Legacy Infinite Rap Session Making a Point

“I’m an unselfish person, on and off the court.  I truly enjoy seeing other people happy, and do good.”

The General, of Team Dead Game

Acts of unselfishness should be a manifestation of one’s heart.  In football, certain plays are designed for the quarterback to run the ball.  He may get the first down, or even take it to the house for six.  But at some point and time during the game, his coach and teammates expect him to facilitate.  A quarterback with ambitions of running whenever the opportunity presents itself is simply a running back taking snaps from center.  Feel me?

The same stands true for a point guard – the quarterback of the hardwood.  Running the point consists of much more than a flashy pat and bragging rights to the latest set of broken ankles in his wake.  The General – last season’s assist champ – is one year removed from a championship season.  This year, he’s manning the point for Team Dead Game (2-5).  Win or lose, this point guard keeps his head in the game.  “I give my squad the glory when we win, and I take the heat for our L’s.  I’ve been slowed by a fractured ankle, but I guarantee a winning record the rest of the regular season.”

Wow! Strong words coming from the floor leader, whose team is battling just to stay out of the cellar, of the regular season standings.

Coming fresh off a championship, then playing for a squad struggling to stay out of last place can be discouraging for some ballers, but The General refuses to merely go through the motions.

“Winning the chip and the assist title in the same season, reassured me of my capabilities once the ball goes in the air.  I have to give Coach Squires more of the same.  Controlling the pace of the game and being unselfish will be key to the turnaround of Team Dead Game.  2-5, or 5-2; it makes no difference.  I’m gonna give what I got til the buzzer sounds.”

The fire of a point guard is always welcome in this commentary.  Na mean?  The General insistently makes it clear that this season’s theme, Legacy Infinite, isn’t exclusive to his court vision.

“Legacy Infinite is the perfect saying.  I feel like people will always judge you by what you put before them.  The legacy that I want to put before the people is my unselfishness on and off the court.  In saying that; I wanna shout-out you, MannofStat.  The Blueprint (R.I.P.); my brothers in the zebra suits – manning the whistles; my Peoples behind the scorers’ table for your consistency and commitment.  And lastly; my Dead Game teammates.  Championship or nothing!”

While the fire was reaching it’s peak, I mentioned his end of game decision making with 7.7 seconds left in a game, in which his squad proved to be victorious.  The General drove the length of the floor – only to face a double team.  Without an ounce of panic, he threw a no – look pass to his cutting center Pitt Bull, for the left-handed game winner.  It’s only right that we close this rap session with a hypothetical end of game scenario.  Na mean?

A point guard always wants to be the start of a great finish – whether he’s taking the last shot or not.  So, I simply put 5 seconds on the clock, with Dead Game trailing by 2.  Do you take the last shot General?

“Defense always dictates the game.  If it’s a break, I’m gonna get the rock to Heart-N-Soul.  If it’s a spot – up shot, without question, Scrappy pulls it.  I can live with either choice.  As long as we get the W, the last hands to touch the rock, before it goes in the cup, really doesn’t matter to me.”

Legacy granted.  Ya heard?

Nuff Said,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Legacy Infinite Resilience Day 7

It is officially on!  Team Apocalypse and TTTB both played with passion today, producing a playoff like atmosphere; competing to the whistle on every play.  Silk Money (27 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals) orchestrated the offense like a maestro for TTTB, scoring at will.  He conducted his way through over and around the defense with precision.  Along with Tone “Wild Thing” Loc (22 points) TTTB was able to maintain a slight edge throughout the first half, but Apocalypse led at the break 32-30.

Apocalypse played extremely well as a team.  The Phenom (32 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 7 steals) played with poise.  While 4-0-9 picked his spots, but was at his best in the post where he went to get his grown man on, dropping (24 points, 15 GMB, 2 assists, 3 steals) and with 56 points an d25 rebounds between them; that’s a filthy combo! Enter the Bucktown (8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks) his energy and veteran savvy are the keys to his team’s success.

Trailing by 2 with under 2 minutes to play.  The Phenom nails a trey, putting Apocalypse up by one.  Silk Money responds with 2 free throws. 4-0-9 answers.  Silk Money tiptoed through the tulips, finishing at the rim “with a little kiss.” TTTB by 1 with :26.4 to play.  The Phenom is fouled, goes to the line; makes both.  71-70 Apocalypse.  Silk Money goes hard the other way, gets fouled… and misses both!  The Phenom is fouled and splits a pair, putting Apocalypse up by 2.

Wild Thing goes to the line for TTTB with a chnce to tie with under :10 to play… Misses both!  The Phenom goes back to the line with a chance to ice it, but misses one, giving TTTB one last chance to tie the game with a trey, but they couldn’t get off a shot in time.  Apocalypse wins 73-70.  Spirited Action!  And this is one that TTTB will not soon forget.  They played well enough to win, but were not able to finish; this game was lost at the line. 

Game 2 between Hakuna Matata and Dead Game was anti-climatic with Hakuna Matata dominating the action from start to finish and winning going away, 78-59.  E-Smoove was masterful (29 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists) Geezy stepped up with (15 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4steals) Frost brought it (14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals) Scoop “The Human Eraser” dominated the paint (10 points, 17 GMB’s, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 3 erases!) and El Toro “The bull in the China shop” was turned loose (8 points, 11 GMB’s, 1 assist) This team is deep!

Deep game was paced by Heart-N-Soul (22 points, 9 rebounds, 5assists, 1 steal) Pitt Bull added (10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block), Scrappy contributed (10 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal) The General had (8 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 block) and El Concrete (6 points, 10 rebounds, 1 block).  The whole team played with grit and heart, but simply could not match the firepower of Hakuna Matata.

Player of the week: The Phenom.  After suffering back to back losses, he led his team to back to back wins with the poise and the heart of a champion,  The numbers: (75 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists, 14 steals, 1 block) All hail!

Mr. Blue

Copyright © 2013 by Paul Brown

Legacy Infinite Rap Session “No Worries”

“Regardless of whether you’re a coach, player, statistician, or simply someone pouring cool cups of water – know that you’re a part of something much bigger than basketball.  The spirit of ‘The Blueprint’ will forever be present in our hearts.”

Coach Chimmi of Team Hakuna Matata

Death Row b-ball is far more than a mere prison activity.  It’s a movement that boosts the morale of men, ostracized by society.  Coach Chimmi – the sideline boss for Team Hakuna Matata – is a longtimer who’s more than familiar with life on the row, before and after our annual festivities came into existence. 

“Having a b-ball tournament for the row was the vision of Earl J. Richmond (The Blueprint).  He worked tirelessly to make it a reality – not for himself, but for us.  In many ways, we share the responsibility of keeping the torch burning.  This is why it’s important – in spite of age, injuries, or skill set – that we consciously strive to make every tournament the very best possible.”

This season is probably the strongest core of coaches we’ve had on the sidelines, from game to game.  With his team tied for first place, at 4-2, Coach Chimmi knows exactly what separates his coaching prowess from any other, on the opposing sideline.  “The other coaches in this league are all fierce competitors.  As for myself, I bring my personality to the sideline.  What I bring has a more profound meaning than just coaching.  It’s about bringing my contribution to further the legacy of our brother, The Blueprint.”

When the coach speaks of legacy, it hits me like the mesmerizing sounds of a Kendrick Lamar track; you can’t kill this vibe.  Ya heard?

“Earl J. Richmond is sadly gone, but not forgotten.  The man loved this game.  Today, we are able to enjoy the fruits of his hoop dreams, and I know he wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Personally, I could talk about “The Blueprint” and the content of his character all bay, but the coach and I took a mutual turn back to the present, when I asked him to discuss his M.V.P. candidate, E-Smoove, and the team dynamics of Hakuna Matata.  “The key is to remain focused as a team.  No doubt about it, E-Smoove is all business.  I think this is the best start he’s ever had in the tournament.  This year’s difference?  He has openly embraced his role as a leader.  He wants the responsibility, and that has been exhibited by his performance thus far.”

The intensity level of this rap session begins to increase when the coach tightens his fists to pound his legs for emphasis.  His emotional connection to his squad is more than evident.  “E-SMoove is playing with an unseen level of confidence that is bone-chilling scary.  He’s a freakishly talented player that can dominate an opponent as he damn well chooses.  But at the end of the day; he knows what I expect from him as a player, and I know what he expects of me as a coach.  The M.V.P. conversations are always fun, but it’s an individual award that means nothing to us as a team.”

The coach catches his breath, and wipes the sweat from his brow, before continuing.  “Together, Hakuna Matata recognizes individual accomplishment; we don’t celebrate individuality.  Our Lil’ Giant, Frost, has been amazing.  He can score from anywhere on the court.  His rocket speed and tenacious defense are unmatched.  The kid has a big heart, and he brings it every game.  And our best-kept secret El Toro, has been fantastic.  Playing with poise and confidence, he’s a much welcomed addition to the team fold.”

Raising his right fist, the coach appears to be seeking strength from an unseen force, before giving his final thought.  “Effective immediately: The bull has been turned loose in the China chop (a reference to his handy big man, El Toro).  Success only comes with sacrifice.”

Once again, the heartbeat of the row continues to flow.  I’d like to give a special shout out to our viewers in Nairobi, Kenya.  Asante sana for your viewership.  The motto continues to burn.  Word is bond!! 

This session is now closed.  I’ll see you at the table.

100,

ManofStat

Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Legacy Infinite Longevity Day 6

“Concentration and mental toughness are the margins of victory”

Bill Russell

a.k.a. The Truth

Ballers,

I have to give my girl, Elena Delle Donne, much ado for being the first rookie ever, in WNBA history, to lead all vote getters in the ALL-STAR GAME.  Playing for Chicago Sky, she’s already making a huge impact in the league.  

In her first 16 games of the season she is averaging 18.2 points and 5.5 boards per game.  Keep up the good work!

Today, in our first game, Coach Chimmi and Hakuna Matata (4-2) were going for their fourth straight win of the season.  Their opposition, TTTB (2-4) coached by Frock, had a little say so in the matter!  At the 2:28 mark in the first half, TTTB led 22-17.  Their tenacious defense held E-Smoove to zero first half points. 

Being the second leading scorer of the league at 27.2 points per game, TTTB was ALL BUSINESS!!!  The Hilltop Hustler had 9 boards at the break for TTTB.  Frost, playing for Hakuna Matata was everywhere on the court today.  He closed out the first half with (12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal) and helped his team tie the score, 22-22.

Opening the second half, E-Smoove scores his first basket at the 15:26 mark.  Showing TTTB that business is now open!  Getting help from his teammates, Human Eraser, Geezy and Runny Ray, who all combined for (10 points, 18 boards, 6 assist, 6 steals, 5 blocks).  This was turning into a real game.  Silk Money (28 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 steals, 2 blocks) and Tone “Wild Thing” Loc (13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal) were playing gritty and poised down the home stretch for TTTB. 

The Carpenter (6 points, 13 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals) along with Hilltop (6 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals) played physical and smart basketball.  Giving their team TTTB a 51-47 win.  E-Smoove, a.k.a. ALL BUSINESS finished up with (19 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 1 block).  In the loss he recorded his third double/double of the year. 

In our second game match-up, we had Team Apocalypse (4-2) coached by T. C. and Team Dead Game (2-4) coached by Lala.  Dead Game shoots out to a 12-6 lead at the 12:22 mark in the first half.  Led by Heart-N-Soul (10 points, 5 assist, 2 rebounds, 1 steal) with Lil’ Scrappy ( 10 points), it looked like Dead Game had come to play. 

The coaching adjustments for Apocalypse near the end of the first half proved detrimental for Dead Game.  The Phenom (20 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals) controlled the tempo.  His help from 4-0-9 (9 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists) closed out the half at 43-32.  Giving Team Apacolypse an 11-point lead to start the second half.

In the second half, Bucktown (11 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 1 block)(1^st double/double of season) proved he was too much of a workhorse for Dead Game to handle!  His energy and competitive spirit brought the fire out of his teammates!  Billy Ho (10 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals), 4-0-9 (11 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal)(4^th double/double of season) and Phenom (43 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 steals(league high), 1 block)(11/12 from stripe). 

The game was pretty much out of hand from there as they dismantled Dead Game 80-64 in the win.  Playing for Dead Game; Heart-N-Soul finished with (29 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals).  El-Concrete had (9 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 2 blocks).  Pitt Bull and Lil’Scrappy collaborated for (17 points, 15 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals) in the loss.

Today’s Ingredients

4 – Teams

2 – Winners

1 – Heart

No – Fear

This recipe made for an intense will to win kind of day.  It brought out the best in team spirit and toughness.  I’ll catch you tomorrow at the scorer’s table gents!

One Love,

Bigg Dogg

Copyright © 2013 by Chris Gregory