I was compelled to write this blog post after watching tv in my apartment and scanning across an Essence magazine cover. The cover said something to the effect of "What makes black men happy, (and unfaithful)? As I thought about this question a plethora of feelings both negative and positive rolled through my core. This question is, without a doubt, one of the most complicated and simple questions I have ever come across being both complex in tone and difficult in its undertones. What makes a black man happy?
I would love to start by saying the things that makes others happy is what makes a black man happy. I would indulge anyone to try and debate whether or not color and sex plays a major part in the question. I would love to sit here and say that we are all the same in what we shoot to attain, but I would be lying. The fact of the matter is that as a black man I, with unequivocal certainty, strive for something different than most others. I fall under an umbrella of judgement that most people would crumble under. An immense amount of pressure that has me shedding tears as I type this very post. Most would not understand the enormous burden that we as black men carry on our shoulders. The pressure to be a man in a world where we have little example or understanding of the concept of what a real man is. The travesty of knowing that you never knew how to tie and tie or ride a bike because few men were willing to take on the task of raising a young black child.
So what do we do? We push on, we press on, we go on and we move on. Why don't black men cry often? Because our tears since childhood have went unnoticed and our feelings so unguarded that our wet cheeks bring no change. Why are black men so angry? For the same reason that anyone else gets angry when constantly looked upon as inferior, stared at in disgust, and judged undeservingly.
The black men you see on television shows like "First 48" or "Cops" do not represent us as a whole, it is part of the world we live in. It is a source of entertainment and a reason to fear something that few understand or even want to.
So what would make this black man happy? Good health, security in both family and faith. The right to be myself in any venue and not feel as if I have to change to "fit in". To live comfortably, not debt free but with mobility as to truly enjoy life. To not be stereotyped or looked down upon because a fear that has been a staple in American culture. And last but not least to find true happiness and peace knowing that my pains and tears will afford my children to have a better life than I did. I can't speak for all black men but I'm sure that most would agree.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
A Magical Moment
If you were on Michigan State University's campus saturday night you may want to stay away from aluminum. The night game pitted the Spartans against rival Notre Dame in a primetime showdown that can be summed up in one word.
Electric.
The script couldn't have been written any better for Spartan football fans saturday night. To understand the magic of that night we must first put the Spartans history into perspective.
The Spartans aren't suppose to win games like the one that took place saturday. History has been a cruel reminder proving time and time again that the Spartans were inconsistent and unable to close out games. Since 2006 the team has played in 22 games decided by 7 points or less, only able to squeeze out seven wins.
Even when the Spartans appeared to be a better team on paper they couldn't hold off their opponent long enough to seal the game.
It was no surprise that the Spartans allowed Notre Dame's passing attack to coast through the air. The Fighting Irish air offense assaulted the Spartan defense for most of the game and by the end of the night had totaled 369 yards. This all in spite of the fact that it seemed to be a typical mid-september Michigan day.
However, this day was different.
All signs pointed to magic in the air and an aura of confidence hung over Spartan Stadium. The Spartans went into the game hailing the nations 11th best run defense. The rain that drizzled throughout the night gave the Spartans an unforeseeable edge.
Grit.
The grit and grind that has become the personality of Big Ten schools. The mindset that head Coach Mark Dantonio has tried to instill in his players since he arrived in East Lansing. The toughness and fortitude that makes it tough for Big Ten schools to schedule non-confernece teams willing to play in the rugged terrain of the east coast.
The grit that the Spartans found was evident through out the game. The Spartans knew that even if the Fighting Irish passed all day long the Spartan offense could counter that and shorten the game by running the ball.
The Irish struck first marching down the field capping the drive with a 7-yard pass from QB Dayne Crist to once Heisman hopeful WR Michael Floyd.
The Spartans then matched the Irish's drive with one of their own. Trotting down the field in Spartan fashion as they have done all season using the running game to open up the passing game. Spartan QB Kirk Cousins ended the drive with a 6-yard TD pass to WR Keyshawn Martin.
The Spartans and Irish had set the table for a duel and by the end of the 4th quarter the two teams were knotted up 28 all.
Here' s where the magic, grit and history all came together to showcase one of the most epic endings in the history of the Spartan-Irish rivalry.
The Irish received the ball first in overtime and tried to continue the passing attack that had been so successful the first 4 quarters. However, the Irish were only able to pick up 9 yards and were forced to attempt the go ahead field goal to put them up by 3.
Now it was the Spartans turn. They had to score on this drive or the game was over. A touchdown would win the game. RB Edwin Baker's number was called and the Irish defense held strong and dropped Baker in the backfield for a 2-yard loss.
On 2nd and 12 Cousins scampered for a 7 yard rush making it 3rd and 5.
It seemed like it was now or never for the Spartans. The years of history was either going to continue to haunt the Spartan program or a change would be started at that point.
Cousins received the snap backed up and was sacked for a 9 yard loss.
An erie silence crept over the once jubilant Spartan crowd as if the future of a football program hung on the next play.
The kick to tie would now be a 43-yarder for Spartan sophomore kicker Dan Conroy.
The crowd was silent as the Spartans lined up to attempt the game tying field goal. And what happened next was truly magical.
The former high school quarterback from Concord, Ohio and now punter for the Spartans Aaron Bates grabbed the snap stood up and back peddled several yards before heaving the ball up to wide open TE Charlie Gantt for the-26 yard game winning touchdown.
Spartan stadium erupted in cheers.
Fighting Irish Coach Brian Kelly smiled awkwardly.
Students on campus came out their apartments and dorms to share the moment with strangers who they may never connect with again. Uniting all in a dreamlike fancy.
The moment was truly magical.
A.E. Kikes
Electric.
The script couldn't have been written any better for Spartan football fans saturday night. To understand the magic of that night we must first put the Spartans history into perspective.
The Spartans aren't suppose to win games like the one that took place saturday. History has been a cruel reminder proving time and time again that the Spartans were inconsistent and unable to close out games. Since 2006 the team has played in 22 games decided by 7 points or less, only able to squeeze out seven wins.
Even when the Spartans appeared to be a better team on paper they couldn't hold off their opponent long enough to seal the game.
It was no surprise that the Spartans allowed Notre Dame's passing attack to coast through the air. The Fighting Irish air offense assaulted the Spartan defense for most of the game and by the end of the night had totaled 369 yards. This all in spite of the fact that it seemed to be a typical mid-september Michigan day.
However, this day was different.
All signs pointed to magic in the air and an aura of confidence hung over Spartan Stadium. The Spartans went into the game hailing the nations 11th best run defense. The rain that drizzled throughout the night gave the Spartans an unforeseeable edge.
Grit.
The grit and grind that has become the personality of Big Ten schools. The mindset that head Coach Mark Dantonio has tried to instill in his players since he arrived in East Lansing. The toughness and fortitude that makes it tough for Big Ten schools to schedule non-confernece teams willing to play in the rugged terrain of the east coast.
The grit that the Spartans found was evident through out the game. The Spartans knew that even if the Fighting Irish passed all day long the Spartan offense could counter that and shorten the game by running the ball.
The Irish struck first marching down the field capping the drive with a 7-yard pass from QB Dayne Crist to once Heisman hopeful WR Michael Floyd.
The Spartans then matched the Irish's drive with one of their own. Trotting down the field in Spartan fashion as they have done all season using the running game to open up the passing game. Spartan QB Kirk Cousins ended the drive with a 6-yard TD pass to WR Keyshawn Martin.
The Spartans and Irish had set the table for a duel and by the end of the 4th quarter the two teams were knotted up 28 all.
Here' s where the magic, grit and history all came together to showcase one of the most epic endings in the history of the Spartan-Irish rivalry.
The Irish received the ball first in overtime and tried to continue the passing attack that had been so successful the first 4 quarters. However, the Irish were only able to pick up 9 yards and were forced to attempt the go ahead field goal to put them up by 3.
Now it was the Spartans turn. They had to score on this drive or the game was over. A touchdown would win the game. RB Edwin Baker's number was called and the Irish defense held strong and dropped Baker in the backfield for a 2-yard loss.
On 2nd and 12 Cousins scampered for a 7 yard rush making it 3rd and 5.
It seemed like it was now or never for the Spartans. The years of history was either going to continue to haunt the Spartan program or a change would be started at that point.
Cousins received the snap backed up and was sacked for a 9 yard loss.
An erie silence crept over the once jubilant Spartan crowd as if the future of a football program hung on the next play.
The kick to tie would now be a 43-yarder for Spartan sophomore kicker Dan Conroy.
The crowd was silent as the Spartans lined up to attempt the game tying field goal. And what happened next was truly magical.
The former high school quarterback from Concord, Ohio and now punter for the Spartans Aaron Bates grabbed the snap stood up and back peddled several yards before heaving the ball up to wide open TE Charlie Gantt for the-26 yard game winning touchdown.
Spartan stadium erupted in cheers.
Fighting Irish Coach Brian Kelly smiled awkwardly.
Students on campus came out their apartments and dorms to share the moment with strangers who they may never connect with again. Uniting all in a dreamlike fancy.
The moment was truly magical.
A.E. Kikes
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Adrian Kikes Bio "More than a Game".
Adrian Kikes also known as A.E. is a 5th year senior, journalism major, at Big Ten's Michigan State University. With a specialty in college football he feels that sports are more than just a game. He realized early on that sports, in fact, are a major part of human connectivity and has always bridged the gap between race, gender, and economic status when it comes to social issues.
He would like to one day become the host of his own sports radio show and eventually break into the competitive field of coaching. He also covers high school and professional football.
Feel free to listen to A.E debate live via Spartan Sports Source round table sports conversations and remember, "A sport is more than just a game, it is a vehicle that allows us to become selfless individuals cheering for the success of those we know little about, making us all better people"
--A.E. Kikes
He would like to one day become the host of his own sports radio show and eventually break into the competitive field of coaching. He also covers high school and professional football.
Feel free to listen to A.E debate live via Spartan Sports Source round table sports conversations and remember, "A sport is more than just a game, it is a vehicle that allows us to become selfless individuals cheering for the success of those we know little about, making us all better people"
--A.E. Kikes
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Objectivity No Longer a Priority in the Media
It's a travesty and a blatant gorge of the freedom of speech right in the constitution. Along with newspapers another of America's past times is being demolished and deemed virtually ineffectual, objectivity in reporting the news.
Fox News Corporation is a prime example of the growing media sources that no longer practices what is preached in top journalism universities around the nation, unbiased, impartial, and neutral reporting. I for one am both disgusted and saddened by this dissipation of an American ideal that has in part created a place for Americans to know what's going on in the world without political agenda's interfering.
Fox News has created hateful ideology and displayed unpatriotic views in their stance on President Barack Obama's agenda for change time and time again. It is not Obama's policies or agenda that they so forcefully feel the need to attack, but what Obama represents. In part many feel that the station attacks Obama because he is an African American man who showcases both signs of intelligence and steadfast perseverance that has rarely been seen on a the grand stage of American Politics.
Many on Fox News have viciously attacked a president who not only inherited a country in upwards of a trillion dollar deficit, but a country that was forced into a war by, what many have concluded, the worst president in American history. The attacks on Obama have come on his character in a time that only fits the unpatriotic. Many who did not agree with George Bush's political decisions supported him because when he succeeds we all succeed.
Obama has the support of many but those who attack him seem to be on a never ending personal vendetta that came long before Obama stepped foot in office. The constitution affords everyone the right to freedom of speech, but for the individuals who use this as an excuse to demolish the long standing ideals of American reporting is unconscionable.
Some that have been interviewed on both Fox News and other outlets admit that they want Obama to fail, in retrospect wanting America to fail in order to prove a point that if validated isn't worth proving at all. Rush Limbaugh is one that has a general hatred for President Obama and a personal grudge that is both dangerous and repulsive. To know that you have children living in a country that you want to fail because of a childish feud is sordid.
To many Obama will never do anything right, because what he stands for they wish to silence. They, like far too many, have no digity or selflessness to realize that even though you may not agree with the president that the interest of the country is what's most important. Those few are in the minority, but must still be addressed.
Fox News isn't the only station that has decimated the ideal of objectivity. Many left wing rooted stations have also added to the destruction. It is ridiculous that a citizen can no longer enjoy the comforts of watching the dire issues of the world without being bombarded with the opinion of unfair reporters.
I for one am afraid of the future that these reporters are creating. It is people like Limbaugh, the true terrorist, who attack the fortified growth of a nation. The hateful bigotry is only a display of a self-loathing that can only be ailed with self-mediation and self-realization. The realization that hate only leads to a rupture of the foundation of a country that trendsetters like Obama affords us all.
One-hundred percent objectivity can never be achieved because we are human, but the pursuit to achieve it is what creates the maturation of model reporting. Peter Jennings would 'roll over in his grave' if he could see what American reporting has come to.
- -Blogger A.E. Kikes
Fox News Corporation is a prime example of the growing media sources that no longer practices what is preached in top journalism universities around the nation, unbiased, impartial, and neutral reporting. I for one am both disgusted and saddened by this dissipation of an American ideal that has in part created a place for Americans to know what's going on in the world without political agenda's interfering.
Fox News has created hateful ideology and displayed unpatriotic views in their stance on President Barack Obama's agenda for change time and time again. It is not Obama's policies or agenda that they so forcefully feel the need to attack, but what Obama represents. In part many feel that the station attacks Obama because he is an African American man who showcases both signs of intelligence and steadfast perseverance that has rarely been seen on a the grand stage of American Politics.
Many on Fox News have viciously attacked a president who not only inherited a country in upwards of a trillion dollar deficit, but a country that was forced into a war by, what many have concluded, the worst president in American history. The attacks on Obama have come on his character in a time that only fits the unpatriotic. Many who did not agree with George Bush's political decisions supported him because when he succeeds we all succeed.
Obama has the support of many but those who attack him seem to be on a never ending personal vendetta that came long before Obama stepped foot in office. The constitution affords everyone the right to freedom of speech, but for the individuals who use this as an excuse to demolish the long standing ideals of American reporting is unconscionable.
Some that have been interviewed on both Fox News and other outlets admit that they want Obama to fail, in retrospect wanting America to fail in order to prove a point that if validated isn't worth proving at all. Rush Limbaugh is one that has a general hatred for President Obama and a personal grudge that is both dangerous and repulsive. To know that you have children living in a country that you want to fail because of a childish feud is sordid.
To many Obama will never do anything right, because what he stands for they wish to silence. They, like far too many, have no digity or selflessness to realize that even though you may not agree with the president that the interest of the country is what's most important. Those few are in the minority, but must still be addressed.
Fox News isn't the only station that has decimated the ideal of objectivity. Many left wing rooted stations have also added to the destruction. It is ridiculous that a citizen can no longer enjoy the comforts of watching the dire issues of the world without being bombarded with the opinion of unfair reporters.
I for one am afraid of the future that these reporters are creating. It is people like Limbaugh, the true terrorist, who attack the fortified growth of a nation. The hateful bigotry is only a display of a self-loathing that can only be ailed with self-mediation and self-realization. The realization that hate only leads to a rupture of the foundation of a country that trendsetters like Obama affords us all.
One-hundred percent objectivity can never be achieved because we are human, but the pursuit to achieve it is what creates the maturation of model reporting. Peter Jennings would 'roll over in his grave' if he could see what American reporting has come to.
- -Blogger A.E. Kikes
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Bill Maher slams President Obama
"We like you, we really like you! You're skinny, in a hurry, and in love with a nice lady--but so is Lindsay Lohan."
This isn't a joke from your typical everyday stand up comedian, the joke aimed at President Obama, came from the mouth of claimed Obama supporter and late night talk show host Bill Maher.
Bill Maher recently bashed Obama on his show for apparently being, "Too big of a celebrity," and claimed that Obama is more concerned with being loved by everyone instead of following through with his presidential promises.
Maher's comments carries weight with people who already believed in the propaganda of Senator John McCain, when in one of his campaign commercials said that Obama was, "the biggest celebrity in the world."
No president in recent history has been seen more in the media than President Obama, but many disagree with the negativity that some are branding along with the heavy exposure and notoriety, and notice that Obama has remained the same person as before the election, unlike many past presidents.
Bill Maher says that he still likes President Obama, but that he needs to drop the "Audacity of hope" party line and substitute it with actually getting things accomplished that he spoke of in his pre-presidential campaign.
AJ Hammer, of CNN's "Showbiz Tonight," puts the story in perspective saying, "As opposed to our last President the public has this genuine interest in Barack Obama almost as a celebrity, they want to know everything about what's going on in his life and that is why the media sort of feeds into that, and that is why some things that may not have been photo-ops in the past are now photo-ops."
Maher also criticizes Obama saying, "You don't have to be on television every minute of everyday, you're the president not a re-run of "Law and Order," but Hammer brings up a good point in that it is not by choice that Obama is hounded by the media.
Some attribute the recent lash out on Obama to the rumor that Obama turned down an opportunity to appear on Maher's late night show.
By lashing out at Obama Maher is doing nothing but feeding into the media frenzy that has so far encapsulated Obama's presidency. Instead of constantly criticizing the president Maher might want to sit down, in his comfortable studio chair, just long enough to allow Obama to create the change that he promised before his "celebrity" days.
-A.E. Kikes
This isn't a joke from your typical everyday stand up comedian, the joke aimed at President Obama, came from the mouth of claimed Obama supporter and late night talk show host Bill Maher.
Bill Maher recently bashed Obama on his show for apparently being, "Too big of a celebrity," and claimed that Obama is more concerned with being loved by everyone instead of following through with his presidential promises.
Maher's comments carries weight with people who already believed in the propaganda of Senator John McCain, when in one of his campaign commercials said that Obama was, "the biggest celebrity in the world."
No president in recent history has been seen more in the media than President Obama, but many disagree with the negativity that some are branding along with the heavy exposure and notoriety, and notice that Obama has remained the same person as before the election, unlike many past presidents.
Bill Maher says that he still likes President Obama, but that he needs to drop the "Audacity of hope" party line and substitute it with actually getting things accomplished that he spoke of in his pre-presidential campaign.
AJ Hammer, of CNN's "Showbiz Tonight," puts the story in perspective saying, "As opposed to our last President the public has this genuine interest in Barack Obama almost as a celebrity, they want to know everything about what's going on in his life and that is why the media sort of feeds into that, and that is why some things that may not have been photo-ops in the past are now photo-ops."
Maher also criticizes Obama saying, "You don't have to be on television every minute of everyday, you're the president not a re-run of "Law and Order," but Hammer brings up a good point in that it is not by choice that Obama is hounded by the media.
Some attribute the recent lash out on Obama to the rumor that Obama turned down an opportunity to appear on Maher's late night show.
By lashing out at Obama Maher is doing nothing but feeding into the media frenzy that has so far encapsulated Obama's presidency. Instead of constantly criticizing the president Maher might want to sit down, in his comfortable studio chair, just long enough to allow Obama to create the change that he promised before his "celebrity" days.
-A.E. Kikes
Monday, June 15, 2009
Nivea and Lauren London both pregnant by LiL Wayne?
Platinum selling rapper LiL Wayne's, (Dwayne Carter) hit song "Fillet Mignon" has seemingly become the epitome of his personal life. With catchy phrases as, "Well anyway I think your bionic and I don't think your beautiful I think your beyond it, " and "I will (expletive) the whole group baby I'ma groupie," its not hard to imagine that he has his fair share of flings in Hollywood.
In the midst of an alleged, soon to come, marriage to R & B artist Nivea allegations also surface that LiL Wayne not only wants to sing about doing everything in the industry but also do every girl in the industry, even those on the big screen. Rumors surfaced early June that Nivea is not the only one expecting LiL Wayne to father her child but also up and coming actress Lauren London.
Sources from starpulse.com say initially LiL Wayne and Lauren London "weren't happy" about the pregnancy but now are allegedly accepting the facts and have decided to raise the baby together but not live together. London is claimed to be 5 months pregnant with his child, according to examiner.com, and has turned down several movie projects bringing validity to the claim. So where does that leave Nivea?
Rumors have been surfacing that claim Nivea and LiL Wayne are together and will soon unite in matrimony and 'tie the knot'. If rumors are true LiL Wayne has put himself in quite a tough spot by actually living out the lyrics to his music. Nivea is rumored to be 2 months pregnant.
If the claims are correct LiL Wayne will double his child count bringing his Carter clan count to 4.
According to 24hourhiphop.com London was furious when she heard of the news concerning LiL Wayne and Nivea and is "assembling a legal team" to make things difficult for LiL Wayne. Claims have also been made that LiL Wayne wants nothing to do on an intimate level with London.
So it seems that LiL Wayne is coming evermore close to his goal of, "(expletive-ing) every girl in the world," but he may not want to get too "comfortable" with this behavior because he could lose a few "milli" in the process.
-A.E. Kikes
In the midst of an alleged, soon to come, marriage to R & B artist Nivea allegations also surface that LiL Wayne not only wants to sing about doing everything in the industry but also do every girl in the industry, even those on the big screen. Rumors surfaced early June that Nivea is not the only one expecting LiL Wayne to father her child but also up and coming actress Lauren London.
Sources from starpulse.com say initially LiL Wayne and Lauren London "weren't happy" about the pregnancy but now are allegedly accepting the facts and have decided to raise the baby together but not live together. London is claimed to be 5 months pregnant with his child, according to examiner.com, and has turned down several movie projects bringing validity to the claim. So where does that leave Nivea?
Rumors have been surfacing that claim Nivea and LiL Wayne are together and will soon unite in matrimony and 'tie the knot'. If rumors are true LiL Wayne has put himself in quite a tough spot by actually living out the lyrics to his music. Nivea is rumored to be 2 months pregnant.
If the claims are correct LiL Wayne will double his child count bringing his Carter clan count to 4.
According to 24hourhiphop.com London was furious when she heard of the news concerning LiL Wayne and Nivea and is "assembling a legal team" to make things difficult for LiL Wayne. Claims have also been made that LiL Wayne wants nothing to do on an intimate level with London.
So it seems that LiL Wayne is coming evermore close to his goal of, "(expletive-ing) every girl in the world," but he may not want to get too "comfortable" with this behavior because he could lose a few "milli" in the process.
-A.E. Kikes
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The Great Debate: Black Mamba v. King James
The debate between NBA stars Kobe Bryant and Lebron James seems to be one that sparks both controversy and excitement amongst NBA enthusiast. While Bryant is most likely on the down slope of his prime, James seems to be entering the peak of his making this debate one that has rarely been seen in the NBA. Here is my take on what many have stamped, "The Great Debate".
The argument for Bryant is led by 3 championships, a few scoring titles, an Olympic gold metal and his intensity in big moments throughout this years playoffs. Bryant is a versatile player that can play the point guard and facilitate his teams offense. He can also dominate outside the paint with his keen ability for great shot selections or take the opposing team's best defensive player completely out of his game. Bryant's alias says it all, "the black mamba," a highly venomous southern African mamba dreaded because of its quickness and readiness to bite. In this years playoff many have noticed an intensity that is not seen in many players. When Bryant sees blood he attacks and penetrates with precision and quickness that rivals an aggressive great white shark.
Bryant, however, won his 3 championships rings with a Hall of Fame coach, Phil Jackson, and arguably the best center ever, Shaquille O'Neal. For this reason many see his three championship rings as null in void arguing that he wasn't the leader on the Lakers team that 3- peated. During the 2002-2003 season though, Kobe led the Lakers in points, rebounds, and assist averaging a ridiculous 30 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 5.9 asp while O'Neal led the team in blocks. Bryant's legacy is cemented, however, without a championship this year many will leave him out of the best player ever conversation.
The argument for James is equally scary. James is a man beast in the form of a 6'8 250 pound monster at small forward. James ability to play the Forward position like an over sized guard also gives him versatility like Bryant. King James reigns supreme over the NBA as a poster child for the new era of young electrifying players. His ability to penetrate through defenses like a lion infiltrates through a heard of buffalo is what makes James so difficult to stop. James took a cast of sub par players and squeezed out 66 wins in the 2008-2009 season.
However, many believe that James continuously takes bad shots and sometimes has trouble facilitating the offense like Bryant. It seems though that Bryant was surrounded by better players throughout his career until this year and the argument for which had the better coach isn't even a whisper. James continues to elevate his game in a way that due to age is much harder for Kobe to do. So let's do a little NBA mathematics to conclude this argument: (Each will be given 1 point for a statistical win since 2003 season).
Best PPG year: Bryant- 35.4 James- 31.4 edge: Bryant
Best SPG year: Bryant- 1.84 James- 2.21 edge: James
Best APG year: Bryant- 6.0 James- 7.2 edge: James
Best BPG year: Bryant- .80 James- 1.15 edge: James
Best 3P% year: Bryant- .361 James- .351 edge: Bryant
Best FT% year: Bryant- .868 James- .780 edge: Bryant
Best RPG year: Bryant- 6.3 James- 7.9 edge: James
Best FG% year: Bryant- .467 James- .489 edge: James
Best AFG% year: Bryant-.503 James- .530 edge: James
Best PPS year: Bryant- 1.38 James- 1.43 edge: James
NBA Championships: Bryant-3 James- 0 edge: Bryant
Lebron scored 7 points overall while Kobe scored 4 but in this league championships matter. Jordan won 6, Bryant won 3 and James has won zero. Let's face it King James will need to win a championship first to even get in the conversation until then many still consider Bryant the best player in the league. As to my answer to "The Great Debate," you chose first and I'll take the leftovers.
Sports Blogger. A. E. Kikes
For more information on "The Great Debate" visit http://www.espn.go.com/nba/
The argument for Bryant is led by 3 championships, a few scoring titles, an Olympic gold metal and his intensity in big moments throughout this years playoffs. Bryant is a versatile player that can play the point guard and facilitate his teams offense. He can also dominate outside the paint with his keen ability for great shot selections or take the opposing team's best defensive player completely out of his game. Bryant's alias says it all, "the black mamba," a highly venomous southern African mamba dreaded because of its quickness and readiness to bite. In this years playoff many have noticed an intensity that is not seen in many players. When Bryant sees blood he attacks and penetrates with precision and quickness that rivals an aggressive great white shark.
Bryant, however, won his 3 championships rings with a Hall of Fame coach, Phil Jackson, and arguably the best center ever, Shaquille O'Neal. For this reason many see his three championship rings as null in void arguing that he wasn't the leader on the Lakers team that 3- peated. During the 2002-2003 season though, Kobe led the Lakers in points, rebounds, and assist averaging a ridiculous 30 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 5.9 asp while O'Neal led the team in blocks. Bryant's legacy is cemented, however, without a championship this year many will leave him out of the best player ever conversation.
The argument for James is equally scary. James is a man beast in the form of a 6'8 250 pound monster at small forward. James ability to play the Forward position like an over sized guard also gives him versatility like Bryant. King James reigns supreme over the NBA as a poster child for the new era of young electrifying players. His ability to penetrate through defenses like a lion infiltrates through a heard of buffalo is what makes James so difficult to stop. James took a cast of sub par players and squeezed out 66 wins in the 2008-2009 season.
However, many believe that James continuously takes bad shots and sometimes has trouble facilitating the offense like Bryant. It seems though that Bryant was surrounded by better players throughout his career until this year and the argument for which had the better coach isn't even a whisper. James continues to elevate his game in a way that due to age is much harder for Kobe to do. So let's do a little NBA mathematics to conclude this argument: (Each will be given 1 point for a statistical win since 2003 season).
Best PPG year: Bryant- 35.4 James- 31.4 edge: Bryant
Best SPG year: Bryant- 1.84 James- 2.21 edge: James
Best APG year: Bryant- 6.0 James- 7.2 edge: James
Best BPG year: Bryant- .80 James- 1.15 edge: James
Best 3P% year: Bryant- .361 James- .351 edge: Bryant
Best FT% year: Bryant- .868 James- .780 edge: Bryant
Best RPG year: Bryant- 6.3 James- 7.9 edge: James
Best FG% year: Bryant- .467 James- .489 edge: James
Best AFG% year: Bryant-.503 James- .530 edge: James
Best PPS year: Bryant- 1.38 James- 1.43 edge: James
NBA Championships: Bryant-3 James- 0 edge: Bryant
Lebron scored 7 points overall while Kobe scored 4 but in this league championships matter. Jordan won 6, Bryant won 3 and James has won zero. Let's face it King James will need to win a championship first to even get in the conversation until then many still consider Bryant the best player in the league. As to my answer to "The Great Debate," you chose first and I'll take the leftovers.
Sports Blogger. A. E. Kikes
For more information on "The Great Debate" visit http://www.espn.go.com/nba/
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