1 00:00:08,240 --> 00:00:11,080 Speaker 1: Just the Iron Wrap Coors Stereo podcast coming live and 2 00:00:11,200 --> 00:00:15,680 Speaker 1: direct from the Room Tomb. You never listen to the 3 00:00:15,720 --> 00:00:18,159 Speaker 1: Iron Wrap Coors Stereo podcast of Room Tomb is my 4 00:00:18,320 --> 00:00:24,239 Speaker 1: car um. So one of the one of my favorite 5 00:00:24,239 --> 00:00:29,520 Speaker 1: things about about doing this podcast is somehow or another, 6 00:00:31,320 --> 00:00:34,720 Speaker 1: people that I have loved. I don't want to say idolized, 7 00:00:34,720 --> 00:00:36,360 Speaker 1: because I don't think I've ever actually had one of 8 00:00:36,360 --> 00:00:39,600 Speaker 1: my true true idols, but people that I've admired, looked 9 00:00:39,640 --> 00:00:45,160 Speaker 1: up to followed wind up on the podcast. I've put 10 00:00:45,159 --> 00:00:47,199 Speaker 1: it out there. I've mentioned some names that we have 11 00:00:47,280 --> 00:00:51,479 Speaker 1: plenty more people that we need to get um. But 12 00:00:51,760 --> 00:00:54,360 Speaker 1: today I'm getting ready to interview one of my basketball 13 00:00:55,200 --> 00:00:59,080 Speaker 1: one of my favorite basketball players ever, certainly somebody who's overlooked, 14 00:00:59,800 --> 00:01:05,319 Speaker 1: uh um, Rod Strickland, the great, unique, one of a 15 00:01:05,400 --> 00:01:09,840 Speaker 1: kind of influential Rod Strickland, who was a New York 16 00:01:09,880 --> 00:01:13,160 Speaker 1: City legend. The first time I started hearing about him 17 00:01:13,160 --> 00:01:16,039 Speaker 1: when I was about thirteen or fourteen years old. This 18 00:01:16,120 --> 00:01:20,240 Speaker 1: is like four and then I'm pretty sure, uh it 19 00:01:20,360 --> 00:01:23,959 Speaker 1: was eighty five, eighty five, the the spring of eighty five. 20 00:01:24,000 --> 00:01:26,000 Speaker 1: The first time I saw him play was in a 21 00:01:26,120 --> 00:01:30,520 Speaker 1: game that used to be like the quintessential New York 22 00:01:30,520 --> 00:01:33,400 Speaker 1: City All Star game. It's called the Wheelchair Classic. Now 23 00:01:33,480 --> 00:01:35,600 Speaker 1: it still goes on, but if you know, there's so 24 00:01:35,640 --> 00:01:39,319 Speaker 1: many different games in high school basketball's on ESPN and 25 00:01:39,400 --> 00:01:44,240 Speaker 1: it's covered nationally and on television, and you know it's different. 26 00:01:44,480 --> 00:01:47,640 Speaker 1: But this Wheelchair Classic basketball game in New York was 27 00:01:47,960 --> 00:01:50,960 Speaker 1: sort of the the the best basketball players from the 28 00:01:51,000 --> 00:01:53,200 Speaker 1: Five Boroughs and probably I don't know the details, but 29 00:01:53,280 --> 00:01:56,800 Speaker 1: probably the Five Boroughs and maybe Long Island. And it 30 00:01:56,840 --> 00:02:01,200 Speaker 1: was definitely New York City based. Um game. It was 31 00:02:01,240 --> 00:02:03,320 Speaker 1: an All Star games, the Wheelchair Classics. So to make 32 00:02:03,360 --> 00:02:04,960 Speaker 1: it in that game, to get invited to that game 33 00:02:05,000 --> 00:02:06,880 Speaker 1: and then playing the game was a big fucking deal. 34 00:02:06,920 --> 00:02:09,720 Speaker 1: I can imagine for for all the high school basketball, 35 00:02:09,720 --> 00:02:11,880 Speaker 1: there's anybody who's anybody who came out of New York 36 00:02:11,919 --> 00:02:14,200 Speaker 1: City played in that game. So I got to see 37 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:17,160 Speaker 1: Rod Strickland in that game. I believe it was at 38 00:02:17,160 --> 00:02:21,200 Speaker 1: Columbia University, and um, you know, he was probably eighteen. 39 00:02:21,280 --> 00:02:24,480 Speaker 1: I must have been about fourteen or fifteen, and you know, 40 00:02:24,960 --> 00:02:27,040 Speaker 1: all those players, it was like it was like a 41 00:02:27,080 --> 00:02:30,359 Speaker 1: bunch of New York City players. They felt like grown men. 42 00:02:30,440 --> 00:02:33,000 Speaker 1: Because when you're fourteen, like eighteen year old looked like 43 00:02:33,520 --> 00:02:36,959 Speaker 1: grown men. They they just physically seen so much older 44 00:02:36,960 --> 00:02:39,519 Speaker 1: than you. Now, four year difference as you get older 45 00:02:39,880 --> 00:02:44,280 Speaker 1: and broken down. Uh, it doesn't mean as much. But anyway, 46 00:02:44,320 --> 00:02:46,320 Speaker 1: So I saw him playing that game, and I remember 47 00:02:46,400 --> 00:02:49,360 Speaker 1: distinctly he was at the free throw line and and 48 00:02:49,400 --> 00:02:51,600 Speaker 1: there were girls on the side and there, and I 49 00:02:51,680 --> 00:02:53,760 Speaker 1: remember this clearly, and I don't have a great memory, 50 00:02:54,080 --> 00:02:56,359 Speaker 1: but these girls said, we love you Rod, And before 51 00:02:56,400 --> 00:02:58,240 Speaker 1: he shot a free throw, he blew them a kiss. 52 00:02:58,560 --> 00:03:01,440 Speaker 1: Shot the free throw, and of course made the free throw, 53 00:03:01,480 --> 00:03:04,320 Speaker 1: because you can't blow some chicks a kiss, and then 54 00:03:04,320 --> 00:03:06,240 Speaker 1: missed the free throw. And then Rod went on to 55 00:03:06,360 --> 00:03:10,480 Speaker 1: have a great career Depol in Chicago, got drafted by 56 00:03:10,520 --> 00:03:13,240 Speaker 1: the Knicks, and Knicks already had a point guard, Mark Jackson. 57 00:03:13,320 --> 00:03:17,480 Speaker 1: He played, there was controversy between who should start, should 58 00:03:17,520 --> 00:03:19,720 Speaker 1: they play together? YadA, YadA, YadA, got traded, went on 59 00:03:19,760 --> 00:03:24,600 Speaker 1: to have a very very very very good um NBA career, 60 00:03:25,240 --> 00:03:27,519 Speaker 1: um got jerked out of a couple of All Star games. 61 00:03:27,680 --> 00:03:30,760 Speaker 1: But the thing about his his game, it was just 62 00:03:30,840 --> 00:03:34,040 Speaker 1: like he was like a player's player, just so unique, 63 00:03:34,120 --> 00:03:37,160 Speaker 1: the angles, the levels of difficulty at which he would 64 00:03:37,200 --> 00:03:40,800 Speaker 1: make shots. His style, the effortlessness. He's one of them 65 00:03:40,880 --> 00:03:43,120 Speaker 1: dudes who who I know. He played hard, but he 66 00:03:43,200 --> 00:03:45,440 Speaker 1: just never looked like he was sweating or trying hard. 67 00:03:45,440 --> 00:03:49,720 Speaker 1: It just came easy. And uh, he's you know, been 68 00:03:49,800 --> 00:03:53,480 Speaker 1: name dropped and you know a handful of hip hop songs. 69 00:03:54,160 --> 00:03:57,480 Speaker 1: Ray Kwan said his name make him jump like Rod Strickland. 70 00:03:57,720 --> 00:04:00,240 Speaker 1: He's so New York, so quintessentially New York from a 71 00:04:00,280 --> 00:04:02,280 Speaker 1: time and place that doesn't exist in New York City 72 00:04:02,280 --> 00:04:06,960 Speaker 1: basketball anymore. So, Um, I'm gonna call him up. Um. 73 00:04:06,960 --> 00:04:10,920 Speaker 1: He coached John Calipari at Memphis and at Kentucky and 74 00:04:11,200 --> 00:04:14,320 Speaker 1: now he's coaching at UM head Coaching, So we're gonna 75 00:04:14,320 --> 00:04:16,000 Speaker 1: talk to him about all that. And I'm just such 76 00:04:16,040 --> 00:04:19,320 Speaker 1: a fan and and and and I've loved him as 77 00:04:19,360 --> 00:04:20,960 Speaker 1: a player for so many years. And I remember seeing 78 00:04:21,000 --> 00:04:23,760 Speaker 1: him around here. He's so low key, So i'mna interested 79 00:04:24,080 --> 00:04:26,679 Speaker 1: interested to see how he deals with me and my 80 00:04:26,680 --> 00:04:29,960 Speaker 1: my excitement and and and bugging out and fanning out 81 00:04:30,000 --> 00:04:32,719 Speaker 1: and all that flash it. So coming up next on 82 00:04:32,760 --> 00:04:36,200 Speaker 1: the I M Rapports Stereo podcast, We're getting a phone 83 00:04:36,200 --> 00:04:42,400 Speaker 1: call from the great influential Uh never been duplicated but 84 00:04:42,560 --> 00:04:49,760 Speaker 1: often times imitated. Rod Strickland strictly strict The Iron Rapports 85 00:04:49,800 --> 00:04:53,200 Speaker 1: stereo podcast is sponsored by Casper Mattresses. Casper is an 86 00:04:53,200 --> 00:04:58,400 Speaker 1: obsessively engineering mattress at a shockingly fair price. Time magazine 87 00:04:58,800 --> 00:05:01,160 Speaker 1: named Casper Mattress one of the best adventations of two 88 00:05:01,200 --> 00:05:05,159 Speaker 1: thousand and fifteen. Free shipping and returns in the US 89 00:05:05,240 --> 00:05:08,359 Speaker 1: and Canada. You could try a Casper mattress for a 90 00:05:08,400 --> 00:05:10,480 Speaker 1: hundred nights risk free in your own home. 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Ha ha, how you doing man, man, I'm good, 101 00:05:56,960 --> 00:06:00,760 Speaker 1: I'm good, Man, I'm good. I'm good man. I I yo. I. 102 00:06:00,760 --> 00:06:03,159 Speaker 1: I used to run into you in the city and 103 00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:05,040 Speaker 1: I was always excited to see you. So I I 104 00:06:05,120 --> 00:06:07,880 Speaker 1: can't even tell you how much I appreciate you. You're 105 00:06:07,920 --> 00:06:11,560 Speaker 1: coming on the podcast. Man, I've been such a shame here, man, shame. 106 00:06:11,640 --> 00:06:14,200 Speaker 1: They always had much love and respect for you. Man. 107 00:06:14,720 --> 00:06:17,400 Speaker 1: I appreciate that. Route. I appreciate that. Man. How are 108 00:06:17,440 --> 00:06:20,840 Speaker 1: you doing? Man? What's going on? Man? I'm out here 109 00:06:20,880 --> 00:06:24,360 Speaker 1: in South Florida coaching at the University of South Florida. 110 00:06:24,880 --> 00:06:28,080 Speaker 1: How you enjoying your head coaching now? No? No, no, 111 00:06:28,120 --> 00:06:31,120 Speaker 1: I'm assistant coach. I'm trying to become a head coach. 112 00:06:32,800 --> 00:06:35,200 Speaker 1: I'm hoping that happened sooner than later. But you know, 113 00:06:35,240 --> 00:06:38,240 Speaker 1: I've been doing this for pride ten years now. I 114 00:06:38,279 --> 00:06:41,680 Speaker 1: was in Memphis and Kentucky with caw yep uh and 115 00:06:41,720 --> 00:06:43,920 Speaker 1: then I came over here with one of the assistance 116 00:06:44,520 --> 00:06:47,320 Speaker 1: kind of want of the you know, a change of scenery, right. 117 00:06:47,760 --> 00:06:50,120 Speaker 1: So you know we're in the program now, trying to 118 00:06:50,120 --> 00:06:54,200 Speaker 1: turn it around. Struggle the last two years. Uh, you know, 119 00:06:54,279 --> 00:06:58,520 Speaker 1: hopefully this ship be be be somewhat. Uh Yo, how 120 00:06:58,520 --> 00:07:00,360 Speaker 1: did you wind up? You know, for of all I 121 00:07:00,440 --> 00:07:02,960 Speaker 1: was always when I first found out that you were coaching, 122 00:07:02,960 --> 00:07:04,880 Speaker 1: because you're such a low key dude. I mean you 123 00:07:04,920 --> 00:07:09,200 Speaker 1: were like like your personality off the court and then 124 00:07:09,520 --> 00:07:11,600 Speaker 1: like your style of play on the court. To me, 125 00:07:11,680 --> 00:07:14,320 Speaker 1: we're two contradictions because whenever I've met you and seeing 126 00:07:14,400 --> 00:07:17,560 Speaker 1: you speaking like soft spoken, low key, but then when 127 00:07:17,560 --> 00:07:20,040 Speaker 1: you when I see you play, you had so much 128 00:07:20,080 --> 00:07:23,040 Speaker 1: style and flair and you know, that New York ship. 129 00:07:23,600 --> 00:07:25,480 Speaker 1: And then when I found out you were coking coach, 130 00:07:25,520 --> 00:07:27,240 Speaker 1: and I was like, Rod is so low key, Not 131 00:07:27,360 --> 00:07:29,000 Speaker 1: that you couldn't coach, but I was just like, this 132 00:07:29,040 --> 00:07:30,920 Speaker 1: is a like a low key dude. How did you 133 00:07:30,960 --> 00:07:33,280 Speaker 1: wind up connecting with Cal and what made you want 134 00:07:33,320 --> 00:07:36,840 Speaker 1: to start coaching in the first place. Well, first of all, 135 00:07:36,800 --> 00:07:38,840 Speaker 1: it says I've been, you know, in the league. I've 136 00:07:38,880 --> 00:07:42,080 Speaker 1: always been a basketball guy. I don't think people really 137 00:07:42,160 --> 00:07:45,320 Speaker 1: understand that, Like I'm I'm a bastball guy. You know 138 00:07:45,400 --> 00:07:49,360 Speaker 1: the history of the players, you know, I'm I've always 139 00:07:49,360 --> 00:07:52,880 Speaker 1: been about basketball, always kind of studied it and uh, 140 00:07:53,120 --> 00:07:55,720 Speaker 1: you know from from from young. But I know at 141 00:07:55,760 --> 00:07:58,240 Speaker 1: some point in time basketball was over and I know 142 00:07:58,280 --> 00:08:00,720 Speaker 1: I'm a basketball guy, so I wanted to in basketball. 143 00:08:01,040 --> 00:08:03,680 Speaker 1: It didn't happen. It didn't have to the coach. It 144 00:08:03,760 --> 00:08:06,600 Speaker 1: could have been uh, you know, in the front office 145 00:08:06,760 --> 00:08:09,200 Speaker 1: or scouting or whatever. But I knew I wanted to 146 00:08:09,240 --> 00:08:12,880 Speaker 1: be involved in basketball. I got I got an opportunity 147 00:08:12,920 --> 00:08:15,440 Speaker 1: from Cal. You know, I knew County the league. He 148 00:08:15,520 --> 00:08:17,320 Speaker 1: actually tried to trade for me when he was in 149 00:08:17,320 --> 00:08:20,760 Speaker 1: the nets and I actually, uh yeah, when he was 150 00:08:20,800 --> 00:08:22,800 Speaker 1: at U Mask he had a player on his team. 151 00:08:23,440 --> 00:08:25,600 Speaker 1: He had a point guard that you know, it was 152 00:08:25,640 --> 00:08:27,840 Speaker 1: going through some things and Cal was trying to calm 153 00:08:27,920 --> 00:08:29,560 Speaker 1: them down and everything, and he wanted me to have 154 00:08:29,640 --> 00:08:32,360 Speaker 1: a conversation with him. So I had a conversation with him, 155 00:08:32,400 --> 00:08:35,160 Speaker 1: kind of following up with that, and so we kind 156 00:08:35,160 --> 00:08:37,560 Speaker 1: of knew each other through that. And then once id 157 00:08:38,040 --> 00:08:41,080 Speaker 1: you know, once I retired, I was looking for for 158 00:08:41,120 --> 00:08:44,520 Speaker 1: the next phase in my life. And uh actually one 159 00:08:44,559 --> 00:08:48,320 Speaker 1: of the Cow's players at the time. As old players 160 00:08:48,320 --> 00:08:50,080 Speaker 1: at Memphis, I used to go up to Memphis and 161 00:08:50,120 --> 00:08:53,640 Speaker 1: watch game, So I kind of the war Wagner and 162 00:08:53,760 --> 00:08:56,640 Speaker 1: his friend Off the buck Let followed the war Wagner 163 00:08:56,720 --> 00:08:58,800 Speaker 1: through high school. You know, we all know the water 164 00:08:58,880 --> 00:09:01,679 Speaker 1: Wagner was a great high schoo player. Uh, played with 165 00:09:01,720 --> 00:09:05,160 Speaker 1: the Cleveland Cavaliers, got hurt and was out of basketball. 166 00:09:05,480 --> 00:09:07,839 Speaker 1: But I kind of got attached to offer because he 167 00:09:07,920 --> 00:09:12,120 Speaker 1: was an underdog, so we kind of formed the relationship. Uh. 168 00:09:12,200 --> 00:09:14,520 Speaker 1: And then after he left Memphis, he actually stayed at 169 00:09:14,559 --> 00:09:17,040 Speaker 1: my house because he had an internship in d C. 170 00:09:17,720 --> 00:09:19,840 Speaker 1: So he stayed at my house and you know, uh 171 00:09:20,240 --> 00:09:22,760 Speaker 1: with the family and everything. And so we pretated a 172 00:09:22,840 --> 00:09:25,280 Speaker 1: report and Cal was checking up on him and knew 173 00:09:25,600 --> 00:09:27,720 Speaker 1: he was with me. And then he had a Milt 174 00:09:27,760 --> 00:09:31,920 Speaker 1: Wagner left from Memphis to go to uh you Chap, 175 00:09:32,400 --> 00:09:34,640 Speaker 1: and so I got the call and and and carved 176 00:09:34,720 --> 00:09:37,599 Speaker 1: into the opportunity to go down there and work for 177 00:09:37,720 --> 00:09:40,200 Speaker 1: Memphous And you know, that's that's the end of the story. 178 00:09:40,960 --> 00:09:43,880 Speaker 1: And as far as personality wise, you're right, you know, 179 00:09:44,000 --> 00:09:46,760 Speaker 1: I'm I've always been kind of low key guy. The 180 00:09:46,840 --> 00:09:48,959 Speaker 1: only people who really really got to note the other 181 00:09:49,040 --> 00:09:53,439 Speaker 1: side of me is probably close friends. Uh. And actually, 182 00:09:53,679 --> 00:09:57,120 Speaker 1: and you know, I've been coaching football with ten years now, 183 00:09:57,760 --> 00:10:01,240 Speaker 1: and that was kind of transformations because you're exactly right, 184 00:10:01,640 --> 00:10:03,360 Speaker 1: you know, I was kind of I've always been it 185 00:10:03,440 --> 00:10:06,760 Speaker 1: to myself, kind of low key, kind of quiet. So 186 00:10:06,840 --> 00:10:08,839 Speaker 1: I had to learn to kind of open up and 187 00:10:09,280 --> 00:10:12,600 Speaker 1: kind of give myself more to these kids and come 188 00:10:12,640 --> 00:10:15,840 Speaker 1: outside of myself. And uh and and so it has 189 00:10:15,880 --> 00:10:18,839 Speaker 1: been a process. And you know, I'm probably like a 190 00:10:18,920 --> 00:10:21,880 Speaker 1: lot more outgoing than I've been at this point in 191 00:10:21,960 --> 00:10:25,439 Speaker 1: my life. But it's been a great experience. Uh, it's 192 00:10:25,440 --> 00:10:28,760 Speaker 1: been a great transition, and I feel good about it. Well, 193 00:10:28,920 --> 00:10:31,560 Speaker 1: I'm glad you're doing it, and and and I'm glad 194 00:10:31,600 --> 00:10:33,920 Speaker 1: you're happy doing it. And I mean, you know, one 195 00:10:33,960 --> 00:10:36,280 Speaker 1: of the things you said was underdog. And I gotta 196 00:10:36,360 --> 00:10:39,719 Speaker 1: tell you, I had the pleasure of uh directing this 197 00:10:39,920 --> 00:10:44,400 Speaker 1: tripical quest documentary and five Dog, the late great five Dog. 198 00:10:45,080 --> 00:10:48,880 Speaker 1: I I he would always talk about you. He mentioned you, 199 00:10:49,040 --> 00:10:51,960 Speaker 1: I think specifically in the movie, because I mean when 200 00:10:52,000 --> 00:10:54,160 Speaker 1: whenever I would talk to him somehow or another week, 201 00:10:54,200 --> 00:10:56,480 Speaker 1: we would get on sports. But he always when I 202 00:10:56,559 --> 00:10:59,400 Speaker 1: asked him. I asked him one time what athletes would 203 00:10:59,440 --> 00:11:02,360 Speaker 1: he would he say, you know, his his rap person is, 204 00:11:02,800 --> 00:11:05,600 Speaker 1: and he said Rod Strickland for sure, because he said 205 00:11:05,920 --> 00:11:08,400 Speaker 1: he was he sort of like the underdog. Not that 206 00:11:08,520 --> 00:11:11,120 Speaker 1: you weren't known, but like when you people talk about 207 00:11:11,200 --> 00:11:14,480 Speaker 1: the greats, sometimes you've forgotten. And then when your name 208 00:11:14,600 --> 00:11:17,400 Speaker 1: comes up, it rings bells. So you should just know that. 209 00:11:17,600 --> 00:11:19,640 Speaker 1: I mean, you have fans, I mean you you you 210 00:11:19,800 --> 00:11:22,160 Speaker 1: mean so much to so many fans. And and and 211 00:11:22,240 --> 00:11:23,640 Speaker 1: I don't know what it is. I think it might 212 00:11:23,679 --> 00:11:27,000 Speaker 1: be because of your your low key personality, that that 213 00:11:27,160 --> 00:11:29,160 Speaker 1: that maybe sometimes you get forgotten about. But I mean, 214 00:11:29,200 --> 00:11:31,760 Speaker 1: I I told this to you once. I don't know 215 00:11:31,800 --> 00:11:33,439 Speaker 1: if you remember, but I saw you play in the 216 00:11:33,440 --> 00:11:35,719 Speaker 1: Wheelchair Classic. I had heard about you. Of course, this 217 00:11:35,880 --> 00:11:38,400 Speaker 1: is in the eighties when there's no there's no Internet, 218 00:11:38,840 --> 00:11:41,320 Speaker 1: there's no uh you know, it's just it's just word 219 00:11:41,360 --> 00:11:44,360 Speaker 1: of mouth. And I heard about this dude Strickland, Rod Strickland, 220 00:11:44,360 --> 00:11:46,199 Speaker 1: and I saw you play in the Wheelchair Classic. And 221 00:11:46,360 --> 00:11:47,920 Speaker 1: I don't know if you remember this moment, but you 222 00:11:48,000 --> 00:11:50,240 Speaker 1: were at the free throw line and these girls said 223 00:11:50,520 --> 00:11:52,680 Speaker 1: we love you, Rod, and you blew him a kiss 224 00:11:52,880 --> 00:11:54,520 Speaker 1: and then made the free throw, and I was like this, 225 00:11:54,720 --> 00:11:58,120 Speaker 1: I love this guy. So I just thought that was 226 00:11:58,200 --> 00:12:00,839 Speaker 1: one of it. It was like, I don't remember that, 227 00:12:00,920 --> 00:12:02,760 Speaker 1: but it could have happened. Yeah, I'm sure, I'm sure 228 00:12:02,800 --> 00:12:05,040 Speaker 1: it happened a few times. You know, I didn't know this. 229 00:12:05,480 --> 00:12:08,760 Speaker 1: I heard Mark Jackson mentioned this and I was a 230 00:12:08,840 --> 00:12:10,559 Speaker 1: little bit behind on this because he's been in the 231 00:12:10,679 --> 00:12:13,400 Speaker 1: league and it bugged me out, but it made perfect sense. 232 00:12:14,120 --> 00:12:18,400 Speaker 1: Kyrie Irving is your is your godson? Talk about Kyrie 233 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:20,599 Speaker 1: and that relationship and how you know his father and 234 00:12:20,640 --> 00:12:23,640 Speaker 1: who his father is and just seeing this kid emerge 235 00:12:24,600 --> 00:12:27,000 Speaker 1: to to to be uh, you know, something so special. 236 00:12:27,040 --> 00:12:28,480 Speaker 1: And when when when I heard him say that you 237 00:12:28,520 --> 00:12:31,600 Speaker 1: were his godfather, I was like, this ship makes perfect 238 00:12:31,679 --> 00:12:33,840 Speaker 1: sense because when you look at some of the style 239 00:12:33,960 --> 00:12:37,320 Speaker 1: and the angles that Kyrie goes at, he has Rod 240 00:12:37,480 --> 00:12:39,440 Speaker 1: Strickland in his game. So so how did that wind 241 00:12:39,520 --> 00:12:42,640 Speaker 1: up happen? Who is his father? Well? The funny thing 242 00:12:42,679 --> 00:12:44,880 Speaker 1: about it, and I keep telling people this because you know, 243 00:12:45,080 --> 00:12:47,760 Speaker 1: they do relate to kind of you know, getting to 244 00:12:47,800 --> 00:12:50,120 Speaker 1: the basket and the layups and all that. They can't 245 00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:52,480 Speaker 1: relate to jump because it jumped on and I wasn't 246 00:12:52,520 --> 00:12:56,640 Speaker 1: issuely close to that. But his father Actually we grew up, 247 00:12:57,240 --> 00:13:01,599 Speaker 1: but since second grade we've been those friends. Uh. He 248 00:13:01,720 --> 00:13:05,600 Speaker 1: grew up playing with the Cout Shows, a youth program 249 00:13:05,720 --> 00:13:08,240 Speaker 1: back in the day from Mitchell Houses where we grew 250 00:13:08,320 --> 00:13:11,040 Speaker 1: up at. And uh, you know a lot of a 251 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:14,080 Speaker 1: lot of styles that Kanye has that you can see 252 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:17,160 Speaker 1: the resemblance of of how I played. But that's his 253 00:13:17,320 --> 00:13:20,040 Speaker 1: father as well. And that's what people don't know. Father 254 00:13:20,160 --> 00:13:22,679 Speaker 1: had those layups. You know, Tarther was more of a 255 00:13:22,800 --> 00:13:25,839 Speaker 1: score than I was, but his father had end of 256 00:13:25,880 --> 00:13:28,160 Speaker 1: the game. So if you watch his mannerism and everything, 257 00:13:28,200 --> 00:13:30,439 Speaker 1: and you know his father, you can see some of 258 00:13:30,480 --> 00:13:34,960 Speaker 1: that in him. What's his father's name, because Detrick, well, 259 00:13:35,240 --> 00:13:39,959 Speaker 1: his greeneric Irving, but we called him Dedrick and he 260 00:13:40,120 --> 00:13:43,040 Speaker 1: he could play growing up. He was official, Yeah, yeah, 261 00:13:43,080 --> 00:13:45,520 Speaker 1: he could play. He actually he went to Boston University. 262 00:13:45,760 --> 00:13:48,320 Speaker 1: The thing about Desrick that was different from all of us. 263 00:13:48,640 --> 00:13:50,959 Speaker 1: You know, we all were basketball guys. You know, we 264 00:13:51,240 --> 00:13:54,840 Speaker 1: slept eight basketball. But he was a book guy. Book 265 00:13:55,160 --> 00:13:57,760 Speaker 1: He was about school and he was about his books. 266 00:13:58,240 --> 00:14:00,880 Speaker 1: So he actually wanted to go in the Boston University. 267 00:14:01,320 --> 00:14:03,160 Speaker 1: And it's so funny because you gonna tell you this story. 268 00:14:03,760 --> 00:14:05,640 Speaker 1: I was going to the Paul University and I went 269 00:14:05,720 --> 00:14:07,959 Speaker 1: to the park because I wanted to bel TV so 270 00:14:08,200 --> 00:14:10,720 Speaker 1: TV all the time, and I just wanted to be seen. 271 00:14:11,240 --> 00:14:13,920 Speaker 1: And so he was going he was talking about Boston University, 272 00:14:13,960 --> 00:14:16,640 Speaker 1: but it also had offer from Connecticut, which was in 273 00:14:16,720 --> 00:14:19,040 Speaker 1: the Big East. Now at that time, Connecticut was just 274 00:14:19,240 --> 00:14:21,440 Speaker 1: coming in. You know, they wasn't really known like that. 275 00:14:21,960 --> 00:14:24,560 Speaker 1: I think, uh, you know, they they they they were 276 00:14:24,800 --> 00:14:26,440 Speaker 1: kind of at the bottom of the Big East. But 277 00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:28,000 Speaker 1: I wanted them to go to the Big East because 278 00:14:28,000 --> 00:14:30,920 Speaker 1: I knew it was recognition and up on TV, you know. 279 00:14:31,400 --> 00:14:33,920 Speaker 1: And I tried to coax him to go to Connecticut, 280 00:14:34,440 --> 00:14:37,000 Speaker 1: but he wanted to boy to Boston University. You know, 281 00:14:37,120 --> 00:14:39,720 Speaker 1: made a great decision. Uh, you know, he had a 282 00:14:39,800 --> 00:14:43,080 Speaker 1: great career there. I think he was leading spoil for 283 00:14:43,480 --> 00:14:46,080 Speaker 1: for a long time. I think somebody's bokay maybe you know, 284 00:14:46,240 --> 00:14:48,000 Speaker 1: five or ten years ago or something like that. I 285 00:14:48,080 --> 00:14:50,440 Speaker 1: don't know, but someone broke his record. But he's up 286 00:14:50,480 --> 00:14:53,480 Speaker 1: there as one of the top scores in Boston University. 287 00:14:53,880 --> 00:14:56,480 Speaker 1: And if it was this time these day, and agent 288 00:14:57,160 --> 00:14:59,600 Speaker 1: probably would have been a pro because back then it 289 00:14:59,720 --> 00:15:02,400 Speaker 1: do the and goes to one of the bigger schools. 290 00:15:02,560 --> 00:15:04,320 Speaker 1: You know, you just weren't gonna be seen, you know 291 00:15:04,920 --> 00:15:06,920 Speaker 1: what was in all this Internet and people just you 292 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:09,160 Speaker 1: know what I mean. So he he was at that level. 293 00:15:09,240 --> 00:15:11,360 Speaker 1: So so that's so it's it's in the genetics because 294 00:15:11,440 --> 00:15:15,480 Speaker 1: because I mean this this kid, I mean his his 295 00:15:15,600 --> 00:15:18,640 Speaker 1: ability and I mean he's so such an exciting player 296 00:15:18,680 --> 00:15:21,640 Speaker 1: and his ability and the flashiness and and I've I've 297 00:15:21,680 --> 00:15:23,520 Speaker 1: ran into him a couple of times. I mean, talk 298 00:15:23,560 --> 00:15:26,880 Speaker 1: about a low key personality. This dude doesn't even see 299 00:15:26,920 --> 00:15:29,320 Speaker 1: Like when you walk past you could literally walk past him. 300 00:15:29,320 --> 00:15:32,040 Speaker 1: You wouldn't think this guy's a ballplayer. The way he talks, 301 00:15:32,120 --> 00:15:34,600 Speaker 1: the way he walks off the court, it's almost like 302 00:15:34,720 --> 00:15:39,480 Speaker 1: some bookworm guy. Yeah. And he's very smart, very cheligence, 303 00:15:39,800 --> 00:15:44,600 Speaker 1: uh you know, communication major, Uh, you know, real bright kids. Man. 304 00:15:44,720 --> 00:15:47,640 Speaker 1: Su at the end of this day, after this basketball career, 305 00:15:47,760 --> 00:15:49,640 Speaker 1: he's gonna have a right. I think he's gonna do 306 00:15:49,720 --> 00:15:53,200 Speaker 1: something special, as I need a special type kid. When 307 00:15:53,280 --> 00:15:55,120 Speaker 1: when did you start to see that he was he 308 00:15:55,280 --> 00:15:58,080 Speaker 1: was like extremely talented, Like when did you notice that 309 00:15:58,160 --> 00:16:01,080 Speaker 1: he was separate from the pack. Well, I said this 310 00:16:01,240 --> 00:16:03,640 Speaker 1: one thing, Desitt told me one time when we were 311 00:16:03,640 --> 00:16:05,040 Speaker 1: in the him and he was a little kid and 312 00:16:05,160 --> 00:16:07,000 Speaker 1: he was chiding the ball, and I was like, wow, 313 00:16:07,520 --> 00:16:11,320 Speaker 1: one day he gonna makes you some money. But I 314 00:16:11,400 --> 00:16:14,040 Speaker 1: didn't I know, I was playing basketball, so I didn't 315 00:16:14,040 --> 00:16:19,160 Speaker 1: see Krer whole night. Brother. So the first time that 316 00:16:19,240 --> 00:16:23,000 Speaker 1: I recalled. Someone bringing his attention to me was my brother. 317 00:16:23,160 --> 00:16:25,160 Speaker 1: He was in ninth grade and my brother said, man, 318 00:16:25,760 --> 00:16:28,680 Speaker 1: Kyrie is a pro, you know, and my brother is 319 00:16:28,720 --> 00:16:32,400 Speaker 1: a harsh critic. So he said that, I'm like wow. Uh. 320 00:16:32,880 --> 00:16:35,960 Speaker 1: And and actually he came up to Memphis visit Menphis, 321 00:16:36,080 --> 00:16:39,320 Speaker 1: you know, and all that. But when I really saw 322 00:16:39,400 --> 00:16:41,920 Speaker 1: him and he really said wow, I saw that bar 323 00:16:42,040 --> 00:16:45,760 Speaker 1: and James kent recruiting, and I sat down I watched 324 00:16:45,840 --> 00:16:48,600 Speaker 1: him and I was like wow. And I watched him playing. Uh, 325 00:16:49,160 --> 00:16:51,160 Speaker 1: he was on the team, but he was still kind 326 00:16:51,200 --> 00:16:54,200 Speaker 1: of like you could see ye had his spurts and 327 00:16:54,240 --> 00:16:56,280 Speaker 1: didn't give the ball up and he had his spurts. 328 00:16:56,560 --> 00:16:58,960 Speaker 1: And I remember me and that spoke him Afterwoods and 329 00:16:59,000 --> 00:17:01,560 Speaker 1: it was kind of like, no, you take control. We 330 00:17:01,600 --> 00:17:05,240 Speaker 1: ain't got to share. You know, you're the PG. So 331 00:17:05,680 --> 00:17:07,479 Speaker 1: those guys who want to get the ball, you tell 332 00:17:07,560 --> 00:17:09,479 Speaker 1: him I got you, and you kind of make them, 333 00:17:09,600 --> 00:17:12,119 Speaker 1: you satisfy them, but you control it, you know what 334 00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:14,920 Speaker 1: I mean. But that's what I knew we were specially 335 00:17:14,960 --> 00:17:18,119 Speaker 1: and then I saw him. I saw at Duke and 336 00:17:18,200 --> 00:17:20,720 Speaker 1: you know, people used to come and compare and say, man, 337 00:17:20,720 --> 00:17:23,399 Speaker 1: and he played like you, and you know, I had 338 00:17:23,480 --> 00:17:26,159 Speaker 1: my shoulders up feeling good about it. But once I 339 00:17:26,320 --> 00:17:29,320 Speaker 1: really got to see, especially once he got to the league, 340 00:17:29,320 --> 00:17:31,760 Speaker 1: I'm like, I was embarrassed with people to say that 341 00:17:32,080 --> 00:17:35,960 Speaker 1: because he's he's extra extra specially like I can't like 342 00:17:36,119 --> 00:17:38,720 Speaker 1: it's the small it's not even close, you know, the 343 00:17:38,920 --> 00:17:41,879 Speaker 1: things they can do with that basketball, Like, I mean, 344 00:17:42,000 --> 00:17:44,720 Speaker 1: it's another level. And then he has the shot to 345 00:17:44,880 --> 00:17:47,840 Speaker 1: go with it. You know that that makes him a 346 00:17:47,880 --> 00:17:52,040 Speaker 1: big time problem. Yeah, he's a major, major problem. All right, Yo, 347 00:17:52,160 --> 00:17:54,119 Speaker 1: I want to ask you about you You brought up 348 00:17:54,160 --> 00:17:57,639 Speaker 1: the Gauchos. Talk about the culture of basketball in New 349 00:17:57,720 --> 00:18:01,840 Speaker 1: York City, particularly the Gauchos river side culture of Riverside 350 00:18:01,920 --> 00:18:04,200 Speaker 1: Church and the Gauchos are probably the two of the 351 00:18:04,200 --> 00:18:06,639 Speaker 1: biggest programs. There were some other programs in Madison Square 352 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:10,040 Speaker 1: Boys Club had had some ballplayers and Paco Scurry and 353 00:18:10,160 --> 00:18:13,400 Speaker 1: and and them dudes, but the most famous and prominent. 354 00:18:13,520 --> 00:18:16,280 Speaker 1: And I think, you know, every year, every team of 355 00:18:16,359 --> 00:18:19,439 Speaker 1: every age the Gauchos and Riverside And this is before 356 00:18:19,720 --> 00:18:22,560 Speaker 1: a A you really got crazy. And you know, now 357 00:18:22,720 --> 00:18:25,359 Speaker 1: every Tom Dick and Harry has a team. And you know, 358 00:18:25,400 --> 00:18:27,560 Speaker 1: I think there's there's pros and content I have. I 359 00:18:27,840 --> 00:18:30,040 Speaker 1: have my personal opinions about that, But talk to me about, 360 00:18:30,119 --> 00:18:32,560 Speaker 1: like who was on your team with the Gauchos, who 361 00:18:32,600 --> 00:18:35,119 Speaker 1: were the Like the New York City basketball at the 362 00:18:35,160 --> 00:18:38,879 Speaker 1: time was so fucking competitive, and and there's guys whose 363 00:18:38,960 --> 00:18:40,840 Speaker 1: names we know, and I'm sure there's a list of 364 00:18:40,880 --> 00:18:43,600 Speaker 1: guys whose name who never made it that that you 365 00:18:43,720 --> 00:18:46,040 Speaker 1: played against that were like that you admired and that 366 00:18:46,080 --> 00:18:48,040 Speaker 1: you respected. That we're on your same cruise, So just 367 00:18:48,200 --> 00:18:49,879 Speaker 1: just talk to me about like what it was like 368 00:18:50,119 --> 00:18:53,560 Speaker 1: growing up in New York City playing in that culture. Well, 369 00:18:53,800 --> 00:18:58,120 Speaker 1: I mean, you know, you know back then my youth 370 00:18:58,200 --> 00:19:01,320 Speaker 1: from the NFC, like you was in the Mob or 371 00:19:01,400 --> 00:19:04,200 Speaker 1: something like. I mean, it was just so much respect, 372 00:19:04,400 --> 00:19:07,600 Speaker 1: you know, on on all you know, and every city, 373 00:19:08,320 --> 00:19:10,600 Speaker 1: but you know, New York, New York was competitive. And 374 00:19:10,680 --> 00:19:13,119 Speaker 1: I tell people all the time I was able to 375 00:19:13,200 --> 00:19:16,200 Speaker 1: sustain and play in that league because of my background, 376 00:19:16,480 --> 00:19:19,080 Speaker 1: Like I played in New York and I tell people 377 00:19:19,119 --> 00:19:22,080 Speaker 1: all the time, like when I played, I couldn't lose, 378 00:19:22,200 --> 00:19:24,439 Speaker 1: and not just a game, but I couldn't use the battle, 379 00:19:25,119 --> 00:19:27,480 Speaker 1: you know what I mean. So so every time I 380 00:19:27,560 --> 00:19:30,000 Speaker 1: stepped on the court, I had the battle or compete, 381 00:19:30,200 --> 00:19:32,399 Speaker 1: you know, Otherwise it was going a town at this 382 00:19:32,560 --> 00:19:35,840 Speaker 1: guy you know, outplayed me or whatever whatever. So that's that. 383 00:19:36,040 --> 00:19:39,320 Speaker 1: That kept my competitive Vange Beach times to me. As 384 00:19:39,359 --> 00:19:41,160 Speaker 1: far as the council on the other side, back then, 385 00:19:41,240 --> 00:19:43,440 Speaker 1: those were the two kids. You know, like you said, 386 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:45,640 Speaker 1: you had other teams. We had the Sun Devils as well, 387 00:19:46,160 --> 00:19:50,040 Speaker 1: who I played for a little bit. Uh, but uh, 388 00:19:50,280 --> 00:19:52,000 Speaker 1: it was a councils on the other side. You know, 389 00:19:52,080 --> 00:19:55,200 Speaker 1: any tournament was going through for the most part, you know, 390 00:19:55,520 --> 00:19:57,879 Speaker 1: spokel and another team or two, but those will be 391 00:19:57,920 --> 00:20:00,400 Speaker 1: the two teams going up against each other. And back 392 00:20:00,440 --> 00:20:02,320 Speaker 1: then I got to give credit to the Sun Governs 393 00:20:02,359 --> 00:20:05,280 Speaker 1: as well. They were in there too. But you know, 394 00:20:06,520 --> 00:20:09,439 Speaker 1: I first started playing the Mitchell Houses with the Mitchey Bullets. 395 00:20:09,840 --> 00:20:12,720 Speaker 1: Man named Dave mccollins one day came over to the gym, 396 00:20:13,400 --> 00:20:16,159 Speaker 1: uh propping into the gym one day and put together 397 00:20:16,200 --> 00:20:19,879 Speaker 1: a team of a bunch of guys from from that 398 00:20:20,040 --> 00:20:23,600 Speaker 1: housing project, and uh, you know we formed the Mitchell 399 00:20:23,640 --> 00:20:27,680 Speaker 1: Bullets and from then on from there, I'll say a 400 00:20:27,840 --> 00:20:30,280 Speaker 1: year or two later, you know, he was telling us 401 00:20:30,359 --> 00:20:32,000 Speaker 1: that we were going to go play for this team 402 00:20:32,040 --> 00:20:36,280 Speaker 1: called the Galchow uh and so we were the first 403 00:20:36,880 --> 00:20:39,200 Speaker 1: small team in Galchow has had an older team. You know, 404 00:20:39,720 --> 00:20:42,760 Speaker 1: they had I don't even know if you can remember 405 00:20:42,800 --> 00:20:45,639 Speaker 1: all these names, but Mikey Edwards who was in Pattison, 406 00:20:46,040 --> 00:20:49,600 Speaker 1: he was a legend pr Grand Lives, you know that, 407 00:20:49,840 --> 00:20:52,159 Speaker 1: Bannon Burnett. But they had a lot of guys that 408 00:20:52,240 --> 00:20:55,480 Speaker 1: we looked up to. Sohen we we formed the Gaullehows. 409 00:20:55,520 --> 00:20:58,960 Speaker 1: We played in tending under the tournaments. Uh, you know, 410 00:20:59,200 --> 00:21:01,920 Speaker 1: we we got our blets kicked for a while and 411 00:21:02,080 --> 00:21:04,639 Speaker 1: we played for coaching just to get a little different. 412 00:21:04,680 --> 00:21:07,560 Speaker 1: And uh we played for a coaching from day one 413 00:21:07,640 --> 00:21:10,800 Speaker 1: and toward us left hand, right hand layoups, how to 414 00:21:10,840 --> 00:21:14,640 Speaker 1: play basketball, pivot work. You know, we we we learned 415 00:21:14,680 --> 00:21:16,960 Speaker 1: the game from the beginning. You know. So if you 416 00:21:17,359 --> 00:21:20,040 Speaker 1: if you was on the court and you went to 417 00:21:20,320 --> 00:21:22,520 Speaker 1: helen with your left hand and use why don't they 418 00:21:22,640 --> 00:21:25,560 Speaker 1: you missed it? That was encouraged, you know what I mean. 419 00:21:25,680 --> 00:21:28,159 Speaker 1: It wasn't like what do you do and make the layoup? No, 420 00:21:28,320 --> 00:21:31,880 Speaker 1: that was encouraged because that was the right play. Uh. 421 00:21:32,320 --> 00:21:34,440 Speaker 1: So you know, we were we come from a little 422 00:21:34,480 --> 00:21:37,720 Speaker 1: different climes. But uh, you know, the god chose were 423 00:21:37,760 --> 00:21:42,000 Speaker 1: the first team for the new opportunity to go out 424 00:21:42,000 --> 00:21:44,560 Speaker 1: of the city for our first tripans in San Diego 425 00:21:45,320 --> 00:21:48,000 Speaker 1: U to play basketball, which I never had that opportunity. 426 00:21:48,400 --> 00:21:51,720 Speaker 1: You never saw outside of New York before then. Uh, 427 00:21:51,920 --> 00:21:54,159 Speaker 1: and then it just grew. You know, I wanted up 428 00:21:54,200 --> 00:21:58,560 Speaker 1: playing with Paula Washington and Oi Daniels. Brew Harvey from 429 00:21:58,640 --> 00:22:01,119 Speaker 1: Queens and was my guy. But you know it's a 430 00:22:01,160 --> 00:22:05,720 Speaker 1: flortiaday opportunity to showcase myself, uh and and prove what 431 00:22:05,880 --> 00:22:09,200 Speaker 1: I was. You know, the college to the Riverside. Riverside 432 00:22:09,280 --> 00:22:12,600 Speaker 1: drove the Colchos. The Colchos drove Riverside, and you know, 433 00:22:12,760 --> 00:22:15,080 Speaker 1: both of us wanted to beat you know, each other's 434 00:22:15,160 --> 00:22:18,240 Speaker 1: but and we bathed all the time. But it wasn't 435 00:22:18,280 --> 00:22:20,639 Speaker 1: just about them. And there were other teams who challenged us, 436 00:22:20,840 --> 00:22:23,200 Speaker 1: have us you know, like I said, that was in 437 00:22:23,240 --> 00:22:25,960 Speaker 1: New York. You know, so you were on so you 438 00:22:26,040 --> 00:22:27,800 Speaker 1: were on the same team at some point with with 439 00:22:27,960 --> 00:22:31,280 Speaker 1: Lloyd and Pearl, you guys and Boo Harvey, you guys 440 00:22:31,400 --> 00:22:34,960 Speaker 1: played on the same team at some point. Well, I 441 00:22:35,080 --> 00:22:39,000 Speaker 1: played with Boo Harvey and Lord Daniees uh in Lars 442 00:22:39,119 --> 00:22:42,160 Speaker 1: Vegas back the year, but we won it all man. 443 00:22:42,320 --> 00:22:45,280 Speaker 1: We had profited, We had property, twelve dudes on the 444 00:22:45,359 --> 00:22:48,440 Speaker 1: team that was like really really good and we wind 445 00:22:48,560 --> 00:22:50,879 Speaker 1: up taking the whole thing in La Vega, so I did. 446 00:22:51,200 --> 00:22:54,120 Speaker 1: Lloyd was a young guy, but Lloyd was a bad guy. 447 00:22:54,640 --> 00:22:57,840 Speaker 1: And it was almost funny because Lloyd was so good that, 448 00:22:58,200 --> 00:22:59,840 Speaker 1: you know, for us because you know what it is, 449 00:23:00,240 --> 00:23:03,680 Speaker 1: you know, it's our right trying to shot. But Lord 450 00:23:03,880 --> 00:23:06,200 Speaker 1: was shining and we kind of had them like hold 451 00:23:06,320 --> 00:23:10,399 Speaker 1: up water moment? Was he was he really everything? Was 452 00:23:10,480 --> 00:23:13,720 Speaker 1: he really everything that you like? Because like the folklore 453 00:23:13,880 --> 00:23:17,080 Speaker 1: around Lloyd Daniels, he was everything that he was cracked up? 454 00:23:17,080 --> 00:23:19,960 Speaker 1: To me, he was the real deal. I mean, did 455 00:23:20,000 --> 00:23:21,920 Speaker 1: you think about it? Just look at it like this, 456 00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:27,080 Speaker 1: Lord Daniels wound up playing in the pros after always 457 00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:31,359 Speaker 1: look at the background, that's always go and he played 458 00:23:31,760 --> 00:23:35,240 Speaker 1: goods for the moment. This was wounded nod right, you 459 00:23:35,359 --> 00:23:39,800 Speaker 1: understanding this is a would Lord if you would have 460 00:23:39,880 --> 00:23:44,160 Speaker 1: got the real the fresherated you know, couldn't mind Lord 461 00:23:44,280 --> 00:23:48,680 Speaker 1: Danniel with his skill levels us and who who was 462 00:23:48,760 --> 00:23:51,639 Speaker 1: the most like for you going up against riverside or 463 00:23:51,680 --> 00:23:53,560 Speaker 1: just around the city, like who who were there? Like 464 00:23:53,640 --> 00:23:55,600 Speaker 1: the people that like you were Like I really need 465 00:23:55,680 --> 00:23:57,040 Speaker 1: to dig in deep, like who were some of the 466 00:23:57,080 --> 00:23:59,800 Speaker 1: other players like that were your rivals before you were 467 00:23:59,840 --> 00:24:01,919 Speaker 1: in deepole or even like when you were in college, 468 00:24:01,920 --> 00:24:03,840 Speaker 1: because I know you want you you continue playing in 469 00:24:04,119 --> 00:24:06,199 Speaker 1: the in the parks and life. Who were your rivals 470 00:24:06,200 --> 00:24:08,920 Speaker 1: at point guard position growing up and and you know, 471 00:24:09,160 --> 00:24:12,400 Speaker 1: and before you made it to the pros. It's hard 472 00:24:12,480 --> 00:24:14,119 Speaker 1: to point out because it was so I mean, I 473 00:24:14,240 --> 00:24:16,360 Speaker 1: feel like in New York City, every time you step 474 00:24:16,520 --> 00:24:18,720 Speaker 1: on it throw it was a problem, right. You know 475 00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:21,240 Speaker 1: I can remember names like Chamer's broad Nick when you 476 00:24:21,320 --> 00:24:25,359 Speaker 1: probably wouldn't know from my younger days to show Cohen's 477 00:24:25,440 --> 00:24:30,080 Speaker 1: and Spice you know from Brooklyn. Uh, you know bul 478 00:24:30,200 --> 00:24:32,600 Speaker 1: Harvey who I played against in high school, but I 479 00:24:32,720 --> 00:24:36,679 Speaker 1: played most of my a youth with. Uh, I'm probably 480 00:24:36,880 --> 00:24:43,280 Speaker 1: John Johnson who who polled Uh that's still private school. 481 00:24:44,080 --> 00:24:46,760 Speaker 1: But that time I can't don't even want I mean, Rob, 482 00:24:46,840 --> 00:24:49,440 Speaker 1: we don't fact check at the Iron Rapp Reports stereo podcast. 483 00:24:49,480 --> 00:24:51,399 Speaker 1: So that's that's if you if you don't know what 484 00:24:51,600 --> 00:24:55,720 Speaker 1: is it, it's all good. But I mean, there was 485 00:24:55,800 --> 00:24:59,280 Speaker 1: so many guys man, uh, you know, even growing up, 486 00:24:59,359 --> 00:25:03,480 Speaker 1: coming up, getting older. I can't even remember the names 487 00:25:03,600 --> 00:25:05,919 Speaker 1: right now, but I mean, you know, to me, it's 488 00:25:05,960 --> 00:25:08,879 Speaker 1: like every time you step to the part Welcome to 489 00:25:08,960 --> 00:25:12,960 Speaker 1: play a new podcast network featuring radio and TV personalities 490 00:25:13,080 --> 00:25:16,919 Speaker 1: talking business, sports, tech, entertainment, and more. Play it at 491 00:25:16,960 --> 00:25:27,000 Speaker 1: play dot it. When you look back at your NBA 492 00:25:27,119 --> 00:25:30,439 Speaker 1: career and all the all the teams and all the players, 493 00:25:30,640 --> 00:25:33,720 Speaker 1: what was your favorite team to play on? Like? What 494 00:25:33,920 --> 00:25:36,040 Speaker 1: was your favorite teams as a pro that you like 495 00:25:36,119 --> 00:25:38,399 Speaker 1: when you look back, like, I really you really enjoyed 496 00:25:38,480 --> 00:25:40,600 Speaker 1: it and the guys and the and in just the city, Like, 497 00:25:40,640 --> 00:25:44,480 Speaker 1: what was your favorite experience? Bro? It's hard to because 498 00:25:44,560 --> 00:25:46,560 Speaker 1: I've played, you know, and a lot of teams. But 499 00:25:46,680 --> 00:25:49,000 Speaker 1: I enjoyed Portland because we had a really good team 500 00:25:49,080 --> 00:25:52,879 Speaker 1: with Clive Parsy and you know those guys. I enjoyed 501 00:25:53,320 --> 00:25:56,399 Speaker 1: sheet Rab and Gerbard. In Washington when we had a 502 00:25:56,440 --> 00:26:00,520 Speaker 1: pretty good run, I enjoyed and and I had struggle 503 00:26:00,600 --> 00:26:03,320 Speaker 1: with pat Riley, you know, I went there later on 504 00:26:03,440 --> 00:26:06,120 Speaker 1: in my career and uh, he didn't have a great 505 00:26:06,200 --> 00:26:09,200 Speaker 1: year for I enjoyed it playing for Pat Rowley again 506 00:26:09,280 --> 00:26:12,800 Speaker 1: and his treasure and saying how he read about his business. 507 00:26:13,119 --> 00:26:14,920 Speaker 1: And I always said, I always wish I would have 508 00:26:14,920 --> 00:26:16,919 Speaker 1: played with Pat Rowley. I wish I had to call 509 00:26:17,040 --> 00:26:19,480 Speaker 1: him early in my career. I have shut I had 510 00:26:19,600 --> 00:26:23,520 Speaker 1: such the utmost respect for him that you know, he traveled, 511 00:26:23,800 --> 00:26:26,720 Speaker 1: you know, he would have got my full attention, so 512 00:26:26,880 --> 00:26:28,719 Speaker 1: so you you could when you were playing with him, 513 00:26:28,800 --> 00:26:31,520 Speaker 1: you could you could appreciate and like like it's not 514 00:26:31,720 --> 00:26:34,359 Speaker 1: just it's not a coincidence that he's so successful as 515 00:26:34,400 --> 00:26:36,479 Speaker 1: a coach and now as as as a GM, it's 516 00:26:36,560 --> 00:26:39,600 Speaker 1: it's it's real, huh. It's a real as real and 517 00:26:39,760 --> 00:26:41,960 Speaker 1: and and you know I always tell people he's a 518 00:26:42,040 --> 00:26:45,240 Speaker 1: soldier and he's cut and drive about what he's about, 519 00:26:45,320 --> 00:26:48,080 Speaker 1: and he's about winning and didn't do anything else to 520 00:26:48,200 --> 00:26:51,280 Speaker 1: put an organization on that team to win. But now 521 00:26:51,359 --> 00:26:53,960 Speaker 1: if you don't win, you know, it's almost like, okay, 522 00:26:54,040 --> 00:26:56,840 Speaker 1: you warned you the best ross you know, did it? 523 00:26:57,040 --> 00:27:00,560 Speaker 1: Like move over, Like like he's real, cut and drop 524 00:27:00,560 --> 00:27:03,119 Speaker 1: about it. And I've always expected that because you know, 525 00:27:03,200 --> 00:27:05,240 Speaker 1: it's when when we when I first went to Miami, 526 00:27:05,280 --> 00:27:07,520 Speaker 1: I got pay late. They picked me up late after 527 00:27:07,640 --> 00:27:10,399 Speaker 1: the he shot and all that, But we were throwing 528 00:27:10,480 --> 00:27:13,359 Speaker 1: it up like we started out old twelve and and 529 00:27:13,520 --> 00:27:16,000 Speaker 1: he worked us hard, and he put the push on us, 530 00:27:16,040 --> 00:27:19,040 Speaker 1: and he would not let anybody in that locker room 531 00:27:19,119 --> 00:27:22,320 Speaker 1: quit and rods us making a real push and almost 532 00:27:22,400 --> 00:27:24,720 Speaker 1: made the trail. But you know we started short again. 533 00:27:25,040 --> 00:27:28,399 Speaker 1: But I never fig his intensity. You know, who are 534 00:27:28,440 --> 00:27:31,399 Speaker 1: the women losing? Uh? You know? And I remember the 535 00:27:31,480 --> 00:27:34,399 Speaker 1: moments where one how he was and then I remember 536 00:27:34,440 --> 00:27:38,320 Speaker 1: when he lost how he was people. But that's where 537 00:27:38,320 --> 00:27:41,000 Speaker 1: it is, and I respect that. That's dope. And and 538 00:27:41,160 --> 00:27:42,680 Speaker 1: and when you were in the league, I know you 539 00:27:42,800 --> 00:27:45,680 Speaker 1: played for so many leaves, just so many uh seasons. 540 00:27:46,400 --> 00:27:49,119 Speaker 1: Who who were like the two or three people that 541 00:27:49,359 --> 00:27:54,399 Speaker 1: you going against defending that you were like, okay, I gotta, 542 00:27:54,400 --> 00:27:56,400 Speaker 1: I gotta, I gotta get some extra rest. Like who 543 00:27:56,480 --> 00:27:57,959 Speaker 1: was who were some of the people that you had 544 00:27:58,000 --> 00:28:00,440 Speaker 1: the most respect for, like fellow point guards guarding that 545 00:28:00,520 --> 00:28:03,359 Speaker 1: you had to go against. Well, I can just talk 546 00:28:03,400 --> 00:28:05,680 Speaker 1: about teams. And I always was like, Cary, I want 547 00:28:05,680 --> 00:28:08,240 Speaker 1: to get embarrassed as they can call. And that was 548 00:28:08,359 --> 00:28:12,879 Speaker 1: Nick Man next, and uh oh you know, so I 549 00:28:13,000 --> 00:28:15,600 Speaker 1: always was like, you know, I have just think because 550 00:28:15,600 --> 00:28:17,840 Speaker 1: I wasn't as def as it left. So I always 551 00:28:17,880 --> 00:28:19,439 Speaker 1: felt like I had could go at them before they 552 00:28:19,520 --> 00:28:23,520 Speaker 1: with at me. But I always thought about, you know, 553 00:28:23,800 --> 00:28:28,239 Speaker 1: because there's Payton Coten, you know, so anytime you're going 554 00:28:28,320 --> 00:28:31,040 Speaker 1: against those two, you know, let me not to get 555 00:28:31,119 --> 00:28:34,240 Speaker 1: Tim hardaway and put in that embarrassing He was a 556 00:28:34,320 --> 00:28:36,640 Speaker 1: problem too. Yeah, he was a problem. So you guys 557 00:28:36,640 --> 00:28:39,880 Speaker 1: to always be aware of that. And you know, there's 558 00:28:39,880 --> 00:28:42,280 Speaker 1: a lot of gods, but those Kevin Joyce, he was 559 00:28:42,400 --> 00:28:44,480 Speaker 1: one of those times. We just came straight at you 560 00:28:44,560 --> 00:28:49,080 Speaker 1: all the time. Enohing's fancy, but always a cluster. Yeah, man, 561 00:28:49,160 --> 00:28:52,160 Speaker 1: you're going at you were dealing with like like that's 562 00:28:52,200 --> 00:28:54,080 Speaker 1: a that's a hell of all. That's just the names 563 00:28:54,160 --> 00:28:56,120 Speaker 1: right there, and I'm sure there's ten more you can name. 564 00:28:56,480 --> 00:29:01,200 Speaker 1: And and my my final question, uh when when the 565 00:29:01,280 --> 00:29:03,840 Speaker 1: Knicks when when you were there with Mark Jackson, do 566 00:29:03,920 --> 00:29:05,800 Speaker 1: you wish they had something I figured it out? Or 567 00:29:05,960 --> 00:29:08,240 Speaker 1: was it too much? Did it have to did it 568 00:29:08,360 --> 00:29:09,800 Speaker 1: have to go down the way and win? Because you 569 00:29:09,880 --> 00:29:13,040 Speaker 1: guys were both such great point guards, you were both young, 570 00:29:13,480 --> 00:29:15,160 Speaker 1: you were both coming into you and you were both 571 00:29:15,240 --> 00:29:18,320 Speaker 1: New York City guys beloved by New York City, Like, 572 00:29:18,560 --> 00:29:20,400 Speaker 1: did do you wish that they had, you know, had 573 00:29:20,480 --> 00:29:22,200 Speaker 1: kept you both there or or did it have to 574 00:29:22,280 --> 00:29:24,920 Speaker 1: work out that way? No? No, I wish they could 575 00:29:24,960 --> 00:29:27,239 Speaker 1: have figured it out. And and really we wroted them 576 00:29:27,280 --> 00:29:30,000 Speaker 1: to like if you can't remember the little terms or 577 00:29:30,000 --> 00:29:31,720 Speaker 1: any time they put me and then on the course 578 00:29:31,760 --> 00:29:34,760 Speaker 1: together to try to really like make something happening, you 579 00:29:34,840 --> 00:29:37,880 Speaker 1: know who trying to show that it could happen. But 580 00:29:38,120 --> 00:29:40,680 Speaker 1: you know rich you know wouldn't do that uh much. 581 00:29:41,120 --> 00:29:44,760 Speaker 1: And so w was just hard of both young you know, 582 00:29:44,960 --> 00:29:47,720 Speaker 1: we both you know, we EGO were trying to figure 583 00:29:47,760 --> 00:29:50,040 Speaker 1: out who's who in this league and our good we are, 584 00:29:50,480 --> 00:29:52,560 Speaker 1: so it's hard to have us you know, whether he 585 00:29:52,640 --> 00:29:55,719 Speaker 1: had too a part and and and having to compete 586 00:29:55,720 --> 00:29:58,400 Speaker 1: because all we're thinking about is a long term I'm like, what, 587 00:29:58,480 --> 00:30:00,880 Speaker 1: I'm gonna stay here and play behind it eachever. And 588 00:30:01,000 --> 00:30:03,000 Speaker 1: He's like, well, I gotta stay here and be challenged 589 00:30:03,040 --> 00:30:05,400 Speaker 1: by this dude forever. You know. So it was really 590 00:30:05,440 --> 00:30:07,520 Speaker 1: trying to hold on both of them. You know, I 591 00:30:07,640 --> 00:30:10,800 Speaker 1: was on the coach to him and uh and and 592 00:30:11,000 --> 00:30:13,160 Speaker 1: you know, but Mark, one thing I always tell people, 593 00:30:13,480 --> 00:30:16,880 Speaker 1: like I have the utmost respect amongst actors. Uh, you know, 594 00:30:17,040 --> 00:30:19,800 Speaker 1: back then were battle but we still have respect each other. 595 00:30:20,120 --> 00:30:22,840 Speaker 1: And when we left it separated, I think it probably 596 00:30:22,880 --> 00:30:25,880 Speaker 1: even made it more respect. But Mark was a leader. 597 00:30:26,520 --> 00:30:28,840 Speaker 1: The defension between me and Mark at the time because 598 00:30:28,920 --> 00:30:31,360 Speaker 1: Marker is more as a leader. You what I name 599 00:30:31,440 --> 00:30:34,160 Speaker 1: how I was the guy. I was a hooper. I 600 00:30:34,280 --> 00:30:36,840 Speaker 1: just wanted to hoop. I didn't you know on the court, 601 00:30:36,960 --> 00:30:38,720 Speaker 1: you know how can run a team and you know, 602 00:30:38,800 --> 00:30:41,160 Speaker 1: I'm want the hoop. All the other things I was 603 00:30:41,200 --> 00:30:43,160 Speaker 1: starting won't say. You know, I have a great about 604 00:30:43,200 --> 00:30:46,120 Speaker 1: the passport thing in my career. You know, like I 605 00:30:46,240 --> 00:30:49,080 Speaker 1: grew up as just a hooper like all this same 606 00:30:49,360 --> 00:30:52,200 Speaker 1: and you know this commercial and that thing. I never 607 00:30:52,360 --> 00:30:55,360 Speaker 1: wanted parts to any of that more than me. So 608 00:30:55,720 --> 00:30:58,240 Speaker 1: it kind of was always a struggle because I just 609 00:30:58,360 --> 00:31:00,920 Speaker 1: wanted to hoop. Now, I I wanted people to know 610 00:31:01,040 --> 00:31:03,280 Speaker 1: after hoop. I loved the attention to being a chief 611 00:31:03,400 --> 00:31:05,880 Speaker 1: and all that, but I didn't like all other stuff. 612 00:31:05,960 --> 00:31:09,640 Speaker 1: You know that they're just the attention in general from 613 00:31:09,680 --> 00:31:12,120 Speaker 1: Hawth was more of a leader, and I think that 614 00:31:12,400 --> 00:31:15,080 Speaker 1: that's why the city came. So I'm a chief Mark 615 00:31:15,200 --> 00:31:18,440 Speaker 1: over a well that makes sense who you think is 616 00:31:18,440 --> 00:31:20,720 Speaker 1: gonna come out on the top of this NBA Finals. 617 00:31:20,800 --> 00:31:23,080 Speaker 1: I think it's gonna be a war. What's your prediction? 618 00:31:23,160 --> 00:31:25,560 Speaker 1: What what do you think it's gonna be. I think, 619 00:31:26,040 --> 00:31:30,560 Speaker 1: you know, probably Laps didn't get his stuff and Thompson 620 00:31:30,680 --> 00:31:32,760 Speaker 1: is gonna get there is I think the other guards 621 00:31:32,840 --> 00:31:35,960 Speaker 1: got a shot. You know jer R Smith, you know 622 00:31:36,080 --> 00:31:38,360 Speaker 1: he has to come throttle. You know, he's he's kind 623 00:31:38,360 --> 00:31:42,760 Speaker 1: of struggled at times, latent playoff cherry, So he has 624 00:31:42,840 --> 00:31:45,600 Speaker 1: to make shots, you know, Channing Fry to make shots, 625 00:31:46,120 --> 00:31:48,840 Speaker 1: having loves us to make shots. And then they got 626 00:31:48,960 --> 00:31:52,160 Speaker 1: a guard. They gotta guard that what Oklahoma City? Then, yeah, 627 00:31:52,360 --> 00:31:54,640 Speaker 1: that gave them the advantage for a minute. Take guarded 628 00:31:54,720 --> 00:31:57,480 Speaker 1: at three point eight. They didn't know even the three 629 00:31:57,560 --> 00:32:00,720 Speaker 1: they made, they made it tough and go this state. Really, 630 00:32:00,800 --> 00:32:02,680 Speaker 1: if you watch it, they don't really want to go. 631 00:32:02,800 --> 00:32:06,800 Speaker 1: Take th right like they even struggled with him at times. 632 00:32:07,200 --> 00:32:11,840 Speaker 1: You're gonna have to gard that three make then, But 633 00:32:11,960 --> 00:32:14,320 Speaker 1: I think that's what they're gonna have to do. Be on, 634 00:32:15,200 --> 00:32:17,320 Speaker 1: You're gonna have to carry them. But then Love and 635 00:32:17,400 --> 00:32:19,959 Speaker 1: Jerald Smith and Shannon Friday, they're gonna have to make 636 00:32:20,040 --> 00:32:22,400 Speaker 1: shots all right, Rod, Listen, Man, I can't tell you 637 00:32:22,520 --> 00:32:25,640 Speaker 1: how much I appreciate you taking the time. I wish 638 00:32:25,720 --> 00:32:29,320 Speaker 1: you so much luck down in Florida. If you ever 639 00:32:29,400 --> 00:32:31,160 Speaker 1: need somebody to come down there and get in their 640 00:32:31,200 --> 00:32:33,800 Speaker 1: asses and give a pep talk you, let me know, 641 00:32:34,240 --> 00:32:36,320 Speaker 1: because I'll talk ship to them. I'll let them know 642 00:32:36,440 --> 00:32:39,200 Speaker 1: who's who's who's their assistant coach. You're one of the 643 00:32:39,240 --> 00:32:43,400 Speaker 1: most beloved players in NBA history, truly and definitely out 644 00:32:43,440 --> 00:32:45,640 Speaker 1: of New York. You know you You're You're just we 645 00:32:45,760 --> 00:32:47,880 Speaker 1: we we always, we always have loved you, we always 646 00:32:47,880 --> 00:32:49,200 Speaker 1: will continue to love you. If you need me to 647 00:32:49,280 --> 00:32:51,920 Speaker 1: come down there smack some of those kids around, just 648 00:32:52,080 --> 00:32:54,600 Speaker 1: let me know. And and hopefully I might call you 649 00:32:54,720 --> 00:32:57,440 Speaker 1: up for that. Let me know, let me know they 650 00:32:57,520 --> 00:33:00,600 Speaker 1: put their fucking phones down, put your Twitter out, and 651 00:33:00,680 --> 00:33:04,840 Speaker 1: pay attention. But we're gonna be doing wind sprints all afternoon, okay, 652 00:33:04,880 --> 00:33:09,680 Speaker 1: And I'll take him out there. So I I appreciate Rod, 653 00:33:09,960 --> 00:33:11,800 Speaker 1: and and I'll talk to you soon, man. And and 654 00:33:12,240 --> 00:33:14,680 Speaker 1: great luck on it, the great luck on everything you're 655 00:33:14,720 --> 00:33:16,760 Speaker 1: doing it. And uh, you know, I'm just happy that 656 00:33:16,880 --> 00:33:18,760 Speaker 1: that you're happy, and I'm happy that You're still part 657 00:33:18,800 --> 00:33:20,640 Speaker 1: of basketball, and I can't wait till you're a head 658 00:33:20,680 --> 00:33:25,200 Speaker 1: coach anywhere. Man appreciated. Man, all right, Rod, I'll talk 659 00:33:25,200 --> 00:33:29,760 Speaker 1: to you soon. My many appreciate all right. This is 660 00:33:29,760 --> 00:33:32,400 Speaker 1: the Iron Wrap Ports Stereo podcast. I fucking love doing 661 00:33:32,440 --> 00:33:36,160 Speaker 1: this ship so much. Um, I love doing this ship 662 00:33:36,240 --> 00:33:39,120 Speaker 1: so much. I love doing this show. I love doing 663 00:33:39,160 --> 00:33:41,920 Speaker 1: the Iron Wrap Coors Stereo podcast. That was Rod Strickland, 664 00:33:42,120 --> 00:33:44,600 Speaker 1: uh and and and that was just a real pleasure.