At a Loss

"I reminisce for a spell..."

CL Smooth - T.R.O.Y.

Last week there were faint reports that a former NBA player was missing, as it was first pointed out to me by Michael Tillery of The Starting Five.

Sadness

Lorenzen Wright was found dead outside of Memphis, TN, 10 days after he was reported missing. When I heard the news I had to sit and reflect for a minute as my mind was racing with numerous thoughts. As a collegian I joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and one of the things that always delighted me was that there were several NBA players that were also members, and we have all become friends. During my internship with the New York Knicks, Allan Houston would always look out for me, and when I met Oscar Robertson during an All-Star game I was humbled at how he embraced me as a brother.

Ren as he was known was no different, always looking to catch up before and after games...sometimes we spoke about basketball, other times we spoke at length about our college days and life.

The news did not specify what happened to Wright, however I always knew him to be a standup guy, that took full advantage of his basketball skill set...making a great career from the game he loved.

Prelude

Determination

"Well I can tell by your game...you're gonna start a flame..."

Ohio Players - Fire

A few weeks ago I covered the Cavaliers versus Nets game in the Meadowlands...and everyone in the world knows that I'm pro Kobe Bryant, however I walked away from that game with a new found respect for the man who would become KING.

By Any Means Necessary

The James Gang dismantled the Nets that night, and before entering the visitor's locker room...LeBron took a minute to catch up with Jay-Z, as it was interesting to see the true friendship and bond between the titans. 

Once the media availability started, I was happy to see fellow journalist, and fraternity brother Chris Broussard from ESPN the Magazine. He and I haven't seen each other in a while, and after catching up, I introduced him to the frat brothers we have in common on the Cavaliers...Lorenzen Wright, and Assistant Coach Melvin Hunt.

We spoke at length with Wright and Hunt, so much so that our opportunity to interview James had passed...but LeBron cares so much about his culture and heritage, that I honestly believe he gave Broussard and I the time to speak with him because he wants our people to work and stick together. None of us have anything against anyone else, it's just nice to see one of the top athletes in the world not only talk the talk, but walk it also.

LeBron is a friend, and the way he looks out for the African-American community, is a beautiful thing.