The Deck at 260 Volume 35

Whew this pollen out on the deck as well as hot topics! 

Hubert Davis v Belichick, GLP, Lent, Easter, New Big Stuff, Shortcuts in life, Tank and Tyrese Versuz

UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis was fired this week after the Tarheels were bounced in the first round of the NCAA men's tournament. Now while Hubert's teams underachieved and this one imploded after losing their best player, there are some things to look at. One is that he didn't have a losing record. Two in football, legendary coach Bill Belichick stunk it up in his first season and got an extension. Racial or otherwise bias, I would say so. I would also say it shows that Black people even in 2026 cannot be average. Let's keep watching other coached like Kelvin Sampson and Marcus Freeman. I have to be careful also as a man of color. I'm held to a different standard also. 

I didn't realize people were so passionate about GLP-1s or passionate against me or just passionate! Here's my simple take. I only implied I wasn't a fan of them (which I'm not). I do stand on the concept they are not a natural weight loss supplement. They are a medical supplement for sure. Hollywood and other famous people have used them as the latest diet fad.If your doctor prescribes any of these medications for T2 diabetes, take them. However know the risk, use with care, and don't forget about consistent diet, exercise, stress control and rest. I say the same about surgeries. They are a tool. Just like anything else I discuss on the deck, you do not have to disagree and can keep it moving. I don't agree with many things I don't discuss but you know what I do? Keep it moving. Those that know me best know that's growth for me as I'm almost 48. 

Lent is almost over and Easter is almost here. I cannot believe in 2026 people are still debating Christians for observing Lent. Point being, it's healthy to debate and talk things over. I think people need to mind their own business. Second, I LOVE Easter! I'm not a fan of attending church if you only attend on Easter and/or Christmas. I've made peace with it though. 

Winthrop University (the WU) has a new remastered athletic logo with the beloved mascot, Big Stuff. I've had a love/hate relationship for years with the current academic logo. This logo helps out a lot to balance an ambiguous logo. I do love the classic Eagle head though! 

Tank and Tyrese had their Versuz last night. While Tyrese is talented, Tank is a little more talented and has a greater cataloged. I don't know many other songs from Tyrese other than "Sweet Lady". It wasn't completely one sided, I just want to see a Versuz similar to Cash Money and No Limit with more balance. 

Finally I want to address shortcuts in life, which like it or not, that's what the majority of people use GLP-1 shots for. I won't go into full detail, I will just say I was accused of using shortcuts, cutting corners, etc. Far as your health, one should never do this. I did hire a trainer (and I may rehire her soon or another) so I stay fully on track. Do what is best for you but also do the right thing ethically. Please match your work ethic and body of work with what is actually happening. I've been a bigger advocate of this for abojt a year now. We live in a world of free will. Live how you wish but don't feel you have to fake nor lie about how you live. Be authentic and genuine! 

Until next time,...

The Deck at 260 Vol 34.

We are back at a couple of wild weeks. The Deck is Spring ready and here we go! 

Gaffney girls basketball, small v large venue, Bam 83, ex players charging, MBJ, March Madness, Click bait lists

Gaffney girls basketball did not win the ultimate prize. However they are set up for success for seasons to come and definitely the next couple of seasons. I love seeing this as a Cherokee County native and a fan of the game. 

Speaking of champion teams, there were neutral venues for the UpperState Championships, some were high school gyms, others in college such as Wofford University. The college campuses offer plenty of room while high school gyms can be packed out and even turn away fans. I remember 30 years ago when Clover and JL Mann (both teams coached by legends Bennie Bennett and Mark Huff). The game was so packed the fire Marshall had to demand that other fans go to a room and watch on closed circuit television. Venues such as Wofford and even having the state championship back at Colonial Coliseum in Columbia will accommodate high school fan base. However the excitement and intensity of a packed house is lost. 

Bam from the Miami Heat scored 83 points last week, surpassing Kobe Bryant as 2nd all time. Sports fans are stating that Bam's score was forced and not as real since the Heat was up by 20 and Bam's teammates were doing things such as missing foul shots just to give the ball back to Bam for3 easier shots. I think that a point is a point and the game has changed. I'm good with Bam getting 83 regardless. 

This is the season for area football players that made it to college and the NBA to hold camps. Many of them do it for free or cheap. Spartanburg and NFL star Deebo Samuel got mad flack for charging local kids more than $300 for a 1-2 day camp and clinic. Apparently it was Deebo's people, not his. I've seen several athletes, including my own cousin, conduct camps on the regular without all of this drama. The point is you can't defend everything as a professional, you can only allow your consistent work in the community speak the necessary volumes. Many athletes do lose connection in this communities due to stuff like this and have to be careful and persistent. 

Michael B. Jordan won the Best Actor Oscar for his dual role in "Sinners". MBJ has been grinding for two decades now and is simply that it actor right now. It's great of course for a Black actor/actress to win and also great for someone that's made such an impact in big roles and films. I love the praise he's been given and I can't wait for his next appearance. 

March Madness is already off to a great start (more next week). High Point took down Nebraska and Siena fought Duke to the bitter end. Both of the men's and women's tournaments are simply must see TV and a tradition for me every end of March. I love watching the games either at home or out with friends. I'm not cool with paying outrageous prices to watch 1st and 2nd round games locally. 

My circle and I discuss hip hop occasionally (another good topic for the Deck). I don't like click bait arguments anymore than politics nor apples v oranges debates. This list I saw on social media was ridiculous. I like how it allows for the debate to begin. The responses were like saying questionable responses like Greg Oden was the best NBA player or that deviled eggs is the best Thanksgiving dish. I won't start nor post debates just for click bait although I am very opinionated and passionate. 

Let's discuss more basketball on next week!