Recalling the Answer

Allen Iverson was perhaps the biggest little man to ever play the game of basketball. The 6’0, 165 pound shooting guard will forever be mentioned with the likes of Kareem and Jordan as one of the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) greatest scorers. The former number one overall pick of the Philadelphia 76ers is a former MVP, rookie of the year, four-time scoring champion, eleven-time all-star, two-time all-star game MVP, three-time steals leader, and three-time all-NBA first team member. His accolades do not even do the undersized, overly-skilled competitor justice. Iverson was a winner. He carried a team solely of role players to the NBA Finals in 2001, when Kobe, Shaq and the dominant Lakers crushed his chances at a ring in five games. Success on the hardwood came easy to him. It was on game day that he shined the brightest.

While Allen Ezail Iverson had all the answers on the court, hence his nickname “The Answer,” questions have never been his forte. The questions of reporters, in particular, rarely seemed to sit well with him. More specifically, questions about his practice habits, which were not the most admirable, really struck a nerve in his mind. 

On May 7, 2002, Allen Iverson’s intentionality on the practice court was publically called into question by NBA reporters in a post-game interview. When it was mentioned that he showed late to a practice, Iverson erupted.  He responded by glaring at the helpless reporter and barking back: “How the hell am I supposed to make my teammates better by practice?” Apparently, practice was of very little use to the superstar. 
             Those who valued practice seemed to have appeared delusional to Iverson. Out of clear frustration, he continued on a rant (now famous on all sports blooper television shows) in which he used the word practice 24 and a half times. In the last instance he could not finish the word because he was in such a state of vexation that he needed to pause midway. Few scholars believe Iverson was trying to impress linguists with his use of repetition as a literary device. Nevertheless, the passion and distinct emphasis dedicated toward the word “practice” was present when he continued his verbal assault on reporters who questioned his motivation for improving daily: “I’m supposed to be the franchise player, and we’re talkin’ about practice. How silly is that?” He found both a great deal of frustration and humor in the questions asked of him. As a result, he held nothing back and responded with questions of his own.
             In analyzing Iverson’s mentality in regards to practice via his interview and his exceptional play on gameday, maybe athletes around the world can take one controversial idea from “The Answer”: Maybe practice doesn’t make perfect.

A Happy Ending

     All signs point toward a happy ending for Ray Lewis and his professional football career.  The stage is set for the Baltimore Ravens to earn themselves their second Superbowl victory and grant the hard-hitting, passionate middle linebacker a fairytale ending come February 3rd. Future hall-of-fame middle linebacker Ray Lewis will forever be remembered as ones of the league's most intense leaders, hardest workers, and scariest hitters. The 37 year old, albeit out of his prime, is still making a name for himself among the game's elite. His team, led by their defense, is currently clicking on all cylinders. Number 52 can lead his troops with a level of focus and attention to detail second to none now that he has avoided the courtroom, returned from injury, and sensed history in the making. A heart-warming, inspirational, yet hyper-motivational pregame speech, and if necessary, halftime speech, is to be expected and highly anticipated by Ravens players and fans alike. While his always affective rhetoric serves a great purpose for his teammates, it is on the field where the Ravens will need to produce. If one thing is for certain, moreover, it is that Baltimore has all the tools to do just that: produce.
     Though the Ravens are and have always been known for their consistent, anything-but-soft defense, their offense, for the first time in over a decade, is equally potent. While Lewis, Suggs, and Reed are intimidating to say the least, the man under center on the other side of the ball is just as hungry and eager as anyone to lay hands on the Vince Lombardi trophy.
     Joe Flacco might actually be as good as he tells us he is. After telling the world a year ago that he believes he is the best quarterback in the league, he is starting to play like it. Though I am unwilling to categorize him with Rodgers, Brees, Manning, and Brady whom he just beat, his progress this season ought not to go unrecognized.  The fifth year quarterback threw for a career high in yards during the regular season, and has now posted a career high quarterback rating of 114.7 thus far in the playoffs. He is progressing at a steady rate, and can thank the big uglies up front and his weapons on the outside for that. Head Coach John Harbaugh's offense is fourth in the National Football League in passing, something not even their opponents from San Francisco can claim. Such a stat is not accredited to having one superstar, but to having the balance of a number of great players on the offensive depth chart.
     Flacco's improvement in both confidence and statistics would be impossible if he did not have guys to throw to. Fortunately for him, he has two stand-out targets at the wide receiver position. Former Arizona Cardinal Anquan Boldin has made a name for himself as being perhaps the strongest, most physical receiver in the league. He can serve as both a possession receiver as well as a big play type guy. The man opposite to him, Torrey Smith, is certainly a hail mary sort of play-maker. Much like this season has been an emotional roller coaster for captain Ray Lewis, it has been even more so for Smith. The speedy wideout is dealing with the tragic death of his 19-year old brother who died in late September from a motorcycle accident. Smith, who leads all Baltimore receivers in touchdowns, is averaging an eye-opening 17.4 yards per catch. He would like nothing more than to continue putting up big numbers in order to win a Super Bowl for his deceased younger brother. He should be able to perform at a high level if the underrated, yet dominant offensive line led by Matt Birk, Michael Oher, and Bryant McKinnie remains a force to be reckoned with. These big boys up front make it possible for Flacco to connect with his skilled players and free up space for stud running back Ray Rice and x-factor Bernard Pierce in the backfield. This combination of talent has the Ravens statistically as the fifth best rushing team in the league. They are capable, furthermore, of dominating a game with their rushing attack. Their power game teamed with their deep threats in Boldin and Smith make for one dangerous offense. It is rare that a Baltimore offense can keep up with its defense. Nevertheless, Ravens fans can finally deem such a statement as true. If Flacco leads the offense the way Lewis leads his defense, Ravens players should be heading home happy following next Sunday's Super Bowl. If they do their jobs as anticipated, Ray Lewis will exit the league on top and the organization will exit the 2012-2013 season as champions.