STAY HOME | Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos

"Black is back, all in, we're gonna win..." - @MrChuckD

Everyone has a story, and professional athletes have narratives that some people know better than their own family history. Nonetheless, the only constant in this world is change, and while that might seem far-fetched, the reality is, change is as necessary as it is evident.

The end of the way things used to be

Earl "The Pearl" Monroe is one of the NBA's 50 greatest players, and he, like a lot of players from his era, attended HBCU's prior to establishing themselves in the league. Monroe (Winston-Salem State University) was one of three players, along with Willis Reed (Grambling State University), and Dick Barnett (Tennessee State University), on the '73 championship team that had starred on teams at black universities.

Two decades later New York was back in the Finals and there were two members on the Knicks, whose background was rooted in an HBCU. Charles Oakley (Virginia Union University), and Anthony Mason (Tennessee State University) were key pieces to that '94 Eastern Conference championship team.

Currently only Robert Covington (Tennessee State University), and Kyle O'Quinn (Norfolk State University) share the distinction of HBCU graduate turned NBA player. The legacy does not have to stop there. If a highly touted player takes their talent to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the paradigm will shift, potentially opening the door for others to follow suit. 

The argument has been that the HBCU's do not have the facilities, TV exposure, or funding, to attract the caliber of players who attend the bigger programs. However, if the students from the Jordan Brand Classic declared for Maryland Eastern Shore, there would be an influx of money, and the networks would out bid each other for the broadcast rights.

Kevin Durant, stayed home, and his year at Howard University was one to remember:

• Naismith College Player of the Year
• MEAC Player of the Year
• First Team All-MEAC
• 2007 USA Today Sports national player of the year
• HBCU Athlete of the Year
• 32 points per game, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, & 3 blocks
• 34-3 for the best record in school history
• Final Four appearance (lost to #1 seed Hampton University)

Stay home.

Shake up the world.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: @8eyemedia

MCW - Rookie of the Year

"Oh Lord, I'm the rookie and the vet…" - @Drake

A year ago, the Philadelphia 76ers traded away All-Star Jrue Holiday, and their immediate future depended on the 2013 NBA Draft.

Playmaker

Michael Carter-Williams dazzled fans while proving a lot of people wrong about his game and toughness. By the end of the season he walked away with a solid start to his professional career, and he has the hardware to prove it. He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, giving Philadelphia a much needed bright spot in the midst of a 19-win season.

I had an opportunity to ask Carter-Williams about his basketball journey from childhood to the present day:



Words and photo: @axgilbert

Spotlight

"Now the boy is the man..." - Drake

The Philadelphia 76ers are getting national recognition...and the main ingredient to the team's early success is Michael Carter-Williams.

Consistency

The Sixers have been playing well since the season began last week, and while it is tough to gauge how things will play out, it's evident that this group of young talent, is doing their best to win games, and establish a blue-collar identity.

Carter-Williams has quickly become a fan favorite, however as a point guard he understands that everything is about the team and what he can do to make everyone better.

His low-key demeanor and never quit attitude will take him far as a professional athlete, especially in a city like Philadelphia.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Copyright 2013 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Beginning

"Now once upon a time, not too long ago..." - Jay-Z - 99 Problems

I've always had a passion for basketball. My older brother introduced me to the game, as he would often bring me to the playground while he would hoop for hours. Since I was younger and didn't understand the game...I was drawn to it by default. 

You always want what you can't have.

Solace

Once I learned the basic fundamentals, I never looked back. The sport has taken me far, as it continues to challenge and teach me about hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Recently I was on Twitter congratulating the Lakers on a victory...when none other than Andre Iguodala wrote me back saying that I should learn to cheer for my hometown Philadelphia 76ers. I was surprised to say the least, and I defended myself by saying that I'm a Kobe fan...who is also a native of west Philly. Nevertheless, in the days following that exchange, I felt bad for not being a big advocate of the Sixers. 

Iguodala had a valid point, and today as we texted one another a Merry Christmas I thanked him for speaking his mind.

I'm always going to cheer for Bryant, but it's about time I pay closer attention to the home team in the Wells Fargo Center.

Words: @axgilbert

Picture: Associated Press

Old School

"Give him an old face..."

Jay-Z - Streets is Talking

By now most people have seen the new Pepsi Max campaign, starring current Rookie of the Year Kyrie Ivring. For those of you like my sister that live under a rock...allow me to tell you how entertaining it is. It is by far one of the best commercials that I've seen in quite sometime, and I used to work for an advertising agency...but you don't have to take my word for it.

Future Star

Irving has an intriguing story of family unity, success, and sadness. In him, the Cavaliers franchise will have something to celebrate, and soon. Cleveland selected Dion Waiters last week in the draft, and I have a feeling that Waiters and Irving will complement one another's game very well.

Until the season begins, it would be nice to see if Kyrie's Uncle Drew shows up at some playgrounds and courts around the country to get buckets!

Stay tuned sports fans.

Words and picture: @axgilbert

Thin Line

"First they love me, then they hate me, then they love me again..."


Jay-Z - Meet the Parents


Last week the Miami Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 121-106 to win their second championship in franchise history.


Destiny's Child


When the topic is LeBron James, people either hate or love him. This wasn't always the case...when he first entered the league in '03, he was praised as the boy who would be king, and now he has become a polarizing figure that has everyone choosing sides including members of the media.


Journalists are supposed to be biased...leaving their personal opinions at the press room door. James isn't the first athlete to have everyone turn against him, take Muhammad Ali for instance, he wasn't appreciated for who he was until he had been retired and away from the sport he helped to make great.


The facts are that LeBron R. James is the League and Finals MVP, and accolades aside, he has removed the albatross from around his neck. He has been on a path to acquire a championship, and now that he has tasted success at that level, he will only want more. 


It's a cycle that goes unquenched, and for basketball fans the time is now to buckle up and enjoy the next few years.


He should only be measured on what he does in between the lines of a basketball court. He's a professional athlete, so fans and the media alike should stick to the script and not worry about his personal life. We all make mistakes, he just makes his in front of the world, while most people do things anonymously.


Unfortunately perception is reality, but it's not always the truth.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Webster Riddick

Post Season - Miami Heat

"Funny how my old highs is suddenly my new lows..."


J. Cole - Grew up Fast

The Miami Heat are on a mission for a second championship in their franchise's history, but it's LeBron James that wants to be first in line to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Style

"I'm out here ballin', I know y'all hear my sneaks..."

Jay-Z - No Church in the Wild

Paul George is an up and coming NBA player from southern California. He has been getting a lot of attention and recognition not only for his game, but also for his penchant for wearing exclusive sneakers.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: AXG

Humility

"My city on the map, there is no other option like a slow quarterback..."


Wale - Work


The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best teams in the league...and they get the job done night in and night out flying seemingly under the radar.


Go Mode


There is no time like the present for the Thunder. They are quite arguably one of the more entertaining clubs to watch, and their 30-8 record makes them statistically the 2nd best next to the Chicago Bulls. 
Last week during their stay in Philadelphia, I took time to get a better understanding of their humble superstar Kevin Durant.


First I spoke with Royal Ivey, and then KD:


AXG: You're wearing the Nike Zoom KD IV...you're with Nike now?


Ivey:  Yeah, KD got me a deal...and I wear his shoes.


AXG:  The Thunder losing last year to Dallas is in my opinion the best thing to happen to y'all.


Ivey:  You're right! We can't wait for the playoffs to start, we're so hungry right now!


AXG:  You mentioned how the lockout games helped you win the All Star MVP.


Durant:  It gave me confidence playing in those games. I was trying a lot of different stuff, and once you try stuff in a game setting, it's easier to try it in a real game, so moves I was trying then...became muscle memory in my mind with the moves I'm doing now. 


AXG:  Did you really take Mega Bus during the summer from NYC to DC?


Durant:  Yeah I did, and it was a long trip too!


AXG:  How is it that you can stay so humble?


Durant:  That's the type of person that I am. No matter what, whatever happens...I always gotta be humble, and know that at any point this can be taken away.


AXG:  You always have your mother and family around supporting you.


Durant:  Like I told you, when I was growing up, I didn't think none of this would happen. My goal was to make it to the NBA, and I had my sights set on making it to the NBA, and once I did I was like cool...whatever happens after this is a bonus. The stuff that's going on for me right now...I'm just so blessed to be in this position. First of all to have people believe in me, every single night, and to showcase my skills, and have teammates that believe in me, they trust in me. But to become an All Star, and to win an All Star MVP...that's just like on a whole other level for me man. It's a blessing, so having my mom there is like we're going through this together. It was just me, mother, my brother, and my dad living in an apartment, 2-bedroom apartment, and to go from that so quickly to this...I was 18 living in a 2-bedroom apartment, with my mom, my dad, and my brother, and months later I was in the NBA, and 5-years later I'm an All Star MVP so stuff is coming quickly, and I never expected it.


This is just the beginning for Oklahoma City, and their budding star Kevin Durant.


Words: @axgilbert


Picture: Anthony Gilbert/AXG

Magical

"I'mma need a day off, I think I'll call Ferris up..."


Kanye West - Gotta Have It

Things have been very interesting around the NBA the past 2-weeks, as the Heat, and Thunder continue to win...while Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin is getting on the job training.


Consistency


It's the All-Star break and while 90-percent of the league is enjoying the much needed time off...the other 10-percent have arrived in Orlando ready for the 61st midseason classic. I am currently watching the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge high above the court in section 202 of the Amway Center...however what's more important is what will happen from the moment this weekend ends, and the second half of the season begins?


Will the Lakers make a trade, where will Dwight Howard go, are the Clippers for real, and can the 76ers get their groove back?


The month of March is around the corner and the answers to these questions and many others will soon be revealed.


Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

LIN-sational

"The struggle of just being you..."

Common - U, Black Maybe

Things happen everyday around the world that change and shape our outlook. The same goes for sports, as they are often a mirror of what life is all about.

Gains and losses

When you love something or someone, the objective is to give it or them your all. However nothing is perfect in this world and opportunities come and go. In the case of New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin, three things have remained constant for him and that is why he succeeds. At the core he is centered in his faith, family, and love of the game. When he couldn't attract a scholarship to play basketball in college, he didn't give up, when he didn't get drafted by an NBA team his roots kept him strong, and when he was cut by 2-different teams before joining the Knicks, he continued to stay in the go mode.

If you work diligently toward something or someone, understand that everyday will not be the absolute best thing ever, but what happens over time is that your foundation is fortified through adversity, and once the moment arises to shine, it's not a big deal, because you have been preparing for it years in advance.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Chris Trotman/Getty Images

The Next Movement

"We hit 'em like the EL at 60th and Market..."

Black Thought - Adrenaline

The Philadelphia 76ers have been playing well all season. In fact they are leading the Atlantic Division with a 18-8 record, however when it comes to national recognition, things seems to fall apart.

The Return

On Thursday night the NBA announced the All-Star reserve rosters for the east and western conference teams. February 9, 2012 is a date that should remain as a point of reference in the minds of the Sixers faithful...as Andre Iguodala was named to his first All-Star team, which will be played later this month in Orlando. 

I wanted to get his take on making the mid-season classic, so I sent out 2-text messages and a tweet to congratulate him on his recent accomplishment. He replied via text saying, "It hasn't even hit me yet..I'm thinking about the Clippers tomorrow!"

His response is a microcosm of what the Sixers are all about, with their all business, team first approach to every practice and game...and that's the difference between them and a lot of other teams around the league.

Things are changing for the better, as the 76ers continue to make believers out of people.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Michael Perez/Associated Press

Legacy

"Never looking back, or too far in front of me, the present is a gift..."

Common - Be

Video: @axgilbert

Photo: US Presswire

Points of Interest

"Phife this, Phife that, where you going, where you at?"

Phife Dog - Butter

Yesterday Jorge Posada retired from the New York Yankees, after a a storied career which spanned 17-years in pinstripes. What was most intriguing, is that he played entirely with one club, and in this day something like that is as rare as it is admirable.

Change

The NBA is heating up, after a late post lock-out start. The complexity that is the National Basketball Association is always interesting, and now that the dust has settled...the talk of free-agency continues to loom large over a few teams. There are two names that keep owners, general managers, agents, and fans alike up at night...hoping, and praying that they can sign the likes of Deron Williams, or Dwight Howard.

Williams and Howard are the flavors of the month, and it won't stop until one or both of them are traded before the deadline in March. Deron Williams wants to stay with the Nets if they land Dwight Howard, and interestingly enough, Howard has New Jersey at the top of his list because of his former Olympic teammate Deron Williams. I see a theme here, nevertheless if nothing happens, which I highly doubt...they can sign with any franchise as free agents this summer.

As I stated at the outset it's extremely rare for an athlete to stay put for the duration of their career, no matter what the case in Orlando, if Dwight Howard stays or leaves...he became the all-time scoring leader for the franchise as of yesterday surpassing Nick Anderson.

Stay tuned sports fans, as this season will only bring more surprises.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Associated Press

America's Team

"Walk inside the lion's den...take everybody's chips, about to cash them in..."

Nas - Success

Mother's Day, 2011 - Los Angeles is swept out of the playoffs, and it was Dallas that provided a glimpse into their imminent achievement.

Teamwork

The Mavericks are the NBA champions, and while a lot of people thought the series would go in a different direction...it was the total team effort that delivered the Mavs their first title in franchise history. Perhaps it was the star power and top billing of the Heat that over shadowed their stellar play...nonetheless, the 3-point shooting, rebounding, and zone defense allowed Dallas to split the first pair of games, and then travel home to capture 2 of 3...setting the stage for the105-95 win in Game 6.

Jason Terry was the catalyst for everything the Mavs were able to do in the final game, while Dirk Nowitziki, was the constant throughout the series...playing through a sinus infection, fractured finger, and ridicule. In the end, his team laughed last, leaving south Florida with the agony of defeat.

I doubt that I will ever fully comprehend Miami's lack of aggressiveness in the deciding game, however I will give full credit to the Mavericks' defense, and to the victor go the spoils.

My only concern at this moment is an NFL and NBA lockout...which of course is a horse of a different color.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo:  Mark Ralston/AFP PHOTO

Faith

"I'm super fly, I'm super high, you gettin' yours...I'm gettin' mine..."

Rick Ross - Super High

I haven't been myself lately...anyone that knows me...understands exactly what I mean, on paper I'm sure I look great...I'm a college graduate with job, and bright future. However I haven't been up to par...best way I can explain it...I'm starting to mirror a certain team in South Florida.

Goodfellas

I think Jay-Z said it best, when he stated..."it was all good just a week ago"...now things haven't spiraled to the point of no return, but if you check your twitter time line, or read the your ESPN app regularly, then you would think the Miami Heat had lost their glass slipper, and turned into a pumpkin at midnight.

Currently they are playing less than advertised with 15 games in the books (8 wins, 7 losses), however when a team like this is assembled in the free agency fashion it was...you need time for it to coagulate.

Every great team has a superstar or two (Lakers), and the Heat have that...what they lack is the experience of playing together, front court defense, and health. In these times of 24-hour instant access, I believe that the average, fly-by-night, bandwagon, fan doesn't have the patience to wait for DWade and company to fulfill the championship promises.

Miami is stuck in neutral, and with 67-games to go...things can change for the better...the Heat's biggest concern is not when they turn things around...it's the more established teams in the East, like Orlando, and Boston.

This is not the year LeBron makes good on his quest for the title...that day is still a little further down the road. Until that time comes, games like James' return to Cleveland will have to do for highlights, and headlines of this season.

Have faith everyone, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The Alchemist

"Taking out this time, to give you a piece of my mind..."

Mary J. Blige - Can't Knock the Hustle

There is nothing new under the sun...so when the hysteria of the NBA's free agency period reached a boiling point last Thursday, I didn't speculate on what would happen.

Internationally Known

For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction, according to Sir Isaac Newton and his laws of motion...this being the case, the announcement or shall I say the decision tomorrow evening from Lebron James will not only get a worldwide reaction...it will undoubtedly change the state of professional basketball.

33-years ago Dr. J made the switch from the ABA to the NBA, earlier this decade MJ donned a Wizards uniform, and more recently Kobe flirted with the possibility of playing for the Clippers, and Bulls. In each scenario the Earth continued to turn...as it will most certainly be business as usual tomorrow...yet in still with each high profile case, it becomes big news throughout the industry and pop culture.

The question is will LBJ leave or will he seek greener pastures in another city? Personally I would love for him to finish his career in Cleveland, however James must do what's best for his family and career. As a sports fan, there is a lot to be said about a person that plays their entire career with one team (Derek Jeter)...yet in still this is life and as much as we try to control it...opportunities arise, and things change like the seasons.

LeBron James will play well in any uniform...the bottom line revolves around championships, and money. What I find most intriguing about this, is the fact that the press conference is being held in Connecticut, and James has been tweeting today with random facts...I don't get it, however by this time tomorrow, it should all make sense.

Photo: Webster Riddick

The Phoenix

"United we can get over..."

Willie Hutch - Brother's Gonna Work It Out

Basketball is an unfair game. It's the type of contest that even when you give your best effort...you still lose. Nothing in this league happens overnight, so as the Lakers continue to play on, their first round opponent will be back next season in full force.

Degree of difficulty

Kobe Bryant has endured through an extremely rough season, and while he presses on through all the injuries, I find it interesting to hear that people believe his career is over. I don't feed into who is better, or the best...basketball on this level is a business and the bottom line is about winning. Nevertheless he finished with 32 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.

The Lake Show are the reigning champions and if their fearless leader has anything to do with it, they will capture this year's crown. Bryant is sure to show and prove, and when Russell Westbrook needed a hand in his face, Kobe Bean expressed interest in applying the necessary pressure.

There are two things I learned from the Lakers/Thunder series:

• The OKC Thunder have no fear, what they lacked in this round was depth in the front court, and playoff experience. They will add to their roster this summer, and next year every team needs to be on alert.
• The Lakers have all the tools to repeat, however they do not always play to their strength. As they move forward, I believe they will make the necessary tweaks to return to their superior form.

As for everything going on back east...two words: Orlando Magic

Photo: Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images

Home Sweet Home

"Now that I've got your undivided attention..."

Andre 3000 - Hollywood Divorce

The Oklahoma City Thunder have evened the series against the Lake Show at 2 games apiece. Everyone loves an underdog, however Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and company are far from overachievers.

Change

The NBA Playoffs are in full swing, with intensity, suspense, and enough highlights to last a lifetime, however there is one team that everyone counted out before they started playing...the OKC Thunder. The main reasons why I believe they have been ignored is because of their small market and they don't have a lot of fanfare or recognition...the other thing that hindered the Thunder was that they are matched up against the reigning champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Last night from the start Oklahoma City took the Lakers out of their comfort zone. Defensively they have been able to disrupt shot selection around the basket with blocks are good rotation, and offensively they have attacked the Laker guards with a combination of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Durant is a 7'0" guard causing match up problems across the board and Westbrook, and Harden have found their stride and jump shots.

The series is even and now returns to the city of angels, so the pressure is on both teams to show and prove. The home teams have won all the games, so the first visiting team to win on the road will naturally win and move on to the next round.

A lot has been made about the Lakers' so-called fall from grace, and the tremendous heart and effort of the upstart Thunder.

There is nothing I can write to determine the outcome, so stay tuned for Game 5...it's one game at a time.

Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Endurance

"Watching me ball is like LeBron playing..."

Fabolous - Throw It In the Bag (Remix)

I have long said that once Kobe Bryant retires...the league is in good hands with LeBron James...

Respect

My friend Jordan is home on leave for the holidays, and the other night we had a conversation about...Kobe and LeBron. The world over knows that I'm pro Kobe, and I don't have much of a platform other than the fact that I believe Bryant is the better individual player in my opinion.

Jordan feels that KB is the 2nd coming of MJ, and that LeBron James is an anomaly...the type of player that we've never witnessed before.

With that stance, he made me think...what I like most about LeBron is that he was able to make it to the top, starting from less than zero. His upbringing was a difficult one, and he was able to use basketball as a means to a successful end.

Last but not least I've always admired the tight bond between James and his mother, as it is Gloria James that he credits for making him the person he is today, and with that...I can not only relate to him...I can also appreciate all that he has done, and will continue to do.

Photo: Webster Riddick