Mack Attack December

[pugsood 97]

The Sun Gazzette continues its monthly coverage and update of Northern Virginia native and now former SBA basketball player Alvin Mack, as he continues to be eligible in the VHL, despite not having entertained any overtures by the league and its general managers to date. Our beat reporter Jordan Smith caught up with Mack on December 1st at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC as Mack was attending the Capitals - Penguins game.

 

Smith: Same question, different month - any plans on pursuing hockey?

Mack: Never say never. I was considering giving this up for good but then some new rules, some new possibilities have come into place...I really just think if there's an easy way for me to develop at the same time in my skillset in hockey and basketball, I'd really consider it. But right now it's not easy enough and I don't have that kind of time.

 

Smith: You lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs in the SBA to the Miami Vice. You finish your career with some great personal accolades including Power Forward of the Year, but never advanced to an SBA Finals. What do you think your legacy will be?

Mack: The thought that still keeps me up at night is that I left something on the table in my career. Whether it was spending my prime year on a team that wasn't going to make the playoffs most likely and being the casualty of the salary cap, to not advancing to the finals with the Ravens and then having to watch them win the title just a couple of seasons later...honestly it all really, really stings. And I'm trying to instill in my boy Steve Lattimer that he needs to be better than me, do better than me, accomplish more than me. And I think he will. But in terms of my legacy, I don't know man. I'd love to say I'm up for the Hall, but I don't think it'll happen and I'll have to live with that.

 

Smith: Speaking of Lattimer, many GMs have reached out to gauge his interest in hockey. Do you have any idea his latest thinking?

Mack: Steve's basically waiting for one of you all to offer me a million bucks on top of what you'll pay him for him to come over. But no seriously, coming off an incredible SBDL season, I think he's really focused on his basketball craft. Guy was the 3rd overall pick in the draft. Some thought he was the best player overall. Knowing Steve's mind, his heart, I think he is so motivated to prove his new franchise right, prove other naysayers wrong, and build the kind of career that even guys like myself couldn't achieve. I don't think hockey fits into that but that's just my gut reaction.

 

Smith: We're faced with another controversy, this time comedian Dave Chappelle being paid $24M for his comedy special which included commentary that many felt was inappropriate or insensitive to marginalized communities. Thoughts?

Mack: Comedians have a a task, a responsibility even, to find lines in society and maybe even go so far as to push those lines or cross them. What you think is funny may not be what I think is funny. I don't know why we think we can objectify humor. I really struggle with this topic because seemingly you can find fault with the most innocent remarks. I got called 'big' a lot growing up. I HATED it. Why is it okay for someone to remark on people's body size? That'd be like me saying 'oh hey buddy, you're short, tell me about your experience.' That stuff doesn't fly. But we don't have set rules and maybe we shouldn't.