Bringing the Heat: Week 5 Rap Session

B-ballers,

What’s good?

The 5th week of our regular season is officially in the books. This season has been so addictive; I was compelled to return to the court this weekend. It felt good being back in the trenches. Ya heard? I mean, throwing lobs to The Phenom, running the break with Bigg Dogg and encouraging my man Mr. Skeeta to look for his shot is all second nature to me. But, competing against fellow ballaholics like: Lil Magic, Runny Ray, The General and Pitt Bull feeds the physical side of my passion for this game.

It was the perfect appetizer to today’s rap session with refined b-ball enthusiast Mr. J.T. Now, I’m old school like block parties and penny candy, but the principal is about to feed our mental. Na mean?

MannofStat: J.T. What’s good?

J.T.: I’m well Mr. Mann. How are you?

MannofStat: I’m aight. Gotta Keep on Swinging. Na mean?

J.T.: I know exactly what you mean.

MannofStat: From the door, let’s inform the masses of how long you’ve been on the row.

J.T.: Moving into my 24th year. Ouch!

MannofStat: I feel your pain my man. My 13 years haven’t been without its scars either. Na mean?

J.T.: True indeed. Basketball has definitely been good for us.

MannofStat: Speaking of, basketball was a mere recreation back in the day. Explain to the masses how this b-ball tournament affects the death row population.

J.T.: You know, I really wish it had been mere recreation for all of us. But, for some those with less talent and limited skills, it became a place for derision, by some with plenty of talent but smaller minds. The limited time access didn’t help at all.

MannofStat: Aight. So what’s the prognosis now?

J.T.: Well, as far as now, I couldn’t be happier. The tournament turns everyone into a Zen practitioner, if only for that short period of time. Nobody is losing themselves to the past, nor running after a future.

MannofStat: Well, don’t stop now; you’ve got my high beams on J.T. Continue to educate.

J.T.: We, all of us, individually yet collectively dwell happily in the present moment. Now, as I am a practicing Buddhist, I couldn’t be more pleased as I am when I witness and live these events. Being in the moment/tournament is very liberating and rewarding.

MannofStat: Is it possible for us to make our tournament even better?

J.T.: It would be nice if we could have more input in all areas. More prep time, you know? Maybe get some film as this program may not exist in the next few years. Just opening up the yard for everyone to view the games that we all might rise.

MannofStat: That’s what’s up! But tell me, who did you watch growing up?

J.T.: “The Big O,” Willis Reed and “Lord” Bill Russell to name a few. These guys were not only talented to the 9th degree; they made it a point to bring everyone on the court with them. That made them all better players. You know what I’m taling about?

MannofStat: No doubt.

J.T.: These days, I find myself more focused on the coaching, but I have a question for you.

MannofStat: Aight, spit.

J.T.: Do you think Pat Riley will come down from the front office to coach again this season?

MannofStat: It’s highly possible. I remember Pat Riley in the 80’s, when he was coaching the “Showtime” Lakers. His competitiveness is unending, so you know he’s getting tired of hearing about Phil Jackson’s 11 championship rings. Feel me?

J.T.: Yes, indeed.

MannofStat: Thanks for stopping by J.T.

J.T.: It’s been my pleasure, Mr. Mann. Thanks for the inclusion

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat: (Fuego) Day 13

B-ballers,


What it do?

Leadership is demonstration. It’s not announced. As ball players, we have to recognize that a team’s decorum can dictate success or it can foreshadow failure. With 4 games remaining in our regular season, it’s only natural for individual frustrations to set in. But, as men we have to surmount individualism, repel the wiles of pettiness and focus on attaining our ultimate goal. Winning on the court or in life, no matter how difficult the task, winning is always an option, because every truly great accomplishment is at first impossible. Na mean?

In game 1, The Realest (1-9) nearly pulled off the upset of the year. With 7 seconds to play, Eddie-B shot a jumper from the left corner that rolled off the rim at the buzzer. The dance of the ball brought the entire rec yard to its feet. It just wasn’t meant to be, because The Realest suffered their 9th defeat.

Silk Money led The Realest and all scorers with 23 points (5/9 from the stripe). The Realest went into the break down by 1, but they started the 2nd half with an 8-0 run, that blind-sided team Gatlins (9-2). The Realest led by as much as 10. Big man, Pit Bull generated his 2nd double/double of the season (10 points and 10 boards). He also had 2 assists and 1 block. Concrete snatched 11 boards for the 2nd straight game, but The Realest couldn’t hold off the Gatlins late game surge. Lil’ Magic and Heart-N-Soul played with the bumps and bruises of a physical regular season, but their youth movement paid the bills, giving HBO and Showtime the opportunity to thrill us with another suspenseful finish.

In the 1st half, Lil’ Magic and Heart-N-Soul combined for 12 points. Billy Ho was on fire scoring 10 points (2 treys) in the 1st half. He finished with 14 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. “Streets” was eating rebounds like Pac-Man, tallying a career best 11 boards. This “Youth Movement” sparked death row’s version of HBO and Showtime, to generate 21 of the team’s 26 second half points. Lil’ Magic finished with 18 points (3/4 from the stripe), 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Heart-N-Soul contributed 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal. As a team, Gatlins shot 6/21 from the stripe. Ugh I smell fish, but the Gatlins prevailed, 55-54.

Game 2, Mayhem (10-1) vs Elixir (3-7). The Phenom not only stayed true to his scoring prowess, but he also tied his career high by dishing out 8 dimes. He finished with 27 points, 8 rebounds, 8 dimes and 1 steal. Scoop stuffed the stat sheet with 14 points, 11 boards, 6 dimes, 3 steals and 8 monster swats ( 16 in 2 games). The Human Eraser has 49 blocks this season. That is 10 better than last year’s total and he still has one more regular season game to play. This defensive statement is clear, going into the playoffs. If you’re scared to dance, stay away from the “Monster’s Ball.” Ya heard?

The Diesel has made a difference for team Mayhem in all 3 games this week. Today he finished with 10 points (8 in the 1st half), 7 rebound, 4 assists and 1 steal playing a major role in Mayhem’s 60-47 victory over team Elixir.

Elixir was led by the unselfish efforts of Bigg Dogg. He tallied 12 points, 17 boards, and 2 assists. One day after snatching 18 boards against the 2nd seed Gatlins, proving that in big games the Bigg Dogg is all bite and no bark. Word is bond!

“The Gem” produced his 1st double/double of the season, tallying 12 points, 10 boards and 2 steals. Playing with an injured right hand, J-Rock contributed 10 points (4/4 from the stripe), 12 boards, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Elixir outrebounded Mayhem 49 to 33, but team Mayhem’s 21 assist was the deciding factor. That’s what’s up!

The votes at the table came down to the wire b-ballers. It’s been a great week for death row b-ball. Mr. Blue, Froggy-Frogg, El-Indio and I concluded that there was no one Player of the Week. Scoop and The Diesel combined for 15 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals in the 1st half of today’s contest. Both were key to all 3 victories this week, so congrats to these teammates for being week 5’s co-Players of the Week.

Nuff Said,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Bringing the Heat: (Mid-Week Special) Day 12

Eighty-two degrees and sunny. The ball is in the air and they’re off and runnin.’ Game 1 featured team 2 Mayhem vs team 3 Ruffnex. Mayhem pushed out to an early 8 point lead with monster swats by Scoop (10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 8 blocks) and steals by The Phenom (29 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals and 1 block) leading to easy transition baskets. Defensive adjustments by the Ruffnex kept the score close throughout the half, but defense must become a way of life not merely a pastime whenever The Phenom is on the floor. He dominated the first half with (18 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals) and Mayhem lead by ten at the half 36-26.


The 2nd half began with the Ruffnex in total disarray on the defensive end-going down 14 44-30, but once again, a gut-check on D and the emergence of E-Smoove who hit 11 of his 16 points in the 2nd half kept it tight. The Ruffnex has a well balanced attach getting solid performances from Geezy (15 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal) Bucktown (14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block) and Chubsta, “The Carpenter” owned the boards finishing with 15 to go with his 15 points and 2 assists.

But, Mayhem refused to fold. The wily veteran, Diesel, (10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal) came up with one clutch shot after another to keep the game just out of reach. The Ruffnex would eventually cut the lead to one with :23.5 seconds to play, but turnovers which plagued the Ruffnex all game and clutch free throws by The Phenom and The Blanket (7 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal) sealed the deal for Mayhem 65-62.

Game 2 featured team 1 Gatlins vs team 5 Elixir. The Gatlins started with Big Henry filling in for Coach Slick Rick and Jimi-Jam starting for Elixir in place of Lil’ Bison due to religious services. Elixir opens with an elaborate defensive scheme devised by Coach Red denying the ball to the Gatlins main two scorers, Lil’ Magic (19 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 1 block) and Heart-N-Soul (14 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals).

The strategy seemed to be effective early however dominant play in the post by Nasty Nas (15 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block) and Tool Man (10 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals) and a hard fall by Elixir’s star player J-Rock who sustained a cut on his shooting hand, but went on to finish the game wearing a glove over the cut – could not forestall a rout 73-50.

The story of the day however was the impassioned determined and inspired play by Bigg Dogg (19 points, 18 rebounds and 4 assists) and injured star J-Rock (9 points, 5 assists, 4 steals and 2 blocks).

Regardless of the score, they challenged every shot, were master facilitators and played textbook ball from the opening tip to the final horn. A testament to The Blueprint, Earl Richmond, who’s M.O. was being a man of character and playing unselfish team basketball. R.I.P. big homie. We are forever grateful and we will never forget. Your legacy lives on.

See you at the table.

Mr. Blue
Copyright © 2010 by Paul Brown

Bringing the Heat: (Humidity) Day 11

B-ballers,

What’s poppin’?

Twenty-two games are in the books. Eight contests remain in our 2010 regular season. Today’s final meeting of the regular season between team Mayhem (8-1) and team Gatlins (7-2) was an excellent showcase of what this year’s postseason has in store. As a b-ball fiend, I always enjoy watching Lil Magic and The Phenom compete, but as a person I applaud their personal tributes to the blueprint of our league, Earl J. Richmond, aka “E”(R.I.P).

Lil Magic paid homage to The Blueprint at the 19:29 mark of the 1st half. A southpaw, Lil’ Magic shot his 1st free throw attempt right-handed. The Phenom acknowledged The Blueprint in a similar fashion with 31 seconds to play. As the ball left the fingertips of his left hand, he spoke The Blueprint’s name, just loud enough for the scorer’s table to hear. That’s what’s up!

Lil’ Magic was on target from downtown early. He knocked down 5 treys in the 1st half. His Gatlins led by as much as 14 points near the end of the 1st half. Lil’ Magic went into the recess with a monstrous line: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block and his Gatlins led 35-25.

The 2nd half belonged to team Mayhem. Savvy play by The Phenom and well respected veteran The Diesel, led a surge that chipped away at the Gatlins double digit lead. The two combined for 33 of the 43 second half points scored by team Mayhem. Diesel cut the lead to 6 with 11:03 to play. He also hit 4/5 clutch free throws down the stretch to put the game out of reach for the Gatlins. He finished with 12 points (10 in the 2nd half), 3 rebounds, 4 dimes, 1 steal and 1 block. The Phenom tallied 38 points (11/11 from the stripe), 10 boards, 2 assists, 6 thefts and 1 block. The Phenom has scored 306 points in 9 games played, giving him a commanding 34 point average with 3 games remaining in the regular season. Monster ballin,’ indeed.

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Scoop, anchored Mayhem’s comeback with his vintage “Human Eraser” presence. He tallied 7 points, 17 boards (career best), 2 assists, 2 steals and 6 monster swats (3rd time this season). J-Dubb and The Blanket combined for 11 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists respectively. Controlling their own destiny, Mayhem won this game in an impressive fashion, 68-59.

Lil’ Magic led the Gatlins with 29 points (5/7 from the stripe), 13 boards, 4 dimes, 2 steals and 1 block. Heart-N-Soul finished with 19 points (11 in the 1st half), 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 thefts. Coach Slick Rick, needs to use this loss as motivation to fuel his team going into the postseason. Real talk.

In game 2, the Ruffnex (3-6) put this one away early The Realest (1-8) may go into the postseason with a single victory. Their final 3 games are against the two top-seeded squads and a hungry team Eleixir (3-5). Today’s contest was over before it started. The Ruffnex led 36-18 at the break.

Bucktown led team Ruffnex with a career best, 33 points (21 in the 2nd half). He also produced 13 rebounds, (season high), 4 assists, 4 thefts and 2 blocks, giving him his 4th double/double of the season. He has tallied averages of 15.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks for the regular season.

Chubsta, aka “The Carpenter” tied his own record, snatching 22 boards. He also contributed 7 points, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. The Carpenter is averaging 15.7 rebounds per game. E-Smoove and Geezy combined for 33 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 thefts and 2 blocks, for much needed team Ruffnex victory. The final was 79-41. Ouch!

Silk Money led The Realest with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. The Realest were outrebounded 57-39 and outsourced in the 2nd half, 43-23. Wow!

I’ll see you at the table b-ballers. Until then, Holla if ya hear me.

Stay Up,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2010 by Leroy Elwood Mann