With the brackets set, March Madness has officially arrived. And with three weeks of buzzer beaters, ridiculously deep three point shots, and back door cuts, there is much excitement that lies ahead. If the field could be extended by one more team, allowing a Phishy qualifier, here’s who I’m throwing out there as the team’s starting five.
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PG: “2001”
Returning to its roots this year, “Also Sprach,” as teammates like to call him, has once again began to resemble a point guard, looking to pass before shooting. Having come up through the ranks as a table-setter, always assisting the teams’s bigger stars, “Sprach” went through a four-year revolution of offensive-minded playing, often completely dominating games with extensive dance grooves. But with a stacked offensive squad this year, “Sprach” has ran the offense to a tee, once again deferring to larger jams at the tune of 8.5 assists per game.
SG: “Ghost”
Boasting the best outside jump shot of the starting five, this versatile scorer can get the ball to the hoop in just about any way possible. Be it chunky grooves or blistering solos, “Ghost” rarely falls short in clutch situations, while often the go-to-guy when the game is on the line. Enjoying a symbiotic relationship with renewed pass-first point guard, “2001,” “Ghost” thrived this year almost every time he stepped onto the hardwood.
SF: “Tweezer”
“Tweezer” is a small forward like LeBron James is a small forward – huge. Filling the stat sheet in every category, “Tweezer’s” versatility enables him to play any position at anytime with ease. The most gifted athlete on the team, this freak of nature boasts liquid moves to the goal, an ability to run the offense all by himself, and a tendency to take over close games with subconscious rhythm. “Tweezer” will surely draw double and triple teams starting in round one, making “Ghost’s” outside shooting all the more crucial, but when all and said and done, “T-Dog” will get his.
PF: “Carini”
“Carini’s” hard-nosed style and menacing presence has made him the face of the team’s defense for years. A la Dennis Rodman or Ben Wallace, any points are gravy from this low-post intimidator. Averaging 10 rebounds and 4 blocks per contest, this monster inhales anything in his path, crashing the power chords, cymbals, and offensive boards with the same notable passion.
C: “YEM”
Holding down the middle since the late-’80s, “You Enjoy Myself” has become a legend in its own time. This ageless wonder continues to play out his glory years with as much delicacy and spunk as his early days. The cornerstone of the teams offensive and defensive schemes, Phish wouldn’t be where they are today without “YEM’s” two-way contributions. Known for going on scoring runs like James Brown on his worst night, and playing stopper with vocal jams when the team needs a hold, this veteran always comes through in one way or another. Boasting meticulous footwork in the post, when “YEM” finally springs free, his explosiveness and flow to the basket can be staggering.
6th Man: “Antelope”
You thought Vinnie “The Microwave” Johnson brought the heat off the bench for the Bad Boys of Motown? Well, “Antelope’s” energy coming off the bench rivals anything any NBA scout has ever seen. Literally running circles around the court and generally appearing out of control, his take-no-prisoner style has disrupted many an offense when he subs into the game. Look for his chaotic contributions throughout the tournament, as his unique defensive style is sure to make more than a couple highlight reels.
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Jam of the Day:
“David Bowie” 7.25.93 II
This is a particularly ripping version from Waterloo ’93, including a sublime quote of Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence.”
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DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:
7.17.1993 Filene Center @ Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA < Torrent asap
7.17.1993 Filene Center @ Wolf Trap, Vienna, VA < Megaupload
Keeping the musical theme of the day going with some more Summer ’93.
I: The Landlady, Runaway Jim, Sample in a Jar, My Mind’s Got a Mind of its Own, Stash, Reba, Chalk Dust Torture, The Horse > Silent in the Morning
II: 2001 > Tweezer, The Squirming Coil, It’s Ice, Sparkle, Big Ball Jam, Mike’s Song > Leprechaun > Weekapaug Groove, Faht, Rift, Good Times Bad Times
E: Amazing Grace, Daniel Saw the Stone, Tweezer Reprise
Source: Schoeps mk4 > kc5 > cmc5 > Sonosax SX-M2 > Panasonic SV255 (@ 48 kHz)
