Sign of the Twine: (Water), Day 4

B-ballers,

What it do?

Game 2 of the NBA Finals must’ve left Kevin Durant, a.k.a. The Durantula in a heap of frustration. He squandered a golden opportunity to take a commanding 2-0 lead, by missing a 10 foot jumpshot in the waning seconds of the game. A shot that would normally be equivalent to a layup, for The Durantula. Na mean?

Frustration flows through each and every one of us. You can’t escape it, but you can definitely suppress it. Every time I pick up this pen, each thought is inspired by the fact that this could very well be my final entry. Because of that; frustration will not deter me from hitting ‘the big shot.’ Ya heard?

The Phenom led all scorers today (what else is new, right?) with 33 points. He was 11/21 from the field and 10/15 from the stripe. Leading the 4-0 Runnin Rebels to a decisive 71-55 victory over the 2-2 Regulators. The Human Eraser contributed 15 points, 17 boards and a season high, 5 swats; generating his 1st double/double of the 2012 season. The Carpenter donated 7 points and 14 boards to the win.

Geezy led the Regulators with 17 points and 7 rebounds. B-Dot; the glass cleaner, a.k.a. 4-0-9, and J-Dubb collaborated for 19 points and 18 rebounds. Silk Money contributed 4 treys in the 2nd half, but the 39-23 halftime deficit proved to be insurmountable for team Regulators. SMH.

Heart-N-Soul led his team, Funky Technicians (1-3) to their 1st win of the 2012 season. He turned in a dominant performance, tallying 27 points (11.18 from the field and 4/6 from the stripe), 8 rebounds, 8 dimes, 5 thefts and 1 block.

Team Sky High was led by Frost (19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 thefts) and E-Smoove (18 points, 11 boards, 8 dimes and 1 steal). Billy-Ho tallied his 3rd straight double digit scoring effort with 16 points. His streak of consistency also included 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 thefts and 1 block. But team Sky High appears to be losing altitude as they came up on the short end of a 76-67 decision.

This week belonged to Heart-N-Soul. In two games, he’s accumulated 52 points, 16 boards, 12 dimes, 9 thefts and 2 blocks – going 16/32 from the field and 18/26 from the stripe in those two games. In the waning minutes of today’s victory, he knocked down a triple and tallied 2 steals, a block and an assist. Giving Sky High the bizzness fo sho! Heart-N-Soul is the undisputed Player of the Week.

Nuff Said,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Look Who’s Monster Ballin

The Phenom

*32.1 points (129 total), 10.2 rebounds, and 2.1 steals (4 games played)

Heart-N-Soul

19.1 points (77 total), 5.3 rebounds, 4 assists, and *4.3 steals (4 games played)

Frost

16 points and 2.1 steals (4 games played)

Geezy

15.3 points, 2.3 assists (10 in 1 game), and 1.2 steals (4 games played)

4-0-9

14.3 points, *17.3 rebounds, and 2 steals (4 games played)

Billy-Ho

14 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 2 steals (4 games played)

E-Smoove

19 points, 12 rebounds, *6 assists, and 1.1 block (2 games played)

 

*League Leading Stat



Sign of the Twine: Rap Session, Week 2

B-ballers, 

What’s poppin?

Basketball has always been labeled as a “tall man’s game.” Without question, the game has been dominated by the likes of Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon.  

But, it’s the little men – like Allen Iverson (The Answer), Damon Stoudamire (Mighty Mouse), Calvin Murphy, Tyrone Boques (Muggsy), and the gravity defying Anthony Webb (Spud) – that have transcended the sport into the global delight we know it as today.  Check the stats on the 1986 Slam Dunk Contest.  Nuff said.

The intrepid nature of a little man makes a big impact on a “tall man’s game.” A combination of speed hops and determination; my man Frost is nothing less than a game changer.  Whether he’s defending the passing lands or pushing the rock in the transition – his speed is a blur.

Nobody catches up with Frost.  Feel me?  But, you MannofStat  speaks the lingo of the little man.  So I was able to have a brief sit-down with the youngsta coming up in the Death Row b-ball league.

MannofStat:  Frost, what’s good, Dunn?

Frost:  I’m good.  What’s up wit cha?

MannofStat:  I’m waiting on the game tonight.  You already know “The Durantula” is gonna give Lebron the bizzness tonight, right?

Frost:  No doubt.  OKC ain’t playing no games.

Both:  (Bump fists)

MannofStat:  I feel the same way about your squad, Sky High.  I mean, you got E-Smoove back, but losing the King Cobra has to be a devastating blow.  How do you plan to keep this team in the race for the chip? 

Frost:  Losing King Cobra was a major blow to our team.  His presence will be missed, but at the same time; one man don’t stop no show.  Feel me?

MannofStat:  No doubt

Frost:  I mean, we have to move on and continue to play and grow as a team.  Hopefully we can become solid as a unit.  When the King Cobra returns, we can finally play at our highest potential.

MannofStat:  You just tallied a career best (25 points), but it resulted in a loss.  How do you view that?

Frost:  Two ways, MannofStat.  First off, I think it shows my improvement as a basketball player.  To be able to put up that amount of points against some well rounded players is a testament to that.  Secondly, it shows that there is still work to be done.  Even though I scored 25, E-Smoove has 20 and Billy-Ho has 19, we still loss a close game.  Turnovers and missed foul shots really played a hand in our defeat.  As a player, I’ve gotta help correct this if we’re gonna contend for the number one spot.

MannofStat:  That’s what’s up.  Now, on an individual note:  You’ve achieved 2 chips in the last seasons.  You were also awarded Most Improved Player and best 6^th man honors in that span.  What’s left for you to achieve?

Frost:  I really don’t know, MannofStat.  Copping M.V.P of the scoring title would be cool, but I’m not aiming for it.  I mean, if it happens, then it happens.  This season started out kind of crazy, but it’s not over yet.

MannofStat:  You’re speaking of your ejection from last week’s “Water Session.”  Right?

Frost:  Yeah man.  Right now I’m trying to just focus on keeping my head in the game, and getting Sky High to the championship game.  As you said: “2 chips in the last 2 seasons.” I feel like, if I can help get our team there, then I can make it 3 chips in 3 seasons.  Feel me?

MannofStat:  Like the Spalding rolling off my fingertips, Dunn.  Stay chiseled, and the sky is the limit for team Sky High.  Ya heard?

Both:  (Bump fists).

Much Love,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Sign of the Twine: Mid-Week Special, Day 3

Allow me to reintroduce myself;  My name is Jamil, a.k.a., “Pop –A- Shot, the author of “The Profile of an Enigma” – featured on the “Word to the Masses” blog.  Check me out at http://word2themasses.blogspot.com/.

If you don’t know, now you know.  

Death Row B-Ball is now in full E-F-F-E-C-T.

In the first game we had team Regulators vs. Sky High.  The Regulators Gezzy coming off yet another career day.  Shooting 11/16 from the field, 3 boards, and 3 steals (22 points).  Backing him up was Big Dogg, 12 points, 5 boards, 5 assists, 2 steals and 1 block.  B-dot a.k.a, “4-0-9” had to sit for 4 min.  His absence allowed team Sky High to go on a roll, tying the game at 23.

Despite Sky High keepin it close through the whole game, Regulators achieved the victory, 73-67.

4-0-9 set a new league record for rebounds (26).  He shot 6/12 from the field, dished out 3 assists, had 3 steals and 1 block.  J-Dubb and Silk Money combined for (20 points).

Team Sky High fought a hard battle.  Their big man, King Cobra is currently unavailable.  But, E-Smoove stepped up to the plate, grabbing 13 boards.  He finished 5/19 from the field (20 points).  He also had 4 assists and 2 blocks.  Backing him up was Frost.  He scored (25 points) 11/23 from the field and added 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 thefts.  Despite getting tossed out of his last game Frost kept his team within striking distance.  Billy Ho finished with (19 points) 8/10 from the field, 6 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals.

In game 2, we had the Runnin Rebels vs. Funky Technicians.

The Funky Technicians were looking for their first win, despite jumping out to a 10-3 lead, the Funky Technicians couldn’t fight off a Runnin Rebel surge that resulted in RR taking a 14-13 lead.  Two big treys by Jimi Jam kept the Funky Technicians close, but the Phenom and the Carpenter said:  “Let’s go” and the Runnin Rebels turned up the heat, running the score up to 42-31 at the half.

Now just before the half, we had Bucktown donate 2 points by making a layup in the opponent’s basket for the play of the day J LOL.

The leading scores at the half were The Phenom (23 points) and Heart-N-Soul (13 points).

As the second half got under way, Runnin Rebels looked like the Lakers of the late 80’s and early 90’s – with The General running the show.  He dished out no look passes – driving to the rack at will.  He finished with (11 points) 4/8 from the field, 3 boards, 7 assists and 1 steal. 

Before The Phenom fouled out at 11:24 mark, he wreaked havoc, finishing with 31 points (14/19 from the field), 11 boards 3 assists and steals.  Backing him up was Scrappy (19 points, 9 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals).  The Carpenter finished with (13 points, 6/10 from the field), 19 boards and 2 assists.

Hill Top was 3/4 from the field; he grabbed 8 boards and had 1 assist and 1 steal.  Despite the Funky Technicians looking for their win, it was another disappointing day, 85-71.  If someone doesn’t step up and take leadership, they’re going to see more bad days ahead.

This game was plagued with fouls.  Heart-N-Soul and Bucktown were both D.Q.’d due to fouls.  They need to find a way to put the puzzle together and make it work.  It’s always another day.  Heart-N-Soul finish with (5/14 8 boards, 4 assists, 4 steals, 1 block, 25 point).  Tone (6/17, 9 boards, 2 assists, 14 steals and 17 points).  Bucktown (7/15, 6 boards, 1 steal, 1 block and 17 points).  Pitt Bull (2/7 12 boards, 2 steals and 4 points).  Jimi Jam and Slick Rick combine for 8 points.

In the immortal words of Young Geezy:

“You think you ballin cause you got a block. 

He think you ballin cause you got a block.

You know them cats wanna see me fall.”

So step your game up because God-willin, Friday, it’s another jump ball.

Calling the shots.

Jamil, a.k.a., Pop-A-Shot

Copyright © 2012 by Jamil

Sign of the Twine: (Water) Day 2

It’s that time again.  June.  The NBA playoffs are reaching a crescendo.  Lebron went out of his mind dropping 45 on the old-heads up in Beantown forcing a game 7 back in South Beach tomorrow night – with K.D. and the boys layin’ in the cut back in OKC looking untouchable.  It’s hot and Death Row b-ball is on and poppin.’

Game one saw The Phenom (26 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals) lead the Runnin’ Rebels past Sky-High 50 – 40.  The Rebels opened on a 10 – 0 run triggered by swarming D by Scoop (8 points, 15 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals and 1 block) and the General (9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals and 1 block).  Sky-High made adjustments but looked out of sync all game long. Young Frost was ejected after receiving a double-technical foul at the 5:55 mark of the 1^st half, further depleting an already under-manned squad.  

But, Billy-Ho held them down with (17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block) – Grown Man Ballin.’ SunChild (4 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 6 steals, and 2 blocks) brought the high-level intensity we’ve come to expect from him.  Runny Ray, Ali and Lil’ Chris combined for (16 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals and 1 block)  in a gritty performance that, even in the loss, put everyone on notice that if you want the chip, you’ll have to go through Sky-High and oh, by the way; Breaing News:  E-Smoove is back from a temporary hiatus.  Watch out for Sky-High.

Game 2 featured the Regulators and the Funky Technicians.  The Technicians got off to an 11-2 run lead by Heart-N-Soul (13 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 5 steals), Bucktown (10 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks); Pitt Bull went hard for (12 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block) and Nasty Nas snatched boards and took names (6 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) bringing the fear factor to the paint. 

But, too much Regulators, led by B-dot (22 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assist and 1 steal), a career day from Freezy (18 points, 10 assists, and 3 steals) and a double/double from the Bigg Dogg (10 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block).  A less than stellar showing from Silk Money (8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals), not the gaudy numbers we usually get from him – a true baller; and only a matter of time before he gets untracked.  Regulators win 61-53.

Congratulations to the co-players of the week.  B-dot’s numbers for the two games this week: (35 points, 34 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals).  And of course, the Phenom: (65 points, 23 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals); that’s whoa!  Now that’s bringin the heat.  Next week - 6 games – and I promise your b-game will not get it done; bring it.  It’s that time again. 

Also, shout out to the new refs:  Big Bank, The Diesel and Lil’ Magic.  My peers; My family.  Let’s demonstrate to the world the possibilities of Man.  Much respect!

Mr. Blue

Copyright © 2012 by Paul Brown

Sign of the Twine: Rap Session, Week 1

B-ballers,

What’s good?  B-ball is sometimes misinterpreted as a sport for the most gifted athletes.  I mean, in this modern day of b-ball, Kobe, Lebron, “Melo” and “D-Rose,” have set a pretty high standard – concerning the modification of what a baller should be.  But, in my opinion; b-ball is more of a definitive expression displayed by anyone who possesses the will to compete.  Feel me?

This Rap Session introduces the masses to a youngsta the Row knows as, “Streetz.” For the past three seasons, I’ve watched him grow as a baller, but more importantly, I can see his maturation as a person.  As his insight continues to expand, Streetz recognizes that death row b-ball is more than a game.  His youthful will to compete on the court, or in the court, is not to be denied.  Stay tuned, because the Streetz is watching.  Ya heard?

MannofStat:  What is do, Streetz?

Streetz:  I’m good, fam.  Thanks for the interview.  How are you?

MannofStat:  I’m good Dunn.

Both:  (Bump fists)

MannofStat:  What would you say to the naysayers who try to put a black eye on our b-ball movement?

Streetz:  Death row b-ball has been a way for me to express myself.  I mean, the way the ball moves and sounds when it goes through the net, or the rhythm of the ball bouncing on the court, temporarily releases the tension of being stranded on death row.  Feel me?

MannofStat:  Word is bond.  That tension will either make you or break you.  Ya heard?

Streetz:  That’s real talk, MannofStat.

MannofStat:  Some ballers emulate the greats as a mean of refining their own skills.  Is there anyone you pattern your game after?

Streetz:  My style of play is simple; hustle.  Whatever I do, I go hard.  Lebron is my favorite player because he goes H.A.M. on both ends of the floor.  Now, I know I’m not a go-to man, but whatever team I play for, I give them my all.  I can defend, rebound, and score whenever my team calls on me to do so.  Being a role player is not a problem for me.

MannofStat:  The injury bug has been feeding on you lately.

Both:  (Laughs)

MannofStat:  What’s the status on your latest injury?

Streetz:  I don’t know what it is, fam.  I just can’t stay healthy (shaking his head).  My left ankle is still causing me pain every now and then, but I have an anti-inflammatory injection scheduled.  That will relieve some of the pain until I have some bone spurs removed.

MannofStat:  Aight.

Streetz:  My right thumb is fractured at the joint.  It’s been painful, but I’m healing.  I’ve already gotten the green light to play ball again.  So I’ve been shooting around, throughout the week.  Next game, I’ll be going H.A.M. nonetheless.

MannofStat:  There’s no questioning your spirit of competitiveness.  Has watching from the sidelines helped your game?

Streetz:  No doubt, fam.  Watching from the sidelines helped me to see that  I need to go harder in the paint.  I know I need to get better at timing my jump when I attempt to block a shot, but my trump will be to use my youth and speed when I’m matched up against some of the older ballers.

MannofStat:  That’s what’s up!

Streetz:  Keep doing what you do, fam.  You got skills.  I’ll see you at the table.

MannofStat:  Fo sho!

Both:  (Bump fists)

Be Easy,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann