“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 4th, 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
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