A SLAP IN THE FACE

Last week Holiday Check Baskets suffered defeat at the hands of Rastatt. It was an ugly loss that totaled 25 points. At one point we were down by 35 in the 4th quarter. The team that showed up on the court was not the team that I have grown to know over these past two years. It was such a painful loss. Our timing was off, our rhythm was gone, the basketball seemed like an invisible lid was placed on it and for the other team it seemed like they were throwing rocks in the ocean.

With that loss we have forfeited our cushion in the league standings but it's not the end of the world. We are in a 3-way tie for 2nd place instead of flying solo. However, we play one of the teams we are tied with so stayed tuned for the results.

WASHout...

This is a Public Service Announcement. Coach Roger Washington is no longer the coach of Holiday Check Baskets. Coach Wash and the Management decided to go in separate ways for reason I will not mention. That was an internal thing and will stay that way but I thought I owe him a tribute for all he has done for me. So here goes.

I was in my second season in Australia and I get a phone call in the middle of the night from a funny looking number. I answered it and it was a man with a deep voice asking to speak to Michael Lay. He introduced himself as Coach Wash, the head coach of Konstanz Basketball. He began asking me indirect questions about my character. Little does he know I saw right through it, but I answered honestly? He asked me questions like, do I like to party and drink? He threw a few basketball questions in there to try and throw me off but I was on to what he was doing. He was asking about who I was as a person.

Anyway, from that point on we formed a unique bond as player/coach. He took a risk on me despite questions from the management about my height, hence doubting my ability to perform on the court. Coach Wash saw something in me that they didn't see. He saw me in the same light as I see myself and that became obvious early on. He pushed me and challenged me in a way that I became familiar with early on in life because it was the same way my dad would do things or very similar. I think Coach Wash's military background was a huge factor in his approach to things and for those whom aren't familiar with people from that kind of background can find their way of doing things very direct, to say the least. Initially, I think the newness of it all intrigue people but after awhile people began to rebel against his approach, philosophy, and his authority. It's kind of like a democracy in the sense that the people have the power speak out. After all it was took the courage of brave African Americans to stand up and speak out against slavery so that I blacks can throw down the chains and pick up a textbook.

Needless to say that Coach Wash was in a difficult position because he received no recognition for games we won, but received a lot of condemnation for the losses. It’s a catch 22 or a double edge sword. Unfortunately, that is the painful and unfair world we live in.

Having said that I want to publicly thank Coach Wash (even though he might not read this) for all he has done for me, for believing in me, and taking a chance on me. He was a great man and a great coach. I'm sure he will have no problem finding another coaching job once he is ready to take the stage again.



THANKS COACH

Return of the King

It's been awhile since my last post. Actually, it’s been just over three weeks, but I tribute that to the holidays. I thought about writing a few post, but decided not to in lieu of my desire to enjoy my time off. This time last year I was burnt out from playing for 10 consecutive months without time off, but this time is different. I'm married now and have had plenty of time to rest both physically and mentally and my body feels so much better, fresher, and rejuvenated right now.
I have also had the pleasure of spending my first Christmas with my wife and the In-Laws. On the flip side, I wasn't able to see my immediate family this year. Anyway, outside of basketball life has been fun and challenging and this holiday has been great. I tried Deer for the first time as well as enjoyed some very cold nights full of snow.

Regarding hoops, it’s time to start the second half of the season. Right now we are 2nd place with 15 games left. I spent a few days reflecting on the first half of the season and noticed a few areas I can improve on. I also sat down and thought about the direction I'm headed. In order for me to get where I want to go it is evident that I need to make a few changes. Like Michael Jackson once said, "you have to start with the man in the mirror" and that's what I plan to do. S stay tuned for a refocused M. Lay. I am on a quest to return to the MVP like performance of last season to help ensure our team reaches our goal. A CHAMPIONSHIP. So make way because the King has returned.