has 49 blocks this season. That is 10 better than last year’s total and he still has one more regular season game to play. This defensive statement is clear, going into the playoffs. If you’re scared to dance, stay away from the “Monster’s Ball.” Ya heard?

The Diesel has made a difference for team Mayhem in all 3 games this week. Today he finished with 10 points (8 in the 1st half), 7 rebound, 4 assists and 1 steal playing a major role in Mayhem’s 60-47 victory over team Elixir.

Elixir was led by the unselfish efforts of Bigg Dogg. He tallied 12 points, 17 boards, and 2 assists. One day after snatching 18 boards against the 2nd seed Gatlins, proving that in big games the Bigg Dogg is all bite and no bark. Word is bond!

“The Gem” produced his 1st double/double of the season, tallying 12 points, 10 boards and 2 steals. Playing with an injured right hand, J-Rock contributed 10 points (4/4 from the stripe), 12 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Elixir outrebounded Mayhem 49 to 33, but team Mayhem’s 21 assist was the deciding factor. That’s what’s up!

The votes at the table came down to the wire b-ballers. It’s been a great week for death row b-ball. Mr. Blue, Froggy-Frogg, El-Indio and I concluded that there was no one Player of the Week. Scoop and The Diesel combined for 15 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals in the 1st half of today’s contest. Both were key to all 3 victories this week, so congrats to these teammates for being week 5’s co-Players of the Week.

Nuff Said,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat: (Mid-Week Special) Day 12

Eighty-two degrees and sunny. The ball is in the air and they’re off and runnin.’ Game 1 featured team 2 Mayhem vs team 3 Ruffnex. Mayhem pushed out to an early 8 point lead with monster swats by Scoop (10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 8 blocks) and steals by The Phenom (29 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals and 1 block) leading to easy transition baskets. Defensive adjustments by the Ruffnex kept the score close throughout the half, but defense must become a way of life not merely a pastime whenever The Phenom is on the floor. He dominated the first half with (18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals) and Mayhem lead by ten at the half 36-26.


The 2nd half began with the Ruffnex in total disarray on the defensive end-going down 14 44-30, but once again, a gut-check on D and the emergence of E-Smoove who hit 11 of his 16 points in the 2nd half kept it tight. The Ruffnex has a well balanced attach getting solid performances from Geezy (15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal) Bucktown (14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block) and Chubsta, “The Carpenter” owned the boards finishing with 15 to go with his 15 points and 2 assists.

But, Mayhem refused to fold. The wily veteran, Diesel, (10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal) came up with one clutch shot after another to keep the game just out of reach. The Ruffnex would eventually cut the lead to one with :23.5 seconds to play, but turnovers which plagued the Ruffnex all game and clutch free throws by The Phenom and The Blanket (7 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal) sealed the deal for Mayhem 65-62.

Game 2 featured team 1 Gatlins vs team 5 Elixir. The Gatlins started with Big Henry filling in for Coach Slick Rick and Jimi-Jam starting for Elixir in place of Lil’ Bison due to religious services. Elixir opens with an elaborate defensive scheme devised by Coach Red denying the ball to the Gatlins main two scorers, Lil’ Magic (19 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 1 block) and Heart-N-Soul (14 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals).

The strategy seemed to be effective early however dominant play in the post by Nasty Nas (15 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block) and Tool Man (10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals) and a hard fall by Elixir’s star player J-Rock who sustained a cut on his shooting hand, but went on to finish the game wearing a glove over the cut – could not forestall a rout 73-50.

The story of the day however was the impassioned determined and inspired play by Bigg Dogg (19 points, 18 rebounds and 4 assists) and injured star J-Rock (9 points, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks).

Regardless of the score, they challenged every shot, were master facilitators and played textbook ball from the opening tip to the final horn. A testament to The Blueprint, Earl Richmond, who’s M.O. was being a man of character and playing unselfish team basketball. R.I.P. big homie. We are forever grateful and we will never forget. Your legacy lives on.

See you at the table.

Mr. Blue
Copyright © 2010 by Paul Brown

Bringing the Heat: (Humidity) Day 11

B-ballers,

What’s poppin’?

Twenty-two games are in the books. Eight contests remain in our 2010 regular season. Today’s final meeting of the regular season between team Mayhem (8-1) and team Gatlins (7-2) was an excellent showcase of what this year’s postseason has in store. As a b-ball fiend, I always enjoy watching Lil Magic and The Phenom compete, but as a person I applaud their personal tributes to the blueprint of our league, Earl J. Richmond, aka “E”(R.I.P).

Lil Magic paid homage to The Blueprint at the 19:29 mark of the 1st half. A southpaw, Lil’ Magic shot his 1st free throw attempt right-handed. The Phenom acknowledged The Blueprint in a similar fashion with 31 seconds to play. As the ball left the fingertips of his left hand, he spoke The Blueprint’s name, just loud enough for the scorer’s table to hear. That’s what’s up!

Lil’ Magic was on target from downtown early. He knocked down 5 treys in the 1st half. His Gatlins led by as much as 14 points near the end of the 1st half. Lil’ Magic went into the recess with a monstrous line: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block and his Gatlins led 35-25.

The 2nd half belonged to team Mayhem. Savvy play by The Phenom and well respected veteran The Diesel, led a surge that chipped away at the Gatlins double digit lead. The two combined for 33 of the 43 second half points scored by team Mayhem. Diesel cut the lead to 6 with 11:03 to play. He also hit 4/5 clutch free throws down the stretch to put the game out of reach for the Gatlins. He finished with 12 points (10 in the 2nd half), 3 rebounds, 4 dimes, 1 steal and 1 block. The Phenom tallied 38 points (11/11 from the stripe), 10 boards, 2 assists, 6 thefts and 1 block. The Phenom has scored 306 points in 9 games played, giving him a commanding 34 point average with 3 games remaining in the regular season. Monster ballin,’ indeed.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Scoop, anchored Mayhem’s comeback with his vintage “Human Eraser” presence. He tallied 7 points, 17 boards (career best), 2 assists, 2 steals and 6 monster swats (3rd time this season). J-Dubb and The Blanket combined for 11 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists respectively. Controlling their own destiny, Mayhem won this game in an impressive fashion, 68-59.

Lil’ Magic led the Gatlins with 29 points (5/7 from the stripe), 13 boards, 4 dimes, 2 steals and 1 block. Heart-N-Soul finished with 19 points (11 in the 1st half), 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 thefts. Coach Slick Rick, needs to use this loss as motivation to fuel his team going into the postseason. Real talk.

In game 2, the Ruffnex (3-6) put this one away early The Realest (1-8) may go into the postseason with a single victory. Their final 3 games are against the two top-seeded squads and a hungry team Eleixir (3-5). Today’s contest was over before it started. The Ruffnex led 36-18 at the break.

Bucktown led team Ruffnex with a career best, 33 points (21 in the 2nd half). He also produced 13 rebounds, (season high), 4 assists, 4 thefts and 2 blocks, giving him his 4th double/double of the season. He has tallied averages of 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks for the regular season.

Chubsta, aka “The Carpenter” tied his own record, snatching 22 boards. He also contributed 7 points, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. The Carpenter is averaging 15.7 rebounds per game. E-Smoove and Geezy combined for 33 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 thefts and 2 blocks, for much needed team Ruffnex victory. The final was 79-41. Ouch!

Silk Money led The Realest with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. The Realest were outrebounded 57-39 and outsourced in the 2nd half, 43-23. Wow!

I’ll see you at the table b-ballers. Until then, Holla if ya hear me.

Stay Up,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat Week 4 Rap Session

B-ballers,

What it do?

Basketball can be about physical dominance (Dwight Howard). It can be about athleticism (Dwayne Wade. At times, b-ball is a chess match between infinite b-ball IQs (Phil Jackson and Glenn “Doc” Rivers). But, the end result is always about having a good time. Na mean?

Certain ballers draw the spectator’s attention as soon as they step on the court. In some cases, if these “fan favorites” are not on the court, the spectators will shout the player’s name until the coach decide to put the requested player into the game. The fanfare on the row can be very persuasive. Word is bond!

These “fan favorites” inspire others, not because they’re the most athletic or physically imposing. They inspire others through their efforts and willingness to be a line in a chain known as death row b-ball. The integrity of this chain is what makes us who we are. Whether it is running the figure eight drill with J-Rock and Bigg Dogg or shooting free throws with The General. Death row b-ball is a language of its own and despite the different characters and backgrounds amongst us; it’s the language that solidifies the integrity of our chain. Ya heard?

Hear the voices of two links in our b-ball chain. This week’s Player of the Week, “Jimi-Jam” and the embodiment of team spirit, “Ernie."

MannofStat: What’s good fellas?

Jimi-Jam: What’s up, homeboy?

Ernie: What’s up?

MannofStat: Aight Jam. Let’s clear the air. You’re from Asheville, NC. Why do you call me your homeboy?

Jimi-Jam: Because I used to live in Philly. Mr. Doobie Greenwood is my kinfolk. 17th and Chew. Oh, excuse me, is that cool if I give a shout out?

MannofStat: Cooler than a fan, Jam.

Jimi-Jam: Thank you man. I’m just happy to be here.

MannofStat: Ernie, you’ve been a part of this tournament for years. What do you find exciting about death row b-ball?

Ernie: I love the game. The thrill of being able to compete with the best is what excites me the most. I’m old and slow, but I’m grateful to be able to get out there and participate. Just doing my job to help my team.

Jimi-Jam: Yeah man, I kind of feel like that too, but this week every time I stepped on the court I felt like I could score 30 points, steal 5 balls, block 6 shots and snatch 10 rebounds.

MannofStat: (Laughs) Easy Jame, you’re old-school man. You really think you can put it down like that?

Jimi-Jam: Even better homeboy.

MannofStat: How much better?

Jimi-Jam: I’m so fired up at game time homeboy, I feel like I could score 60 points in 40 minutes.

MannofStat: Wow! That’s what’s up! Now back to reality (Laughs).

Jimi-Jam: C’mon homeboy (Laughs).

MannofStat: Ernie, tell me how death row b-ball has made a difference in your life?

Ernie: I’m learning about the game from the best players in the league. I’ve been able to apply these same lessons to my everyday life.

MannofStat: Give me an example.

Ernie: To play as a team, you can’t be selfish and with us living together, here on the row, we can’t be selfish because we’re all in the same boat. Regardless of our individual situations, we’re still on the same team.

MannofStat: Respect. I got my high beams on Ernie. I can definitely see you. Ya heard?

Jimi-Jam: MannofStat, let me bless the masses with a freestyle.

MannofStat: Nah Jam, we’re on the 3rd strike.

Jimi-Jam: 3rd strike?

MannofStat: Yeah, we out.

Stay up,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat: Mid-Week Special Day 10

Game 1 Mayhem vs The Realest – A slugfest. The Realest went down 9-2 early and did not score their first FG until 9:32 of the first half. But, they were able to stay in the game due to the brilliant defensive strategy by Coach T.C. Campbell of denying the ball to Marcus “The Phenom” Mitchell and smothering him with a constant double-team. The score was tied at 14 with 6:09 to play in the 1st half and The Realest swarming to the ball with tenacious, in your face, team D.


We went to the half tied 24-24. Second half fire! The defensive pressure got turned up a notch for some high intensity hoops. Stacey “Scoop” Tyler was held to 4 points, but was solid across the board as usual with (11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks). And, John “J Dub” Williams and Roger “The Blanket” Blankeney stepped it up for Mayhem combining for a much needed (12 points and 10 rebounds).

Foul trouble plagued the Realest throughout the contest. And you cannot stop the Phenom; you can only hope to contain him. And he began to get loose, finding his range from downtown then slashing inside for easy baskets and making his free throws to finish with a modest, for him, (24 points, 9 rebounds and 2 assists). James “Silk Money” Little, III finished with a game high (25 points, 11 rebounds 2 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks) and seemed to make plays from every spot on the floor. But, the double-team was called off in the closing minutes due to foul trouble which was the turning point in this 50-46 thriller. A losing effort for The Realest, but a gutty, stand-up performance. They were outmanned, but they manned up!

Game 2 Elixir vs Ruffnex: the rivalry continues. This game became a rivalry when Elixir forfeited an earlier win over the Ruffnex on a controversial call. There was a little extra incentive on each possession. Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell came back early from a head injury last week requiring stitches. He was tentative in the early going, but then exploded with a spectacular performance going (17 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals). Poetry in motion with the rock; good to see ya back out there kid!

Paul “Lil Bison” Cummings came to the game donning his warrior headband and a warrior mentality with aggressive play on both ends. It was a one point game at the half. Eddie “E-Smoove” Taylor (16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 5 blocks) seemed to be able to score at will, but ironically was not a major part of the offense. And, Mitchell “The Carpenter” Holmes dominated in the paint with 18 boards (6 points, 4 assists and 2 steals). However, the Ruffnex are prone to mental errors.

The odds-on favorites to play for the chip at the beginning of the season, the Ruffnex are a team that can’t seem to get out of its own way. Still, anybody’s game late when out of nowhere, James “Jimmy Jam” Morgan nailed back-to-back bombs from treysville, also adding a clutch turnaround jumper to push team Elixir out to a 5 point lead and provide the spark needed to pull away. Final score, 45-41 Elixir, but it’s not over. These teams will meet again on the last day of the season… Bring your fire suit!

Player of the week honors go to: James “Jimmy Jam” Morgan. In the absence of injured team leader Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell, Jam stepped his game up with a career high (16 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist), and came up huge today in crunch time to help team Elixir go 2-0 for the week. His energy and spirit are unmatched. Congratulations Jam, you always got the green light and that’s the Blue-View. No games tomorrow; flames Monday-bring it!

Mr. Blue
Copyright © 2010 by Paul Brown

Bringing the Heat: (Humidity) Day 9

B-ballers, what’s good?

We’ve passed the half-way mark of our regular season. The good weather has been a blessing indeed. This season is progressing much faster than last year’s “Wet Season,” much too fast for your MannofStat. I’ll hate when this season comes to a close. But, I’ll definitely find comfort in knowing that the monumental statement death row b-ball is making will be like the timeless lyricism in Tupac Shukur’s music. It will be a hot topic for generations to come. Feel me?

For the second time this season, the 7-1 Gatlins faced the 2-5 Ruffnex. The last time these two teams met, it resulted in a 61-56 Gatlins win. A tight game, no doubt. The first half of this one resembled their first meeting. Gatlins led at the break 29-28, but Phillip “Lil Magic” Davis brought the heat coming out of the recess. He scored 9 of the Gatlins’ first 11 points of the 2nd half. He finished with a healthy line; 22 points, (3/4 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 6 dimes and 5 thefts.

Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson surpassed his own b-ball brilliance by tallying 10 thefts, a career high, and one better than his previous record of 9. His total contributions were, 22 points, (8/10 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 10 thefts. As a team, Gatlins recorded 18 thefts, 15 between Lil Magic and Heart-N-Soul. Without a doubt, death row’s version of HBO and Showtime featured the blockbuster, “The Prince of Thieves” at this morning’s Humidity session. Ya heard?

The Gatlins won this one 64-48, but the Ruffnex got mass production from the explosive combination of “TNT.” Eddie “E-Smoove” Taylor produced his 3rd double/double of the season. He finished with 22 points, 12 boards, 3 assists and 4 swats. In two games against the Gatlins, he’s averaging 26 points, 13.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 3.1 blocks. The second half of this explosive duo, Rodney “Bucktown” Taylor recorded his 3rd double/double of the season as well. Today’s 11 points, 10 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals and 4 swats, gives him season averages of 13 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.5 blocks.

Game 2 saw team Elixir produce their 2nd win of the season. They were without their 1st team All-World selection Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell. He’s still recovering from the eye injury he suffered in last week’s “Fuego” session. Compensating for the loss of his 19.1 points per game average would be a challenge, but Chris “Bigg Dogg” Gregory was up to the task.

The BiggDogg stepped off the porch to contribute 17 points, (13 in the 1st half), 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals, but the x-factor for team Elixir turned out to be James “Jimmy-Jam” Morgan. He finished the day with a season high 16 points (2 treys and 2/3 from the stripe). He also contributed 4 rebounds and 1 assist. David “Bo” Williams finished with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Paul “Lil Bison” Cummings came through with 11 points and 1 steal to cap a 61-58 Elixir victory.

The stats say The Realest should’ve won this game. They outrebounded team Elixir 53-26 (3 players with double digit rebounds). James “Silk Money” Little, III tallied 22 points (16 in the 1st half), 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Warren “Pitt Bull” Gregory produced his first double/double of the year with 12 points (2/2 from the stripe), 12 boards and 1 assist. Shawn “The General” Bonnett finished with 10 points, 13 boards (a career best), 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Elrico “Concrete” Fowler contributed 8 points (4/6 from the stripe), 13 boards, 1 assist and 1 block.

The Realest led 37-36 at the half. Team Elixir was grasping onto a 55-54 lead with 1:42 to play, but frustration caused a momentum shift in favor of team Elixir. Obviously team Elixir had the antidote for the absence of J-Rock, but they will need him if they plan on improving to 3-5 when they face 2-5, team Ruffnex. The last time they met, it resulted in the Ruffnex winning by forfeit. I can feel the Heat already. Na mean?

Catch me at the table b-ballers. I’m out lie Glenn Chapman.

One,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat: Week 3 Rap Session

B-ballers, what it do?

 

Shot-blocking is a dimension of basketball that is too often underrated. At times, this critical dimension of the game can be written off as mere stoppage of play, but shot-blocking is so much more than that.

Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlin changed the game with his ability to block shots, but Bill Russell mastered this craft and used it as the driving force to win 9 chips in 11 years. Real talk. I spent some time with two of our league’s premier shot-blockers, Stacey “Scoop” Tyler, aka “The Human Eraser” and Eddie “E-Smoove” Taylor, aka “The Delete Technician.” Not many shots go uncontested when these ballers are on the floor. Na mean?

MannofStat: Scoop, what’s good?

Scoop: Yeah, what up?

MannofStat: E-Smoove, how you?

E-Smoove: I’m good Dawg.

MannofStat: Who was the best shot-blocker ever?

Scoop: Without question, Hakeem, “The Dream” Olajuwon. 3,830 blocks. Nuff said.

E-Smoove: Well, the stats say The Dream, but in my mind Dikembe Mutombo was the greatest. When you saw that finger, you knew what it was. That was intimidation man.

Sccop: Yeah, but what appealed to me is the manner in which The Dream handled his. No screams, no pointing, no finger waving, just playing ball and waiting on the next opportunity.

MannofStat: Aight, I can see both sides of that ball, but Bill Russell was like the Picasso of shot-blocking. I mean, changing the course of a shot and turning it into an opportunity for your team to score is definitely something special. Feel Me?

Scoop: I agree. Bill Russell made shot-blocking an art. When you think about it, everything must be done with precision; timing that release, the moment of lift-off and the brutal assault on the ball. To do that intact, makes one the creator of “art” in motion.

MannofStat: Okay, Playa (Laughs). Break out the scuba gear, cause we’re about to get deeper than oceanography. Ya heard?

All: (Laughs)

MannofStat: Real talk. E-Smoove, you gotta spit some real on this emotional rollercoaster you and team Ruffnex have been on these last two weeks. I mean, you was doing it in week one, averaging 24 points and 10 boards. How do you get back to that form?

E-Smoove: I just wanna win, Dawg. If the numbers come, they come. I love the game. The 1st week we just played ball and had fun. Then emotions came into play and it showed in the team’s performance.

MannofStat: In saying that, where does this team rank compared to other teams you’ve played on?

E-Smoove: By far, this is the best team I’ve been on and Big Bank is the best coach I’ve played under. All we need to do is come together and we’ll win.

MannofStat: Has ballin on the row made a difference in your life?

E-Smoove: No doubt, without it, this would be an all day soap opera. These are the days of our lives. As the world turns on death row. Know what I’m sayin’?

All: (Laughs)

Scoop: “The Blueprint” taught me that every team starts with one person willing to sacrifice for others. To lead the way you want to be led. I have great respect and appreciation for Earl “E” Richmond (R.I.P.) [“Bringing the Heat: Fuego A Tribute” – 9/15/10 (http://www.balltilwefall.blogspot.com/)]. I love the game. It’s one place where everyone becomes that leader and are led.

E-Smoove: True indeed. Big-ups to “Big E.” R.I.P. Dawg. It’s because of you I love death row b-ball. Your memory lives on.

MannofStat: Can’t stop won’t stop. Word is bond!

 

One,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat: (Fuego) Day 8

B-ballers,

What’s poppin?

It’s been a productive week. Six games in 3 days has been a fulfilling experience, indeed. It’s been a week of lessons, lacerations and labor, legitimately induced by death row b-ball. Na mean?

Game 1, Gatlins vs The Realest.

Coach Terrance “T.C.” Campbell’s game plan was 2points shy of pure genius. His squad, The Realest, stayed true to double teaming the league’s reigning M.V.P, Phillip “Lil’ Magic” Davis throughout the game. Holding him to 6 first half points (10 total) and keeping the margin close, by only trailing 25-21 at the break.

Bryon “Scrappy” Bell brought the fire for The Realest. He finished with 19 points (11 in the 1st half), 2 rebounds and 2 steals. He also made 4 of 5 free throws. James “Silk Money” Little, III stuffed the stat sheet for Coach TC, finishing with 16 points (13 in the 2nd half), 11 boards, 5 dimes, 2 steals and 4 swats. They out rebounded team Gatlins, 35-30, but the clutch free throws by Lil Magic (4/4 in the 2nd half) and the 2nd half emergence of Martin “Heart-N-Soul” Richardson proved to be the difference for the Gatlins.

Heart-N-Soul finished with 19 points (3/5 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Darrell “Billy Ho” Maness tallied 11 points (9 in the 2st half), 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Lil Magic showed how grueling 3 games in 3 days can be. He recorded a season low, 10 points, but he was 6/6 from the stripe. He also contributed 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 5 thefts, a prime example of how you don’t have to be the leading scorer to win the game. Feel me? The Gatlins improved to 6-1 with a 51-50 win.

Game 2, team Mayhem vs Elixir.

Marcus “The Phenom” Mitchell capped his week the same way he started it. In a true prolific scoring fashion, he helped put this game away early, for team Mayhem. They led 13-4 at the 17:15 mark of the 1st half. Team Elixir took a shot in the gut when 1st team All-World selection and last week’s Player of the Week, Jeremy “J-Rock” Murrell suffered a laceration above his right eye. A nasty collision that took place at the 14:32 mark of the 1st half, J-Rock received 3 stitches but didn’t return. Elixir suffered a 26 point drubbing in a game that was never close. Mayhem gave Elixir the bizz, 75-39.

Phenom finished with 32 points (21 in the 1st half), 10 boards, 3 assists and 2 steals. Darrell “Diesel” Woods assisted with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Mayhem rookie, Andrew “Frost” Ramseur tallied 11 points (9 in the 2nd half), 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. Team Elixir got tremendous, selfless play from Chris “Bigg Dogg” Gregory. In the midst of being blown off the court, Bigg Dogg continued to facilitate his teammates. His valiant efforts revealed his true character in the form of 17 points (3/3 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 6 dimes, 3steals and 1 block.

Mayhem remains tied for 1st place with team Gatlins at 6-1. Elixir, at 1-5 is tied with The Realest for last place. They’re scheduled to meet in next week’s “Humidity” session. Weather permitting; I’ll most definitely be there. Ya heard?

Team Ruffnex was idle today. They’re scheduled to face the Gatlins next week. Hopefully they’ll have their big man Mitchell “Chubsta” Holmes, aka “The Carpenter,” back in his workshop, snatching boards. They’ll need him in order to pull off the upset. Real talk.

The summer is over b-ballers, but death row b-ball won’t Fall back. Na mean?

Peace,

Mannofstat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann