“Draft Day” - The NBA Draft.  Where dreams become reality.  This year is said to be as stacked as it can be.  You got elite bigs, wings, guards and flat our athletes.  With the league already in good hands, another wave of unique talents are now added to the mix.  With that being said, this episode is a recap / analysis of 1st and 2nd round drafted players.

You always get them questions years after each draft asking: “Did they get it right??”.  For that reason, we get into who made the best pickups.  Did the GMs get it right?  If not, who should have been the other considered prospects.  Also, its only right talk about our favorite prospects on this one as well.  Other topics within this draft analysis episode includes sleepers, wild card players, and possible busts. #statsandstylepodcast #ssp 

“Keep Goin” - Stats and Style is back in the building, we might as well just call it SEASON TWO.  With a lifestyle that’s so fast and busy, one can often go without making time to have genuine fun in between hard work.  Always make time for the little things to keep you sane; that could be exercising, traveling, maintaining a good routine, or pretty much whatever that’ll keep your battery charged.

The NBA Finals are currently going on where you have the Bucks taking on the Suns.  So many storylines with this matchup / outcome.  One thing that’s for sure, the Bucks have went through years of adversity to reach this moment.  Then you got the Suns who are making a Cinderella run in this year’s playoffs led by Chris Paul and Devin Booker.  We see no losses this year as both teams are able to walk away with meaningful moments with their careers.  Chris Paul is further solidifying why he is a top 5 point guard all time, given that he is leading this team while out of his prime, yet again.  Seems like he makes every team he’s on 10x better.  With Middleton, you get to see how special of a player he is regardless of the “inconsistent” narrative that folks try to put with his name.  He’s like that, plain and simple, also one of the best closers in the league.  A big shoutout goes to Giannis, showing why he is in the highest tier possible right now in the NBA.  A generational talent and 1 of 1 when talking about 7 footers.  Instead of listing every player in here, we figure you’re better off hearing more about them in this episode so tune in.

With the amount of talent we’ve seen this year, especially in the postseason, one could agree that this under 25 group of stars/superstars are on a different level than we’re used to.  Who is the best under 25?  What validates your selection?  This is a tricky topic so let’s just make sure we’re being consistent with our reasoning.  The league is definitely in good hands for years to come.

Being that we were just in Chicago for the 4th, playing G Herbo’s new album throughout the trip, it’s time we talk about the influence of Chicago and where they stand within the music scene.  We always give credit to other cities / regions, so now it’s time we give our flowers.  Three of the hottest rappers currently are from the city and they go by: Lil Durk, G Herbo, and Polo G.  Artists know that a feature from one of them can open a lot more doors towards success.  Big shoutout to Chief Keef as well, pretty much thee most influential young artist of his time. #statsandstylepodcast #ssp 

"Blind Vision" - Can’t have a goal without a vision and you can’t eat before you set the table.  With that being said, all good things take time.  If your confidence, resilience, and foresight are in-tact, striving towards longevity success should be no issue.

Almost feels surreal to see this Hall of Fame class being inducted right before our eyes.  Not only are we referring to all time legends, but for the 90s baby’s generation, this is what we grew up on.  

Tim Duncan: arguably the best PF all time, the head of the longest-running dynasty ever, and now a coach with the Spurs. 

Kevin Garnet:  the man that made MN kids like us love basketball, a champion, and a future franchise owner (just wait on it).

Kobe Bryant:  the most skilled basketball player ever, a true advocate for women’s basketball, and an icon/family-man.

This trio right here are amongst the best ever and their legacies will live on forever.

Right now, we’re approaching the best time of the year, the NBA Playoffs.  Unlike most years, this year we have the Play-in Tournament.  A bit confusing to understand, but in the end the 7th and 8th seeds will be set.

When those Mt. Rushmore type of rappers drop it almost feels like the world stops and you just gotta tap in.  Jermain Cole did not disappoint with his new album The Offseason.  Not as themed up as other recent projects that he has put out but the level of bars, storytelling, and authenticity in this project puts it automatically up there with other album of the year contestants.  Even if you’re not a big fan, you’ll probably find yourself tipping your cap based on the excellence itself.

Ain’t no let up this way, we’re too hungry and passionate in what we do.  Episode 13, we talking heavy on this one.  But like always, yal know it’s a guarantee vibe when you rock with us.  Tap in and let’s get it. #statsandstylepodcast #ssp

“HOU” - Unity in the community is always a must.  This means you better be on the same page as your team members if you want to accomplish the ultimate goal, which is success.  With that, also comes roles to play.  Everybody can’t be the big homie or the head honcho, and that’s okay.  As long as you know your role and play it well, the one’s that matter will value your contribution like no other.  Those that can soak up knowledge willingly and use it correctly, will be the bigger winners in the long run.  So never feel a way when you’re being put up on game, it’s a blessing in the long run.  S/o to the big homies sharing game and the mentees that use it correctly.

Too much is going on around the league right now.  You got Kevin Porter Jr. showing why he’s here to stay for a long time; 50 and 10 as a second-year player is unheard of.  Since we’re talking scoring, we gotta speak on Tatum and how he’s on the almost on the verge of superstardom, dropping 60 in one of his most recent games.

WHO?  Mike James! … Yea if you don’t know the kid it's time you tune in because the Nets just added another weapon to the loaded arsenal they already have.  Better run that film because the man does moves with ease that most can’t pull off in a rec league game.

Do we give individuals too much credit for team success? … Yea it’s time we add a spotlight to the ones that are essential but not highlighted enough, regarding team success.  These players value are praised more so by their peers and competitors versus the casual fan.

What is IT FACTOR? … Whatever it takes to win + clutch factor would be the correct answer if you ask us.  Most people use this term in relation to talent specifically, be we’re on our own type of time over here when it comes to these things.

Who is the most influential hooper ever, regarding fashion? … There are only two acceptable answers, if you know you know.  Better do your homework before you listen to this segment. 

Yall know what time it is when we drop, pull up with that popcorn and tap in with us.  Always a movie, always a vibe when join us.  Episode 12, let ‘s get it. #statsandstylepodcast #ssp 

“In Da Booth” - Only the strong survive to have success in their craft, so with that in mind, it’s essential to put in the work.  Most people want success but only those that are passionate and grind for the success will achieve it.
Make sure to give all legends their flowers while they’re here.  Losing an all time great like DMX will hit home, so in order to live life without regret, show your appreciation TODAY.  The influence of that man will carry on from generation to generation.  A real diamond in the rough that matches up with any heavyweight out there.
Baylor showed out in the championship game, winning in an overwhelming fashion.  They also showed why having multiple playmakers / ball-handlers are so important in today’s game.  A big s/o to the head coach, Scott Drew, who allowed his team to be the best at what they do.  If the Nets win the NBA championship will we experience a shift in trends within basketball as we see it?  Only time will tell, but if you ask us, we see the shift right now.
The league is in good hands with the amount of young talent we’re experiencing right now.  Seems like Devin Booker could get more respect in where he ranks amongst his peers, but rankings are only rankings.  Guys like him will remind you on any given night why he’s 100% like that.
Even the 2021 draft looks loaded.  Expect more stars in-the-making as we slowly approach that time of the year.  We can already name a few that look promising. 
A lot has happened since the trades.  Seems like Denver is getting ready for a big-time playoff run as they continue to climb in the western conference standings.  Despite LeBron and AD being out, the Lakers seem a lot better with the Drummond pick-up as well.
Gotta check out some of the latest fashion to drop this upcoming week.  The Rock or Not segment is always essential so check out and see how we’re feeling with these shoes.
Always a blessing every time we get to use our platform to speak our mind, create influence, and touch multiple audiences.  We appreciate the love and support that we’ve been getting, so just know, the work we put in is also for yal’.  Episode-11, let’s get it.
#statsandstylepodcast #ssp 

"No Excuses" - Whatever it is that you are pursuing you are going experience ups and downs so it’s important to stay resilient and persevere. You know March Madness still needs future on these commercials, this tournament has been crazy so far.  You can not sleep on no team or you will find yourself back at the dorm, sorry.  Two young prodigies faced up, Minnesota’s own Paige Buekers vs Caitlin Clark.  Safe to say Paige is the best amateur athlete living right now.
Minnesota’s media coverage has shown to be biased throughout the years, too many players are being overlook despite their elite talent’s.  Is this just a Minnesota thing or is this happening nation-wide as well?
Speaking of Minnesota, we welcome in the Gophers new coach Ben Johnson with open arms.  The Gophers finally hired a coach that is well connected in out here.  The goal is to not let any of these highly talented prospects leave to play elsewhere, and it seems that he’s the man for the job.
S/o to ALL the Historical Black Colleges/Universities (HBCUs).  America’s influence and would not be where it’s at today without these institutions.  When athletes decide to take their talents there, its always big-time, strengthening the platforms that value so much.  S/o Hercy Miller, a young king and a descendent from a G.O.A.T. himself, Percy Miller (aka – Master P).  And s/o to Makur Maker, the highest ranked player to go to a HBCU, currently playing at Howard University.  Who will be the next player to join the movement?!?
Trading Places, it’s that time of the year within the NBA season.  So many trades so you know things just got more interesting.  With that being said, there are also a handful of players relocating from the buyout market.  Time to lock in for these teams to make that pre-postseason run. 
You know it’s always a lil bit of heat dropping each week so it’s only right we check out the shoes we’ll rock and the one’s that we will not.
Episode 10.  It’s a celebration, come kick it. #statsandstylepodcast #ssp

"Its The Little Things" - They say health is wealth, so you better worry bout’ your diet.  Over here we don’t take things for granted so keeping up with your body is essential. Make sure you cherish your parents too, if you got a mother and a father, tell them you love them today. And if your life’s blessed, it’s okay to be a blessing to others. Nothing wrong with showing love, because you know what we say, what’s nice come back twice.

March Madness is going crazy right now, aye can we get Future on a commercial with that anthem playing. It’s only right we talk about the first two rounds. You got plenty upsets, meaning plenty success stories. Still can’t believe Illinois took the L.

The men ain’t the only ones playing for something too, PUT SOME RESPECT ON THE WOMEN TOO. Too much greatness in women’s college basketball right now for them to be getting treated unfairly. 

Anthony Edwards been in his bag lately, is it too late for a ‘rookie of the year’ run? Everybody with eyes can see that the Hawks the hottest teams in the league right now, who gone cool em’ off? Seems like that coaching change most likely paid off, shoutout to Nate McMillan on what he’s doing.  And are the Suns really hot??? Being at the 2 seed right now is big time; with other teams dealing with Covid and injuries who knows if they’re a real 2 seed team. What we’re really trying to know is, who’s the best young team right now? So many to choose from, just know the league is in good hands for years to come.

The Rock or Not segment came through with some real heat that’s coming soon.  The Nike SBs been going too crazy this month. Yal what time it is, episode 9 – the little things, gone keep yal thinking any laughing the whole time.  Come kick or feel left out; it’s a vibe every single time.#statsandstylepodcast #ssp

“I AM LEGEND” - It’s important for high school players to have your own creativity and if you gone make money make it with your TEAM, the ones you LOVE the most.  That’s the only way we living so it was important for us to address that.  With March Madness amongst us it’s only right that we give a little preview to who we’re feeling this year.  Terez is interested to watch the future lottery picks, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Suggs.  Casey’s mostly interested in Illinois, a team that’s been hot all season.

To crack off the #HoopTalk segment we get into it with a 2022 rookie watch where we check out the top projected draft picks for next year.  It’s definitely a lot of heat in that lottery.  

It seems like the U of M can’t seem to hold on to the top prospects that come out of Minnesota, how does that affect the hoop culture out here??

With the trade deadline approaching, you got contenders looking to add that last piece to make a run at a chip, we discuss the best location for certain players.  We’re sure the Nuggets, Blazers, Clippers, etc. have been in talks with teams around the league.

Speaking of the Blazers, is Dame’s time up in Portland?  The idea of joining a team to win a ring vs remaining on your squad to achieve the unthinkable is a very interesting topic.

It’s time the New York Knicks stop with all the disrespect towards legends that built up the organization to be where it’s at right now.  Charles Oakley, Spike Lee, now Patrick Ewing.  These icons should have ownership to the franchise if you ask us; but for them to not feel welcomed in Madison Square Garden is basically a spit in the face.  New York, get it together.

Every year there’s always them few players that you feel deserve more MVP recognition. These unseen-MVP’s deserved the spotlight this week.  

The ‘Style’ portion this week consists of our usually sneaker drops, but with so much heat dropping in early March, there we only highlight one sneaker that caught our eye this week.  Too many vibes on this episode.  Come kick it with us like always. #statsandstylepodcast #ssp 

“Ball Till You Fall” - There is no metrics for those who impact culture, so creatives do not get complacent in just creating without having some type of ownership or stake in what you are doing. Hard-workers do not get fooled into thinking having multiples jobs equal success. We can’t trade time for money our whole lives leaving us with no time to invest or plan ahead because we are always working. Shoutout the legendary Mark Jackson for leaving a comment on our Instagram post last week. He’s definitely a leader of men and the ultimate motivator who deserve a lot of credit for the way the NBA game is played today. The NCAA has a problem. There is more than one outlet for high school players to gain exposure by NBA scouts executives. The sports media company Overtime announced they will start a league in September 2021 that will allow players to receive compensation and sonships for their talents and likeness. Now players’ this is not for everyone some of y’all should go to college to further your education before pursuing the NBA. It is great to see HBCU’s gain global recognition and support for their efforts to push equality and black empowerment by NBA. The personnel of team KD and team LeBron are so different. KD made it clear that he likes players that can score and LeBron went big choosing players who can fill up the stat sheet in multiple categories. Towards the middle of our HoopTalk we discuss the most impressive player during the first half of the season. Casey gave James Harden his props for taken on a new role without any drop off in his production. Terez highlights the dominance of Joel Embiid and believes he is this years MVP. Then we got into our most impressive teams thus far. The phoenix Suns are Second in the Western Conference led by Devin Booker and Chris Paul. The Nets assembled their own Big 3 and could be potentially adding a fourth in acquiring Blake Griffin. We round off our HoopTalk by discussing the best landing spots for Blake. Celtics, Blazers, Lakers, and Nets are definitely the front runners to land him. Drake released Scary Hours 2 which is a 3 song EP. We’re expecting Drake to release his Certified Lover Boy album soon after this surprise drop. Of course we had to talk swag not just numbers. It seem like SB Dunks taking over for the month of March. We Talking on here. Let get it. #statsandstylepodcast #ssp 

“Check The Temperature” -  No need to ride somebody else’s wave if you are trying to build a brand. Appreciate the people who support you. It does not matter their age, race, or gender. Love is love. Now let’s get into our weekly HoopTalk. We start with acknowledging Zion Williamson’s display of greatness thus far in his two year career. That led to the conversation about who you would choose to start your franchise with: Zion, Giannis, or Ben Simmons. Casey and Terez both said Giannis is the best of the three and appreciates his willingness to attempt outside shots. We are excited that All Star weekend is taking place in Atlanta but there are some mixed emotions about the rosters. Find out who we believe should have made the All Star team and who was snubbed of their starting spot as you watch this episode. The Celtics has been really inconsistent and should be a top 3 team in the Eastern Conference. Is it the coaches, front office, or players fault? We pray that Minnesota can figure it out but they keep making moves that’s not honorable, based on the new-hire situation that took place last week. What is honorable, is Russel Westbrook starting his own academy. Kyrie said it best: the NBA was built on the backs of black kings. That being said, let’s go ahead and make Kobe the logo. Why not? Embiid has been dominating this season but James Harden the last 10 games has been making a strong case to be considered this years MVP. Towards the later portion of the podcast we got into some drip. March has some fire shoes dropping. Them ‘City Market’ SB low dunks tough. Yup lets get it, and oh welcome home Bobby Shmurda. Them New York Knicks is not doing too bad and looking like a playoff team. This episode loaded. No Bap! #statsandstylepodcast #ssp