Sadiki Fuller was raised in Houston, Texas. He was known equally as the former mascot and stunt team leader for the Golden State Warriors and as a working comedian based out of Los Angeles. I met Sadiki about 16 years ago on the set of an independent film, So Fresh, So Clean, written by a mutual friend, Al Attles, Jr.  From the outside looking in, he was comfortable but he knew he could wield more tools in his entertainment belt. wanted to add some accomplishments so he surprised more than a few when he decided to leave his Warriors job and move to LA to pursue comedy.

We recorded this podcast on February 11, 2018. After a brunch with Al Attles, Jr. and Sadiki's best friend Brandi Miller, he swung by the studio, we blazed one and hit record. As he was leaving I told him repeatedly he gave me my best interview and I meant it. Then exactly three months later to the day I got word he passed.

Initially, I was going to release this so it would dovetail with a few other projects he was working on to maximize promotion but that never happened. I wish I could’ve gotten this out earlier but I’m thankful the substance, inspiration, and tone from his words will paint a clear picture of who he was and provide an important piece of the blueprint for anyone pursuing an artistic passion.

Rest in power Sadiki Fuller.

Oakland California native Jules Masalunga slid through to talk to us about how he got into marathon running.  Four years ago he was running 5 miles a week, now he'll do 19 to keep his legs fresh. His path is pure and simple: get active, eat the donuts and burgers, then get active again. Repeat. That sounds easy as hell and that's the purpose of the episode. 

Slaps:

Git up, git out - Outkast

Everyday Struggle - PRhyme

100 Miles and Runnin - N.W.A.

Feeling Good Nina Simone

New Day - Nina Simone/Kanye West & Jay-Z

A hero aint nothing but a sandwich--Scot Peterson (Florida high school security guard)

If Zaza and David West fought for your team, you'd love 'em too. 

Michael Jordan is OJ [minus the killings]

Good morning Mr. Trump! Quincy Jones smashed Ivanka

Slaps

X - Schoolboy Q, 2 Chainz & Saudi

More Love - Rexx Life Raj

Paramedic - SOBxRBE feat Kendrick

Why You Always Hatin' - YG & Kamaiyah

You’re on one side of the room listening to this guy talk—it’s a staff meeting. He’s new to the job, but this is a veteran crew-- everybody else has dealt with ups and downs, including this guy. You have a supportive management team, I mean there are a few warts but nothing a little tweak can't fix because you've seen what this team can do. But wait why is this guy pointing at me. Is he blaming me? He's talking about defense now. What is going on here?

Slap:

Level up - Rex Life Raj

Seasons - feat. Mozzy, Sjava and Reason

Jungle Love - Jay Dee / Dilla feat Guilty Simpson & MED

Last time we checked in with Damany he was returning from training in China. Back in the states my man packed up his hoop shoes and coaching resume and is now an assistant coach with the Raptors 905, G league affiliate for the Toronto Raptors. We talked:

3:05 - Damany's coaching background

4:00 - a gang of near hires but eventual rejections

7:25 - High school coach and then the depression hits

The Let Down - Dame D.O.L.LA feat. BJ The Chicago Kid, Nick Grant

14:20 - After 10 years of hustling to get a college coaching job, scrambles to Vegas for the NBA summer league, meets Jerry Stackhouse, hoops with Stackhouse and scoops his current job. Make it happen with connects and preparation: Lou Richie, Jason Jones, Dell Demps & Drew Gordon on the help out.

22:00 - interview preparation with paperwork, hoop shoes and having a mentor (Lou Richie) give you game.

25:00 - training history with current NBA and Euro league players: Aaron Gordon (Magic), Stanley Johnson (Pistons), Kyle Wiltjer (Olympiacos of Greece Euro League), Jabari Bird (G League), Nick Johnson (G League) and others.

Check 1, 2 - Diamond D and Psychotic Neurotics

31:00 - coaching styles for G League 905 head coach Jerry Stackhouse and Raptors coach, Dwayne Casey. 

36:00 - improvement of DeMar DeRozan and Casey adopts the 3 ball.

38:00 - these next level individual training techniques.

40:00 - physical and mental challenges of transitioning from amateur to pro hoop. 

Icon Jayden Smith

45:00--Lavar Ball: the interview spin move and criticizing coaches.

51:00--handling criticism from parents. Solidify the locker room first.

56:00 - Toronto snowstorms will make you watch the Ball Brother play in Lithuania.

GameTight celebrates the 75th birthday Muhammad Ali.

Happy Birthday, Champ!

I couldn't edit the audio but we couldn't release this episode without acknowledging the passing of Reggie Ossie aka Combat Jack of the Loud Speakers Network. He was a former entertainment attorney and magazine editor but he hit my radar as a storyteller and a real leader in the business of podcasts, thus a major inspiration for GameTight Sports. Our condolences go out to his family and close friends. 

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Can you imagine Black Thought as a solo artist with different producers?

Being pushed in different directions

Kobe's jersey retirement. Jerseees! 

NBA players can suck. NBA coaches can suck. But apparently Scott Brooks doesn’t suck.

In the last segment we disagree on everything.

A sermon on Lavar Ball.

Can a college coach be expected to inform a recruit they might leave for another job at another school, or play everything close to the vest?

 soul.profess’ tracks of 2017. Part 1 of who knows)

Subenstein (My Sub IV) // Big Krit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzILf_5MswI

Crew // Goldlink feat. Brent Faiyaz, Shy Glizzy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhNqbe6QENY

Family Feud // Clark Sisters--Southern University--Jay-Z

https://listen.tidal.com/album/75413011

Lemon // N.E.R.D. feat. Rihanna

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_u97PqWX6g

David Fizdale is a damn good coach often described primarily as a motivator.

But can just anybody get a group of players to buy in?

Young Vino talks strategist versus the motivator.

The concept of playing more than six or seven players per game wasn’t always the norm in the NBA. Enter Alvin Attles, strategists.

When negotiating, don’t accept empty compliments.

Do you have a good side for the camera?

Mike Glennon Austin Davis Josh McCown Mark Sanchez Geno Smith, EJ Manual, Kellen Moore, Aaron Murray, and Blain Gabbert. These guys have jobs and Kaepernick doesn't, and that's all you need to know about football.

I'm all in for a Lebron/Kyrie conspiracy to leave Dan Gilbert out to dry.

Issa Rae is in charge of things. 

When Cersie and Jamie opened the door to their relationship: Life lessons

Heat:

Turn me up--T3 ( Slum Village)Kulfi--Samsa feat

Kulfi--Samsa feat ThiagoYou Know Who--Matt Monday

You Know Who--Matt Monday

Sophisticated Lady--Natalie Cole

Glowed Up--Anderson.Paak

Back in this. My man Damany Hendrix, college and pro basketball trainer spends a few months in China and didn't love it. Profess loves flopping. We love Russell Westbrook, Lonzo Ball, De'Aaron Fox, and Prodigy from Mobb Deep. Rest in Peace!

Rockabye Baby - Joey Baddass feat.ScHoolboy Q

Mobb Deep: Survival of the Fittest | Give Up The Goods | Quiet Storm | Shook Ones Pt. 2

Outside of life and death, soulprofess offers a possible exception to the rule, never kick a dude in the sack. 

Damany rethinking: if a player on your squad checked out like J.R. Smith when he dapped up Jason Terry during a game what would you do? 

Gymnasts and synchronized swimmers: dreams of f****** an R&B b**** 

Boogieman - Childish Gambino

Endangered Species - Ice Cube

Gettin Some - Shawnna

Weight Off - Kaytranada (feat. BADBADNOTGOOD)