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