Legacy Infinite: Managing Time By Talking the Talk

Sharing the death row b-ball initiative with the masses is always a blessing.  This past season, Legacy Infinite, has been a literary chest pass to the blogosphere – with the intent of creating a game winning shot for someone that rarely sees playing time.  Feel me?

As always, my stat team Mr. Blue, Bigg Dogg, Chino, and Froggy Frog, remain key players in the success of this annual b-ball odyssey.  We give you the play-by-play as we see it, but if you’re not present on the rec yard you couldn’t possibly be aware of the ongoing commentary at our scorer’s table.  Please allow me to elaborate:

In the past, I’ve always depended on Mr. Blue and Froggy-Frogg to be my eyes while I document the math that transcends into the Ball-Til-We-Fall expression.  On several occasions this season, I managed the game clock while reciting play-by-play commentary to my four teammates.  I’ve even developed a signature “game voice” to provide entertainment to anyone within earshot of my workstation.

Managing the game clock is anything but a simple task.  Its digital board provides the game score, team fouls, a 35 second shot clock, possession arrow, and of course game time.  The 35-second shot clock demands constant attention.  Whenever the ball touches the rim, the 35-second shot clock has to be reset.  If there’s a sudden change in possession – such as a steal – the 35-second shot clock has to be reset.  This, combined with the constant inquires from coaches and players – concerning the score, team fouls or timeouts – can make my vocal play-by-play commentary a bit challenging; but not impossible.  Ya heard?

The support of my stat team has given me the confidence to step my game up.  From the scorer’s table, to the rap sessions, Legacy Infinite will be remembered as the evolvement of your MannofStat.  Cotton; Bottoms; Not in this house; are just a few of my vocal expressions in need of being recorded.  Holla if ya hear me, TMZ!!

Legacy Infinite will also be remembered as the debuts of fellow writer/b-ball enthusiast, Bigg Dogg, and my man Chino handling the shooting percentage; a much welcome addition to the stat table.  Mr. Blue and Froggy-Frogg, as always, are a statistical tandem that goes unmatched.  I’m more than thankful for their participation and input.  Word is bond!

The officiating team of Lil’ Magic, Diesel and Big Bank provided a triangle of organization when the game’s tempo lights the fire of the rec yard hecklers.  Officers as well as residents of the row enjoy the euphoria that death row b-ball provides.  With that said; the “Cameron Crazies” ain’t got nothing on the hecklers of Unit 3.  Real talk.

In closing, congrats are in order for Coach Chimmi and his gritty Hakuna Matata squad.  The last team standing had “no worries” about this season’s competition.  “I am knowledgeable of the game.  I bring encouragement to my men in hopes that they will play to the best of their ability.” Coach Chimmi’s b-ball vision proved to be encouraging to his star player, and the Most Outstanding Player of this year’s postseason, E-Smoove.  Congrats to both of them for attaining the long-time elusive championship moment that E-Smoove rightfully deserves.  That’s what’s up!!

I also need to thank all of this year’s Rap Session participants: Coach Chimmi, The General, Bucktown, Wild Thing, E-Smoove and of course, The Phenom.  Congrats to Father Time for being nominated and awarded The Blueprint Man of the Year.  And much respect to the memory of my man, Earl J. Richmond, a.k.a. “The Blueprint.” Your memory will never die as long as there’s fire in my pen.  Ya heard?

And last but definitely not the least, I’ve gotta thank my Editor-in-Chief, Rochelle.  Thank you for setting the bar so high, “Boss Lady.” Your literary direction has taken this BTWF movement far beyond it’s initial standard for success.  Love you Ma.

Peace and love, B-ballers.  Whatever tomorrow brings your MannofStat will continue to love this game.

Nuff Said,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann.

Editor's Note:

I just want to thank the followers of Ball-Til-We-Fall for your patience during the Legacy Infinite season.  The delays were unavoidable, but I am  thrilled that you stayed to the end.  Join us later in the year for the 2014 season of Ball-Til-We-Fall.

Legacy Infinite: Championship Tuesday, Day 16

It all comes down to this.  Hakuna Matata: on the brink of a championship.  Apocalypse: to prevail, they must win twice in this double-elimination tournament.  Challenge accepted!  Throw it up; let’s get it.

The tension: as thick as freshly churned butter.  The game: a grind early; both teams feeling each other out like 2 heavyweight contenders.  The intensity: increases as the sound of flesh wounds are heard all the way up to the gun-towers, causing the black birds to take flight.  Under a minute to play in the 1^st half: E-Smoove picks up his 4^th foul, spelling potential disaster for Hakuna Matata.  At the half: its 34-31 Apocalypse leading as they vie for a winner-take-all final.

We were tied at 36 at the 12-minute mark when the Little Giant (15 points, 4 rebounds) got loose and turned up the heat.  The Human Eraser (20 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks), the all-time leader in blocked shots, in what could be his final game; saved perhaps his best performance for last.  Clearing the boards, pouring in 20 points and changing the game with his signature swat!

For Apocalypse, The Phenom (17 points, 8 rebounds) left it all on the floor!  Billy-Ho (13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals) playing every game like it’s his last, left it all on the floor!  Bucktown (12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks), playing with 17 stitches in his right hand; literally a one-armed bandit.

And 4-0-9 (11 points, 12 rebounds), gave it their all, but it was E-Smoove, in perhaps his finest hour (27 points, 9 rebounds) shooting a blistering 51% from the field and playing the entire 2^nd half with 4 fouls, who would not be denied.  He’s been here before.  He’s always had the talent, but today we witnessed that it is poise, determination and leadership, along with great athletic ability that makes a champion.

There were questions of Coach Chimmi’s strategy to leave his star player in the game with 4 fouls in the 1^st half.  He challenged a good player to be great; challenge accepted!  As we watched him perform the entire 2^nd half with the same level of intensity, but just out of reach of that 5^th foul.  Willing his team to victory, and finishing with a flourish and dominantly at the rack with an & 1; we saw a maturation process that has fully evolved.

There was skepticism from the beginning, even of the team’s name and Coach Chimmi’s philosophy of team over self.  Hakuna Matata is Swahili for “No Worries,” but today call them champions as they win going away 72-57.  Congrats to E-Smoove, our post season M.V.P. and to Coach Chimmi and Hakuna Matata on a job well done.

As we turn the page on another season, adding another chapter to our legacy, we honor the vision of The Blueprint.  Much respect to the rec department and central prison staff for their professionalism.  To the top-flight officiating crew of Lil’ Magic, Big Bank and The Diesel.

Hats off to my tablemates who help me do all the dirty work, Bigg Dogg, Chino, Frog and our point guard, The MannofStat.  Big shout out to all my girls: Mom, Auntie Rose, Tara, Makayla, Mariah, Alice, Harriet, Fem, Pam and Jenn.  You keep me strong and give my life meaning: I love you all.

And finally to all the ballers and coaches: you’re all my teammates.  Who know what the next day may bring:  Let’s make today great!  Keep it 100.

Mr. Blue

Copyright © 2013 by Paul Brown

Legacy Infinite The Playoffs: Longevity, Day 15

“Dream.  Nothing will ever get achieved without some type of blueprint or some type of aspiration or goal.”

Cam Newton, NFL Quarterback

Ballers,

Today there was a window of opportunity open for either Apocalypse (10-5) or TTTB (7-8).  Whoever wins today’s game advances to the championship round to face Hakuna Matata (10-4).  Whoever loses, their season is done!  It comes down to which team wants the victory the most. 

Before the game, I asked the coach of TTTB, “The Gem,” if he had any meaningful words to his players to get them fired up?  He said, “we are, THE TEAM TO BEAT, and we knew from the beginning that other teams would come after us with their top ballers answering the call.  It’s up to us to bring our A-game every time we step on the court.” True gems are spoken best!

Both teams came out today with that old Philly spirit, “The eye of the tiger.” LOL. Apocalypse’s main scorer, The Phenom, showed TTTB no mercy in the first half.  Whether it was him pulling up trey’s (4) or him slashing to the rack, this veteran didn’t want his journey to end here.  For the first half, he tallied (20 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist).  

While his teammate “Bucktown” contributed (7 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block).  TTTB was led by Silk Money’s (9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks) and The Carpenter (4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block) in the first half.  At the break, Apocalypse held a ten point lead, 32-22.

As the second half got underway, the game started to get more physical.  More players from both teams started accumulating fouls.  This game was not going to be another game of “tip toe through the tulips.” This is the PLAYOFFS BABY!!!  The Phenom picks up a technical foul at the 14:56 mark in the second half.  He has to sit out for three minutes due to getting the tech. 

While he warms the bench, TTTB makes a 7-0 run.  Thanks to Tone “Wild Thing” Loc (14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals) and his teammate Hilltop (11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 1 block) gritty play.  The energy electrified the yard!  At the 8-minute mark it’s The Phenom’s show (31 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists). 

He ended up hitting 7 trey’s (7/16 from the floor) before fouling out at the 5:42 mark left in the game.  He exits the game with a 49-40 lead.  In his absence, you can’t count out the impressive run TTTB put on.  Silk Money (20 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks)(7/19 from the floor) took the driver’s seat and led his team back in the hunt at the 1-minute mark.  His team was down by one, 54-53.  This game had just turned into a nail-biter!!  Just ask our clock-keeper, Mr. Blue. 

He forgot to start the clock back up at the 1:07 mark to the .57-second mark.  LOL.  Everyone was caught up in the superb effort both teams displayed.  Like I’ve preached all year, “Practice your free throws because the game might come down to that.” With 6 seconds left on the clock, TTTB found themselves down, 57-55. 

Silk Money was on the free throw line with a chance to tie the game.  He misses his first attempt and second attempt.  4-0-9 (7 points, 16 GMBs, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block) grabbed a big rebound to seal the game for Apocalypse.  Congrats to both teams!  You both played hard and competitive.  Apocalypse will now face Hakuna Matata in the championship game.

Today’s Ingredients

Finding your drive

Seizing the moment

Shattering your competition’s dream (TTTB)

Discovering your greatness

If they go hard…you go harder…be driven, NO EXCEPTIONS…NO EXCUSES!!!

Well, it’s my last entry for the 2013 season.  I must say it’s been a blast and pleasure for me to grace the pages of the blogosphere!  Shout-out to my dad, mom, two sisters (Latoyia, Andrea) and son (Xavier).  Giving a special shout-out to all the viewers:  NC, Philly, Kenya, India, China and all over the world.  May you all be blessed and encouraged.

Remember; a moment last a second, but a legacy last forever!

One Love,

Bigg Dogg

Copyright © 2013 by Chris Gregory

Legacy Infinite: Resilience, Day 14

“Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward.”

Nelson Mandela

Ballers,

Today, we had the second round of playoffs played.  The winners of last week’s resilience session, Hakuna Matata (10-4) and TTTB (7-7) played one another.  While last week’s losers bracket, Apocalypse (9-5) and Dead Game (2-12) faced each other.  The movie script was written and the ballers took the stage.  So fall back and enjoy the show.  ACTION!!!

In our first game, TTTB came out swinging and commanded a 13 to 9 lead at the 9:25 mark in the first half.  Silk Money was slicing and dicing to the basket while registering (17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals)(7/19 from the floor) for the game.  His teammate, The Carpenter, was aggressive on the boards (14 GMB) and scored 6 points for the game. 

Coach Chimmi of Hakuna Matata had to rally his troops together.  His platoon leader, E-Smoove a.k.a. “ALL BUSINESS” started asserting himself into the offensive flow of the game; giving Hakuna Matata an energy boost that had the game tied at the 2:53 mark; 26-26.  Lance Corporal “Human Eraser” added (10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 2 blocks)(4/8 from the field) and gave his team Hakuna Matata a three point lead at the break, 29-26.

Starting the second half, Hakuna Matata wouldn’t let up.  Their physical defensive play was just too much for TTTB to handle.  TTTB became frustrated and committed too many turnovers.  TTTB didn’t score their first basket in the second half until the 10:44 mark by Tone “Wild Thing” Loc (7 points, 4 rebounds)(3/12 from the floor).  By then the score was 39 to 28.  Things would only grow dimmer for TTTB as the curtains on the set were slowly closing on this matinee. 

Hakuna Matata wanted an Oscar nomination for this stellar performance.  They close out the lights, 57-42.  E-Smoove led all scorers (23 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals)(9/15 from the floor).  “ALL BUSINESS also financed this production!!! LOL.  Frost Geezy and El-Toro combined for (22 points, 16 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals).  A job well done gentlemen!  Since this tournament is double elimination, TTTB still has a chance to play in the championship game by winning next week’s game vs. Apocalypse.  Hakuna Matata gets an automatic bid to the championship round with today’s win.

In our second match-up, Apocalypse was on a mission to show they are still contenders for the chip.  They got easy baskets in the transition early, thanks to The Phenom (30 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals)(10/17 from the floor) for the game.  He also got help from Billy Ho (18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals) for the game.  Dead Game played with a chip on their shoulders in the first half.  Leading the charge was Lil’ Bison (12 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal)(5/10 from the floor) for the game and his teammate Lil’ Scrappy (8 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist)(4/12 from the floor) for the game, kept it close at the half.  They found themselves down by two, 31 to 29.

In the second half, the plot thickens and the story unfolds.  This is at the point where real ballers separate themselves from mere men.  Bucktown (6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals 4 blocks), playing for team Apocalypse, reinjures his right hand by tearing the nine stitches he had sown in from two weeks before.  He played the whole game despite the injury, and then went to the hospital to get 17 more stitches sown in (GMB)!  That’s warriors status balling!!! 

His grit ignited his teammates, 4-0-9 (10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 blocks) along with T-Owl (7 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal) for the game.  At the 4:10 mark Dead Game finds themselves down 55 to 48.  Heart-N-Soul (12 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 1 block) gave his all for Dead Game, as well as El-Concrete (13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block).  It just wasn’t enough in the end.  The final score is Apocalypse 73, Dead Game 57.  Dead Game is the first team eliminated from the post season.  Coach LaLa showed legitimate coaching qualities as a first year full-fledged coach.  His leadership skills have not gone unnoticed.  Good job coach!

Today’s Ingredients

4 – Teams

2 – Wins

2 – Loses

1 – Extinguished Flame (Dead Game)

Today, we embark on the next leg of our great journey…Together!!! The chip calls us…our destiny awaits us.

Catch you at the scorers’ table next week!

Peace Out,

Bigg Dogg

Copyright © 2013 by Chris Gregory

Legacy Infinite Rap Session: Phenomenal Farewell

Legendary athletes are few, and far between.  The best of these athletes will somehow find a way to go out on top.  I mean, “The Truth,” Bill Russell walked away from the game he loved, after defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA finals, simply because it just didn’t feel right anymore.  Word is bond!

Who could forget that “Air” Jordan precluded his first two retirements by winning championships against the Phoenix Suns in 1993, and the Utah Jazz in 1998?  I was pulling for Charles Barkley in that 1993 final too.  SMH

Death row b-ball has been the platform for many memorable performances.  But the hall of famers in this league stand alone, from all the rest: Lil’ Magic is the only baller to record multiple triple-doubles.  Heart-N-Soul raised the bar of thievery to new heights when he tallied 10 thefts in a single outing.  And the Human Eraser?  Well, he’s tops in this league in redirecting shots- tallying 234 blocks in his past 5 seasons.  Yeah!  B-ball isn’t something we do, it IS what we do.  Ya heard?

Now, The Phenom, arguably the most dynamic scorer in the history of our league (dropped 52 in last season’s championship game), is a H.O.F. that has gone above and beyond to etch his mark in our Concrete history.  In what appears to be his final season, The Phenom has entered this year’s postseason as the league M.V.P.  The scoring champ (28.6 per), assist leader (4.7 per),  and the league leader in steals (3.6 per).  With such dominant numbers, I just had to ask, “why??!!”

“Well my heart longs to be in every ball game, but my body says its time to fall back.” As if on cue, he rubs his right knee.  “On a competitive level, the game for me hasn’t been the same since Lil’ Magic left the court.  You know better than anybody that we had some epic battles.  I don’t know…the more I stay out there, the more I feel that I’m chasing a high.”

Chasing a high?  According to my numbers, The Phenom has been serving that pure uncut raw.  So I asked if there was some type of statement behind his play this season.  He’s never led the league in 3 separate categories, before now.  “There are some guys out there with incredible talent, so it feels good to show them up, in more ways that one (Laughs).”

His self-confidence exudes a quirky sense of humor that I’ve grown fond of over the years.  Real talk.  “No but seriously, MannofStat.  I just want to do more.  Give my teammates more opportunities to score the ball.”

Anyone that has experienced seasons past (Summer Madness, The Wet Season and Bringing the Heat) knows that The Phenom’s above the rim play usually led to some spectacular flushes.  Deprivation of b-ball artistry is upon us, due to the recent “Anti-Flushing” rule.

“The Anti-flushing rule takes away a strong element of the game.  Nothing pumps a team up like a player rising to the occasion, and throwing it down with authority.”  His eyes grow wide as he takes in the mental rep of rising above the rim.

“MannofStat, I can’t tell you how much I miss ballin’ with Trap and E-Boogie (R.I.P.).  We always managed to wow and take the breath away from players and spectators with our high flying dunks.”

The nostalgia begins to overwhelm my veins.  The real talk between a point guard and his favorite scoring machine has the flow of two brothers getting together for a lunch at Hooters; there’s never a dull moment.  Na mean?

So, my final assist to lil’ Bro is asking him to define his game in the fashion of an elevator speech; expeditiously.  He rubs his hands together as if a fire is brewing within his palms, before he speaks the exclamation point of his b-ball legacy.

“Veni. Vidi. Vici; I came.  I saw.  I conquered.” Basket, and I.  Ya heard?

Keep it 100,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Legacy Infinite: The Blueprint Man of the Year

 On death row we use basketball as a source of recreation, to relieve pent-up frustration and a means of expression; it’s more than just a game.

The namesake of this honor was known as The Blueprint.  He was a man of impeccable character whose contribution went far beyond the blacktop.  As a baller, he was a visionary, making everyone else better.

The form on his jump shot was textbook and the flow of his game was poetry in motion.  Off the court, he was a mentor, teacher, motivator, giver, and friend.  There was no wasted movement on or off the court.  Everything he did had meaning and purpose.  That is his legacy.  His impact is felt long after his death.

The recipient of the inaugural The Blueprint Man of the Year honor is a man of unquestioned integrity.  His contributions to the game are unsung.  From maintaining the rec-yard, setting up and dismantling the game equipment.  Providing official game towels and water (with the ice), to assisting the game officials. 

All seemingly inconsequential tasks, but all essential to the game, and all performed in an unofficial capacity and with a humility and grace that are transcendent. 

And at the age of 49, known as “Father Time;” he’s still known to step on the blacktop and give out lessons to the youngsters, that it is the fundamentals that make a player great-not just chucking up shot after shot, or crossing over simply for the sake of crossing over.  And he’s still a 45 % shooter…from half court!

Off the court, he is quick with a greeting and a kind word.  He is a motivator who does the right thing instinctively, where there is seemingly no incentive to do so.

He will be the first to say he doesn’t want to be recognized for his contributions – and that is my final piece of evidence as I rest my case as to why he is deserving of this honor.

As we continue to fight for our lives, it is the seemingly inconsequential things that are so essential to our sanity and to our day-to-day survival.  They remind us of our humanity.  They are the reason why we thrive when all evidence seems to point to our demise.

He is known as Big Mac, I call him Big Bro and he is the recipient of the inaugural The Blueprint Man of the Year honors.  Pour it up.

Always 100,

Mr. Blue

Copyright © 2013 by Paul Brown

Legacy Infinite: Resilience, Day 13

Today begins the post season, where anything can happen and usually does.  Four teams will strive for history, but only one will be called champion.  Hakuna Matata and Dead Game tipped off and you could just sense that this was no longer the regular season.  All shots and passes were hotly contested; fouls were hard; friendly chatter turned to Bass!

The first half was a tug of war with the edge going to Dead Game.  Paced by Heart-N-Soul (17 points, 5 steals) and Scrappy (17 points, 3 steals) Dead Game led at the half 33-29.  Hakuna Matata surged back, led by the Human Eraser (18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 swats), Geezy (14 points, 4 assists), E-Smoove (13 points) and Young Frost (11 points, 4 assists, 4 steals). 

They took Dead Games’ best punch with Pitt Bull (12 points, 8 rebounds) and El Concrete (10 rebounds) providing muscle in the paint.  Dead Game held on for dear life, but Hakuna Matata kept the pressure on and Dead Game wilted down the stretch with a turnover or an air ball on its final 5 possessions.  They fall 61-56 and Hakuna Matata is that much closer to the goal.

The Game 2 showcase between Apocalypse and TTTB was an instant classic!  The Phenom (27 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals) came out on fire scoring 18 in the first half.  4-0-9 (15 points, 14 GMBs, 1 block) put up 10 first half points and owned the paint.  Apocalypse led 38-32 at the break. 

TTTB finds its groove in the second half.  Silk Money led all scorers with (32 points, 7 rebounds, 6 steals, 3 swats) and Tone “Wild Thing” Loc controlled the tempo almost from the outset, he finished with (19 points, 5 rebounds).  But, Apocalypse maintained a slim lead throughout most of the second half.  A flagrant foul called on The Carpenter seemed to seal TTTB’s fate with less than 3 minutes to play…

But it may have lit their fuse, because from that point on, it was The Silk Money Show.  In a scintillating, career-defining performance he was unstoppable – carving up the Apocalypse defense like a holiday ham, scoring at will; and Apocalypse disintegrated.  With a timely steal, The Phenom had a good look at a trey to win it at the buzzer, but it was just off the mark and TTTB holds on for an epic 63-61 win.

The next chapter in this drama jumps off next week.  I’ll be at the table where I’m known as Mr. Blue, but the bugs know me as lunch.  And all I have to say is bon appetite, bugs, because I will be there as the saga continues…

Mr. Blue

Copyright © 2013 by Paul Brown

Legacy Infinite: 2013 Regular Season Performance Awards

The Phenom – Regular Season MVP

     His evolution as a dominant force and as a team leader –

The Phenom – Scoring Champ (28.6) points per game

The Phenom – Steals Leader (3.6) per game

The Phenom – Assist Leader (4.7) per game

The Human Eraser – Top Shot Blocker (2.7) per game

The Human Eraser – Defensive Player of the Year

The Carpenter – Chairman of the Boards (13.6) per game

T-Owl – Top 6^th Man Award – Tenacious Defense is Incredible

E-Smoove – Most Improved Player – The way he helps his team in every facet of the game; fundamentally sound

Silk Money – Hackman Award Recipient (41) fouls, 2 DQs

EL-Toro – Top Rookie Contribution – 5.5 points, .3 assists, .9 steals, 8.2 rebounds, 0.1 blocks.