Last weekend at the Rego Park tournament I got the chance to talk to one time division 1 scoring leader Charles Jones. CJ was:

CJ was the man at LIU during that time and the whole time he was doing his thing the Game Over Logo was on his back.  When C Jones started to praise the teachings of Ray Haskins it reminded me of when legendary Coach Ray Haskins gave a small  minority company named Game Over a chance to be a part of the big time.  When blessed with a great opportunity in his life, Coach Haskins still thought of the struggle of others.  Fighting for our place in this harsh jungle called the Apparel industry, where the sharks make Jaws look like Nemo.

I'll never forget how nervous I was heading into the Coach's office that day.  Game Over had never done an order like this before so I had to sound like I knew what I was doing.  Little did I know this man had already made up his mind he was going to give me a shot.

Coach Haskins did what he could do to give us our first big break, he ordered and PAID for an entire set of uniforms for the LIU Blackbirds.  The order included warm-ups, bags, home and away uniforms and tee shirts.  I don't know how we did it but we got the order done.  Night after night my partner, friends and family watched, both on local and national TV as CJ and Coach Ray shocked the basketball world.  Imagine, little LIU was on it's way to the NCAA tournament.  I capitalized the word paid  in this story for a reason.  Coach Haskins took a lot of heat for going with this little unknown company, while the bigger companies where offering to give LIU their uniforms (No Charge).  Coach Haskins chose this  time to demonstrate what he stood for then and always . . . everyone needs a break.

Rumor has it that Coach Haskins lost his job in part due to his actions.  I've heard all kinds of lies about this situation.  Well ten years later here is the truth: Ray Haskins somehow knew how tough this business was going to be for us and decided to give us a break . . . that's it, sorry,  no car chases, no secret meetings, no suitcase full of money.  To all you crabs that couldn't  see the bigger picture, stay in your buckets and tug at each other, because people like Coach Haskins are on a level your claws can't reach.  Game Over

Coming soon: Watch the interview of Ray Haskins and Charles Jones the week of Oct 1, 2008 here at Urban Legends at gameovernyc.com

Whats Up Game Over

I just wanted to know, what's up with the Roosevelt LI (Centennial Park Urband Legends ) . . . U are talking about people like Dr. J, Satch Brawley, Ank ka dank, Warren woo, Fly Holt, Smooth Hammonds , . .. Give us some luv!!!             -    Peace Big Lew

The best guard to come up in Bridgeport, Ct and you can ask around is Davis (Wizard) Brown.  He played from('81-'85) at Warren Harding High School 5'8.  Long story short Harding was playing in Hartford, Ct Christmas Tournament with Georgetown playing the next game and NBA Legend Patrick Ewing telling coach John Thompson to get him for next year.

I once asked Wilt Chamberlain who was the best shooter he ever saw.  He said," Have you ever heard of Hal "King" Lear from Temple University?  He formed an all southpaw (left-handed) lineup with Guy Rodgers.

http://owlsports.cstv.com/sports/c-hallfame/mtt/lear_hal00.html

- Dan the Man, LA

Former Long Beach Poly High School (home to Snoop Doggy Dog) playa and Veronica Mars co-star Percy Daggs III has carried his basketball skillz to the NBAE pro level and made NBAE Rookie-of-the-year !  (Click here for photos)

J-Boogie previously gave you the 411 on top comp at local L.A. parks.  Talk about "Street Cred". . . The Oakwood Rec Center is so tough . . . it's the gangbangers who decides who plays!   The Oakwood Rec Center is where J-Boogie's HOOPTAINERS strut their stuff !

Oakwood recreation center 19 arrested in Venice gang sweep .  On some occasions, the basketball court saw more drug deals than free throws.

- Dan the Man

Check out ABA star William "Bird" Averitt against David "Skywalker" Thompson.  Bird is #14 in the photos. Click here to view website.

- Dan the Man

Here is an article I wrote on J-Boogie Brantley for a popular Mixed Martial Art magazine (Elite Fighter Magazine). 

With my compliments - I am as always, Dan the Man

Another player worth mentioning is William "Bird" Averitt, former Pepperdine University & Kentucky Colonel great.  He beat out Raymond Lewis for the nations leading scoring average circa 1972-73 season.  Scored 50 points against U.C.L.A. frosh team which included Bill Walton and Keith Wilkes.  He later was a key player on the ABA Kentucky Colonel champions with Artis Gilmore.

(Click here for photos)

One player worth mentioning is Nate Cebrun (former Nebraska, Los Angeles City College, and Harlem Clowns player in the middle 60's). He was a carbon copy of Dave Bing former Detroit Piston great.  Approx 6'2" and would hit nothing but net while falling out-of-bounds, just a flick of the wrist!  Averaged over 30 points a game in J.C. while being double-teamed.  Scored 50 twice against U.C.L.A. frosh team going against Mike Warren (Cash Warren's Dad as in Jessica Alba).  Got wounded in Nam but still was able to play some with Harlem Clowns.  But hip wound slowed him down.  Heard he became involved in the Sports Agent business.  Fantastic shooter and excellent jumper too !

- Dan the Man, Los Angeles CA

Just got the 411 from Jay "Real Game" Boogie on some of the  top courts for comp in L.A.

Oakwood Rec Center Gym in Venice Beach where such notables as Baron Davis, Jelly Bean Bryant.  Filming is also done there such as Ball Don't Lie featuring the Professor, Ludacris, Jay Boogie, and Nick Cannon.  Pan Pacific Rec Center, Baldwin Hill Rec Center, Westwood Rec Center, Washington Park-South L.A. gym.  And by the way, check out Jay talking on the changes in the game of bball.  http://www.wsbchoops.com/home.html

Regards, Dan the Man