Posted on July 23, 2009 by skoob1911
And the winner of the first Ball St. Journal Handles Tournament…Allen Iverson. 
Iverson won by a much slimmer margin than Jason Williams’ victory over Crossover King, Tim Hardaway. Iverson was the favorite going into the draft, in my opinion, but I thought he was all but gauranteed to face Tim Hardaway in the Finals. The Answer has been embarassing players throughout his career with his scoring ability, standing at a generous 6 feet. However, it was his ridiculous handle that was A.I.’s claim to fame. Iverson played the game with no fear, and still does. It was that fearlessness that Iverson was able to welcome the challenge of the games greatest player, Michael Jordan. Iverson made Jordan fan for the ball like he was trying to catch a fly with his bare hands. But, the key to a truly embarassing crossover, hitting the shot AFTER the mix-up, which A.I. did. That play alone cemented Iverson’s legacy, as the man who mixed up, Michael Jordan.
This was totally up to the fan vote, from the participants, to the winners. It’s still difficult to imagine Jason Williams beating both Skip To My Lou, and Tim Hardaway. Don’t get me wrong, Williams was a beast in his day, but to say he had a better handle than Rafer Alston, I dont think so at all. But the argument that was brought up the most, how Williams brought the street to the NBA, while Skip didn’t really show the flashes behind his nickname. Kenny Anderson was a toss-up, because a lot of people werent familiar with him, but at the same time, Steve Francis was a tough match-up for him. But, had it been me choosing, Hardaway would have taken on Allen Iverson in the Finals. Who would have won…no idea, both players will go down as Crossover Legends, if not more.
Who should have been in the Final Four? Who should have won? Who wasn’t in the competition that should have been?
A couple players that are pretty nasty in their own rights, but didn’t make the cut…Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Dwayne Wade, & Kobe Bryant.
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Posted on July 22, 2009 by skoob1911
Ok I have to admit now…When I first started this tournament, it was strictly through the vote of the fan. From the players that were placed into the tournament, to the outcome of the battles. I never thought I’d be saying this, but Jason Williams has done it again, knocking off the God Father of the Crossover, Tim Hardaway. But not only did Williams upset Hardaway, but it wasn’t even close! Williams won by more than 20+ votes. Williams got the most votes out of any player thus far in the tournament. However, Williams has moved into the Finals to take on, none other than, “The Answer,” Allen Iverson. At this point, I can’t put anything past Williams, but to defeat Allen Iverson, to become the Ball St. Journal’s First Ever, Cross-Over King! Let the Championship, Begin!
Tale Of The Tape
Allen Iverson "The Answer" 6 Ft. 180lbs Hampton, VA Georgetown University 13 Year NBA Vet Claim To Fame : Putting Michael Jordan On Skates As A Rookie
Jason Williams "White Chocolate" 6 ft. 1 inch 190lbs Belle, West Virginia University of Florida 10 Year NBA Vet Claim To Fame : Making the Sacremento Kings an entertaining team, and leaving Gary Payton frozen in awe
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Posted on July 21, 2009 by skoob1911
And the first half of the Final Four has been completed, with A.I. running away with this one. This now makes back to back match-ups for Iverson, that resulted in an overwhelming victory for him. Now A.I. gets to sit comfortably in the finals and await his fellow challenger. Tim Hardaway will take on the upset man himself, Jason Williams, in the 2nd and final match-up in the Final Four. Both of these players have devastating handles, but two totally different styles. Hardaway was the smooth, and much more controlled style of play, while Williams was the NBA’s version of the And One Mixtape. And speaking of the And One Mixtape, Williams knocked off the King of Streetball, in Skip To My Lou, in a very controversial victory. It’s a wonder as to whether or not Williams has another upset in him, let’s find out…
Tale Of The Tape
Tim Hardaway "The Utep, 2-Step" 6 ft. 175lbs Chicago, IL University of Texas at El-Paso 12 Year NBA Career Claim To Fame : Had one of the first ever "Killer Crossover," moves in the league
Jason Williams "White Chocolate" 6 ft. 1 inch 190lbs Belle, West Virginia University of Florida 10 Year NBA Vet Claim To Fame : Making the Sacremento Kings an entertaining team, and leaving Gary Payton frozen in awe
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Posted on July 20, 2009 by skoob1911
The Final Four is now in place, after Stevie Franchise was able to knock off the underrated vet Kenny Anderson. The prize for the Franchise, The Answer, Allen Iverson. Two of the most dynamic combo guards the NBA has ever seen, one of course saw his talent vanish like a cheap David Blaine trick, and the other hadn’t seen a dip in skill, until Detroit put him in an unfamiliar situation. Regardless of their career paths, the fact remains, neither of these two players could be guarded one-on-one in their primes. Francis was the more explosive finisher, while A.I. could light you up from anywhere on the court, both, embarassing their opponents throughout the game. The first of 2 Final Four matchups, A.I. vs. Francis…
Tale Of The Tape
Allen Iverson "The Answer" 6 Ft. 180lbs Hampton, VA Georgetown University 13 Year NBA Vet Claim To Fame : Putting Michael Jordan On Skates As A Rookie
Steve Francis "The Franchise" 6 ft. 3 inches 210lbs Takoma Park, MD University of Maryland 9 Year NBA Vet Claim To Fame : The owner of an explosive first step, and an equally explosive finisher at the rim
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Posted on July 17, 2009 by skoob1911
In a hard fought battle, Tim Hardaway gets the victory over Baron Davis. This was a battle that went back and forth all day, with both lead changes, and ties. Hardaway is considered one of the founding fathers of the, Crossover move, so it was almost inevitable that he’d get the W. But, Baron was a much greater foe than some had anticipated. Up next to close out the first round, we have Steve Francis, “The Franchise,” taking on Kenny Anderson, “Lethal Weapon.” Anderson was always one of the league’s most underrated players, while Francis has always been found in your local top plays countdown. Either way, both PG’s were excellent floor generals, but only one can move on…
Tale Of The Tape
Kenny Anderson "The Lethal Weapon" 6 ft. 1 inch 168lbs Queens, NY Georgia Tech University 14 Year NBA Career Claim To Fame : One of New York City's Finest PG's, and also a decendent of the Playground
Steve Francis "The Franchise" 6 ft. 3 inches 210lbs Takoma Park, MD University of Maryland 9 Year NBA Vet Claim To Fame : The owner of an explosive first step, and an equally explosive finisher at the rim
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Posted on July 16, 2009 by skoob1911
The second matchup in the 2009 Ball St. Journal Handlez Tournament provides the first upset, with #7 Seed Jason Williams knocking off Rucker Parks Finest, Rafer Alston. J-Will was definately not afraid to let the playground come to the league, while a few people felt Skip didn’t really attempt to let his natural abilities take over. The third matchup in the first round is should be a nice battle. Tim Hardaway aka “The Utep Two-Step,” versus Baron Davis aka “B-Diddy.” The unique thing about Baron Davis is that, even though he’s on this crossover list, along with Steve Francis, they could find themselves in the Dunk Tournament as well. Both have crazy handles, and are both former Golden State Warriors, so let’s get it…
Tale Of The Tape
Tim Hardaway "The Utep, 2-Step" 6 ft. 175lbs Chicago, IL University of Texas at El-Paso 12 Year NBA Career Claim To Fame : Had one of the first ever "Killer Crossover," moves in the league
Baron Davis "B-Diddy" 6 ft. 3 inches 225lbs Los Angeles, CA University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) 10 Year NBA Vet Claim To Fame : One of the few PG's with the ability to make multiple posters out of you, within the same move
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Posted on July 15, 2009 by skoob1911
The first matchup of the Ball St. Journal’s Handlez Tournament goes to Allen Iverson, defeating God Shammgod by a significant margain. Shammgod, a NY legend, was fighting an uphill battle, taking on possibly the games best crossover dribbler in history. In the 2nd matchup of round one, we see Rafer Alston, aka “Skip To My Lou,” taking on, “White Chocolate,” Jason Williams. Williams came out of virtually nowhere, and took the league by storm with his playground abilities. But, the playground can’t be mentioned, without directly following up, with a mention of Skip To My Lou. This should be a good battle…let’s go!
Tale Of The Tape
Rafer Alston "Skip To My Lou" 6 ft. 2 inches 175lbs Queens, NY Fresno State University 10 Year NBA Vet and NYC Playground Legend Claim To Fame : Making the And One Mixtape The Mecca Of Streetball Documentaries
Jason Williams "White Chocolate" 6 ft. 1 inch 190lbs Belle, West Virginia University of Florida 10 Year NBA Vet Claim To Fame : Making the Sacremento Kings an entertaining team, and leaving Gary Payton frozen in awe.
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Posted on July 14, 2009 by skoob1911
Often when a player is seen as a, “Baller,” it usually could be associated with their shooting ability, above the rim game, and most of all, the ability to handle the basketball. A perfectionist at this, is known as a player with, “Handlez.” There are many players that have both, made it to the NBA, and those that have been street legends. Handlez are often recognized on the street, long before the grand stage can witness a player’s greatness. The Ball St. Journal is going to attempt to put the top 8 in a tournament, to see who exactly, would own the most ankles when all is said and done. It was hard to pick the players to represent in this tournament, but it was selected by you, the readers.
In Round One, we’ll see Allen Iverson, take on the man who’s legend couldn’t be fully realized in the NBA, God Shammgod.
Tale Of The Tape
Allen Iverson "The Answer" 6 Ft. 180lbs Hampton, VA Georgetown University 13 Year NBA Vet Claim To Fame : Putting Michael Jordan On Skates As A Rookie
Shammgod "Shammgod Wells" 6 Ft. 169lbs New York, NY Providence University NYC Streetball Legend Claim To Fame : One of the best to come thru N.Y.C. Playgrounds
Filed under: Smack Talk 101 - Hoops | 3 Comments »
There is absolutely no reason to further wound this man. Vick had something taken away from him, that was his means to life, as well as those he supports. Going through all he’s had to endure over the last two years, I’m sure that the lesson has been learned. There have been numerous coaches, and/or respectable figures, that have come to Vick’s aid. Tony Dungy, a highly respected man, as well as very storied NFL Coach, has come to the aid of Michael Vick. Dungy, a man know for his strong faith, and guidance, has taken a mentoring role for Vick. Having an influence like Dungy, there’s is no doubt that Vick will be a changed man, and a man that will value all things that are to come his way. 
