Mean Green

"Business before pleasure..."

P. Diddy - Victory

Game 1 of the NBA Finals tips off tonight in the City of Angels...and while this matchup will go into the history books as the most storied rivalry in basketball...I feel there is no clear favorite.

No Fear

I was watching an NBA Finals preview on ESPN Wednesday, and everyone on the show picked the Boston Celtics to win the series in 6 games...and while agree that the C's are a very tough team, I just don't see one team over the other. Tonight's game will not give me enough information on either franchise, so I'll reserve my full opinion until after Game 3 in the TD Banknorth Garden.

This is the Finals that both teams wanted. With bragging rights and basketball history on the line, my expectations are few...I understand that everyone on the floor has the experience, heart, and savvy to win.

The big story right now is Derek Fisher and Rajon Rondo, however the Lakers have had to deal with really good point guards throughout the playoffs, so the bigger story is team defense which the Lake Show lacked in their '08 Finals loss.

This series goes the distance, and we as fans will be there for a memorable ride. These teams are even, and it's the team that does the little things and pays attention to detail that will emerge victorious.

Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

The Villain

"You want me off the scene fast...but good things last..."

Nas - Hate Me Know

With a lithe build, and determination of 10 men...Reggie Miller gave me hope that I could one day grow to be just like him on the basketball court.

Heart

I was always the skinny kid on my team, and while that may not seem to matter...on top of that I had really BIG glasses to add fuel to the awkward fire. My mom didn't indulge in my heart's desire of Nike sneakers, and Ralph Lauren clothing...instead she made sure that my siblings and I had a good education, home cooked meals, a house to dwell in, and a bunch of other things 13-year old children take for granted.

There was one place where my clothes from the local thrift store and poor taste in footwear didn't matter, and that was on the playground where I learned the finer points of playing basketball. Once I became one of the better defensive players in my neighborhood...I took a cue from the very skinny, unorthodox guard of the Indiana Pacers, Reggie Miller, because it was in him that I found solace in being different. At the end of the day Miller, as quirky, and nerdy as he might have appeared...was an ambitious NBA All-Star that got respect, and if and when he did not get it...then the better he played, and the more he was feared.

I began to emulate Miller as best I could even growing my hair into a "pump" or "slope" just like him. I even understood why he loved playing on the road more than at home...because when my high school team was away from our friendly confines I used the crowd against themselves. I begged them to boo and jeer me, because it didn't take me long to make them regret that day. I wouldn't score many points, but it was when I scored...or stole that ball that made the difference. Oh yeah...I was a big trash talker...I would talk to the other team...opposing coaches...as well as the rabid fans...it made me work harder to silence them, and that was better than anyone cheering for me to succeed. My father was always very negative, so in a way...the harsh environment of road games enabled me to shine, just like my hero once upon a time.

Reggie Miller will forever be one of my all time favorite players, and every time I see him, I smile because he provided so much relief for me, all through the wondrous sport that he helped make so great.

Next week on Sunday, March 14, ESPN will continue their ESPN 30 for 30 movie series...and Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks is the one that I will watch with the fervor and joy of a scrawny,13-year old boy from the playground.

Superman

"You need a baller like I..."

Jay-Z - What They Gonna Do

I've been a fan of comics for a good number of years...and like sports there are triumphs and tragedy.

Heroic

About five years ago I was asked to be a guest on a college radio show at UNC Chapel Hill...and when the host introduced me...he said that I was the Clark Kent of the sneaker game. I was flattered by his words, as I grew up reading about and watching Superman.

I never asked him what he meant by that, nevertheless I understood...because Kent is the secret identity of Superman...which leads me to Dwight Howard. His nickname is Superman because of what he can do on the basketball court, so he and I are on opposite ends of the spectrum, yet on the same page.

His new "This is Sportscenter" commercial is classic, as I look forward to seeing it on television.

The Magic are playing well, and with a former Orlando center now taking residence in Cleveland, the upcoming playoffs are certain to be nothing less than monumental.

Stay tuned!

Requiem

"My story...self explanatory..."

Jadakiss - Money, Power, & Respect

The Lakers were off on Thursday after their 118-96 victory over Indiana...and while their stay in Philadelphia may sound routine...for one player its far from mundane.

Carpe Diem

Upon touching down at Philadelphia International airport yesterday...the Lake Show ventured to 9th and Passyunk Avenue for a taste of that cheesesteak goodness from Geno's, before calling it a night at the team hotel.

This a special place for Kobe Bryant...its the city where his father, sisters, cousins, and uncle cemented their athletic prowess against the opposition. If New York is the mecca of basketball, then Philly is heaven on Earth...birthing and nurturing the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Walt Hazzard, Wali Jones, Paul Arizin, Tom Gola, Earl Monroe, Dawn Staley, Hank Gathers, Pooh Richardson, Jerome Allen, Aaron McKie, Cuttino Mobley, Rasheed Wallace, Mardy Collins, Kyle Lowry, and thousands of others.

I always knew that basketball in the city of brotherly love was a big deal, however it wasn't until January 22, 2006 when Bryant scored 81-points against Toronto that made me think on a higher plane about this town. I'll never forget that night as I was writing a story...I sat with my back to the television...and with an official news bulletin, ESPN announced that they were going to a live feed, as Kobe had 70+ points in the 4th quarter. I was beside myself...and immediately looked at the time remaining to see if he could score 100.

It was one of those moments when you walk into the history book, witnessing one of the best performances in the spectrum of the game. After making 2 free-throws for 80 and 81, he took a seat on the bench...it was then when I thought about how the two highest individual scoring binges in the NBA were set by Wilt and Kobe...from West Philadelphia.

Basketball is an intricate game, teaching those who coach and play, facets of life on the court and off. For Kobe Bean, a lot of his great performances are behind him, however I trust that he will continue to show and prove...as the best is yet to happen.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Dominate

"I'm Morpheus in this hip-hop matrix..."

Common - The 6th Sense

The Lakers began this season on a tear playing well without Pau Gasol, and once he rejoined the team, they stepped things up a notch. Lately they've toiled , yet the victories have continued (except for Christmas), and while the collective difficulties have baffled LA supporters...one thing has remained constant...

Exit Wounds

I got home on Friday evening from a long day at work, and as usual I turned the cable box to channel 7. The familiar melody of Sportscenter began to chime through the speakers, and at last I was reunited with one of my favorite programs. Before I could untie my Nike boots, Stan Verrett announced that the Lake Show was down 20-points to the Kings in the 2nd quarter.

I looked up to see how much time was remaining before the half, and then I proceeded to get comfortable...fire up my MacBook, and break the seal on my room temperature Fiji water. This has become the norm most recently, as the Lakers have struggled until the 4th quarter, then Kobe Bean Bryant emerges and saves the day with an array of Dark Knight acrobatics, and insanely clutch shooting.

He is currently playing with a broken index finger on his right hand, nevertheless, the hits keep coming. Kobe has an unfathomable desire to win, coupled with a highly competitive nature...making him a one man wrecking crew with really nice sneakers.

Photo: Evan Gole/NBAE via Getty Images

Hard Work

Intensity

"And I'm the franchise..."

Jay-Z - La-La-La

Last week I came home to a package from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. I didn't think anything of it, because I couldn't remember ordering anything...

Appreciation

After about an hour of being home, I opened the mystery package. To my surprise it was an advance copy of Kobe Doin' Work, the Spike Lee documentary. It aired on ESPN last Spring, and what I remember most from that film was that I appeared within the first 2 minutes of the piece. Bryant and I have a good friendship, and I was so excited to see myself that I couldn't concentrate on the rest of the movie. I wasn't however in this edition, nevertheless I was proud and honored from the original broadcast.

As I sat back and watched it...the insight you gain from his commentary and Lee's vision is unprecedented. In one scene Bryant describes how he played against Tim Duncan in a game of one-on-one during the All-Star break, and how he learned Duncan's signature bank shot...which he now incorporates into his attack.

I heard that a lot of people and critics didn't like the documentary because they were expecting more of a behind the scenes, never seen before type of footage, however if you listen to what Kobe says...then all the hidden things you never see in an NBA game, are explained to you by the man himself. Its a different approach, and when you think about it...that's how Bryant is as a person and athlete. He even makes a mention of how playing in the league reminds him of being a kid at home in Philly...which showed me how much, and how highly he regards his hometown.

Kobe Doin' Work is available at retail on Tuesday, November 24, 2009. There is also a special MVP edition that comes with a Kobe Bryant trading card from Upper Deck, limited to the first 30,000 copies.

The Lakers make their first trek to the Northeast next month, and I'll be on hand to catch with Bryant, as I haven't seen him since the Finals...so we have a lot of catching up to do.

Birds of Prey

New school

"This ain't back in the day...but you don't hear me though..."

Notorious B.I.G. - Things Done Changed

For the first time since 1979, the Temple University Football program is eligible for a Bowl game.

Dirty Thirty

On the last Saturday in October, the Temple Owls defeated the Midshipmen of Navy, in a come from behind victory 27-24. This game hits home as anyone that knows me will tell you...I'm a big supporter of my beloved TU...however as I sat in a rain delay during the World Series...I learned that the Owls have won their 6th game of the season...good enough for a Bowl.

The news while extremely heartwarming...came as a welcome surprise. Don't get me wrong, I'm a believer, but Temple is not by any means a football school. Head Coach Al Golden has done a great job a changing the culture, with a no nonsense approach. I've seen first hand how demanding Golden is, however he looks like a genius now.

Lead by true freshman Bernard Pierce, Temple secured a 14-10 halftime advantage. Then Navy took over, as Temple's passing attack or lack thereof enabled Navy's 24-17 4th quarter lead.

Pierce emerged from the anemic pass offense...as he did what he does best, becoming the first letterman since 1986 to run for consecutive 200 yard games. He gained 1,033 yards thus far and is the first Temple back to gain 1,000 yards rushing since 2002. He rushed for 100 yards in five of his last six games.

Pierce's teammate James Nixon etched his name in the books as well...as he returned a kick for 100-yards, a school record.

I've written this before, and I'm going to write it again...the only thing constant in this world is change...and now that Temple Football is mentioned on ESPN's Sportscenter, and receiving national attention...change is good, very good.

Home Base

MVP

"It's the good life like TI said..."

Common - Play Your Cards Right

The Philadelphia Phillies won the National League Pennant Wednesday night, and unlike last year...I was on hand to participate in baseball history.

Memories

My afternoon began with a purchase of a pair of Ken Griffey, Jr. Nike sneakers...I then went home to get ready for Game 5 of the NLCS...fast forward several hours later, and I'm on the field with the Phillies enjoying the celebration. The best way I could soak it all in was to congratulate the players, take pictures, and shoot some video.

Soon after I interviewed NLCS MVP Ryan Howard in the media room. I had a feeling that my question would be the one answered on the ESPN live feed, so I did my best to make it good. Here is the score from the question and answer:

Talk about when you first came up through this organization, winning the World Series last year, and then getting back on that stage this year?

"You know, first coming up, this organization was considered to be a losing organization. And when I first got called up and saw kind of the pieces to the puzzle...where we kind of fell short in 2005, we fell short in 2006, got over the hump in 2007, and then had a quick exit. I just gained a lot of experience over those three or four years going into 2008, and then into this year.

As a team, I don't think I've ever played on a team that's been so fun. It's one of the funnest teams I've played on. Great group of guys. We all get along. Great chemistry, and we all have a lot of fun. To be able to make it to this point again, it's definitely something very special, because a World Series isn't guaranteed to anybody.

For what we did last year, that was something special. But to get back to this point, to have the opportunity to try to do it 2-years in a row...that's even more special."

Photo: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images, Anthony Gilbert/AXG

Dreams

Monumental

Professionalism

"We got to live out our dreams, like the people on tv..."

Alicia Keys - Unbreakable

Around the sports world, I'm known as a basketball writer...and when I was younger my mother would always pray for me, as she still does today...nevertheless I just consider myself ambitious...nothing more, nothing less.

The Real Thing

I have been afforded the opportunity to not only cover not only the Philadelphia 76ers in preseason this week, but I have also been on site for the NLCS to witness the Philadelphia Phillies walk into the history books of Major League Baseball.

Baseball is one of my real loves in sports, and to interview Joe Torre, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and several others delights my heart. I truly love my job. Last night Rollins won Game 4 with one swing in the 9th inning, as the Phils went up in the series 3-1. I've been to Citizens Bank Park numerous times, however when he smacked the ball into right field I'd never felt anything like that, as the building shook, and erupted into a lion's roar.

After the game I interviewed J-Roll, and if you were listening closely on ESPN, you could hear my question. Here is the score on our conversation:

We spoke a few weeks back, and I asked you about your role as a leadoff hitter...and you basically expressed that it's just a teams game...you're out there as a team, playing together. You always hear professional athletes talk about when they step into the moment, when they get into the zone. When you stepped up there for that at-bat...did you feel things slowing down for you?

"Yeah, things do slow down. You know, you--I don't know. You already have it planned out in your head how you want things to go. Sometimes it goes that way, sometimes it doesn't. But being confident in your ability helps a lot. You don't question what you're going to do. And like I said, after the first pitch, I was able to make an adjustment. If you go back, you see me in the box trying to get my feet in the right position. I was saying to myself, 'do I want closed [stance], and not open up? I decided to go with an open because I felt my hands get in the slot. From that point it was just a matter of getting a good pitch. If you think about it, 60 feet is a long ways to see the ball, even at 100 miles per hour, and he threw it basically where I was looking.

Really it was funny, right before he threw it, I say to myself...hit a ball in the right-center field gap. Kemp was playing me slightly to left-center. [Andre] Ethier was squeezing, and I was like 'hit the ball in the gap right over Broxton's head, and that's at least one run...and it went all the way to the fence, so we were able to get two [runs] and a victory."

Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images, Johnathan Grzybowski

Wait 'til Next Year

Victory

"To weak what we do...buck 'em down word life..."

Buck Shot - Black Moon

Pedro Martinez returns to the National League under the bright lights of Wrigley Field, as the Philadelphia Phillies open a new chapter in their franchise against the Loveable Losers.

Primetime

The Phils are the reigning World Series Champions, however this season has had its fair share of ups and downs, from Jimmy Rollins to Cole Hamels things have been different, but like the saying goes...no progress without stuggle.

Now the Phillies are far from pushing the panic button on the season, as they are in 1st place, with about 2 months to go until the post season. Latley the talk has been about new starting pitcher Pedro Martinez taking the place of hometown favorite Jamie Moyer. Sports is all about competition, and sometimes it comes from within. This isn't a bad thing...in fact this can make the Phils stronger as they continue to defend their crown.

Stay tuned. First picth is at 8:05PM ET on ESPN, Wednesday Night Baseball.

Champion

"Hotter than a summer day in California..."

Aaliyah - Hot Like Fire

Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard are my two favorite Philadelphia Phillies players, and while surfing on ESPN's website, I found this video. I'm going to interview J Roll at some point this season, and trust me...it will be as informative as it is entertaining.

Walk in his shoes

"At the age of 5...my mother said I'mma be the greatest man alive..."

Muddy Waters - Mannish Boy

Politics as Usual

Pride

Strength

"Down to Maryland...all the way over there at Morgan State..."

RZA - Ain't Nothin' Ta F--- Wit

I love sports, because like our lives...anything can happen without a moment's notice. On Wednesday, January 7th, the Morgan State University Bears, traveled south on the beltway to College Park, MD to play against the University of Maryland. What would eventually happen is something that brings joy, and pain.

unBEARable

During the days of racial tension and Jim Crow laws, black people in this country worked together to provide services, and opportunities for one another. For example, there were black business (hotels, laundry mats, newspapers, restaurants, mom & pop stores, etc.) that thrived in this country because of segregation...as this relates to institutions of higher learning and intercollegiate sports, they also enjoyed the success of high enrollment, and winning programs.

Once the integration doctrine was accepted, things changed within the black communities, as there was no longer a specific need to support one another...because a new integrated world had opened up. Traditionally Historically Black Colleges and Universities had the best of the best athletic programs...with Coach Gaines, and Earl Monroe at Winston-Salem State, Coach John McLendon at North Carolina College for Negroes, Coach Ben Jobe, Avery Johnson, and Bobby Phills at Southern University, and John Chaney at Bethune Cookman University, to name a few. Nowadays playing for an HBCU is second to the likes of the University of Florida, Duke University, and the University of Kentucky...so when the Morgan State Bears "upset" the Maryland Terps 66-65, it became BIG news. 

I was watching ESPN as always on Wednesday night, when I saw the highlights from the game. I didn't know what to think? Should I be happy because the Bears are getting some national recognition, or should I be upset because they don't get enough attention? As of this morning, I still haven't decided, so I wrote this rather spirited piece. Last season MSU, under coach Todd Bozeman, won 22 games, good for 2nd best in the school's history, if you didn't already know that fact. I say that to say...MSU has a good men's basketball program. 

Last but not least, I went to Temple University...passing on Howard University...which makes me stop and think...was I apart of the problem that I'm writing about now...or did I stay home in Philadelphia because it was best for my family? The answer is...I wanted to attend UCLA because of the prominent black athletes that received their education there in the past...from Jackie Robinson, and Arthur Ashe, to Lew Alcindor, Flo Jo, Reggie Miller, and Pooh Richardson, so between that, and I really didn't have a choice other than Temple and Howard.

As the University of Maryland can attest...things don't always go accordingly to plan, and that's why the games are played. 

Congrats to the Morgan State University Bears, all the best this season.

Photo: Carol Smith

Drive

Dedication

"Science they can't prove it...but I know I can do it..."

Robin Thicke - Magic

Ambition is something that cannot be purchased, inherited, learned, or taught. Either you have it or you don't. It is innate...there is no gray area, and when it comes to my craft in journalism, be it print, photo, or television, I truly believe that no one works harder than I. Yes there are people that are better, as far as talent, but the work I put into becoming the best I can be, is extraordinary.

The Tipping Point

I often refer to myself as The Most Known Unknown, and while that makes perfect sense to me, it is nothing short of a mystery to many others, so allow me if you will to explain. First and foremost it's the name of three 6 mafia's platinum album from 2005, which featured the track "Stay Fly". From there I adapted the name to apply towards my career in journalism, because the more successes I have, there is still more work to be done, so within the vicious cycle, there is always more that I can do. Aside from that, my work is well known, but there is a vast majority that have never seen it, or heard of me.

Don't get me wrong...I don't need recognition. I'm looking for an opportunity to grow into the writer inside. I watch ESPN, and BET, and I know that the skill set I possess, is something that would be a natural fit for national audience. When that day does come, I will continue to work hard, as the real work will begin when I get there. Until then, I eat properly, run my 2-miles, study and read, as well as practice my writing, and people skills.

There are 2 television shows (The 6 Million Dollar Man, and The Incredible Hulk) that I can vaguely remember watching as a child, and as I look back on them...they both will help you to understand how I'm wired. Just like the slogan for LEXUS, I have a relentless desire, but not for perfection...rather, I'm striving for ACHIEVEMENT.

Peace.

The Most Known Unknown

Southern Comfort

Vision of the future

"You can catch me skatin' through your town, putting it down..."

Jay-Z - Politics As Usual

When I heard that the Cleveland Cavilers had acquired Mo Williams from the Milwaukee Bucks this past summer, I thought to myself, that he wasn't the answer to the needs of the Cavs. However after watching him in the preseason, and again last night against the Philadelphia 76ers...I drove home with a changed mind.

Total Recall

Williams is listed in the Cavs media guide standing at 6'1", and weighing 190lbs, but trust me when I say, that this man plays on a much bigger scale than his frame would let on. The way he plays along side LeBron James, while posing his own threat against the opposition makes him one of the more important free agent signings of 2008. 

He was drafted by Utah in the 2nd-round of the 2003 draft, and Wednesday night against the Sixers he showed the promise that he flashed coming out of Alabama after 2 seasons. I must admit, that I went to the game so I could catch up with LeBron, but by the end of the 1st quarter, Williams had shown the national ESPN audience as well as the Philly faithful, that he is worthy of attention, finishing with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. 

I caught up with Williams and James after the game. Here is the score on our conversation:

GAME TIME: Talk about your game and what you bring to the team?

Mo Williams: "My game is being aggressive. You know my quickness, and being a

playmaker...I'm just trying to do things on the floor to help the team...whatever that is. I think 

collectively as a group we're doing all of the necessary things to win."

GAME TIME: Can you talk about the team defense of the Cavs?

Mo Williams: "Oh yeah, we're doing a great job on the defensive end, especially when we set 

our mind to it...when we're focused. There is nobody in our opinion that can score on us. 

Obviously you're going to have your times where you're not focused as you should, but you 

pick it up, especially days like this...but for the most part we're focused."

GAME TIME: You played college ball, what are the main differences between the college and 

pro game?

Mo Williams: "Aw man...it's different, it's different...you can't prepare yourself for this league,

you just have to get here and kind of take the bumps and bruises...and you know feel your way.

Some will adjust quicker than others, but there's no preparing for this game...not the NBA."

GAME TIME: What does Mo Williams bring to this team?

LeBron James: "He brings another guy that you can rely on down the stretch. A guy that can create for 

himself, create for others...and also a leader that can handle the ball, and make plays for myself, and

make plays for other people. Tonight was a prime example that offensively we didn't look too well

at times but Mo took it upon him self to make things happen, and that's where he's good, that's why

we got him."

GAME TIME: What does this win mean for the team's big picture?

LeBron James: "We have to continue to improve every game, every night, because we're gearing

towards something that's bigger than just winning 10 games in a row, or winning back to backs. 

We want to...we're gearing to win an NBA championship, so we got to continue to play better."

GAME TIME: Talk about the fun you have on the court and the interaction you have with the fans:

LeBron James: "Well for me, I always try to keep the game fun...you may look at my face, and 

I have a game face, but I'm very focused in the game, but I'm always having fun. And the interaction

I have with the fans...they're part of the reason why this league is as good as it is because the fans

come out every night, and no matter if you're on the road or at home they show their support, so

you always want to interact with the fans."

Photo: Shim Hyun-chul/Korea Times

Witness Protection

Superbad

AG. and LeBron in DC

NYC

Nike from day 1

High School Musical

"How could you falter, when you're the Rock of Gibraltar...I had to get off the boat so I could walk on water...this ain't no tall order, this is nothing to me...difficult takes a day...impossible takes a week..."

Jay-Z - Diamonds from Sierra Leone (Remix)

Friday, December 20, 2002, was the day that I first witnessed LeBron James in living color. His team made the trek from Akron, OH to my beloved West Philadelphia, to play against Philly basketball power, Strawberry Mansion. I charged up the batteries for my camera and I was off to the venue. I took my seat on the far baseline across from the visiting bench and the rest would be history, or shall I say, his-story.

I had first heard about him during his junior year at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, which was around the time the moniker of KING was bestowed upon him.

Before I started writing professionally...I was looking for a job all the while, staying insanely hungry for my "moment". In fact I used to shine shoes for small money and write short stories just for fun. Nowadays, I’m as ambitious as ever, but it’s the people that I’ve meet throughout my life, that have gotten me to this point.

I recently caught up with Bron, when the Cavaliers played against the 76ers during the preseason in October. I walked over to his locker and he says, "what's up man...how you've been?" I stuck out my hand and he game me a firm "soul brother" shake. I told him that I had to interview Mo Williams, and that I'd be right back. After my brief chat with Williams I spoke with LeBron at length on everything from his family to his Olympic gold. He is a great person to interview, as I can truly say he has a great respect for the game, and my job as a writer.

This past summer, I interviewed the Olympic team for BET News, and when I walked into the room to sit with LeBron, his time with the media was over and he was leaving for the day. I informed him that I really needed some time with him and he agreed. We walked out of the room and down the hallway, to which we were greeted by security guards, Nike employees, hotel staffers, and a cameraman. I didn't think much of the camera, but I was walking in plain view, so I figured that whenever this footage airs, I'll be on it with my guys, Bron and Flash. Turns out, it was for ESPN, and the first few times it aired I missed it, however everyone else saw it, because I was getting emails, phone calls, and text messages for a good 2-weeks.

ROC BOYS

My very first official sit down with LeBron James was during the 2007 NBA Playoffs. The Washington Wizards drew a first-round match-up with the James Gang, I called my friend and photographer Daryl and told him we were going to interview LeBron. Nevertheless, I digress…now since I have never sat with LeBron, I asked a few people from the Cleveland media how easy or difficult it would be to interview him and what he was like. After everyone shut me down and dashed my hopes, saying that it was mission impossible, I decided to build a better mousetrap and get resourceful like I would normally do.

In 2002, at that high school game in Philly...I met the 3 other members of the James 4-horsemen. I leaned on that connection, and ran courtside during halftime of game 3. It was there I asked Randy (1 of the 4-horsemen, and he works for the team) if I could get 5 minutes with the King. He gave me a look that said, it's halftime of the playoffs, but he insured me that we would talk afterward.

I have to be honest with you. No matter what NBA city I’m in…I always secretly cheer for the team with the person I need to speak with. It is in my experience, that the players always are in a better mood when they get a W. My photographer and I waited patiently once the Cavs won, and then we decided to split up like Tre' and Ricky in the movie Boyz n the Hood.

I loitered outside the locker room and when Randy turned a corner and strolled down the hall, I knew it was a good look. He greeted me and took me into the locker room which had been closed to the media for 40-minutes already. We continued our conversation and I then noticed a presence amongst us and Randy started walking away. I turned and there was LeBron slipping past me like he does defenders on a 94-foot court. He wore a nice suit and he had those ubiquitous headphones on. I started walking with them, and Randy looks up and says, "you remember AG right?" LeBron turns my way and says to him, ‘yeah. From there I asked if I could get a few minutes before practice the next morning and he said it wasn’t a problem.

The next day, I sat with LeBron for a spell, and we've been working together ever since.

By Any Means Necessary...

Honor Strength Class Allan Houston and AG. in South Philly

"Study to show thyself approved unto GOD..."

2 Timothy 2:15

Basketball is my favorite sport to play. Whereas baseball is the game that I prefer to watch on television...however if I had to pick one sport, then it would have to be basketball. Sports are such a metaphor for life and nothing speaks to my lifetime like basketball...the holy game.

GOD’S SON

During my junior year at Temple University, the Office of Student Activities had a trip to Madison Square Garden for a NBA preseason game. It was a day of shopping and exploring in New York City, with the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks in the nightcap.

I love the NBA. It’s the epitome of the game I love, so instead of being satisfied with my super affordable $10 ticket which included travel and admission to the game, I wanted more...I wanted a job with the New York Knicks.

I’ve never been complacent, I have always looked for opportunities that I could succeed and excel in. That said, I began studying the Knicks, and their organization. Upon further review I found a contact and I began to ask her questions about her job. She was both friendly and helpful, as it had never dawned on me that a position with an actual NBA team was something that was not only attainable, but it was also within my reach.

She and I agreed to meet upon my arrival to the game, so while my friends walked in and looked around for girls, hot dogs, and sodas, I was looking for the media press entrance on 33rd and 8th Avenue. I walked in, and I must have looked like a deer in headlights, because I was immediately greeted with “Hi, you must be Anthony. I’m Jeannette.”

That game, and that meeting with Jeannette, was the building block for my career in professional basketball. With her help, and my focus and desire, I enjoyed an internship with the New York Knicks and New York Liberty the following semester, beginning in May 2000, ending in September of the same year. What I learned, and who I met in that time, has shaped, and molded me into the journalist that I am today. The saying in New York City is, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, and I am proof of how true that really is.

Working for the Knickerbockers was a dream come true, as I have long been a fan of Allan Houston. Aside from his text-book jump shot, GQ fashion look and style off the court, he is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. I too am a member, so in this capacity he has become a brother, role model, and example of what a family man could and should be. When I started working, the team was in the midst of the NBA Playoffs, so not only is it an exciting time, here I was front and center for every home game. In the ensuing weeks, Allan Houston and I became friends, and while I patterned my game after his, and became extremely flattered anytime the girls would say that I looked like him, I always tried to fight my sheer emotions of joy whenever I was around him, because I didn’t want to look like a groupie or the like. I don’t think he would care, because he is a very genuine person, but where I’m from, that’s not cool, and would be considered bad behavior.

Over the summer I had heard that Houston was going to come out of retirement and give the NBA another go. Once I heard that, I’ve looked forward to last Friday’s pre season game, pitting the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks...I guess some things never change.

One of my good friends and fraternity brothers, Jeff Young covered the game with me. He too is a fan of Allan Houston, so it was only right that I introduced him. Coincidentally, Chris Broussard from ESPN, was there too, as he is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. It really is a small world, and in this case...membership has great privileges.

Jeff and I ventured into the visitor’s locker room. After the introductions and secret handshake, I asked Allan a few questions, while trying to remain as cool, calm, and collected as possible. I don’t know why, but he is one of 2 people that I’m always excited to see, and interview...anyone else, its just business, never personal.

Here is the score on our conversation:

Will you be with the organization in one way on the court, or in the front office in another?
“I mean, I really haven’t gotten to that point yet. Eventually when I finish playing, I think that is something I would love to think about or consider, but I’ve worked so hard to be on the court, so I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I think yeah, eventually down the line.”

Where did you play to get ready for the season?
“I played at [Nike] Pro City...a little bit of everywhere this summer, but it’s been a rough process, but it taught me a lot of patience, a lot of trust. Sometimes you want something bad enough and you think you are walking the way of where God wants you to be...you just gotta keep going. You can’t doubt it, you have to keep going, that’s all I’ve done, and I’m just looking forward to seeing what’s going to happen.”

Was it a matter of coming back to New York...could you have gone somewhere else?
“The reality is, I don’t even know? The way the conversation with Donnie Walsh and the organization went...it just made sense. You stay here, be home with family, and remain with the Knicks organization, that I’ve been identified with and it’s been so good to me...and it’s New York. I look at it like, the economy is going to turn around, so why not jump in when it’s on its on the way up? It’s the same thing with this organization; hopefully I can be here when it starts to climb back up. Everybody is excited about the direction.”

Talk about your time on ESPN as an analyst:
“It was a good experience for me. I learned a lot about the other side of the game in terms of analyzing and the presentation of the game. It was hard because I always looked at it from a player’s eye, and I think that’s what people wanted and respected, but it was hard for me to be really critical, because I’m still looking at it from a player’s perspective, I was still seeing myself as a player out there, which worked in some ways and some ways it might not have. All in all it was a great experience. I liked it, but I wasn’t sure if it was a long term passionate goal for me. Because when I do something, I go all out and I commit to it, and I was thinking if I could do this in 5 to10 years...and I couldn’t give myself a definitive yes to that. Sometimes you just know that your heart is in the locker room with the players, and being able to play, be around the game, whether it’s coaching or some other way, and that’s the way I felt.”

Tell me about you changing your number from 20 to 14 and how that speaks to the relationship with your father:
[Pauses] "Man, that’s a very good question, I’m glad you asked me that. My dad, our relationship has so many dynamics to it. He was my coach in college, I admired him as a role model growing up, I just looked up to him, and I wanted to be just like him. I saw how people respected him, how he treated people, how he worked, but the biggest thing the reason it means a lot to me is because of who he is as a man. As a person of character and integrity and that’s the one thing I’ve tried to carry in the legacy that he left me. As I look at the stage of career that I’m in now, it’s about legacy, it’s about what is it that I can pass on? Whatever he gave to me, that’s what I want to pass on. Whether it’s here or off the court, or my son, so to me it’s about legacy. So even on my website, www.allanhouston.com we talk about a father-son basketball retreat for a week. We talk about that importance of a man’s role in his house and we use basketball and sports to do it. So it was just really fitting, everything works together for the right time at the right reason and me being able to wear that number kind of capped it all off, everything that we had already been doing.”