Draft Night

Prototype

A League of Their Own

2003 til Infinity

"And with the third pick, I made the earth sick, M.J., hem Jay, fade away perfect.."
Jay-Z, "Hola' Hovito"

Salutations world,

This right here, has been my brain child ever since I could remember. From the first day I ever picked up a basketball I was a student of the game first. As a kid growing up, I studied and admired the games of the greats from the 1984 draft class such as John Stockton, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, and of course Michael Jordan. Many never thought a draft class could rival that one...Then came 1996...Then came 2003. So while sitting in front of the TV last night watching the Davidson vs. Duke game (A game in which Duke won, but received a valiant effort from the Wildcats and Stephen Curry), My cousin and I began a rather heated discussion on which draft class did we think was the best. Ladies and Gentleman, I give you each classes argument..

First, 1984s ultimate claim to fame is they boast the greatest player to ever play the game. The passion and excellence that defined Michael's game may never be seen in another athlete in any sport, period! The aforementioned John Stockton went on to become the leagues all time leader in assists and steals. While all Hakeem Olajuwon did was win 2 NBA championships (One versus Patrick Ewing and the other versus "Baby" Shaquille O'Neal) while displaying one of the smoothest games you will ever see from a center. And well, Charles Barkley is Chuck. The "Round Mound of Rebound", a "Power" forward who could step outside and shoot the 3! This draft class was the foundation of the Dream Team, a group which is consider the first ambassadors of the NBA and who undoubtedly lead to the increasing interest in basketball overseas. All worthy accolades, but lets hear the other guys arguments as well..

Fast forward to 1996, when cats was bumpin California Love by 2pac, and I know one of y'all had a fade of some sorts. This draft class brought style and flare to the game and helped usher it into the giant that the sport is today. This draft was praised by SLAM magazine as the best draft ever, and rightfully so. I mean the draft produced "The Answer", Jesus (Shuttlesworth that is), and the 2nd best player to ever hit the court, "The Mamba"! Nuff Said. A collection of talent that has been tough to match top to bottom, including numerous NBA All-First teamers, MVPs, Defensive Players of The Year, etc. Man, just take a look at this video..


Now shoot to 2003, were I was now sporting facial hair, and a rather decent jump shot, and LeBron, Carmelo, D Wade, and C Bosh were among the first 5 selected in the draft. The class that was tasked with the responsibility of restoring USA's name in international competition. And the members of the Redeem Team did not disappoint. Not to mention they already have amongst them an NBA title, NBA first team selections, All Star game selections and MVP, and for a period from 2006 until the Beijing games, many considered Carmelo Anthony the best international player in the world. All worth accolades as well, check their vid out..


Now, in my personal opinion, the Jordan factor puts the '84 draft class at the top, followed by '03, then '96. I could be wrong, but nonetheless, all three were phenomenal classes that helped shape basketball, not only the NBA but basketball internationally forever..

Until Later,

Peace.

The King James Version

Jeff, King James, and Mizzo in DC.
"Ask my youngin' LeBron, So big we ain't gotta respond. When you talking to a don, please have respect like you talking to ya moms!"
Jay-Z, "Blow The Whistle" Freestyle

Welcome to 2009,

What a fitting way to start off the new year here at 24 seconds, then to take a look at the future of the game. With freakish athletic abilities, improved jump shooting and defense, and a "crab dribble" that is second to none, LeBron James is writing his own version of the basketball bible, The King James version that is..

On Sunday, the usual crew of AG, Mike Tillery, and myself headed to the Cavaliers game against the last place Washington Wizards. Now mind you, these teams played on Christmas Day, with the Wizards finding a way to lose (Cleveland went on an insane 11 point run with a 1:30 left to win). Sunday was more of the same, with the Wizards mounting a large lead only to see the Cleveland LeBron's march their way back into the game. All of a sudden, an arena that was once dormant had a distinct playoff feel once again. The rivalry that has been bred through the matchups in the last 3 playoffs was evident..

The Game came down to a 2 point Wizard lead when I turn to AG and say "LeBron is going to the bucket, AND 1 and the game is over!"..And LeBron does just that, well that and the now infamous "crab dribble". Nonetheless, the sheer fact that everyone in the arena knew that he was going to do that attest to the athlete and basketball player that he has become..

Ultimately the Cavs took the L, and the fellas and I ventured to the locker room for our usual post game routine. Of course gave his normal postgame interview, but you know we had to get our exclusive video once again (The walk through the halls of the arena is becoming somewhat of a trademark, lol). So watch as we catch up with LeBron and talk about everything from watches and headphones, to the hard work it takes to be a player in the NBA. Once again, AG asks the questions, Mizzo gets his top flight security on, and I get my Quentin Tarantino on behind the camera. Enjoy.



Like Always,

Peace.

Year In Review

Salutations World,

2008, was a great year for the sport of basketball. But the one thing that was evident throughout the year is that HISTORY WILL REPEAT ITSELF! Whether it be The Redeem Team capturing gold in Beijing or the dream matchup of the Celtics and Lakers in the final. 2008 was a year marked by players defecting to Europe for enticing mid level contracts, as well as the frenzy that will be the summer of 2010 rearing its head..

2008 was not only good for the NBA, but for the NCAA as well. The future of basketball was seen through the play of Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley, and a clutch 3 brought the Trophy back to the program that James Naismith started in 1898..

With all that being said, here are some of the great moments in basketball this season, and 2009 will be sure not to disappoint!









Until 2009,

Peace.

The Black Athlete

*As seen on my other site, REAL TALK DC*

Salutations World,

I write this about a week or so after the events that lead to Plaxico Burress shooting himself in the leg at a club in NYC. When originally hearing this, I automatically knew that there would be an uprising from sports commentators alike about how this is another Black man with millions, acting stupid. True to form, Stephen A. Smith of ESPN fame lends his take on the situation..


And after listing to this, I was somewhat upset that such a major figure in sports entertainment would not take an easier approach to addressing this situation. Ultimately, all athletes are adults and should be held responsible for their transgressions, but does it make us any better to automatically assume that if a young black man is given millions, that somewhere along in his career he will mess it up?

There are a few things that really made me mad about this rant. First of all, black athletes are very rarely ever examined for the good that they do. All we ever hear is whether they have been arrested or how hard and tough their upbringing was. We never hear stories about guys like Allan Houston, who runs a father/son basketball camp, as a tribute to his close relationship with his father. We never hear stories about Grant Hill or even college stars like Gerald Henderson of Duke, and Stephen Curry of Davidson, who both came from NBA household and who are both excelling at top notch universities..

Allan Houston and Jeff Young. In Philly

No, we only hear about Pac Man..Or Plax..Or Allen Iverson.

And who is usually ready at the front lines ready to pounce on our black athletes..Black People. I find it disappointing that instead of taking an angle where he illustrates the number of black athletes that do not engage in extreme acts of coonery and buffoonery, Stephen A. Smith ranted and raved that the black athlete is somewhat of a plague to today's sport. Citing examples of the NBA instituting a dress code as an example of the negative black influence..

My plea to black sports writers as well as blacks in general..PLEASE uplift and educate. Uplift the black athletes that are doing good in their respective sports as well as in the community. And educate those who are unaware or who are ignorant enough to believe that every young black man with millions is merely in training to 'make it rain'..

Like always, until next time..

Peace.

-Yeezy

Next In Line

Like Father, Like Son.

Witness

"A great shooter has no conscience.."
-Jay Bilas

Picture Madison Square Garden, the mecca of basketball. Bright lights, big city and the stage is all yours. How would you want to end the game? Scoring 13 straight to cap a comeback? Hit 2 big three point shots in the face of a 6'9 defender? Or how about live up to all the hype that has been pumped since your incredible performance in last years NCAA Tournament?..

Well Stephen Curry chose all the above. Last night in the Garden, Curry lived up to the hype, pouring in 27 points and 10 assists. As well as a major steal in crunch time that led to a dagger three..

But what I noticed most about Curry last night, is his ability to close in the big games. That, and that fact alone is what separates the good players from the great players. Every great player had the ability to shake off a bad start to a game, or foul trouble, to close the game whenever his team depends on him. He showcased his closing ability last night in the garden, and one other moment in the garden came to mind..


Next in line for greatness? Only time will tell..

Until Later,

Peace.

Snakes On A Court

The Mamba

Jeff, KB24, Mike Tillery. In DC

"I been real all my life, they confuse it with conceit.."
Jay-Z, "Blueprint 2"

On the ride down to DC, AG and I had a conversation on how you could compare the beauty of Kobe Bryant's game, to a flawless verse by Jay-Z. How only a true fan, and student, of both men's craft could understand the complex yet simple beauty of the work they do..

None of this was more evident then in the fourth quarter of the Lakers game against the Washington Wizards, and with the Wizards surging back, the ball was in the hands of The Black Mamba. And he calmly sank a...Bank Shot! Immediately Mike Tillery and I go crazy. Not only because Kobe sank another game closing shot, but the fact that he had the presence of mind to shoot the bank shot!

And with that bank shot, the greatest closer in the game today added another chapter to his "How To" Manual. Like "Encore" by Jay-z, fans in the Verizon Center chanted "M-V-P" as if it were the same as "HOVA". After the game is over, AG and I caught up with Kobe and talked about everything from his new shoe, to his "Suburban" reputation. Check out the video, as AG ask the questions, Mike plays security in the background, and I get my Spike Lee on behind the camera. Enjoy.


Until Later,

Peace.

L-O..They Know

Salutations World,

After a brief hiatus, I am back. With a tale of a road trip that ended in a Lakers win versus the Washington Wizards. Alongside of AG, and Mike Tillery, we ventured around the city until it was game time. Of course, I had to take them to the world famous Ben's Chili Bowl, on U st. in NW, DC.


Fast forward to the "Phone Booth" (The Verizon Center, Washington DC). Before the game AG and myself ventured into the visitors locker room to catch up with some of the Lakers. After speaking with Derek Fisher and his love for Nike Basketball, we got a few moments with Lamar Odom..


Now LO is a perfect case of not judging a book by its cover. During last years run to the finals, Lamar was an important member of the starting five. While some feel that he did not show up in the finals, that still takes nothing away from his game. A 6'10 point guard is extremely rare. So entering this season, he was faced with a challenge presented by Coach Jackson. Coming off the bench.

Now to some players, ego would undoubtedly interfere with their ability to contribute, but not LO. "I just bring my energy off the bench. My role is to fill any position that we need...ball handling, rebounding, I come off the bench...score a couple of buckets, and try to get people involved. Basically it's my job to play basketball the right way every night." Spoken like a true veteran..

Odom continues, "That's not really my focus. My focus is to...my job is to basically do what I'm asked, you know what I'm saying...and I just leave it at that, and put my head in the right place mentally, so whatever they ask of me, I can fulfill that. Whether it's coming off the bench or starting...at the end of the day it's basketball."

After speaking with Odom, I developed a new found respect for not only his game and him as a man, but with his ability to put his best effort forward no matter his playing situation to help the team. And with Odom coming off of the bench, the Lakers have surged to a 16-2 start, and on the fast track to finishing another season in June. Now whether or not it will include a NBA title rests on the players, including LO..They Know!

Peace.