photo: nbaloud.com
Toward the end of the summer, I hit up my man Miles Rawls, the commissioner of DC’s renowned George Goodman League. We talked about the summer highlights from Barry Farms, the seasoned vets and young boys on the come up, the standout performances, etc.
When I asked him if he’d been in touch with Agent Zero, who has come down to the Goodman League on the regular since arriving from Golden State, and is a crowd favorite due to his down to earth demeanor and strong playground love, Miles’ voice jumped an octave.
for those with short term memory loss, here’s gil giving kobe and the lakers 60 in ‘06
“Ya know, Gil only played one game with us this summer,” said Rawls. “But he’s back. 100%. He was not settling for jumpers. Gil was taking it to the hole strong. He’s got his bounce and swagger back. Trust me, watch what he does this year in the league!”
Gil had only played two games for the Washington Wizards last year, and a mere thirteen the year before due to his knee injury. For the majority of the summer, he was M.I.A. on the asphalt, working feverishly behind closed doors at trainer Tim Grover’s Attack Athletics facility in Chicago.
In mid August though, Gil pulled his Ferrari into Southeast DC’s Barry Farms. As usual, he came solo – no security, no posse, no arrogance, just a fiend who had to get his run in. He wanted to give the playground a sneak peek at what he was planning to unleash this year on cats who’ve been lulled by his absence.
And as is always the case whenever Gil pops in to the Goodman, he was greeted warmly with that family ‘hood love that only the streets can give. That night, he dropped 35 with an assortment of quick dribble burst moves, spins and a bounce that pacified anyone who ever doubted his return to the company of the game’s elite. He left no doubt that he’d be back to business as usual this year.
Last night, in the NBA season opener, Gil put on a strong show, dropping 29 points to go with 9 dimes as the Wizards dusted off Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd and the Dallas Mavs, 102-91. There are very few players like Agent Zero, those who’ve risen to the crescendo of the hoops universe who still play the asphalt every summer with a passion and hunger that borders on obsession.
Guys like Ron Artest, Kevin Durant and Gil are pure fiends, dudes who are just naturally compelled to do what they love, whether it’s in a jam-packed state of the art arena, or out in the parks during the summer.
Gil, you’ve been missed. We’re glad to have you back.
October 28th, 2009 at 4:10 pm
40 Cal says:
Awww man Ali, I was watching the game on the league pass last night and it looks as if he hasn’t lost a step!
October 28th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Blk Caesar says:
YOOOO!!! I am really happy that Gil is back this year… I look forward to his “Don’t call it a comeback” tour this year… On another note.. There was a Sebastian Telfair sighting last night and to be honest he looked pretty good the moments he was in the game…
October 28th, 2009 at 5:53 pm
ali says:
bassy did look good cease. i was checking him out as well. that was a nice pull up off the hezzo that he splashed in walton’s grillpiece. and artest is gonna pay big dividends in laker land. couple his toughness with a healthy, emerging bynum and they’re gonna be a tough nut to crack. and that should be gil’s theme song, right. i’m gonna put that in the post.
and 40, i’ve been hearing from cats over the summer about what gil was doing in tim grover’s gym. they had some clandestine runs in there w/ the elite and word filtered back that he was ready for freddy!
and my connects in dc were ablaze about what he showed in his lone appearance at the goodman this summer. i’m happy for him.
October 29th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Blk Caesar says:
Yeah.. I shook my head in approval when he drained that over walton and he ran the break well.. Hey man life as a backup is not a bad thing if you can stay in the league.. But I liked that he had a little bounce in his step.. Maybe he will carve out a respectable pro career for himself. I like that you added the LL joint for Gil… Yeah that Lakers squad is scary.. I am real curious for that first matchup against Boston.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
ali says:
rasheed and kg together is just nightmarish for defenses. you see the ease and chemistry already cease? that was a huge pick up for them.
and i think bassy can carve out a respectable career. a team always needs a good pg coming off the bench. we know he can run and dish, but he’s gotta add that consistent long range threat. if he keeps his head focused and keeps working hard every day, playing with that chip on his shoulder like he’s got something to prove, i think we have yet to see what he can really be as a pro.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
ali says:
some observations from last night that made me go “hmmmmmm” – speights had a good one for philly last night off the bench and white chocolate looks like the time off did him some good w/ 15 and 5 in a reserve role for the magic. bargnani looked ready and toronto has some interesting ingredients, bronnie kicking this year’s triple-double party of early, danny granger is ready to be in “that dude” discussion, tito’s lil’ man al horford is now ready fore prime time – he was a horse w/ 24, 16 and 4 assists.
the bobcats are worse than the knicks, gallinari looked legit w/ 7-13 from deep, be easy beasely looks ready to step up to the next level, durant – nice double-double w/25 and 11 boards – is gonna start doing in the league what he did at texas while him and jeff green turn some heads w/ ok city, my man jonny flynn came out the gate strong for a rookie pg starting his first game and brook lopez looked like karl malone w/ his 27 and 15 for jersey.
boogie ben gordon did what he does, 22 off the bench as the modern day microwave, it’s time for mike conley to do or die, my man dejuan blair could challenge ben gordon for that rookie of the year/6th man award combo b/c he’s bringin’ the wood, the camby man still can – busting off for a nice 23 and 11 boards and rasual butler is gonna be a nice piece for the clips.
appreciate the floor general game by b-diddy w/ 12 assists but baron’s got to score for the clips to make some noise, melo will be in the thick of the mvp race, deron williams’ 28 joints and 13 assists was bananas and the monta ellis and steph curry backcourt is worth the price of admission.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Ali.. Thanks for the recap… I missed all the games last night b/c I was at the Yankee game depressed after catching that L from Philly… But you are right about the chemistry with KG and Sheed.. I was really critiquing the Cleveland/C’s game and Sheed fits well (although it was only one game).. As I watched though I felt like at some point this season Doc may move Sheed into the starting line up with KG.. They flowed better offensively with Sheed than with Perkins.. but who could be really huge for them is Marquis Daniels… he gives them youth and length to guard two’s and guys called Lebron (He straight took LB’s cookies from him on one isolation play.. Although Bron still got his buckets! Daniels could help Pierce stay fresh come playoff time.. I do like the pieces on that OKC team.. How did the Harden kid play last night?
October 29th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
ali says:
harden looked decent but only played a few minutes, banged a three and hit both of his shots from the field. i have to take an extended look to really see where he’s at. and you’re right cease, marquis daniels is the undercover move of the year.
October 29th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
illest says:
shaquille looks like george mikan and james wont win a ring this year.
and i was thinking about the dream team because of magic and birds book. how the hell is dominique not on that team?
October 29th, 2009 at 4:20 pm
ali says:
it’s early illest. although the celtics and orlando look to be a step above right now, cleveland added some other, less notable pieces than shaq that give them more versatility and athleticism. this is a team that won close to 70 games last year and i would not be surprised if they get it done.
dominique not being on the dream team, along with isiah, is one of the game’s travesties.
October 29th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Blk Caesar says:
The biggest tragedy is how Nique was not on that NBA 50 list… Bill Walton is taking Nique’s spot…
October 30th, 2009 at 1:38 am
jaysmoove says:
the Wizards are gonna be the biggest suprise this season i got them winning 45-50 games this season
October 30th, 2009 at 7:26 am
Kenny Patt says:
Blazers are going to be a disappointment. Why did they bring Miller in to be a backup?
October 30th, 2009 at 9:34 am
illest says:
ali…its not like oneal will get younger as the season moves on. they still dont have a good shooter. its not moon or tony parker.
jaysmoove….slow down on that one. kenny….i dont understand that one either. miller does tend to slow the pace of the game down a little. the blazers need to run all game.
October 30th, 2009 at 9:35 am
ali says:
in addition to gil, nice to see luol deng, aka DANG!, puttin’ it in last night. he’s got all the ingredients. timmy looked like his usual, greatest power forward of all-time self, and d rose looked pain free. nice balance on that chicago team. noah looks more settled and comfortable, like he’s not just out there buggin’ out. and melo is coming out strong like ox!
October 30th, 2009 at 9:42 am
ali says:
and i forgot to mention ty lawson’s performance opening night w/ 17 joints, 6 assists and 2 steals. i like how karl had him and chauncey in the backcourt together during some stretches. and money looked legit in the preseason. them young fellas from maryland just keep coming. durant, beasely, ‘melo, lawson, rudy gay, jeff green, etc.
October 30th, 2009 at 10:39 am
illest says:
ali….melo looks wonderful out there. billups almost blew the game with his terrible shot selection at the end. give melo the ball every time down the stretch. lawsons speed is crazy.
speaking of maryland, that len bias documentary is on tuesday. will be very very tough to watch without shedding tears. i cant remember a collegiate athlete that was that important to america and basketball lovers such as len bias.
watching melo last night was like whoa thats len bias reincarnated. maybe a reach but lenny was unstoppable like that. melos game is so fluid now.
October 30th, 2009 at 11:11 am
ali says:
Melo’s on that next level illest, the one we knew he’d get to after that bizarro display as a freshman at syracuse. he’s ready for freddy right now! it ain’t just all about dwade and bronnie right now, that’s what melo wants everybody to know. he cooked in the olympics, got denver to the conference finals last year and now, it’s time to make that run for the gusto of greatness!
who’s airing the bias documentary? i might have to pull out “the playground gave us len bias” to coincide.
lawson was an incredibly entertaining blur in college but i thought he’d go through a lil’ transition period on the next stage. seems like he has another gear to do the same type ish in the pros. i like that dude right there!
October 30th, 2009 at 11:27 am
illest says:
ali….espn is showing it as part of that 30 and 30 thing. the ali/holmes was good as well. i was just rereading your playground bias joints a few minutes ago. they got a few clips of it on fangbites. very heart wrenching. to see the admiration of not only blacks but whites for him is incredible.
i like what lawson said about the nba. he said the college game is simple math and the nba is calculus. very profound. the nuggets and blazers are two of the most exciting teams in the league. you can see that already.
October 30th, 2009 at 11:27 am
illest says:
there are some good ones basketball wise.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/30_for_30
the loyola marymount one, reggie miller and the 90s knicks, and the iverson race trial should interest the basketball junkie.
October 30th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Yo seriously man, Ty Lawson has been looking good (again only two games and some preseason action) but he is a nice addition to that Denver team.. There is not much more I can say about Melo.. He looked so focused last night against Portland.. I know everybody loves Lebron and Kobe, but Melo is just so polished offensively.. I look at the little nuances in a player often and that guys footwork is unreal.. You don’t see alot of players with that kind of footwork and the ability to counter off the pivot foot like that… and couple that with his mid range game.. Man listen.. now that his mental seems right.. Watch out! Ok so how much longer do we wait to call Oden a bust??
October 30th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
illest says:
blk…not too much time for oden. whenever he decides to develop his o game, the blazers can go far in the playoffs. he should at least be able to average 15 points.
October 30th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
ali says:
thanks for the heads up illest. and cease, i see the same small nuances that blows over the head of most casual fans. i find myself giggling watching melo’s small, too quick for the average eye, delectable parts of his game.
oden’s got to avg at least 15ppg, starting soon. he can block shots and rebound like a pro. now it’s time to exert himself offensively. i give him til next year before i start tinkering with the B word. (bust, that is)
October 30th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
ali says:
caese, were you up in the bronx last night for game two? i know the whole city is rockin’ right now!
October 30th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
illest says:
i havent trusted burnett all year but he delivered. pedro was ill. alicia looked good.
i would rather watch melo on offensive over james any day.
October 30th, 2009 at 1:31 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Man.. I was there in spirit for last night’s game.. I promised to go Halloween costume shopping with the wife and once you promise there is no backing out of that! I’ll most likely be there for game 6 (but I don’t want to jinx it b/c winning in Philly will not be easy..) I got home just in time to catch the end of the Portland/Denver game.. Burnett really surprised me last night.. He pitched well… I am still nervous though… I wasn’t happy to miss a glimpse of Ms. Keys in the flesh..
October 30th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Illest I am with you on that one.. I like Lebron alot don’t get it twisted. But Melo is a technician.. Ali I think we should start calling Melo “Lord Finesse” the funky technician!!!
October 30th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Yes.. I am an old school hip hop head
October 30th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
ali says:
i feel that lord finesse blk caese. how ’bout calling the crew of james, dwade, kobe and melo the DITC crew, ’cause they’re digging in the crates, bringing back that old school funk. speaking of funk, where you at sir funkalot?
melo is the technician and i just love bronnie’s all around game. when cleveland and denver go at it this year, i’ll have my do not disturb sign on the door.
i missed jay and alicia while doing the halloween shopping too man. i was mad heated waiting in that long party city line, but got a kick watching the girls running around the crib all excited w/ their costumes. i told them they should dress up as tiny archibald and earl monroe and they looked at me like i had seven heads.
October 30th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Hilarious!!!! I can picture their faces when you said that to your daughters.. The line at the spot we are at in the village was crazy.. I was in line just to get in the store for like 20 min. I am definitely feeling the DITC reference.. Kobe is Diamond D b/c of the ring collection.. Lebron is Big L of course.. I am torn on Wade’s name… I want to call him Showbiz…
October 30th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
illest says:
ahhh lord finesse no doubt. ditc is a good name for those three. i guess james is showbiz and wade is buckwild.
another hiphop reference with the seven heads label from like 96. ill probably miss a few innings due to trick or treating but pleasing my daughter is most important.
October 30th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
illest says:
blk…o ok you flipped it a little. i forgot about bryant. he can be diamond no doubt. lebron being big l is difficult since l is no longer here.
October 30th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Yeah its tough to call him Big L b/c of that.. I feel you..
October 31st, 2009 at 11:41 pm
kenny Patt says:
I’d call Melo Fat Joe, cause he was an understudy and eventually became the most well known. Melo may be an MVP this year.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:30 am
illest says:
melo as fat joe…ok. now melo will never be as known as james or bryant. moms and grandmoms know james. they dont know melo.
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:54 am
ali says:
after this year, great-grandmoms will know who melo is. “the melo, the fellow, the one who likes to say hello….”
my man is avg’ing 38ppg thus far and out together another gem w/ 42 joints, 7 re’s and 5 dimes against memphis. his performances so far this year have been masterful.
mayo looked strong for the griz.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Kenny Patt says:
Channing Frye has been ressurected.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
funkalot says:
Ali,
Melo is the “best” scorer in the “L” and has been for the past three years, since he led the US in scoring during the World Championships, to me. His flow is effortless.
As Charles Barkley pointed out Bron Bron works too hard to get his points. I would add that with all of Bron’s superior athletic gifts, Melo is much more polished offensively. Kobe is precise with his, but just not as fluid as Melo. D-Wade is a creative scorer, but does not have all of the mid-range gizmo of Melo.
Digital Underground summed Melo’s game up best on “Sons of the P-Funk” – “Release your mind and let your instincts flow; release your mind and let the funk flow”.
Cause Funk is its own reward, ya dig!
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
illest says:
funk….bryant is not is fluid as melo? i agree melo is very fluid but bryants offensive game has no weaknesses and is more polished than both james and melo. being in the league 14 years does help. melo can still improve in the post. and by improve i mean use it more. because he can out muscle anyone and doesnt do it enough. he needs to get to the line more. he will but its hard to argue with what he has done in the first few games.
ali…moms and grandmoms dont care about numbers.
November 2nd, 2009 at 12:43 pm
illest says:
i did notice that melo shot 12 free throws last night.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:25 pm
funkalot says:
Illest,
I agree on Kobe , he does possess the most complete “game” period, in the League. Perhaps, I used the wrong adjective in “fluid”, but Melo has maybe a smoover game. Sort of like the difference between Ice and DT.
Kenny,
Channing Frye has been nice. The Knicks made a blunder in getting rid of him, early and Portland was too deep for him to scratch surface.
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:22 am
illest says:
frye was decent with the knicks no doubt.
November 4th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
ali says:
i’m still wondering why we let trevor ariza get out of town.
November 5th, 2009 at 10:13 am
illest says:
the basketball gypsy/nomad larry brown called ariza delusional.