Could "The Problem" actually hoop?
Would he be able to take a hit and not wanna knock the hell outta somebody?
What does his "J" look like?
Does he have handles?
Would he be able to coax fellow rising boxer Chris Pearson to grab his hoop gear and go at it 1 on 1 on the court?
With all these questions in tow, we knew the entertainment would be on point.
Lets get back to hoop for a minute shall we?
When former NBA 3-pt champion Daequan Cook decided to play this year he requested one player to join his squad.
That would be Aaron Pogue, the former Dunbar and Cleveland St big man who he and Norris Cole played so well with as they accumulated State Championships in their high school era.
With Pogue and Keith Wynn Jr. controlling the offensive boards, Cook, Steve Wright (Last Years MVP), Keith Wynn Jr., and Darion Capers was able to get open 3's all nite long as the Cook squad came back from a 22 pt deficit in the first half and down four with 2 mimutes left in game to win a thriller 108-107.
Cook continues his dominance in the event- he is now 4 for 4 in being the General Manager / Captain of the "Cook Squad". And it was heard that he might be retiring from the event because of his 4-peat.
However for most of the game, it looked as if the Cole Squad would be able to win the game and end the skid.
Former Cincy Bearcat Deaonta Vaughn hit 3 3 -balls early, and set the tone for the first half. The Cole Squad also led by Dunbar grad and Clippers summer league guard Geron Johnson. The former Memphis Tiger guards acrobatic drives and dunks, fiery defense, and desire to win seemingly would lead the Cole Squad to a W. The Cole squad led by as many as 23 and seemed to be cruising.
But as time waned on, late in the first half the Cook squad started to find its rhythm, and went on a huge run (led by Cook and Wright) to cut the lead down to 3 at half.
Game on.
New half, but the Cole squad was still in control until the last 4 minutes of the game.
But the Cook squad hit some huge 3's and Pogue came up with a couple of big rebounds and contributed on the final play defensively as well to snatch the victory.
After Cook hit a 3 to put his squad up by 1, (105-104) the Cole squad immediately retaliated with a 3 of their own to take the lead back 107-105.
Cook hit the final backbreaking three after a Pogue rebound, and after 3 Steve Wright Free throws, the final stage was set.
After a Carlos Knox (Meadowdale, IUPUI) miss, there was a huge scramble in which Geron Johnson came out with the ball.
After some contact, Johnson couldn't get the shot he wanted, and felt he was fouled as bodies were all over the place in the paint on the possession.
After a Cook squad turnover, the Cole squads final attempt was thwarted by good D.
And the Cook squad celebration was on. Cook was mobbed by his teammates and Fans.
Norris Cole? Not a happy coach. Coach Darren Powell felt his team was robbed, and didnt want to speak to the media.
Cook, Wright, Aaron Pogue and Wynn Jr led the Cook squad while Deonta Vaughn, Josh Benson, Broner and Carlos Knox led the Cole squad.
As far as Broner is concerned?
Broner showed he does have hoop skills, and although he didn't score a lot, he had a major influence on the game.
Broner gave Chris Pearson such a ribbing about not playing that even though Pearson is set to fight next month in Vegas, he contemplated grabbin the sneaks and gettin it in.
Broner, danced, talked trash, dropped a 3 ball, and did everything on the court he could to get his team the win.
Then he casually switch sides and accepted the MVP trophy on behalf of the Cook squad-
although he was on the Cole squad.
Cincy buddy Deonta Vaughn watched in disbelief.
But make no mistake, Broner can hoop. And entertain. And he feels like he ready to take the
next step towards being the best pound for pound boxer in the world.
Last but most importantly, the event raised enough money in which the Local Legends Scholarship Foundation was able to give away the first ever scholarship to High School senior Iya Bazar.
Bazar held above a 3.5 average and will be studying Biology at The Ohio State University.
