Sharing the death row b-ball initiative with the masses is
always a blessing. This past season,
Legacy Infinite, has been a literary chest pass to the blogosphere – with the
intent of creating a game winning shot for someone that rarely sees playing time. Feel me?
As always, my stat team Mr. Blue, Bigg Dogg, Chino, and
Froggy Frog, remain key players in the success of this annual b-ball
odyssey. We give you the play-by-play as
we see it, but if you’re not present on the rec yard you couldn’t possibly be
aware of the ongoing commentary at our scorer’s table. Please allow me to elaborate:
In the past, I’ve always depended on Mr. Blue and
Froggy-Frogg to be my eyes while I document the math that transcends into the
Ball-Til-We-Fall expression. On several
occasions this season, I managed the game clock while reciting play-by-play
commentary to my four teammates. I’ve
even developed a signature “game voice” to provide entertainment to anyone
within earshot of my workstation.
Managing the game clock is anything but a simple task. Its digital board provides the game score,
team fouls, a 35 second shot clock, possession arrow, and of course game
time. The 35-second shot clock demands
constant attention. Whenever the ball
touches the rim, the 35-second shot clock has to be reset. If there’s a sudden change in possession –
such as a steal – the 35-second shot clock has to be reset. This, combined with the constant inquires
from coaches and players – concerning the score, team fouls or timeouts – can
make my vocal play-by-play commentary a bit challenging; but not
impossible. Ya heard?
The support of my stat team has given me the confidence to
step my game up. From the scorer’s
table, to the rap sessions, Legacy Infinite will be remembered as the
evolvement of your MannofStat. Cotton; Bottoms;
Not in this house; are just a few of my vocal expressions in need of being
recorded. Holla if ya hear me, TMZ!!
Legacy Infinite will also be remembered as the debuts of
fellow writer/b-ball enthusiast, Bigg Dogg, and my man Chino handling the
shooting percentage; a much welcome addition to the stat table. Mr. Blue and Froggy-Frogg, as always, are a
statistical tandem that goes unmatched.
I’m more than thankful for their participation and input. Word is bond!
The officiating team of Lil’ Magic, Diesel and Big Bank
provided a triangle of organization when the game’s tempo lights the fire of
the rec yard hecklers. Officers as well
as residents of the row enjoy the euphoria that death row b-ball provides. With that said; the “Cameron Crazies” ain’t
got nothing on the hecklers of Unit 3.
Real talk.
In closing, congrats are in order for Coach Chimmi and his
gritty Hakuna Matata squad. The last
team standing had “no worries” about this season’s competition. “I am knowledgeable of the game. I bring encouragement to my men in hopes that
they will play to the best of their ability.” Coach Chimmi’s b-ball vision
proved to be encouraging to his star player, and the Most Outstanding Player of
this year’s postseason, E-Smoove.
Congrats to both of them for attaining the long-time elusive
championship moment that E-Smoove rightfully deserves. That’s what’s up!!
I also need to thank all of this year’s Rap Session
participants: Coach Chimmi, The General, Bucktown, Wild Thing, E-Smoove and of
course, The Phenom. Congrats to Father
Time for being nominated and awarded The Blueprint Man of the Year. And much respect to the memory of my man,
Earl J. Richmond, a.k.a. “The Blueprint.” Your memory will never die as long as
there’s fire in my pen. Ya heard?
And last but definitely not the least, I’ve gotta thank my Editor-in-Chief,
Rochelle. Thank you for setting the bar
so high, “Boss Lady.” Your literary direction has taken this BTWF movement far
beyond it’s initial standard for success.
Love you Ma.
Peace and love, B-ballers.
Whatever tomorrow brings your MannofStat will continue to love this
game.
Nuff Said,
MannofStat
Copyright © 2013 by Leroy Elwood Mann.
Editor's Note:
I just want to thank the followers of Ball-Til-We-Fall for your patience during the Legacy Infinite season. The delays were unavoidable, but I am thrilled that you stayed to the end. Join us later in the year for the 2014 season of Ball-Til-We-Fall.
