B-ballers,
Basketball has always been a sport predicated on emotions. No matter where it’s played: playgrounds, rec centers, driveways, arenas or a death row rec yard. An emotional meter that ranges from frustration to jubilation will be put to the test. Feel me?
Basketball is universal. It brings people together, male and female, friend and foe, spiritual and atheist. Basketball is a sport that’s good for the human race. Death row basketball is no different. Our annual b-ball tournament has been in existence since 200. I have manned the position of league statistician (MannofStat) since 2007. I must say, this was our best season to date. Real talk.
Once again, the death row ballers have seized another opportunity to prove that we’re not “the worst of the worst.” In an environment that could easily be perceived as a house built on the foundation of melancholy with windows of despair. Death row b-ball has been a source of positivity, rehabilitation and team work. We have eclipsed our negative predicaments and brought forth something good in all of us. Word is bond!
I asked “Bigg Dogg” what he wanted society to know about death row b-ball. He said, “I want people to know how we as fellow human beings get down on the ball court. All participants dedicate themselves. Practicing throughout the year, whether it’s 30 degrees or 100 degrees, guys truly appreciate the opportunity to display their skills in a team oriented sport. The games are played at such a high intensity level, that even the officers enjoy it.”
“Heart-N-Soul” exhibits a genuine sense of appreciation for this tournament when he was awarded Player of the Week in week 1. “Catching Player of the Week was completely unexpected. It’s a great achievement amongst so many other players who are better than you. I never gave much thought in achieving any individual goals during this tournament. Having fun and winning the championship is the most important achievement.”
Team “Mayhem” finished the season 14-2. They defeated “Heart-N-Soul’s” team “Gatlins” (12-5) in championship game, 60-40. Team “Elixir” (5-9) finished 3rd, but a couple of their players, “Lil’ Bison” and “J-Rock,” have 1st place attitudes when I asked them how death row b-ball has affected their lives. “Lil’ Bison” said, “Basketball doesn’t build character, it reveal it. I’ve witnessed there words manifest themselves here on death row.”
“J-Rock” said, “It’s been a growth experiment, you know, trial and error. I have learned that being an athlete is a service. Ballers provide entertainment, a past time for tans. It’s no different on the row.”
This season has been nothing short of a success. Congrats to team “Mayhem” for winning the chip, in a pure dominant fashion. Special congrats to “The Phenom” for claiming M.V.P. honors in the regular and post season, as well as attaining his 2nd championship in 4 years. That’s what’s up!!
Be Easy,
MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann
Basketball has always been a sport predicated on emotions. No matter where it’s played: playgrounds, rec centers, driveways, arenas or a death row rec yard. An emotional meter that ranges from frustration to jubilation will be put to the test. Feel me?
Basketball is universal. It brings people together, male and female, friend and foe, spiritual and atheist. Basketball is a sport that’s good for the human race. Death row basketball is no different. Our annual b-ball tournament has been in existence since 200. I have manned the position of league statistician (MannofStat) since 2007. I must say, this was our best season to date. Real talk.
Once again, the death row ballers have seized another opportunity to prove that we’re not “the worst of the worst.” In an environment that could easily be perceived as a house built on the foundation of melancholy with windows of despair. Death row b-ball has been a source of positivity, rehabilitation and team work. We have eclipsed our negative predicaments and brought forth something good in all of us. Word is bond!
I asked “Bigg Dogg” what he wanted society to know about death row b-ball. He said, “I want people to know how we as fellow human beings get down on the ball court. All participants dedicate themselves. Practicing throughout the year, whether it’s 30 degrees or 100 degrees, guys truly appreciate the opportunity to display their skills in a team oriented sport. The games are played at such a high intensity level, that even the officers enjoy it.”
“Heart-N-Soul” exhibits a genuine sense of appreciation for this tournament when he was awarded Player of the Week in week 1. “Catching Player of the Week was completely unexpected. It’s a great achievement amongst so many other players who are better than you. I never gave much thought in achieving any individual goals during this tournament. Having fun and winning the championship is the most important achievement.”
Team “Mayhem” finished the season 14-2. They defeated “Heart-N-Soul’s” team “Gatlins” (12-5) in championship game, 60-40. Team “Elixir” (5-9) finished 3rd, but a couple of their players, “Lil’ Bison” and “J-Rock,” have 1st place attitudes when I asked them how death row b-ball has affected their lives. “Lil’ Bison” said, “Basketball doesn’t build character, it reveal it. I’ve witnessed there words manifest themselves here on death row.”
“J-Rock” said, “It’s been a growth experiment, you know, trial and error. I have learned that being an athlete is a service. Ballers provide entertainment, a past time for tans. It’s no different on the row.”
This season has been nothing short of a success. Congrats to team “Mayhem” for winning the chip, in a pure dominant fashion. Special congrats to “The Phenom” for claiming M.V.P. honors in the regular and post season, as well as attaining his 2nd championship in 4 years. That’s what’s up!!
Be Easy,
MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann
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