B-ballers,
What’s poppin?
Upsets, blowouts and emergence… all definitive terms that link a b-ball fiend to the month of March. Every year I look forward to another baller making the most of his opportunity on the big stage known as the NCAA tournament, aka “March Madness.”
Witnessing the emergence of Derrick Williams, Brandon Knight and Jeremy Lamb was an exhilarating experience, indeed. Arizona’s upset over Duke kept me on the edge of my seat. And, the slaying of the mighty Kansas Jayhawks by the hands of head coach Shaka Smart and his VCU rams blew me away. Ya heard?
There we were, two weeks into the month of April when my beloved Sixers were back in the playoffs. I was amped about it, but I’m a realist. So, I knew facing the Miami Heat in the first round was a bad omen. The Sixers’ gave the Heat a run for their money, but D-Wade and King James were too much to handle. The Sixers were able to steal game four in the series, but sadly that was it. It was just not our time. Feel me?
The Sixers ended the regular season 14 games better than they did last season. Kudos to first year head coach, Doug Collins for bringing respectability back to the Sixers’ organization. In my opinion, he’s the coach of the year. Ya heard?
Speaking of first year success, I caught up with death row’s number on stunner, “BirdMan.” In his inaugural season as a head coach, he led team Mayhem to a 14-2 championship season. Let’s find out what the BirdMan has brewing in the nest for this upcoming season.
MannofStat: BirdMan, what’s good?
BirdMan: I’m good Brother, and yourself?
MannofStat: Well, I’m good, but still mourning my Sixers’ lost. The tornado coverage on ABC blocked out one of the games, but I guess that turned out to be a good thing. Na mean?
BirdMan: (Laughs) Yeah, I heard the Sixers blew a 14 point lead in the first quarter of that game. I know you didn’t wanna see that.
MannofStat: I don’t even want to think about it BirdMan. So, let’s get on a higher note.
BirdMan: Okay
MannofStat: After your impressive coaching debut, will you be back on the sidelines as a coach this season?
BirdMan: I’ve had some friends ask me to play, but I think I’ll coach.
MannofStat: Do you think you can repeat as a championship coach?
BirdMan: By all means, yes!
MannofStat: Aight. That’s what’s up!
BirdMan: I enjoyed coaching. Watching my team come together to win 14 out of 16 games is an experience I’d like to build on as a coach.
MannofStat: Having “The Phenom” as your number one option can simplify any coach’s game plan. Without a doubt, he was you main ingredient, but who was the extra spice that gave your squad the championship flavor?
BirdMan: All of my guys played a part in winning that championship, but the two that stand out for me is my floor general, “The Diesel” and my power forward, “Scoop.” His defense made the difference.
MannofStat: Who would you take with the first pick in this year’s draft?
BirdMan: “Silk Money” without a doubt. He’s a true point guard.
MannofStat: That’s a solid pick, Coach. Who were you pulling for in the NCAA tournament?
BirdMan: I’m an ACC fan. So, when the last ACC team lost, I was pulling for VCU.
MannofStat: The heavy underdog. That’s what’s up.
Much Love,
MannofStat
Copright © 2011 by Leroy Elwood Mann
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