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

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

28,000 and counting

"Trying to escape my trouble..."

Jay-Z - Politics As Usual

The 66-game shortened NBA season is a week old, but it's too early to do an in depth analysis. There have been some major changes in Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York, however the new year will certainly bring excitement, and surprise in the upcoming months.

Consistency

On New Year's Eve the Lakers outlasted the Nuggets 92-89 as Andrew Bynum returned to the lineup after sitting out 4-games due to a suspension that carried over from the playoffs. He played well scoring 29-points while securing 13-rebounds, Derek Fisher made the ultimate hustle play that saved the game and could have more than likely set the tone for the season.

With all the changes to the Lakers; Coach Mike Brown, Metta World Peace, and the Lamar Odom trade to Dallas, one thing has remained the same, and that is Kobe Bryant. Just when it seems that his reign as one of the best players in the league will come to a close, he continues to move forward, playing through injury, change, and milestones.

Sunday night in the second game of a back-to-back against the Nuggets he struggled early and never shook off the shooting woes as Denver won 99-90, finishing the game on an 11-0 run.

Bryant entered the contest needing only 4-points to become the youngest player to reach the 28K plateau, which he achieved on a free-throw at the 10:43 mark of the 3rd quarter. He now stands at 6th in all-time scoring, and will need 584-points to eclipse the next closest player, Shaquille O'Neal.

The saga continues tonight as the Lakers host the Rockets at the Staples Center. 

Words: @axgilbert

Picture: Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

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

West Side

"Back in Philly, we be out in the park..."

The Fresh Prince - Summertime

The end of the year always brings people to reflect on their lives, and while I have been thinking about numerous things this week...there is one thing that I wanted to make clear before January 1, 2011.

Showtime

If someone would have told me that the tall, lanky younger brother of Sharia Bryant would one day grow up to become one of the best basketball players in the world...I wouldn't know how to interpret that information. 16-years ago, the only thing on my mind was getting a new pair of sneakers, and hanging out with my siblings and friends.

People are usually skeptical about my friendship with the Bryant and Cox families, however it's because of Kobe, that I cheer for and support the Los Angeles Lakers. I grew up watching the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks, however when the Lakers drafted Eddie Jones from Temple in 1994, and then acquired Bryant two years later...I became a Lakers know it all. What would you do if your friend was drafted by a professional team...I'm guessing you would be a fan?

I'm all about my hometown team...I enjoy watching the Sixers, and I cheer for them always. In fact, as I write this they are playing in the Staples Center, and with 2:36 to go in the 2nd quarter they are trailing the Lake Show by 10-points, 46-36.

This is how I root for two teams...the first thing I do is assess them both realistically...meaning the Lakers are a championship caliber team, so I hope they win it all, and the 76ers are in the midst of bouncing back from a bad season last year, so I'd love for them to advance to the playoffs, and make a run.

I just wanted to set the record straight...Happy New Year!

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.

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.

The Return

"Good luck couldn't be bought see...plenty of fights had to be fought..."

Big Boi - Return of the "G"

Friday night was a homecoming for a few people in New York City, including me...

Return of the Boom Bap

As you can see from the photo above I was just a face in a crowd, however there is more than meets the eye. Allow me to break it down...

Last February, Kobe scored a Madison Square Garden individual record 61-points...therefore there was a buzz in the crisp cold Gotham city air...it was labeled as must see TV. I always cover the Lakers whenever they play in my neck of the woods, so I headed north to my other hometown.

Bryant has a few nagging injuries, most importantly a broken index finger on his dominant hand, so I had a hunch that he wouldn't out do his performance from a season ago...nevertheless I hadn't seen him since the Finals in June so I was made the trek up I-95.

I interned with the New York Knickerbockers once upon a time, and if being in NYC isn't enough to bring back childhood memories, then my arrival at the World's Most Famous Arena surely reminded me that if you can make it there...you can make it anywhere.

I sat court side and talked about the last 10 years with Allan Houston, then I played catch up with a few people within the Knicks organization, and last but not least I entered the locker room, where I was greeted by Lamar Odom (Queens native)...after our brief moment, I glanced at the throng of reporters around Ron Artest also from Queens, and I thought a few things over. The first thing I did was think how small the visitor's locker room is at MSG...I like it, because its dripping with nostalgia. It's as Kobe once described..."this [MSG] is the last one...the one that holds all the memories..."

After figuring it would be best to catch the rest of the team on the court...I decided to join the other 2-dozen writers in the hallway to speak with Phil Jackson.

This was a welcome home trip for Jackson also, as he won 2 championships with the storied franchise. It was really good to hear the love he had for his old team and teammates. Phil has put his heart into the game, and for that he was been rewarded with 10 titles, and a wealth of stories the world over.

The game was competitive until the Lake Show decided to put it away with a scoring serge from Bryant in the 3rd quarter, as they cruised to a 115-105 victory. Kobe finished with 27-points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal.

What a difference a year makes...yet for everyone in purple and gold the only thing that mattered was the win.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Legacy

Past, Present, and the Future

"Destiny lays in my hands..."

Notorious B.I.G. - Victory

In the picture above you can see me whispering something to Kobe as he was preparing to leave, after an appearance at a Nike event in lower Manhattan. Two weeks prior to that encounter...Bryant had scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, making him second only to Wilt Chamberlain for most points scored in an NBA game. 

Candid Camera

I had something to tell KB24, and my friend and fraternity brother Stanley Lumax took a picture. I wanted to connect the Philadelphia dots with Kobe on his historic feat...as history repeated itself on February 2, 2009. 

I was in New York City to cover the Knicks vs. Lakers game, and Stanley was going to attend and take pictures, but at the last minute I couldn't get him a photo credential, so I was flying solo as usual. Bryant scored 61 points...good enough for the top spot in Madison Square Garden, surpassing both Michael Jordan and Bernard King...this time however instead of having a photo to remember the magic moment, I found a video on YouTube that summed it up a little better.

Last week in searching for footage of Spike Lee's upcoming documentary Kobe Doin' Work, I found the clip above that shows in its entirety, the press conference after the 61 point performance...and while I don't boast...I was happy to see and hear myself...as I understand that it's not only the athletes that have a legacy in their respective sports. As a journalist, I too will have something that speaks for me upon my retirement.

Best Show on Earth

"You see black fall back son..."

Black Thought - Thought @ Work

On Monday, February 2, 2009 I attended the first game in the NBA's Dream Week at Madison Square Garden, as the Knicks played host to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Scenario

I always try to cover the Lakers whenever they play on the east coast, so when they flew to NYC last month, I figured it would be just another win for the Lake Show, but what I didn't bank on was the historic show from Kobe Bryant.

Earlier in the day I went to practice, and I began filming as the players were shooting around...after catching up with Kobe, I figured that I would tape a behind the scenes segment for my web TV show, GAME TIME. 

In the end, Bryant set a Garden all-time scoring record with 61 points. In a word, it was amazing, and for the next 48-hours Kobe was King, that is until LeBron James came close to challenging the new record with a near triple-double, headlined by 52 points.

It's a long season, and anything can happen between now and June, but for one night, I was the happiest journalist in New York, because not only did I watch a great performance...I participated in it, making it as memorable for me, as I'm sure it was for Kobe.

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

Bryant on Broadway

61

Will power

"Trust me on this one, I'll detach you..."

Jay-Z - Takeover

New York, NY - February 2, 2009 - Black History Month continues here on GAME TIME, as Kobe Bryant took the liberty of making his-story on the biggest stage in basketball.

Second to none

I haven't been in New York since the summer, so when an opportunity arose to travel to Gotham City to cover the Knicks versus the Lakers...I didn't hesitate. My career in pro basketball started in Madison Square Garden, with the New York Knicks, and Liberty. I did my internship with those teams, the summer before my senior year at Temple University. There is a saying that has something to the effect of "if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere...", and the city that never sleeps is tough, but I was able to learn, and grow, as well as make a name for myself there. With that experience, I've been able to build on that success to have a solid career in journalism.

I made sure to arrive early so I could catch Bryant during the afternoon shoot around. I noticed that he and assistant coach Brian Shaw were on one end of the court while some of the other guys on the team were shooting around and joking on the other side. Kobe was in one of his more focused moods, but after he was finished he walked over and addressed me and then the media. Once he was done with the media availability I walked with him down the hallway to the elevator...I told him that I'd heard from his sister on facebook, and I asked him what he was doing with his shoes after the game?

What would happen a few hours later, would be a lasting memory that I am sure my children will hear about one day. My friend and coworker Audie, mentioned a few times throughout the day that Bryant would have a BIG game against his hometown Knicks. Side note about the Knickerbockers, I am really impressed with Danilo Gallinari, he is a decent player that will only get better. It was interesting to see him and Kobe speak with one another during the game, in Italian no less. Trust me on this on Gallinari is legit.

Before the game began, people from the Garden not only remembered me, but they also showed a genuine love and respect for me. That made me feel really good, as I know that I did my best during the time I worked there. Once the game started, I saw the stars were in attendance, as Mariano Rivera, Jay-Z, Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, America Ferrera, and John McEnroe, watched KB go on such an offensive tear that I figured this would become one of his many 40-point games. What I didn't figure, was that it would be the most historic night offensively in the current Madison Square Garden, which was built in 1968. 

He scored 61 points, as he made a perfect 20-20 from the free-throw line. It was the 4th best offensive outing for his career, which was good enough for the best since Bernard King scored 60 points on December 25, 1984. 

With 18 points in the 1st quarter and 34 by halftime, the Garden was electric as I would have to agree that it is the most hollowed place by far to play a basketball game in. Bryant had 12 points in the 3rd quarter, and evened everything out with 15 in the 4th. It was truly an amazing game, and afterward I had an opportunity to interview Kobe...however I forgot to ask him if his shoes had anything to do with it, as he was wearing his new Nike Zoom Kobe IV.

Kobe after throwing his very own "Garden" party, answered questions (click on the link to see Kobe, and listen for my questions at the end) for several minutes, and as he made his exit...he and I walked and talked about his team, and Black History Month.

He is the final score on our conversation:

Talk about this team and how things are a year later, after making the NBA Finals:

"Better prepared..better prepared, you know a lot of guys, it was their first time, you know Pau [Gasol] it was his first time out of the first round, and he goes all the way to the Finals...so a lot of things were new, so I think having a year of experience, and also...you know, learning a lot from that series, 'cause we learned a lot, so now we take those lessons and apply them to this season."

What are your thoughts on Black History Month, because a lot of people don't mention sports in that?

"Sure, sure...well it's a celebration of all of it, it's a big time of the year for us, and Martin Luther King Day, and having [President Barack] Obama being inaugurated the day after that, and now we have Black History Month...it's great, it's a great year for us."

With all that you have done, and then scoring 61 points tonight in Madison Square Garden...you have made a mark within Black History Month:

"Man it feels incredible, it feels incredible, and we obviously have to take the responsibility as African-American athletes and we try to do our best to live up to that."

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.”