In the 2nd annual SQ All Star Basketball Tournament, Coach Spears – who goes by the name “Ski,” won the title, defeating last years champion, Coach Caesar.
Ski is a Old School Hip Hop aficionado, having an in-depth knowledge of rap and hip hop form its nascency through the late 90’s. His ability to recall the complete lyrics to songs is amazing, as well as having insights into the lives of the individuals of that era.
Ski now has a 2-0 record and sat down for a post game interview with me.
AT: Congratulations coach on getting the wins on Saturday. Did you have a game plan?
Ski: My game plan was it was an all star game. Go into it to have fun and play your roles and positions, lets just have a ball with. I had Thad “The Beast” Fleeton and Montrell “Jack That Thang Up” Vines, and we just went at it.
AT: You’ve been at The Q for a lot of games and a lot of tournaments. How did you feel about even being chosen for this particular tournament?
Ski: I was very elated. I guess all that time for the sideline for the Kings, it must’ve made the league feel good about my participation, so they got at me and I accepted.
AT: What city are from?
Ski: I’m from Oakland, Ca.
AT: How long have you been involved with sports in general?
SKI: Since I was 17, I dropped out of school and I used to go and coach at Brookfield Rec Center. We played against Allandale Rec Center, Rainbow and Arroyo Park; we played against them. I coached neighborhood legends such as Rudolpho Pitts, Jermaine Henry and Andre Lons – Keisha Coles’ cousin – these are some of the guys that I helped not to follow in my footsteps.
AT: What brought you to prison this term?
SKI: At 22, I did a murder-robbery, and the victims name is Simeon Andrades. Each day since then, during this incarceration, I have taken it as a personal goal to uplift him by changing within. I didn’t want to be the same person that committed that horrible act 24 years ago. It’ll be 25 years June 6, 2020. I want to honor Mr. Andradas, not do a disservice to his memory.
AT: That’s huge because people need to know that we’ve changed since being in here. Now, next year, you’re going to have to defend your coaching title; will you still be an member of the Prison Sports Ministry program?
SKI: Of course, as long as they’ll have me. Look, I’m not so much into the religious aspects, but the Prison Sports Ministry has helped many young men involved in the sports program, and each time they arrive? I get to mentally leave prison for awhile. I haven’t spoken to them in-depth, but I appreciate each and every time they come down that hill to be a part of our lives. Ironically, “Donnie Fabulous” (Don Smith) was on my team, so that was huge for me too.AT: Okay, lets get into some sports and rap. Name your top five all time emcees:
SKI: Scarface, Ski & The Mafia (I have to name myself in my top five!), Twenty Sack of P.O.M.E. (Product Of My Environment, from Oakland), KRS-ONE, and the God Emcee – Rakim.
AT: Name your top five all time rap albums:
SKI: By Any Means Necessary – Boogie Down Productions; The Fix – Scarface; Eric B and Rakim’s Gold CD; Strictly Business – EPMD; Pay Ya Dues – W.C. & the Madd Circle. Those are albums I can start and just let them play all the way through, no skipping tracks.
AT: Name your all time all star NBA Basketball team:
SKI: PG: Stockton; SG: Jordan; SF: LeBron; PF: Duncan; C: Chamberlain. Off the bench: Zeke, Scott ,Bird, Rodman, Mutumbo. Magic and Payton.
AT: You get the closing statement for this interview. I appreciate you sitting with me to let the people know about you.
SKI: I love the basketball program and I cant wait to see whose coming for me next season! Next!
—Aaron Taylor