photo: si.com

At the conclusion of the greatest opening round playoff series the NBA has ever seen, folks couldn’t help but marvel at the exploits of Ben “Madison Square” Gordon, Ray “Jesus Shuttlesworth” Allen, Rajon “Better Call Us The Big 4″ Rondo, Paul “The Truth” Pierce and the dramatic unfolding of a spectacle that Hollywood script writers would have had trouble fathoming.

But the one element that surpassed all others was the placement of a once in a generation talent, a 20-year-old point guard who earned Rookie of the Year honors, in the epicenter of the hoops universe. And although the Bulls succumbed to the Celtics in the series finale, the play of Derrick Martell Rose – which was consistently succulent throughout the entire year – made even the most exacting aficianado nod in sincere appreciation. Read More »

all photos: jamd.com

That’s right! I said it! STARBURY!

With 99.9% of the things recently written and said about the man in the mainstream media being negative, it’s time someone showed Mr. Marbury some love. And if the playground culture that nourished his dazzling game can’t nurture him when all else are hating, who will? Read More »

No burn, DNP, and then sent home. It’s funny how one line can sum up the year for Brook-nam’s Jamaal Tinsley and Stephon Marbury. While both still get fat pockets and eat shrimp and spaghetti, the focus now is on Steph’s younger cousin, Sebastian Telfair, who gets some burn, does play, and has a team. But, are there bigger and better things for Bassy? I think he needs the playground style to reboot his game. In my “45 Degrees of Blackness Column,” I highlighted 6 guards that could use a change to get their games going and/or help a team to a higher caliber of play. See the article: “ The Devin Harris Effect.” While Telfair isn’t listed as a potential All-Star in the blog, I feel he has enough “playground” in him to excel and challenge Chris Duhon. Bassy, in a high-screen and roll offense with the green light, could be dangerous. Sebastian is still young and this might be the situation for all his speed and handle to flourish. Check Dime magazine’s Andrew Katz’s blog: “Is Sebastian Telfair a bust?” at Dimemag.com” for some more opinion on his career.

photo: www.roseto.com/gallery

Basketball and Coney Island seem to go hand in hand with each other. Books like The Last Shot and flicks like He Got Game, introduced the world to the tiny sector in Brooklyn that has produced the likes of Stephon Marbury, Sebastian Telfair, Lance Stephenson and the fictional Jesus Shuttlesworth.

Jamel Thomas aka “Five-Thirty” also rose up from Coney. Cousin of Starbury and older brother of Bassy, Jamel is a 6-6 forward with a sweet stroke and bulldog-like toughness. Thomas never reached the same level as his famous family members but he still had a long and successful career. Read More »