The Sixth Sense

"Well should I get the new J's or the Kobe's..."

Andre 3000 - 30 Something

It's the playoffs and the rule of thumb is to win, or simply go home. I understand that it's been roughly 4-months since I've written anything for this blog...which is a sign of the times. First things first, I've been super busy, and now I have a tumblr account.

Nevertheless while a few things have changed...it's good to see that a lot of teams in the NBA have a familiar look and feel.

Pursuance

Last week I was in Boston, and upon my return home, I had to decide on either taking a cab or the train from the airport...I decided on the latter and within a few minutes of taking a seat, I was in earshot of a conversation about the Lakers.

In the ensuing minutes between stops...a woman says, "Did you see Kobe crying like a little girl last night?" 

I turned to her direction with a Magic Johnson like smile, and then proceeded to look through my phone, and read via twitter.

I don't understand the animosity that people have for the Lakers guard...however I do appreciate the love and fervor that fans have for their teams.

I grew up a 76ers fan, and once Charles Barkley packed his bags for Phoenix, I pledged my allegiance to the New York Knicks. The interesting thing both these teams had in common was Michael Jordan.

Jordan is one of the greatest players in the modern era, and while I loved his sneakers, and watching him fly...he ruined any chance of a championship. I couldn't fully cheer for him, however I did respect his game, and whenever I could...I would do my best to emulate his moves.

The point I'd like to make is simple...I'm not asking anyone to root for Kobe Bryant, or the Lake Show for that matter...I just think it would be a good idea to pay attention to what he is doing now, because basketball players like him are one in a million.

Carpe Diem.

Photo: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

evolution

Poise

Maturity

“Caught a glimpse of myself in the Barney’s shop window…kinda see my father’s features creepin’ in a little…”

Nas – War

There is a debate within the NBA and various media outlets that asks the question of who is the better, or best NBA player, Kobe Bryant, or LeBron James. Most recently with Bryant netting 61 points, and 3 assists last Monday in Madison Square Garden, and James following that up with 52 points, and a near triple-double in the same building…the discussion has escalated to a fever pitch. Last week LeBron was on the cover of GQ, and Sports Illustrated, and Gentlemen’s Quarterly outright claimed King James as the best while SI alluded to the fact that both he and Kobe are the best.

Boys II Men

The Eastern and Western NBA Conference players of January are KB and the King, as they have helped their respective teams to the best records in the league, as the questions of supremacy linger on. Nevertheless, I believe that there is no argument, because LeBron James, is essentially a younger Kobe Bryant, in terms of basketball…they are one in the same.

By 1998, Bryant had come into his own, no longer the rookie, as he was ready to carve out his niche and take what he felt was rightfully his. The only person in his way was Michael Jordan, so the talks of Kobe being the next Jordan, or better than MJ started, when Bryant was merely part of the youth movement, just as Michael was in 1984.

As Michael Jordan grew in statue and name…becoming Air Jordan, the “so-called” experts figured that he was the next Julius Erving, however all the great players evolved from the players before them. The good Dr. played a similar game to the high flying and scoring Elgin Baylor, so you see the torch is passed down from generation to generation. The mainstream media will mislead you to believe that some athletes are “better” than or possess more basketball prowess than the “other”, when in reality they are very similar, bringing their own idiosyncrasies and desire to their team, and ultimately their game.

A few years ago LeBron was at that same crossroads as Bryant before him, being compared instead of people appreciating him for being his own man. Do Kobe and LeBron want to be the best and win championships…yes…do they want to be compared to one another, Michael Jordan, or Magic Johnson, in the process…no. They are competitive so when James played in New York 2-days after Kobe, you need to understand that winning the game, and setting the new Madison Square Garden scoring record was a high priority. I knew that from the confident look on Jay-Z’s face, when I he gave me dap leaving the game on Monday, and that my friends is the beauty of basketball.

I do not believe in words like Jordanesque, therefore I choose not to use it in my lexicon. I don’t feel that there is one player better than all the others that have played the game, rather each era has it’s dominant player or players, and while LeBron James is the future of the League, the heir to the throne…the chosen one, we must remember that Kobe Bryant was also chosen, and until he retires, the great debate will unfortunately continue.

Photo: LeBron James - Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

Genesis

Memories

NBA Analysis

1989 Playoffs

MJ vs. MJ

"Flashback who's that...dancing to the latest..."

Teena Marie - Square Biz

I originally wrote this story back in June, during the NBA Finals for The Starting Five. A lot has changed since then, however the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are once again atop the NBA food chain, as they will play in the marquee Christmas game at 5pm EST.

Rewind

The NBA Finals have a nostalgic flavor to it, with Los Angeles playing against Boston for all the marbles. If I didn't know better, I would think I fell into a time portal and landed somewhere in front of a floor model color TV, circa June '87. That last sentence alone is enough to perplex anyone younger than I, because I'm guessing, the thinking by the younger reader would be...since when did television broadcast in anything but color, and why would anyone place a TV on the floor? Nevertheless, let's stay on memory lane, but I'd like to talk about a time near and dear to my heart...1990.

I was in middle school once the calendar read January 1990, and as I reflect, it's funny what mattered most to me during that time. I was an intelligent child, and I had my unique view on the world around me, like Kevin Arnold in the hit drama The Wonder Years. If I wasn't my begging my mother to let me grow my hair proud and tall like Kid in House Party, then I was trying my best to dunk, or better yet get the new girl in my neighborhood, to notice me. In the midst of all that, naturally I had to keep up my grades, and when I wasn't playing outside until the street lights came on, my friends and I played video games. I had a SEGA Genesis, and the company Electronic Arts changed my life when they started making sports titles. I can recall John Madden Football and the long days and nights I spent using the 46 defense on opposing QB's, but it was Lakers versus Celtics and the NBA Playoffs that changed EVERYTHING as I knew it.

Lakers versus Celtics was important because in my youth we had 2 televisions (one in the living room and the other in my parent's room) and no cable. I would watch the 76ers every once and a while when they played on Channel 17, and when the games weren't on, I would listen along on the radio. I begged for cable, however it wasn't a necessity and by the time the house in which I grew up in had cable...I was already grown and had been graduated from college a couple years. (If you figured it out, it was a few years ago.) Before COMCAST, the games were on PRISM in Philadelphia, and since neither company had roots at my residence, it was the video game that could provide me with the NBA at the flick of the power button on my SEGA. I learned all the rosters, and had hours of fun using the signature moves. My friends and I would play the video game, and then make the half-mile trek to the playground hoping to get picked to play with the teenagers. If that didn't work then we had to play in between games, or wait until the older guys were finished.

Magic had his #32 and Big Game had the goggles For my crew, we were all sports all the time. It was street football, you know 1-2-3 hold, basketball, king ball, wall ball, stick ball, or riding our bikes. I knew about the NBA, but it was more centralized on Barkley, Ron Anderson, Hawkins, Dawkins, G-Man, Reggie Miller (I had to cheer for the skinny guy) and of course Michael "Air" Jordan. Electronic Arts enabled me to appreciate the Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry as it delivered the NBA like never before. The Western Conference was a mystery to me before that game, so when I say it was life changing, it started the love affair with pro basketball that will never end.

This video game means more to me now because of the information that it provided way back when. I still have the game as it sits in my office as a reminder of when life was a lot easier.

Life is good, and with sports, it's THAT much better.

Merry Christmas!

Peace.

The Most Known Unknown.

Adversity

Champions

Blueprint

Signed, sealed, delivered

"Gold on my neck, was once a code of respect..."

Nas - U Gotta Love It

I used to work for the NBA, and during my brief time there I learned a lot about the business side of the game. I also had an opportunity to make some inroads with businesses, and league officials. One of my coworkers was from Los Angeles, and it was because of her that I first visited the City of Angeles and met a man named Mark Scoggins. 

Showtime

I graduated from Temple University with a degree in broadcast television and mass media. I knew at a young age how difficult it is to break into the TV industry so I made sure that I had both a back up plan, and connections in my field. I'm a big fan of the NBA and when it comes to down to picking sides, I choose to hold my applause on teams, as I like to cheer for individual players. If you want to get technical, I root for both the Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers. I know, I know, but I have my reasons. I'm from Philly, and so is Kobe Bryant, so it makes perfect sense to me. 

When I was a child I was a Magic Johnson fan. I can recall cheering for him against the Bulls in the '91 Finals, because Jordan and company would always beat the Sixers. What I liked about Magic so much was his passing and how he controlled the offense and got the team involved. So naturally I began wearing his number 32...I would later find my own identity and wear a different number, but as a young athlete looking up to him not only helped my game, but also my team.

During the winter of 2002 my friend and coworker Summer encouraged me to take a trip to LA. She knew I was a Lakers fan...so I checked the schedule and took a week off from work. That April, I boarded a flight to LAX, and while it was my first trip...it most certainly wasn't my last. 

I visited my friend Taneisha, and she showed me all the sights and sounds of the Left Coast, but when we set foot in the Staples Center, it was a dream come true. Not only did the Lake Show win, but it was at that game that I met who would become a good friend, as well as the Sr. Vice President of the Magic Johnson Enterprises...Mark Scoggins. 

To make this long story short...Mark got into the holiday spirit by getting 2 copies of Magic Johnson's new book, 32 Ways to be a Champion in Business, as he sent both my mother and I a copy...and to my surprise, he got Magic to sign them. 

The books arrived on Wednesday, and I'm already in chapter 3. It's a page turner, because Magic takes you on a personal trek through his business ventures in urban America. The writing style is very conversational, as it feels like he is your business coach, directing the reader through the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur and community leader. 

I'm using it to better my business and community practices within my sports marketing firm, AXG. The book are here just in time for the holidays, and the new year, as I trust 2009 will bring bigger and brighter things for me, my family, and AXG. 

Thank you Mark, and thank you Magic for being an example to us all. 

Photo: Malek Mansour

             

Showtime

All-Star MVP

Lessons from Jellybean

Control

Speed

"Waiting for the Lord to rise...I looked into my daughter's eyes, and realize I'm learn through her..."

Common - Be (Intro)

I first met Nikki Teasley during the 2002 WNBA Draft. I was working with the NBA League Office in New York, and since I have always enjoyed women's basketball, I volunteered to work the event. Everyone knew Sue Bird would become the number 1 pick overall, but what we didn't realize was how much of an impact Teasley would have during the forth coming season.

My job that day was simple, once my player was drafted, I accompanied her to the media availability, and helped to answer any questions she or her family had. She entered the draft with a lot of negativity from the media, but I didn't think about any of that. I approached her with a clean slate and through that encounter we eventually became good friends.

Five years ago I was looking to break into the magazine industry as a journalist, so I interviewed Nikki for a story that I would later use as an example of my work. I'll never forget that day, as I was traveling home from New York to Philadelphia on the New Jersey Transit train. Since that train doesn't go into Pennsylvania, I had to catch a different train in Trenton, NJ. Once I found my seat on the connecting train...my phone rang. It was Nikki Teasley, and I was briefly unprepared. I stalled the conversation by asking her how things were going, as I pulled out my notebook and pen...before long I was ready to go, and the following is an example of hard work, and friendship.

Purple Rein

Born Michelle Nicole Teasley on March 22, 1979, she has excelled in basketball on every level. Basketball to say the least, she is exceptional, however; it is not the only thing she is concerned with not to mention good at. For example, if she were to ever think about another sport, billiards would be the perfect choice. Teasley navigates the cue ball across the soft green velvet with the same precision that she graces the hardwood floor giving the opposition migraine headaches. When asked who is M. Nikki Teasley, she replied “Michelle Nicole Teasley is more of the friendly type. Sweet, laid back, kind, and generous. I am just the everyday person next door. Nikki… on the other hand is the rough neck basketball player with a fierce game and determination.” All-Star point guard, pool shark, and the girl next door all rolled in one. She is many things, but most importantly she is history in the making, that is the future.

Teasley was selected in the 2002 WNBA Draft by the now defunct Portland Fire, with the 5th pick overall. Selected ahead of her were Sue Bird, Seattle Storm (first pick overall University of Connecticut), Swin Cash, Detroit Shock (second pick overall University of Connecticut), Stacey Dales-Schuman, Washington Mystics (third pick overall Oklahoma University) and Asjha Jones, Washington Mystics (fourth overall pick University of Connecticut). Sue Bird became the Rookie of the Year, while Swin Cash has emerged to become one of the premiere players of the WNBA. Dales-Schuman has added a nice one/two combination to All-Star Chamique Holdsclaw, and Asjha Jones has provided a solid all around performance. As for Teasley, she just so happened to get traded two hours later from the Portland Fire to the Los Angeles Sparks. By the end of the season she was the rookie with the bragging rights. Her team won the 2002 WNBA Championship over the New York Liberty in the best of three series 2-0.

Nikki had one thing on her mind when she was drafted after a stellar career at the prestigious University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. “I was just happy to hear my name called. Just to hear my name was good enough for me. I knew Sylvia Crawley (San Antonio Silver Stars and University of North Carolina Women’s Basketball assistant coach 2000-2002), so going to that team [Portland] made me very happy too.”

The unique thing about the trade to the Los Angeles Sparks was that they had just won the 2001 WNBA Championship and they had the best player of the league in Lisa Leslie and at the helm of the Sparks ship is Head Coach Michael Cooper. Speaking of Coach Coop, “he is more than a coach to all of us, mainly me. He is a father figure to me. He does a lot for me not as a player but as a person. He is a player coach.”

“I watched Magic on ESPN Classic and I look at what he has done…”

Comparing this season to last year helps Nikki understand how far she has come. “Last year I was just coming in and getting my feet wet. I had to learn how to be a pro and I was becoming an adult and abiding on my own. This year I am just very confident, more than I have ever been in my career.” Exclaimed Teasley, as the sun has set on the Southern California cool and clear night, like the credits going up the silver screen at the end of a favorite movie. This is Hollywood right? Swimming pools and movie stars, not too mention a little magic. Not Magic Johnson of the famed Los Angeles Lakers but “Lady Magic”, Nikki Teasley as referred to her by Head Coach Michael Cooper, whom played along side Magic Johnson with the Lakers. “I watched Magic on ESPN Classic and I look at what he has done in comparison to me, and Coop (Coach Cooper) thinks that I am a mirror image of him because of my versatility and passing ability. I just pray that I can live up to it.”

Prior to the success of the WNBA she did not always enjoy the serenity that she has today. As a matter of fact many “experts” saw her as a problem child athlete with basketball potential through the roof. Proceed with caution was the warning. “I never shy away from my past. It has made me stronger. I was at a big university with even bigger classes than I was used to. A lot of things were building up inside of me, because I was quote on quote gifted as an athlete. I began not to want to play basketball or go to school.” After taking a year off from school entirely, she explains that, “taking a year off made me see how important basketball and school was. Besides I got a taste of the real world and it really helped me appreciate everything I had in school and sports.”

Ironic how this once “problem” became not only a savoir for her team but for the WNBA as a league. She has been very active within the community and on the basketball stage. Winner is more like it. Not only does she have a WNBA Championship but with 10 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals in the 2003 WNBA All-Star game she walked away with MVP honors in just her first appearance.

Many felt that Teasley arrived when she made the game winning three point shot in the 2002 WNBA Championship. The Sparks as a team and their management knew that she was something special way in advance. The winning shot was the icing on the cake. As Nikki recalls that day, she explains that “the play was designed for Lisa (Leslie) on the strong side of the post. They (New York Liberty) played great defense, I give them credit. Teresa Weatherspoon thought I was going to pass so she played in between Lisa and I, and I saw the clock and just shot it.” The rest is her success.

M. Nicole Teasley has her roots deeply planted in her family. As the girl of the family she has made everyone proud. She admits in her usual cool demeanor that “I have so much going on. I am focused on family. The ability to enjoy time away from the game and give back to the community is important. Autographs and speaking engagements make me feel special. I do not think about it often, but when I do think about the hope that I can give other young people, not just black people, but young people in general are a means to my happiness.” Hard work is always rewarded as you can see. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. And if your coach assigns you to guard Nikki Teasley make sure you bring your best because you know that she will.

The Fresh Prince

Straight outta Compton

Tayshaun Prince is not one for the spotlight

"As I leave, believe I'm stompin', but when I come back boy...I'm coming straight outta Compton..."

Ice Cube - Straight Outta Compton

I began playing basketball when I was about 10 years of age. It was the third of many sports that I learned, however it was exactly what I needed, as the game has enabled my dreams to come true, both on the court and off. There were two things that I wanted to change in my youth...for starters, I was really short, and I'm sure it was worse in my mind, but I measured at a miniscule 5'5" my freshman year of high school. The other thing that I wrestled with was that I was really skinny, a major problem when suiting up in my JV basketball uniform. I'll never forget what Mimi Crespo said in her boricqua accent, after one of my home games..."good game Ant...DAG you're skinny!"

Everything as I knew it in my world had crash landed. Not only did she and I attend the same school, but she also lived around the corner from my house, which meant I had someone attractive to walk home everyday. Needless to say, nothing but a good friendship ever blossomed from that, so I turned the negative of my resemblance to a stick figure, into a positive by looking up to the skinny ball players of the NBA and NCAA. Naturally I emulated Eddie Jones, as he was the most electrifying and scrawny guy on the Temple Owls, and my other hero was Reggie Miller because he was just as frail as I was, and he had an awkward form on his jump shot...to say I could relate is an understatement.

I went to Temple University because of Eddie Jones, as my mother wouldn't let me apply for the school that Miller attended...UCLA. (I was 17 and still a minor) Fast forward to 2000, as I was a college junior with my sights set on the corporate world...that is after the season was over. My team went to the Elite 8 losing to the eventual champion Michigan State, but it was the play of Kentucky sophomore Tayshaun Prince that had my radar turning. His height, natural ability to score, and really good defense gave me an inkling that he would become a good to decent pro. At a lithe 6'9" (206 centimeters), he reminded me that the smallest guy on the court can not only win, but also excel.

In the midst of the recent Detroit Pistons playoff run, we had a brief minute to talk. I saw him as he just walked out of the locker room...so I asked if I could interview him on the walk to the team bus? He hesitated for a minute, and then said it was cool. He is not the most loquacious, yet when he does speak, its good to listen. The similarities between he and I didn't stop at our weight or lack thereof...he too was raised in a Christian home, doesn't like to go out much, has a college degree, and and is very close with his family.

Here is the final score on our court side conversation:

Talk about your collegiate experience playing under Tubby Smith:

"Its crazy because 4 years of college has a lot to do with being more prepared, being mature about not playing that much, when your name is called...being ready, you know those types of things. More experienced guys are going to be ready for those types of situations. For me it was a great achievement on my part for the simple fact that, I went from not playing that much throughout my whole rookie year and then being able to respond like I did, shows a lot of maturity and patience."

What stands out about last summer with Team USA?

"I just wanted to contribute in any way that I could. I know I'm a versatile guy that can play several positions and I know that intrigues them, [USA coaches] and by having me on the team...I'm a smart player that can recognize different situations, so when the summer comes, those are the things I can help the team with. Last summer I sat out that one game [with an injury] just for the simple fact that...I could have played, but we didn't want to take any risks. The guys were playing great, so I just took a game off to heal, so it wasn't a situation where I was out a really long time."

Who did you look up to when you were younger?

"I looked up to Magic you know...growing up in LA watching the Lakers. It was his versatility. He played the point guard position, directing and getting his teammates into certain spots, and I evaluated how he played. And that gave me understanding when I started to play the game. I started to realize how the game was played and it helped me to mature. I''m 6'9" and can handle the basketball, and do different things, and just watching him helped to show me my value as a player and what I can bring to a basketball team. By watching Magic and experiencing that, gave me an opportunity to see what I could do when I went out to play with my team."

Watch the video below for more on Tayshaun Prince: