Sign of the Twine: Talking Game with the Hilltop, Week 5

“I got my introduction to b-ball on the schoolyards, playgrounds and P.A.L. Centers in Philly.”
                       -Hilltop

B-ballers,

What it do? The summer of 2K12 is barely a week old and the temperatures have already reached triple digits. SMH. The disappointment of having one game day within a 3 week span is worse than battling this sweltering heat. Na mean?

To beat the heat, I decided to dig up some b-ball roots with my man Hilltop. This old school West Philly baller can relate to my b-ball origin and has the game time experience to make the players around him better. Real talk.

The legends from my hood lived on the schoolyard courts. I learned how to play the game by watching cats like: Soup Bone, Silk, Sarge and Munchie. I’d watch them play all day – occasionally sneaking in a layup or a short jumpshot at the opposite end of the court. To me, they were the cream of the crop. So, you can imagine my enthusiasm when I was finally considered good enough to compete with and against North Philly’s best. Getting my shot thrown over the fence by Sarge or assisting Soup Bone with a behind the back pass, was my rite of passage as a baller. Ya heard?

I learned so much about the game from those old school ballers. When I asked Hilltop about his role on the currently first place Runnin Rebels, he didn’t hesitate to take the wheel and drive me to familiar territory.

My role with this team (Runnin Rebels) is to perform blue collar labor as an elder statesman. To maintain momentum – allowing the ‘young guns’ to set the court ablaze. Ya dig? The enthusiasm of this Lansdowns Avenue product breeds new meaning to the death row b-ball movement. Hilltop understands that our league is a statement of progression: “This league shows that outcasts of society can interact within an organized atmosphere and partake in the competition with respect and sportsmanship.”

Hilltop and I were bred from the same launching pad. We could talk for hours about Earl “The Pearl,” Wilt “The Stilt,” West Philly’s High’s “Speed Boys,” Hank Gathers, “Bo” Kimble, Dr. J, and Rasheed Wallace. I mean our b-ball discussions could go back further than George Jefferson’s hairline. Feel me?

We spoke on the Sonny Hill Future League summer sessions – as well as the black top battles on 41st and Aspen, throughout the 80’s. He took pride in telling me that he learned the fundamentals of b-ball playing in the military and postal service’s intramural leagues. I even gave Hilltop a play-by-play of my late game heroics in the championship games at Neuman Basketball Camp for Boys. Hitting the game winner against future Drexel University Hall of Famer, John Rankin, allowed me to bring home the hardware and a b-ball swagger that continues to drive your MannofStat, to this day. Ya heard?

“You know what, MannofStat? There isn’t a best b-ball era, per se, in the 2-1-5, because Philly continues to produce a neverending legacy of quality Baller.” And there you have it. Our knees may grow gimpy, but the old school will continue to teach. Word to “The Blueprint.” R.I.P. Earl J. Richmond (D.O.E., 5/6/05).

Keepin it 100,

MannofStat, NP 4 Life
Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Sign of the Twine: Rap Session, Week 4

B-ballers,

What’s good? Five games in the year’s NBA Finals, is all it took for Lebron James and his Miami Heat to establish their position at the top of the basketball food chain. A 30-point playoff average and multiple postseason triple/doubles will grace the headlines as “King James” leads the victory parade down Biscayne Blvd. But, his greatness will forever be predicated on his gutsy supporting cast. Feel me?

Mario Chalmers, Mike Miller and Shane Battier were very instrumental in the rise of “The King.” Without them; “King James” would be swimming in the overflowing cup of great ballplayers. With them; he becomes an elite baller, with World Champion Hall of Fame status. Ya heard?

It’s not often role players get to shine, but when the rare opportunity presents itself, the role players have to come from behind the curtain and bring the show to the people. I mean, “Air” Jordan, Hakeem “The Dream” and Kobe “Bean” were spotlight ballers, no doubt. But, when that rare opportunity presented itself; Steve Kerr, Sam Cassell and Derek Fisher gave the show of a lifetime and walked away with the jewelry. Na mean?

Meet Billy Ho, a baller who embraces his role behind the curtain, but is more than eager to bring the show to the people. Please hold your applause until the conclusion of this Rap Session.

MannofStat: Billy Ho, How you?

Billy Ho: I’m good, MannofStat

MannofStat: It’s been a minute since our last sit down, but this is my first exclusive interview with you.

Billy Ho: Yeah, we were “Bringing the Heat” the last time I got to do a Rap Session, so this is what’s good.

MannofStat: Let me see, “Bringing the Heat” was 2K10. You were wreaking havoc with team Gatlins. From then and now, this appears to be your breakout season. Team Sky High has a promising roster, but in the absence of “King Cobra,” what are you bringing to the table?

Billy Ho: Losing King Cobra was a major blow and you can kind of tell from our play in the last few games. He’s an intense dude, and we need that. My job is to bring the intensity every game; during his absence and when he returns. Hopefully, my intensity will be contagious.

MannofStat: It’s no secret that every baller has their strengths, but you should constantly be adding something more to your game. What have you added to your game since last season?

Billy Ho: Well, I’ve tried to work on my defense and communication. Those are the two things that win ball games. If you can’t talk to your teammates, then you’re not going to be able to stop anybody from scoring. You can’t win like that and I’m trying to rise to the top.

MannofStat: Sky High…Sky High (imitating the Goodie Mobb classic, “Black Ice”).

Both: (Laughs and bump fists).

Billy Ho: That’s what’s up!

MannofStat: Last question. Who’s your favorite baller – NBA or college – and why?

Billy Ho: Lebron James, hands down. He dominates both ends of the floor. I wanna be that type of player MannofStat.

MannofStat: Aight

Billy Ho: Yo MannofStat. Before we bounce, I wanna shout out the officiating crew: Lil’ Magic, Big Bank and The Diesel. Every call can’t be the perfect call, but your communication is the best call. I applaud our officiating crew for doing their best.

MannofStat: Word is bond!

One,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Sign of the Twine: (Water), Day 7

Blistering hot is a perfect description for the weather, but death row B-ball rolls on. Cantankerous is a perfect description of the vibe emanating from some of the balers. Yes, attitudes were funky today, and speaking of funky – The Funky Technicians rolled 68-55 over Sky High, paced by Tone “The Wild Thing” Loc. 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists.


Young Frost scored Sky High’s first 8 points on his way to a respectable 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. E-Smoove had a solid 20 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Lil’ Chris contributed 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals, but Sky High was outplayed in every facet of the game. They were outrebounded 54-25. Complete and utter domination of the boards by Nasty Nas 15 points, 16 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks.

Playing with back pain, Heart-N-Soul 10 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 6 steals continues to amaze. On one leg, Bucktown contributed 8 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Jimmy Jam came off the bench and poured in 8 points. How do the Funky Technicians do it? Communication and teamwork; it’s a beautiful thing.

The Runnin Rebels and the Regulators squared off in the second game. The Regulators controlled the action early, led by Silk Money’s 19 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 assists, 1 block and the Bigg Dogg’s 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Geezy, 409, Streetz and J-Dub combined for (21 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block). They were up 26-18 midway through the first half in an intense battle the Rebels took the lead just before the half 27-26 on a free-throw by the Phenom 31 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 block; they would not trail again.

The led 35-28 at the break and cruised to a 62-50 victory. Scoop got his grown man on with 16 points, 15 rebounds and 1 block. Scrappy (9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal). The General (4 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) and the Carpenter (2 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists) all were solid in the win.

Player of the Week goes to… Tone “The Wild Thing” Loc, leading his Funky Technicians to an undefeated week. His game is not flashy. He is all business. All he does is get the job done, ya dig? Was that water in those cups? Or was it the funky cold medina?

And congrats to Lebron James and the Miami Heat on a job well done. All the naysayers, all the negativity, all of the hate and the whole time all he had to do was just simply be himself. For those who don’t know; that’s always good enough.

It’s about damn time! Hats off to the Heat. And, oh yeah, I’m predicting it’ll be hot out there Monday as well; man-up or melt down.

Mr. Blue

Copyright © 2012 by Paul Brown

Sign of the Twine: Rap Session, Week 3

B-ballers, 

What it do?

“The Round Mound of Rebound,” “The Worm,” “Motown,” and “The Ring Leader” were all driven by their desire to snatch rebounds. Now, don’t get it twisted; Charles Barkley, Dennis Rodman, Moses Malone, and Bill Russell brought other dimensions to the game of basketball. But, they all shared an understanding of the game that separates the good from the elite; “Rebounding wins games.”

The death row b-ball league has bred some rebounding hall of famers as well. The Carpenter has owned the rebounding title for the last two seasons. And, at 5’9” (and some change), “Lil’ Magic dominated the boards before him.

In five games, of this 2012 season, the latest addition to our b-ball fam has more than earned his place in the paint. At 6’4 ½ and 193 pounds, this rookie has produced nothing less than a double/double in all five games. Today’s output of 18 points and 20 boards helped team Regulators ascend to sole possession of 2nd place and one game above 500. B-Dot, a.k.a. 4-0-9; the glass cleaner, is about to give you a much cleaner view of how to live in the paint. Ya heard?

MannofStat: 4-0-9, what it do?

4-0-9: Everything is good, MannofStat.

MannofStat: You’ve been doing your thing in the paint. What are some of the strength and weaknesses of your game?

4-0-9: My greatest strength is that I’m underestimated. (Laughs). But, seriously, the paint is my strong point. My height and arm length allow me to take up a lot of space down there. The only weakness I could possibly point out is most of the other big men outweigh me. But mentally (taps his temple with his index finger), I’m stronger. You don’t have to look for the “Big Man,” cause I live in the paint. Ya Dig?

MannofStat: (Nods head) No doubt.

4-0-9: Playing ball on the row has been an experience because you don’t really know what to expect. But it’s all good at this level.

MannofStat: You just set a new league record for rebounds (26). Is this as good as it gets, or can we expect your numbers to increase?

4-0-9: I don’t really know, MannofStat. I still feel like I have more to give. It’ll come down to my determination and the team’s energy.

MannofStat: Your determination and the team’s energy should be one and the same. Na mean. Your rebounds start the transition. The transition leads to easy baskets. Easy baskets raise the level of confidence. And when a team is full of confidence, a mass of energy is always in the midst. Feel me?

4-0-9: Yeah, I can dig it. We need to develop into a team where we can rely on each other. The energy, excitement and wins will come.

MannofStat: That’s real talk. Keep on keepin, Dunn.

4-0-9: Good look, MannofStat.

Both: (Bumps fists)

Much Love,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Sign of the Twine: Mid-Week Special, Day 5

Once again, this is your man, Jamal, a.k.a. “Pop-A-shot,” calling the shots and coming at you with that old school flow:


“Summer…summer…summertime!”

It’s the first day of summer and the rec yard is 500 degrees. Keeping the math, while battling the heat is more challenging than the Oklahoma City Thunder trying to steal a win in Miami; you just can’t beat the Heat. Feel me? I’ve got MannofStat, Mr. Blue, Wahoo, a.k.a. El-Indio and Froggy Frogg on the mathematical front line with me, so it’s all good. Our officiating crew: Big Bank, The Diesel, Lil’ Magic and Mr. Smith have been doing an excellent job of keeping the temperature on the court, below the natural boiling point.

First up, we have team Funky Technicians vs team Runnin’ Rebels. This game was tied at 24 late in the first half, but the Runnin Rebels possessed a 27-24 lead at the break. Tone Loc, a.k.a. “Wild Thing,” paced the Funky Technicians with 25 points (career best) and 2 steals. With the game tied at 64, Nasty Nas put the Funky Technicians on his back and carried them to the upset victory, 68-64.

– Funky Technicians –
Heart-N-Soul (9 points), 4/11 from the field, 6 boards, 3 assists, 5 steals, 1 block. Nasty Nas (10 points) 14 boards. Tone “Wild Thing” Loc (25 points), 2 steals. Bucktown (11 points), 6 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal. Pitbull, Jimi Jam, Eddie B and Slick Rick combine for 13 points.

- Runnin Rebels –
Phenom (32 points), 11 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Sccop (12 points), 11 boards, 2 blocks. Scrappy, 16 points. The General and Hill-Top combine for a total of 4 points.

As the second game got underway, team Sky High vs Regulators. Regulators jumping out to a smooth start, led by Bigg Dogg, Silk Money and B-Dot, a.k.a. 4-0-9, with Sky High playing lackadaisically, they couldn’t match the energy level of team Regulators – with the exception of their big man, Runny Ray. With Runny Ray talking smack to his team, down by 13, Sky High went on a run to close within nine. Regulators led at the half, 28-19. Half time leading scorers were Silk Money (5 points), Bigg Dogg (6 points), 4-0-9 (6 points), Streetz (5 points), E-Smoove (7 points), Frost (6 points).

Second half, Regulators pull away 42-30, 8:37 on the clock. Sky High’s Runny Ray hits a big trey to put some life into his team. With 6:26 on the clock, the score 47-41, Sky High makes another run with Frost running the show. Frost’s pullup jumper; nothing but net. Score 47-45 Regulators. Despite a second half surge by team Sky High, it just wasn’t enough to pull through. Regulators win by one 59-58.

Silk Money (9 points), 10 boards, 3 assists, 3 steals and 4 blocks. Bigg Dogg (16 points), 4 boards, 4 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. B-Dot a.k.a. 4-0-9 (18 points) 20 boards, 1 assist, 3 steals. Geezy, J-Dubb and Streetz combine for a total (16 points). Regulator team totals: (44 boards) – (14 assists) – (4 steals), (4 blocks). Sky High E-Smoove (20 points) is boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block. Frost (13 points), 3 assists, 4 steals. Runny Ray (12 points), 8 boards, 2 assists, 1 block. Billy-Ho, Ali and Lil’ Man combine for a total of 13 points. Sky High team total: 42 boards, 7 assists, 9 steals and 2 blocks.

In closing I leave you with these words:

A lot of us sometime choose the wrong paths in life, which allow us to lose focus on what’s important. We become blinded by the material outlook of certain things that creates an image that’s right when we know it’s wrong. In the process those bad decisions become detrimental to life progression. At times it seems as if we’ve gotten away or beaten the odds but usually what’s done in the dark eventually comes to the light.

The moral of the story revolves around making the right decisions and choices in life. Sometime we may have to go through certain adversities a degree of hardship, grief or setbacks to obtain the basic necessities we seek to live a prosperous, spiritual and happy life. So to the readers and fans, take advantage of what life has to offer and appreciate what life has given.

Calling the Shots,

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