Concrete Soul: Rap Session, Week 3

B-ballers, 

What’s good?

Role players. A championship is nothing more than a mirage without them. With them? The chip is inevitable. Hakeem “The Dream” had Mario Elie. “Air” Jordan had B.J. Armstrong. Kobe “Bean” Bryant had Derek Fisher. And, “Dr. J” had Bobby Jones, a.k.a. “The Secretary of Defense.” Proof that role players help the best players achieve greatness. Feel me?

To me, watching basketball is much deeper than who’s going to score the next basket. I enjoy observing the intangible qualities of a baller. I mean, have the patience to make the extra pass, game clock awareness or shifting the momentum of a game, by diving for a loose ball are all qualities of a good ball player, that won’t show up in a statline. However, I applaud these efforts, because greatness on the court can’t be accomplished without the gritty efforts of the role player. Ya heard?

Me and Geezy go back like bucket seats in a 86’ Maxima. Like most role players, he’s comfortable in the back seat, but today is his opportunity to take the front seat and drive us into his perspective of death row b-ball. Na mean?

MannofStat: Geezy, what it do, Dunn?

Geezy: I’m good

MannofStat: I know interviews ain’t really your thing, so I appreciate your time for this rap session.

Geezy: It’s all good, MannofStat. Talking b-ball with you is always a pleasure.

MannofStat: Well, we’re definitely gonna talk some b-ball. But, first things first, how long have you been on the row?

Geezy: (Laughs) I see we’re starting out with the tough questions first, huh?

MannofStat: (Laughs) Gotta give the people what they want Geezy.

Geezy: Ah man, It’s been a minute. I actually got here in April 2000.

MannofStat: I’m gonna turn the clock back then.

Geezy: Let’s do it

MannofStat: D-block, what up?

Geezy: Oh man. Cats were ballin crazy hard. See, back then we only went outside twice a week. So, dudes were trying to get it in. Straight grudging and T’ings.

MannofStat: Word is bond.

Geezy: Before you continue, MannofStat, I gotta shout out Ed Lemons, Diesel, Wakil, John Daniels and of course yo’self, Da MannofStat. It was all love back then. But crazy intense.

MannofStat: How has your game improved over the years?

Geezy: One word, MannofStat. “Ambidextrous.” To be honest, watching yo’self, E-Boogie and Puff, all the cats with the dual handed skillz. It really left an impression on me. So yeah, working on my left hand has to be my most accomplished improvement. Also, the I.Q. that comes with the years of playing.

MannofStat: Is winning a championship in your near future?

Geezy: Most def, fam. I think coach “Petey Crack” (Lil’ Magic) assembled a decent squad this year. Chaos will definitely contend for the chip. The level of completion is high, but we’ve got some returning vets and some new recruits and everybody has their eyes on the prize. So, we’ll see.

MannofStat: That’s what’s up. Keep on keepin, Geezy.

Geezy: No doubt.

Both: (Bump fists) 

Stay Up,

MannofStat

Copyright © 2012 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Concrete Soul: Mid-Week Special, Day 6

What do you do when you’ve been labeled “the worst of the worst,” cast off from society and left to die? You accept the challenge ; Elevate! Game 1 Chaos vs. Hustle. Silk Money sets the tone of how its going to be with a pull-up trey off the rip, proving his All-World status with an effortless (16 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks) and Chaos blows out to an early 20-7 lead they would never relinquish. He along with Heart-N-Soul *15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals) frustrated team Hustle, swarming the passing lanes like killer bees.

The lead was cut to 4 in a scoring lull for Chaos when Frost stepped up, hitting all of his 14 points in the first half including (4 – treys) boosting the lead to 37-2`. That lead ballooned to 47-25 deep into the 3rd quarter and J-Rock (7 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals and 1 block) was whistled for a technical foul at the 2:22 mark that seemed to ignite his team, who would finish on a torrid 31-14 run led by Scoop who played out of his mind in the 2nd half with (26 points, [18 in 2nd half], 8 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 blocks).

Bigg Dogg’s (5 points, 17 monster boards, 4 assists and 2 blocks) and the General nailing two huge treys (3 for the game) cutting a 23 point deficit down to 4 at 60-56 with under 2 minutes to play, but it would be too little too late as the door got slammed shut with two humongous boards by the Chubsta. The Carpenter went in the paint and got his grown-man on (10 points, 13 boards, 2 assists and 2 steals) sealing the deal and allowing Chaos to escape 61-56.

Game 2 same the Quiet Storm and the Silverbacks do battle. The Silverbacks did it their way; gully. With lock-down D. and get it with your muscle style of play led by Bucktown’s (12 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 blocks) and Sunchild’s (4 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 blocks). Good team balance with the Diesel, Tone and Fowl combining for (22 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 10 steals and 1 block) and once again coming away with the rebounding edge 43-35.

The Quiet Storm were paced by the Phenom’s (19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks) and E-Smoove’s (15 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks). E-Smoove put it in over-drive early with – 9points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 block in the 1st half. And with (11 points) from Lil’ Bison, it was enough to secure a hard-fought 61-47 victory.

We’re about half way through the battle for the chip. Just when you think it’s over you might find that it’s only just beginning. In basketball as in life, you get out of it what you put into it. Go 100 all the way through. That’s the Blue View.

Mr. Blue

Concrete Soul: Bassline, Day 5

B-ballers, 


What’s poppin?

The NBA finals are now complete. Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Kidd have solidified their positions amongst an elite class of professional ballers. Becoming a NBA champion is a dream come true, for most ballers. The passion to compete between the lines is attained by the best ballers.

Death row is far from a baller’s dream of competing in the NBA. The deprivation of freedom is a nightmare we live from day to day, but thru basketball we can compete for the right to be called a champion. Tragedy to Triumph. Feel me?

The Quiet Storm (3-2) faced team Hustle (2-3) for the second time this season. The final shot made the difference the last time these two teams faced off, a shot that ascended team Hustle to 2-0. But today’s forecast would be much different. You might need your umbrellas.

Team Quiet Storm led 25-13 at the end of the first quarter. They closed out the first half leading 42-27. The Phenom led the way with 25 points (5/6 from the stripe), 11 boards, 4 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. The Phenom appears to be getting back into his scoring groove. In his first three games, he accumulated no more than 17 points. He’s tallied 26 and 25 points in his last two outings and achieving his 5th straight double/double of the season. Nasty Nas and Streets stayed active in the Quiet Storm front court. They collaborated for 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Team Hustle was led by Bigg Dogg (13 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal), but he needed a lot more help because this one was never close. Team Hustle was hung out to dry in a Quiet Storm romp, 67-50. The Quiet Storm 3-game winning streak is the real. The raw uncut. Have your MannofStat O.D’d cause it’s never enough. Holla if ya hear me Lil’ Kim.

Team Chaos stands alone at 4-1. First team All-World selection, Silk Money, came off the bench to tame the beasts. He tallied 18 points (4/4 from the stripe), 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal and 2 blocks. Heart-N-Soul aided the demise of the Silverbacks (1-4) with 15 points, 6 rebounds and 3 steals of his own. The Carpenter had 14 boards, 4 assists, 2 steals and 1 block. The Carpenter is averaging 12.1 rebounds per game this season.

The Silverbacks were led by Bucktown’s 16 points (10 in the 4th quarter), 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks. Diesel and Wakil a.k.a. T-Owl, combined for 15 rebounds, 6 rebounds and 5 steals, but the Silverbacks were outrebounded 53-28. Word is bond!

Team Chaos recovers from last week’s loss to the Quiet Storm, by shellacking the Silverbacks, 59-42.

Nuff Said,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2011 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Concrete Soul: Rap Session, Week 2

B-ballers,


What it do?

The heart of a champion is immeasurable. When opponents suffer fatigue, the champion is just getting his second wind. When the contest appears to be over, the champion knows no end until the final buzzer sounds. Sickness, injury or the dismal circumstances of life can only enhance the enviable capabilities of a champion. Na mean?

In the early 70’s, Willis Reed helped the New York Knicks defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in game 7 of the NBA finals. A badly injured knee wouldn’t suppress Willis’ desire to compete against and defeat one of the league’s most dominant big men, Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlin.

The 1997 NBA finals showcased Michael “Air” Jordan dismantling the Utah Jazz in a critical game 5, a game in which MJ battled the flu as well as the likes of future hall of famers – Karl “The Mailman” Malone and John Stockton.

This past Tuesday (6/7/11), Dirk Nowitzki set fire to the game 4 aspirations of the Miami Heat. On the court, Dirk was cool as ice water, while battling a fever that registered a 102 degree temperature. Feel me? This unending will to compete is exhibited on our court every day. Take heed and listen to the words of a champion. I now introduce you to Runny Ray.

MannofStat: Runny Ray. It’s good to have you.

Runny Ray: It’s good to be here, MannofStat.

Both: (Exchange the team “Dynasty” handshake (two slaps to the right palm).)

MannofStat: Give me 3 words that best describes your game.

Runny Ray: Defense. Hustle. Rebounding.

MannofStat: That’s what’s up.

Runny Ray: MannofStat, before you continue, I want to say that 2006 was something special, the year of my first championship. It was an honor to play with you and team Dynasty. We couldn’t have done it without you, but then none of us would be doing any of this if it wasn’t for “The Blueprint,” Earl J. Richmond. May he rest in peace.

MannofStat: For sure. The heart of a champion can never die. Earl’s existence continues through us. Ya heard?

Runny Ray: Like the class when the school bell rings, MannofStat.

MannofStat: With three championships to your credit, what’s your vision for team Hustle?

Runny Ray: Winning number four. Why not? We’ve definitely got the team to make it happen.

MannofStat: What palyer – college or pro – best exemplifies the heart of a champion?

Runny Ray: I’m not a basketball historian, MannofStat. That’s no secret, but I like who I like. I’d say Michael Vick. (theMichaelVickStory.com) 7/27/11.

MannofStat: Why?

Runny Ray: He went from being the highest paid player in the NFL to a prison cell. His life as we knew it was over. If the heart of a champion belongs to someone who never gives up, then Michael Vick is just that.

MannofStat: I agree. Being a champion doesn’t necessarily have to be about jewelry. Sometimes its just about how you handle life experiences. You win some, you lose some, but you never stop competing. Word is bond!

Live Well,

MannofStat
Copyright © 2011 by Leroy Elwood Mann

Note: As this went to press, Runny Ray’s team Hustle was 2-1. His last outing was a loss to the 1st place team, Chaos (3-0), but he took 3 charges and contributed 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block.