Archives for October 2013

Basketball is like jazz music.
Although the ancient Aztecan did have a sport that closely resembles basketball, this sport is still associated with Americans.
All over the world, music is in every culture, yet jazz in particular is a combination of styles that came over in the bottom of slave ships from the continent of Africa and all met up in New Orleans during the second and third decades of the 19th century and is ubiquitous to American culture.
Just like jazz, basketball has set plays that a team runs on offense and defense.
Once a play, such as pick and roll, give and go, zone defenses or man-to-man breaks down, a fast break ensues, basketball becomes just as improvisational as American Jazz music. Even though jazz, as a musical form, can be written down and played, no jazz is “good” without each performer in the ensemble getting an opportunity to have a solo. The drummer, saxophonist or pianist gets to highlight his individual skills while still being a part of the team.
In basketball, just as in jazz, a player can get an isolation or a solo, where he or she gets to have a defender in a one-on-one on the court. The showcasing of individual skills takes place to the amazement of the players on the court, as well as the fans in attendance and those watching on television. Some great players have had the opportunity to display their individual talents in the team sport:
George Mikan (Minnesota/ L.A. Lakers); Bob Cousy and John ‘Hondo’ Havelicek (Celtics); ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich (New Orleans Jazz); Walt ‘Clyde the Glide’ Frazier’ (Knicks); Oscar ‘The Big O’ Robinson (Bucks); Jerry ‘Mr. Clutch’ West (Lakers); George ‘The Ice Man’ Gervin (Spurs); Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving (N.J. Nets/76er’s).
Ervin ‘Magic’ Johnson (Lakers) Larry ‘Larry Legend’ Bird (Celtics); Dominique ‘The Human Highlight Reel’ Wilkins (Hawks/Clippers); ‘RUN-TMC’ (Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin- G.S. Warriors); Michael ‘Air’ Jordan (Bulls); Vinnie ‘The Microwave’ Johnson (Pistons); ‘Sir’ Charles Barkley (76er’s/Suns/Rockets); Reggie Miller ‘The Knick Killer’ and Chuck ‘The Rifleman’ Person (Pacers); Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwan (Rockets);
Shaquielle ‘Shaq Diesel’ O’Neal (Magic/Lakers/Heat/Celtics);Vince ‘1/2 Man ½ Amazing’ Carter (Raptors/Nets).
Allen ‘The Answer’ Iverson (76er’s); Jason ‘White Chocolate’ Williams (Kings/Heat); Tim ‘The Big Fundamental’ Duncan (Spurs); Kobe ‘The Black Mamba’ Bryant (Lakers); Kevin ‘KD’ Durant (Thunder); Chris ‘CP3’ Paul (Hornets/Clippers); LeBron ‘King’ James…
Basketball and American Jazz: the Ultimate Individual Team Sport.
And this, and this, and this is called The Show!

“Take something you love to do and do it for the lord,” said Bill Epling, sponsor for Christian Sport Ministries, who brings people in to play basketball against the Warriors.
Christian Ministries use highly talented players and sports to spread God’s word to the residents of San Quentin State Prison, said Epling.
Don Smith and Bill Epling bring in teams to San Quentin to play basketball, softball and football.
The talent level makes for great games that attract large crowds. Each game begins and ends with prayer, including a half time one as well. Epling usually opens with jokes, like the one about God not being able to sue the Devil because he can’t find a lawyer in heaven. Smith takes turns with his players to open with stories about faith.
At an Aug. 17 game, Ministries point guard Tyson performed a half-time rap-song about the consequence of living that gangster life at the cost of incarceration and leaving kids to grow up without their father.
Smith started coming into San Quentin 16 years ago.
“God put it in my heart that this is a good place to do ministry. It’s a great thing for all the guys and we’ve become friends and like family,” said Smith.
“They are two extraordinary individuals. It’s unbelievable what they do for us. said Warriors Coach Daniel Wright, about Smith and Epling. “Bill gives us all new tennis shoes and had the basketball court repaved. He’s one of the best men I’ve ever met. I love Don and Bill like my dad.”
Anthony Ammons, a Warriors forward, added, “They are a blessing. Without realizing it, they have helped me become a better man. Even with serving 102 years to life, they have brought me light and hope for the next day. They allowed me to dream again.”
Smith said he played very little basketball growing up—just a little in junior high and pickup games. “Sports is just a means to an end and a fun way of doing it,” Smith said.
He is faithful to sports ministries. In the same weekend, he brought in a basketball team with Bill Epling, he brought a softball team to play against the San Quentin Hardtimers. “I’ll be back with a football team when the season starts,” Smith added.
“Don’s passion is unbelievable,” Wright said. “Sometimes he brings in teams besides the ones that don’t have sponsors.”
Epling has 40 guys cleared to come inside San Quentin to play on Saturday mornings. He emails them every other week and brings in those who want to play. Sometimes, it just happens to be someone who played pro like Griffin Reilly who played pro ball in Spain, or a division two college title winner, like David King. Last year, Epling brought in Golden State Warriors coach, Mark Jackson and first round draft pick, Draymond Green.
The level of competition makes for great games against the very athletic San Quentin teams and attracts large crowds. They get to see good games and God’s word in action, like the one played Aug. 17. “It was one of the best basketball games ever played in San Quentin,” said Wright.
The Ministries team brought in several guys who played in college, including Reilly. He led the Ministries with 38 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Ministries super fast point guard Tyson’s 32 points and forward Patrick Lacey’s 19 and 11.
The game went back in forth, with the Warriors led by Michael Franklin’s 47 points and 17 rebounds, followed by A. McIntosh’s 31 points, John Windham’s 11 and Maurice Hanks’ 10. It was a nail biter with eight ties and 10 lead changes along the way.
In the final five minutes, the Warriors were winning, 112-118. At that point, Franklin accumulated five fouls guarding Reilly.
“Whoever has the ball, go at number 17 (Franklin), he has five fouls, he doesn’t want to leave the game. We’re doing that,” said Tyson during a time out.
Tyson brought the Ministries within three by hitting a huge three pointer, making the score 115-118. Then after Ministries Mike Picone blocked McInstosh’s shot, they tied the game on a foul and a tech on Warriors forward Hanks, gaining another three points on free throws.
McInstosh took the lead back for the Warriors on a lay-up utilizing an assist from Franklin, but Tyson responded with another three, his sixth of the game, making the score 121-120.
While trying to respond, McIntosh was called for an offensive foul, then Franklin fouled out trying to stop Tyson with 28 seconds left. After hitting one of two free-throws, the score was 122-120, Ministries.
With 10 seconds on the clock, the Warriors had one more chance to make a winning play. Windham rushed the ball down court and launched a three that went in the rim, spun around it and came out, leaving Ministries on top, 122-120 before a frantic crowd.
After everything settled down, the game ended like it started, with a prayer and camaraderie.

Refereeing isn’t an easy job, but somebody has to do it. However, the guys who do so at San Quentin say they love it.
Despite numerous complaints about how games are called, the referees come to work every weekend.

“Complaints come no matter what,” said Willie “Butch” Thompson. “After the game they apologize, realizing it ain’t nothing but a game.” Thompson said he “feels good about being a ref. It’s a good thing to be doing. A good way to get to know everybody and it keeps me out of trouble,” he added. He also umpires and refs football games.
Robert Lee aka “Joey Crawford,” said, “I love it! I look forward to it every week.” Lee has been refereeing for 17 years. He started out at Solano State Prison and became a ref because he got too old to play, wanting to stay close to the game he loves.
San Quentin Warriors Coach Daniel Wright recognizes “the refs have a very difficult job.” Wright suspended a player for two games for disrespecting a referee. “When it comes to the Warriors, it’s about attitude, integrity and outside team safety—talent is a distant second. I will not allow a player to show up a ref. That’s why the two-game suspension was warranted,” Wright said.
The refs don’t get it right all the time. “A lot of complaints are legit. They don’t bother me—it’s the way you complain,” said Lee. “I listen to complaints sometimes ‘cause I can be wrong,” admitted Herman “Black” Shead. “I just call what I see and stand by it,” added Thompson. “I’m not perfect. I do the best I can and as long as I’m being honest and fair, I can live with the results,” said Isaiah “Cap” Caldwell.
On the other hand, sometimes guys with illegitimate gripes are “just cry babies,” stated Thompson. “No one is going to agree with every ref call. They do their best. You win by putting the ball in the basket,” said Drew Piazza. “Losers make excuses, winners make plays,” Lee added.
There are two organized basketball leagues at San Quentin and the established teams: Warriors, and “over-40” Kings.
Piazza is the commissioner for the Intra-Mural League, while Aaron “Harun” Taylor is commissioner for the Championship Basketball League. Taylor is also a sports writer for San Quentin News.
Referees for the Intra-Mural League and Championship Basketball League receive no compensation; however, Kings and Warriors referees receive a pair of tennis shoes for their work at the end of the season.
Marcus Cosby and James “Loco” Freeman referee games for CBL and Corey “St. Louis” Woods refs games for the Kings.
Piazza says he has put out notices to recruit new refs. “The labor is plenty, but the workers are few. So we do the best we can with those who volunteered to do it for free,” added Piazza.

Former major league baseball player Bill Lee showed at 67 he still has it, striking out eight batters and leading the RBL Giants to a 7-6 victory over the San Quentin Giants.
S.Q. Giants Ronald Martin, who hit two home runs in a previous game, batted only 1for 3 against Lee. “What a treat and a humbling experience to get a hit off someone so good. The guy’s a legend, even at 67 he’s still a beast,” Martin said.

Giants’ Danny Schrader, who had hit two home runs against the San Quentin A’s batted 1 for 3 against Lee with a double.
Lee played 14 years in the Majors with 10 years as a Boston Red Sox and four years as a Montreal Expo. He had 112 career wins, third all time for a lefty for the Red Sox. He even started games two and seven in the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds, according to RBL Giants’ couch Steve Reichardt
“It will be tough to beat him. Today is not about winning or losing. It’s an event just playing with a legend,” added San Quentin Coach Elliot Smith about the Aug. 15 game.
The RBL Giants love coming from outside into San Quentin to play baseball. “Love it. Most enjoyable company, the guys are always happy to see us,” said Reichardt.
The RBL Giants consisted of Mike Deeble, who played college and semi pro baseball; Larry Silfen; Mark Wales who played one year in college and one year in the minor leagues, Rene Morales, Kenton Lou, Bob Criscuolo, and Greg Wilson.

The San Quentin Kings were able to overcome a push by the Outsiders in a 65-60 victory.
At the beginning of the 4th quarter, the Kings were ahead 57-44, however the outside team didn’t give up. Led by the scoring of Steve Watkins, and a couple of big threes pointers by John Brewster, they brought the score to within five, at 63-58 with 1:22 seconds left.
“We are gonna win on defense. We don’t have to score any more,” said Kings forward Tim Thompson during a time out. “We got to play smart,” added Kings Coach Orlando Harris.
With the time running out, Brewster told his team, “We gotta foul. They’ll have to make free throws,” he said.
After two missed free throws, the Outsiders got the rebound and Watkins scored inside, closing the deficit to three. With only 30 seconds left in the game, Kings guard Shakur Pierce was fouled and hit both free throws. In the final seconds, the Outsiders were kept scoreless and the Kings got the Aug. 24 win.
Ty Jones led the Kings with 22 points, followed by Oris Williams’ 11 and P. “Strange” Walker’s 10.
The Outsiders were led by Steve Watkins’ 24 points, Gareeth Hancock’s 12 and Tyler’s 11.
Things didn’t go so well for the Kings during a previous July 27 game against the Outsiders.
The seven man outside team was losing 62-57. Then Kings Coach Harris gave them some Gatorade. Afterwards, the Outsiders played with renewed energy, taking the lead 63-62 and going on to win 71-64!
“We got better in the second half. We stepped it up. Gatorade made the difference,” said Hancock.
“Our last lost by one point taught us to be more patient to walkout with a win,” added Nichols.
Joe Nichols, who turned 50 the week before, found his shot in that game, hitting four three-pointers and a free throw for a total of 13 points. Joel “Big Country” Simmons had a double-double, with 23 points and 12 rebounds and Gareeth Hancock had another double-double, with 20 points and 11 rebounds.
For the Kings that game, Oris Williams had 14 points and six rebounds, Thad Fleeton had 12 points and 5 rebounds, Brain Asey had 10 points and Shakur Pierce had 10 in the July 27 loss.

In the Championship Basketball League’s first championship series, Fully Loaded swept We’ll Deal With It in a spectacular display of lead changes and hard-nosed scrappy play on both sides.
Fully Loaded ended the series with a quick steal and layup by their point guard.
“He spun around, and I stripped the ball from their guard,” said Tare “Cancun” Beltranchuc “There were about four guys around him. Pookie (Charles Sylvester) got it and passed it back to me. I made the shot.”
It was the 31st point, the total needed to win the game in the CBL half-court championship rules.
“It was a good game,” said We’ll Deal With It player, Larry “TY” Jones. “They came to play. We underestimated Cancun. When they needed a big play he came through.”
We’ll Deal With It, took a late game lead, 28-27 after TY made a 15 foot jumper. However, Demond “Oola” Lewis responded quickly with his own shot. Fully Loaded never looked back as Mike Franklin made a shot, was fouled and made the free throw. On the next play, Cancun yo-yoed around the court, got free from a pick from Pookie but was fouled, as he attempted a layup. His free throw gave Fully Loaded a 30-28 lead, setting up the steal and layup to win the game, 31-28.
“Our team’s strategy was to slow Mike down, said Jones. “The first game he had a double-double. Mike was key to their ability to win. I knew we had to play better defense and play better, if we were to win.”
“We were over confident. We thought they had no chance at all. The first game, we built a huge lead,” said Fully Loaded Point Guard, Cancun. “But, in the second game, they came strong. We couldn’t click. They kept setting picks and making plays.”
“I give my teammates the most for listening, even when they did plays that could have cost us,” said Fully Loaded coach, Boo. “Our players kept maintaining focus, even when calls weren’t going their way.”
“I was really proud that we were competitive in the second game,” said We’ll Deal With It coach Raphael. “We had a chance of winning. In the first game Cancun independently beat us. I wanted to limit his affect the second game. We would have not made it as far as we did, without Orlando “Duck” Harris. He’s really competitive and can get a win for us as he did all through the season.”