Legacy Infinite Rap Session: Finality of a Season

“Every family will have their in-house disruptions, but when another team gets the big head, we’ll pull together to put them in the place.  This is Grown Man Ball (GMB)”

The Wild Thing of TTTB

The summer season knows its end when Labor Day is on the horizon.  This change in season usually indicates students returning to class.  The NFL kickoff is at your door and death row basketball is transitioning into it’s post season.  A point where the dominant species of ballers separates themselves from the casual ballers, merely content with extra time on the rec yard.  Na mean?

For me, a trip to the chow hall is anything by casual.  For nearly 2 decades, the trip has been the bridge to my primary source of nourishment.  The environment of the chow hall seems to change whenever death row steps through the threshold.  The tension rises and the unknown is served long before you sit at the steel tables to eat.  SMH.

While standing in line, I shared some words with a beast of a baller, better known as The Wild Thing.  He’s the rugged small forward of The Team To Beat (5-6); a gritty baller who’s always in the mix of any action between the baselines.  And let me just say; he’s intent on using the regular season finale as a measure of intestinal fortitude for his teammates as well as himself.

“Win or lose, this regular season finale should let everyone know that TTTB is not to be taken lightly – going into the postseason.  Its going to take a team to beat us, not one or two men.  So get your house together, and bring you’re A, B, and C game.”

The chow hall is filled with chatter, but as the line slowly progresses forward, the honesty of The Wild Thing bares a distinctive tone that blocks out the cacophony of voices surrounding us.

“MannofStat, you and everyone else on that rec yard, know that I can be a hot head.  This final regular season game will be about taking control of my emotions so that TTTB can have one less of a negative factor bringing us down.” 

We’re briefly distracted by the sound of a tray hitting the floor.  The chow hall becomes an orchestra of complete silence.  When it becomes clear that the distraction is merely the result of an overload of trays in the dish room window, the crescendo of small talk commences.  The Wild Thing shakes his head, then continues. 

“Going into this postseason as a #3 seed will make getting to the finals a tough road to travel.  But every road in life has its cracks and potholes.  I know if we play as a team, TTTB can win this tournament.  We’ve taken some L’s, but we’ve also beaten every team in this tournament.”

At times, the chow hall can be a setback.  The pitch of an officer’s instruction; discrepancies with the food servings; or the filthy cups displayed as suitable for us to drink from, can at any time, lead to disorder and chaos.  As we reach the ice machine, The Wild Thing circumvents any further distractions with a little history about his wild style.

“Street ball was a part of growing up for me.  You get your 5 best, and hood-hop or hit up the rec centers. And that waiting line,” he raises both hands for emphasis. “That waiting line can mean a long day if your team can’t run that rock to stay on the court.  I hate to lose at anything, MannofStat.  So I go hard at all that I do.”

I’m sure certain officers see everyone in a red jumpsuit as an animal.  The sound of the plastic trays sliding across the stainless steel is the reality of our here and now.  The Wild Thing glances at the unrecognizable food portions, on his tray.  He shakes his head, and then leaves me with this thought.  “Every man must fight the war within himself to truly say that he is the controller of his own destiny.”

What more could be said after that?  I mean, a wild thing doesn’t necessarily have to be an un-caged animal.  Sometimes it’s simply the possessor of the grown man logic of how to defeat the cage.  Ya heard?

Be Easy,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Legacy Infinite: Resilience, Day 11

Charles Dickens wrote, ‘A Tale of Two Cities, a classic.  Today’s contest between Hakuna Matata and Apocalypse was a tale of two runs.  In this highly anticipated match-up for first place and the top seed in the post-season tournament, tensions were high.

Led by The Phenom’s (32 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals) and Billy Ho’s (10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals), Apocalypse exploded out of the gate, opening with a 15-1 run.  And it appeared that we were on our way to a blow out city.  But, hold up, pump the brakes, Young Frost (17 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal) stopped the bleeding with a breakaway basket. 

And it was Hakuna Matata who were off and running, using tenacious D to key the fast break, cutting the deficit to 4, 26-22 at the 5:23 mark of the 1^st half and taking the taking the lead 27-26 at the 3:21 mark.  They led by 10 at the break 37-27 and went on to win by 10, 73-63.

Two incredible runs, but the story of this game was defense.  Despite his numbers, The Phenom was stifled and the offense for Apocalypse was not cohesive.  While Hakuna Matata got huge contributions seemingly from everywhere: Geezy (17 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals), E-Smoove (16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 1 block), The Human Eraser (13 points, 8 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 swats), El Toro (8 points, 12 rebounds, 3 steals).  This team simply has too many ways to beat you, and Coach Chimi has them single-mindedly focused.

The second game featured Dead Game vs. TTTB.  These two teams always play each other close and today’s match-up was no different.  It was nip and tuck all the way.  Silk Money dictated the tempo, going for (16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 4 blocks).  He teamed with Tone “Wild Thing” Loc (14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals) and Hilltop came up huge (12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals) and its official, The Carpenter is back!  He had (9 points, 20 GMBs, 1 assist, 5 steals, 1 block). 

Also, solid contributions from T-birds, Pop-A-Shot, and Big Duke.  TTTB pulled off the victory in their typical hard-nosed fashion 57-51.  Dead Game was led by Heart-N-Soul (15 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals) Pitt Bull (14 points, 7 rebounds) El Concrete and Scrappy.  This team is true to their name, they never quit, but they sorely lack offensive firepower.  Two players were sent to the hospital today. 

Bucktown for Apocalypse had to leave his game just before the half to get stitches in his hand.  And Big Duke for TTTB took a nasty spill and had to be examined by a doctor.  Also, E-Smoove had to visit the nurse’s station to get an ice pack for his busted lip.  The intensity, the physicality and we’re not even in the post-season yet!

But when you get knocked down and you get back up; you get stronger.  The blacktop, like life, is unforgiving.  Learn your lessons, go to the next level; and always get back up.

Mr. Blue

Copyright © 2013 by Paul Brown

Legacy Infinite Rap Session: Choppin It Up With The Barber

“We view each game like a chess match, and do our best to out-think our opponents.  If you think before you act in an endeavor, you will achieve better results.”

Bucktown, of Team Apocalypse

Nostalgia awaits me whenever I enter a barbershop.  The smell of the powder; the buzz of the clippers, even the sting of the alcohol seeping into my adjusted image is always a welcome experience.  

Just sitting in a barber’s chair without the slightest reservation of what may become of your image – says a great deal about the barber assigned to the task of adjusting your image.  Think about it; a barber can be like a good teammate.  If you trust him to do his job, you should expect the best results.  Na mean?

As this goes to press, team Apocalypse sits at 7-3 – upon facing team Hakuna Matata (7-3) for the 4^th, and possibly the final time of the regular season.  Former Defensive Player of the Year, Bucktown, has emerged for team Apocalypse, as a dependable defensive anchor, to their front line.

Averaging 2.2 steals and 1.9 blocks (8 in one game), Bucktown embraces the magnitude of the upcoming battle for first place with the same approach as a barber cutting his first head.

“It’s a must win game for us.  It’s our biggest test; one we want to pass.  You know that feeling you have before facing an important task?” He pats his stomach for emphasis.  “Anxious. That ‘s how we feel.”

Bucktown makes his point, then proceeds to put the sharp line to my “ant trail” sideburns. With a steady hand, the southpaw comments on the possibility of entering the postseason as a #2 seed.

“Second place is not an option.  It’s something I don’t even think about.  I’ve played for 3-second place teams, and I’m not trying to be like the Buffalo Bills.  I want it all, so anything less would be a big disappointment.  Feel me?”

I can only raise my eyebrows to acknowledge his point.  I’m compelled to remain silent, as his clippers make their way toward my mustache.  It begins to feel like a defensive tactic when Bucktown takes full reign of the Rap session.  “Legacy Infinite is Immortal After Death.  It says when we are gone from this place, the spirit of what we’re doing and why we do it, will continue.”

He starts in on my goatee.  I trust in his craftsmanship, so I mention “The Blueprint” from the corner of my mouth.  “Aw man, The Blueprint?” The clippers release my face, and for the first time Bucktown appears to be incapable of carrying out his task as a barber.  He hits the off switch and the clippers go silent.  The only buzz in the barbershop is the passion within Bucktown’s voice.

“Here on North Carolina’s death row, The Blueprint is immortal after death.  Us playing basketball in an organized fashion is his legacy.  And through us it’s infinite.”  He takes a step back before continuing.

“He put it down, and it’s on us to carry it on.  You picked up the torch, MannofStat and took it to the next level.  Because of you, Bro, death row basketball in North Carolina has meaning.  We are literally Ballin’ Til We Fall.  The court, for us, is a double-entrendre.  We on it, and in it until we fall. Feel me?”

Yeah, I’m definitely feeling that like an old school Tribe Called Quest track.  This vibe is milk; we may as well be breast-fed. Na mean?

Bucktown gives me a pound, and the ensuing buzz of the clippers warns me of Bucktown’s return to work.  I don’t care where your barbershop is located: in a prison, the hood, suburbs, or a ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.  The barbershop experience can be a teaching moment. 

Whenever I sit in Bucktown’s chair, I expect the best results.  When he steps on the court, the best results have already been played out, in his mind.  A good barber can be the best teammate.  Look in your mirror and check the results.  Ya heard?

Much Love,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Legacy Infinite Resilience Day 10

“Take it to the rack and stick it to them.”

Benny Anders 83’ Houston Cougars

a.k.a. Phi Slamma Jamma

Ballers,

It was written: some teams are destined to do the unbelievable!  N.C State did the impossible in the 1983 NCAA tournament.  They beat the Houston Cougars for the national championship title.  Houstom was known as “phi slamma jamma.” With the likes of players like, Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwon, Clyde ‘The Glide’ Drexler, Benny Anders, Alvin Franklin and Michael Young!  No one gave N.C. State a chance!  

With the game tied 52-52 and three seconds remaining, Dereck Whittenburg launched a long air ball that miraculously, Lorenzo Charles caught the ball and dunked!  Forever going down as one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history! Sometimes the best teams don’t always win.  That’s what makes this game so exciting and so unpredictable!

Today’s game featured Hakuna Matata (7-3) vs Dead Game (2-8).  After yesterday’s loss, Hakuna Matata was on a mission to prove that they were still the king of the court.  During the first half they led 22-15 at the 4:04 mark.  Coach Chimmi didn’t start his point guard Geezy.  Instead Lil’ Giant took control of the offense to generate a spark.  

Facilitating the rock to his prolific scorer E-Smoove and getting the rest of his team in the offense.  They went on to take a ten point lead at the half; 31-21.  E-Smoove (14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks) at the break.  While Heart-N-Soul for Dead Game had 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists.  And his teammate Pit Bull grabbed a career high (17 GMB’s) for the game.

As the second half got underway it didn’t look any better for Dead Game.  They gave a lackadaisical effort and lackluster performance.  Something we at the scorer’s table aren’t accustomed to seeing from them!  Lil’ Scrappy tried to do his part and prepresent the true meaning of Dead Game (fighting to the end) by scoring 19 points.  It still wasn’t enough firepower!  Hakuna Matata held no punches or showed no mercy!  E-Smoove (31 points, 15 GMB’s, 4 assists, 3 blocks)(5^th double/double) was a man possessed.  

The Human Eraser (11 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 4 blocks)(5^th double/double) entered the game blocking shots everywhere.  While Lil’ Giant, Runny Ray and Geezy all combined for (28 points, 21 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 steals) giving Hakuna Matata a dominate win; 74-46.  I asked Coach Chimmi what did he tell his players to motivate them for today’s game after yesterday’s loss?  He said, “I just reminded them to stay focused and remember our quest.”

Our second game featured Apocalypse (7-3) vs TTTB (4-6).  The Phenom has really matured as the years progressed by turning into a versatile playmaker.  Able to score, as well as distribute the rock – giving his teammates a chance to shine.  And shine they did in the first half!  Team Apocalypse started raining treys (6)!  Billy-Ho hit four of them and finished with 12 points at the half.  With Phenom’s 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 14 points (2 treys) all in the first half, team Apocalypse had a commanding lead; 31-13 at the break.

During the second half, TTTB led by the Carpenter (9 points, 14 GMB’s, 1 assist, 1 steal) and Tone ‘Wild Thing’ Loc (10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal) tried to keep them alive.  With help from Hilltop (6 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block) but it still wasn’t enough.  For Apocalypse wanted to make a statement: proving they are the team to Beat!!! 4-0-9 (14 points, 13 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block)(7^th double/double) is in the zone.  

And Phenom (20 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block)(4^th double/double) never let up on the gas, cruising to a 54-32 win.  I asked Coach T.C. does he think that Apocalypse is in playoff form after today’s game?  He said, “I’m proud of my guys, they all bring something to the table individually that I admire.  If we continue to do things we do well, we’ll be peaking at playoff time, which is the right time.”

Our player of the week award goes to E-Smoove.  Over a three game span he has put up monster numbers (63 points, 9 assists, 34 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 blocks) while helping his team go (2-1) in that span.  Kudos to a job well done bro!

Today’s Ingredients

-       Where legends are made

-       Where rivalries are born

-       Where ego’s are crushed

-       Where ballers are one

            This league has history…Let’s continue to make more!

Gentlemen, may you continue to grow as men and in knowledge.

Live well,

Bigg Dogg

Copyright © 2013 by Chris Gregory

Legacy Infinite: Rap Session, Smoove Like Butter

A baller’s coming of age rarely excludes the bumps and bruises of being recognized as second best.  I mean, let’s face it, Lebron James had to go through some disappointment-filled seasons, while playing in Cleveland.  

His individual accomplishments meant nothing until he took his talents to South Beach three seasons ago.  And we all know how that turned out.  Right?

Team Hakuna Matata is this season’s underrated steamroller.  With two decisive victories over team Apocalypse – the preseason favorite to win the chip – the lead operator of this steamroller, E-Smoove, isn’t the least bit hesitant about revealing his ambitions for the upcoming postseason.

“This is our championship to lose.  Frost and me were teammates on last year’s runner-up squad, ‘Silverbacks.’ We came on strong in the end, but we couldn’t finish when it counted.  Somehow the draft brought us together again for another run at it.  Will we lose it?  Not this year, Big Homie.”

You can’t help but appreciate the confidence of a baller like E-Smoove.  Over the years, I’ve watched him evolve from the quiet complementary player; to the vocal leader with a midrange game that’s simply smoove like butter.  Word is bond!  After eight games, E-Smoove is averaging 26.2 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.1 steals.  

With six games scoring 25-plus points (including 36 and 32 points outbursts) and tallying four double/doubles while doing so, it’s no wonder why the words ‘All-Business” has become a continuous chant around the yard, when E-Smoove steps on the court.  I asked him what’s been the difference.

“If you don’t put in the work, you don’t get better.  If I’m on the yard playing ball, I’m working on something to better my game.  The difference this year is I knew I needed to get better, because when the whistles blow, nobody is going to give you anything.  So if you bring nothing you get nothing.  Believe that!

In search of his first title, E-Smoove is driven by his hunger for the chip, but understands he can’t do it alone.  “I know I wouldn’t be doing any of this without the support of my team.  When the ball goes up, I’m All Business, but one can’t win the chip.  In my eyes, individual is not a word on this team.  The only accomplishment that counts is winning the chip.”

This season has been the ‘All Business’ campaign for E-Smoove, but his modesty becomes apparent when I asked him to describe his hunger of winning a title.  A subtle hint of pride surfaces when he shifts the focus to his niece, Ke Yana Jones.  “My niece is the best point guard coming out of The Ville (Fayettville, N.C.).  So two-six stand up!” He pauses to gather his thoughts.  He rubs his beard, and his head angles toward the floor.  He takes a few seconds before continuing.  

“I’m not sure if I have the words to describe such a feeling.  But this letter that my niece wrote to me is on point.  She mentioned something about Hoop Life.  She told me to stand strong regardless of what obstacles I have to cross, I will succeed!  She ended the letter by saying, ‘go win!’” His head bounces in agreement with Ke Yana’s inspiring words.  The determination to win was evident in his body language.

When I gave him a pound, Ke Yana’s words were still ringing through my mental.  I was reminded of that climatic moment when Adrian whispers in the ear of her stressed out #1 contender, in the epic film, ‘Rocky II.’ She was just coming out of a coma when she says, “win.” Three letters that inspired a contender to become the champ.  Don’t be surprised if this season’s “All-Business” campaign concludes in a similar fashion.  Ya heard?

Be Easy,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Legacy Infinite: Longevity, Day 9

“Emotion is like light, you can’t let it go out every window.  You have to keep it contained.”

Larry Sanders

Milwaukee Bucks Center

Ballers,

Many playgrounds in the inner cities and small towns where I’m from all have one thing in common: basketball courts.  And usually those b-ball courts are fenced in.  Here at Cenetral Prison, our b-ball court is fenced in.  The fences don’t stop our passion for the game?  We ball all year around! 

The heartbeat of death row basketball will forever beat on.  NO DOUBT, we all wish to be playing on the concrete courts we grew up on.  Right now, for the time being, we let the rhythm and flow of the game carry us mentally outside these walls.  And the escape that basketball brings from everyday prison routine is an ABSOLUTE bliss!  On that note: “WELCOME TO THE CAGE!”

Today’s action brought team Apocalypse (6-3) vs team Dead Game (2-7).  Dead Game had a team meeting before tip-off.  Coach La-La formulated a strategy to contain “Phenom” of Apocalypse.  At the 7:40 mark in the first half Dead Game led 23-19.  It looked like his plan was working.  For Lil’ Scrappy carried Dead Game with 12 first half points.  Giving Dead Game a 37-36 half time lead.  Bucktown (10points, 4rebounds, 3blocks) and 4-0-9 (9points, 11 rebounds) at the half for Apocalypse brought the much needed energy to keep the game tight.

Starting the second half, the Phenom (16points, 16 GMBs, 8 assists) (3^rd double/double) showed he couldn’t be contained for long.  Getting help from Billy Ho (16points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 steals), 4-0-9 (21 points, 19 GMBs, 1 assist, 2 steals, 4 blocks) (6^th double/double) and Bucktown’s (16points, 12 GMBs, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 blocks) (2^nd double/double) was just too much workforce for Dead Game to handle.  In route to a 72-60 win giving them a share for first place! 

4-0-9 is starting to look like his rookie sensational season again!  BEWARE ALL COMERS!!  Apocalypse outrebounded Dead Game 52-22, the deciding factor of the game.  Dead Game never gave up!  Heart-N-Soul finished the game with (14 points 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals).  Lil’ Scrappy had (18points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist).  El-Concrete, Pit Bull and The General combined for (21 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists, 8 steals, 2 blocks).

Our second game turned out to be a nail biter!  Hakuna Matata (6-3) vs TTTB (4-5).  Hakuna Matata came into the game by the energy hyped Rap Session featuring “All Business,” better known as E-Smoove.  But business got foreclosed today!  For TTTB had the bank statement in hand!  Signed, sealed and delivered! Silk Money (25 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 3steals, 1 block) took the leadership upon his shoulders and made sure his team would not lose this day. 

Getting help from Tone “Wild Thing” Loc (12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals) and Hilltop (9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal).  I can’t forget the Carpenter who had (4 points, 16 GMBs, 2 assists, 3 steals).  His last assist was the play of the day, giving TTTB a 50-49 victory.  Hakuna Matata played with a sense of urgency under two minutes to go and down by eight points.  They had three chances to win it with five seconds remaining only to come up short!

The Human Eraser finished the game with (14 points, 14 GMBs, 1 assist, 3 steals, 3 blocks).  His teammate Lil’ Giant contributed (12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assists, 2steals).  E-Smoove, Geezy and El-Toro all combined for (21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals).  Hakuna Matata all played with heart and never gave up the ghost.

Today’s Ingredients

Determination

Expectation

Burn the white flag

Trample the olive branch

When the heat is on and the pressure is building NEVER SURRENDER… you play until the last second!

Gentlemen, I’ll catch you tomorrow at the scorer’s table, until then, practice up on your free throws.  The game might be decided by that one basket.

Peace Out,

Bigg Dogg

Copyright © 2012 by Chris Gregory