Editor’s Note: George Lamb, aka Coach Carter, is in his fourth season as head coach of the San Quentin basketball team after several seasons as a player.
The 2010 San Quentin Warriors Basketball team is off to what could be its most promising season in the Prison Sports Ministry Program’s history. This taller and more-talented lineup than previously seen is off to the best start in several years.
Featuring the most entertaining basketball ever played at San Quentin, the Warriors face the highest level of competition seen in their history.
This team is the best all-around team in my eight seasons with the program, with an impressive record of nine wins and two losses, while averaging 95.7 points per game.
The front line features its own version of the “Big Three.” At power forward is Anane “Naa-Nee” aka “The Big Fella/You are not a guard” Lewis, standing 6-foot-8, averaging 23.0 ppg and 18.9 rpg.
At small forward is R. “Mujahid” aka “Smooth Stroke/They can’t guard you on the low block” aka Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside Munns at 6-foot-7, averaging 19.8 ppg and 9.7 rpg.
Center is Daniel “Big Bear” aka “The Big Hurt”/“That’s a basketball not a Salmon” Wright at 6-foot-6, averaging 15.4 ppg and 12.1 rpg.
Flanking the Big Three is a tenacious defender in Matthew “Always in Attack Mode” aka “Make a layup please” Carnegie, averaging 15.7 ppg, 9.0 rpg, and 5.4 steals per game, along with the veteran play at point guard of Mike “Y’all should have seen me back in the day” aka “The Matador” Ware averaging 8.2 ppg and 5.0 apg.
The Warriors reserve corps are what Coach Lamb calls his young guns; they play an exciting up-tempo and fast-paced style of basketball. This supportive cast of men, with its high energy, is crowd pleasers; everyone wants to see them make the most of their opportunities.
They include Delvone “Chic” aka “Air Yicken” Winfrey, averaging 7.6 ppg and 7.9 rpg. Bobby “Bri” aka “It’s not as easy as it looks” Jones averaging 9.1 ppg and 2.4 rpg; and is being challenged by Byron “Buddy” aka “Two the hard way” Cheeves averaging 6.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg, for the most improved player since the season opener.
There is also Jermaine “Keeley” aka “Slippery fingers” aka “My bad” aka “They’re going the other way” Hall averaging 6.2 ppg and 6.0 T.O’spg.
Last, but not least is James “Big Baby-Baby!” aka “Strike the pose” Bennett averaging 1.8 ppg and 1.0 rpg. He doesn’t score much, but when he does, he manages to make it look pretty. He also displays the right attitude whether; in the game or on the sideline and as a result will receive more opportunities to impact the team’s success.
This program is spiritually based, with participation, funding, and support from the Bay Area Christian community along with San Quentin. This support base is comprised of one Division II team, one Division III team and three teams from Bay Area men’s and Christian Leagues.
Most responsible for the program’s successes and overcoming its challenges is General Manager Steve “Big Basket” Irwin. He with Bill E., Shaun H. Miguel R. and others give of their time and other resources in an effort to support our program and our mission to “build men.”
With the season spanning 32 weeks and our schedule only filled through the end of August, we anticipate the addition of other Bay Area small colleges and a Pro Am team or two.
