Mack Attack May

[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 May 1st, in Bryson City, North Carolina.

 

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

Mack: Well, given we're having this conversation in the smack dab of the VHL and at my vacation home in Bryson City, I'd say the chances are pretty slim, wouldn't you? In all seriousness, I don't think I've got what it takes to lace up the skates right now and give it a whirl. I'm focused on enjoying some peace and serenity up here, and watching Steve Lattimer put together a great show in the SBA. Thank goodness for the All-SBA pass.

 

Smith: Speaking of Bryson City, why did you choose to have a vacation home here?

Mack: My girlfriend used to work not too far from here, closer to Asheville. She turned me onto the area, it's really peaceful even if it's a hike from the DC area. The drive is beautiful going through rural Virginia, down through a bit of Tennessee, and then hitting the mountains of North Carolina. As you can see, even though I'm no outdoorsman and have no competence as a handyman, I'll pay for a view, and this place certainly has all of that and then some.

 

Smith: So you subscribe to All-SBA pass? What and who are you watching, normally?

Mack: Well, of course, Steve. I don't miss a game. I really wish they'd use him more as a fulcrum at the high post, he has elite passing skills and reminds me of Nikola Jokic in terms of using the angles. He's already got the athleticism to finish tough plays around the basket. I love watching Wally Herman play. He's taken a huge leap and I don't think you'll find two guys who play and work as hard as him and Lattimer. Have you ever seen them take a play off? I haven't seen it from either of them. I've watched Kunta play too. I'm honestly jealous and talking to Steve, think he is too. Not that often you get to be a primary scorer for a title-contending team. I know I had to wait my turn to start contributing to the box score even though I was doing well with 20-28 minutes a game my first few seasons. But I compare my Mexico City experience to what Kunta has in Miami...he struck gold. You also can't not watch the Ravens, just to see if they'll lose.

 

Smith: Last time we met, you were at the Intercollegiate Athletics Forum talking about Name, Image & Likeness. Before today's conversation, you were at the Collegiate Sports Summit. What gives?

Mack: Someone has it in their head that I'm a voice of reason in the new world and wild west of college athletics. So if I can help the NCAA, the athletic directors, and the 3rd parties who are going guns blazing into the NIL era be a little bit more responsible about how this whole thing plays out, then I'll certainly take the time to do that. 
 
Smith: Post-All Star Weekend, any SBA predictions?

Mack: Well, first, I hate the all star weekend. I think I made it once during my time? It's ridiculously stupid how they pick players. In terms of the 2nd half of the season and the playoffs, I still think Charlotte is going to figure out a way to win it all. It seems wide open, though. Hopefully Coach Bobby puts in the time to do it, sometimes I think he gets outworked on the Xs and O's but he's one of the few guys lately to have won it all, and I know Steve has enjoyed playing for him mostly. So I'll stick with my pick.

This wraps up the May edition with Alvin Mack. 

[Acydburn 1,607]

4 hours ago, pugsood said:

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 May 1st, in Bryson City, North Carolina.

 

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

Mack: Well, given we're having this conversation in the smack dab of the VHL and at my vacation home in Bryson City, I'd say the chances are pretty slim, wouldn't you? In all seriousness, I don't think I've got what it takes to lace up the skates right now and give it a whirl. I'm focused on enjoying some peace and serenity up here, and watching Steve Lattimer put together a great show in the SBA. Thank goodness for the All-SBA pass.

 

Smith: Speaking of Bryson City, why did you choose to have a vacation home here?

Mack: My girlfriend used to work not too far from here, closer to Asheville. She turned me onto the area, it's really peaceful even if it's a hike from the DC area. The drive is beautiful going through rural Virginia, down through a bit of Tennessee, and then hitting the mountains of North Carolina. As you can see, even though I'm no outdoorsman and have no competence as a handyman, I'll pay for a view, and this place certainly has all of that and then some.

 

Smith: So you subscribe to All-SBA pass? What and who are you watching, normally?

Mack: Well, of course, Steve. I don't miss a game. I really wish they'd use him more as a fulcrum at the high post, he has elite passing skills and reminds me of Nikola Jokic in terms of using the angles. He's already got the athleticism to finish tough plays around the basket. I love watching Wally Herman play. He's taken a huge leap and I don't think you'll find two guys who play and work as hard as him and Lattimer. Have you ever seen them take a play off? I haven't seen it from either of them. I've watched Kunta play too. I'm honestly jealous and talking to Steve, think he is too. Not that often you get to be a primary scorer for a title-contending team. I know I had to wait my turn to start contributing to the box score even though I was doing well with 20-28 minutes a game my first few seasons. But I compare my Mexico City experience to what Kunta has in Miami...he struck gold. You also can't not watch the Ravens, just to see if they'll lose.

 

Smith: Last time we met, you were at the Intercollegiate Athletics Forum talking about Name, Image & Likeness. Before today's conversation, you were at the Collegiate Sports Summit. What gives?

Mack: Someone has it in their head that I'm a voice of reason in the new world and wild west of college athletics. So if I can help the NCAA, the athletic directors, and the 3rd parties who are going guns blazing into the NIL era be a little bit more responsible about how this whole thing plays out, then I'll certainly take the time to do that. 
 
Smith: Post-All Star Weekend, any SBA predictions?

Mack: Well, first, I hate the all star weekend. I think I made it once during my time? It's ridiculously stupid how they pick players. In terms of the 2nd half of the season and the playoffs, I still think Charlotte is going to figure out a way to win it all. It seems wide open, though. Hopefully Coach Bobby puts in the time to do it, sometimes I think he gets outworked on the Xs and O's but he's one of the few guys lately to have won it all, and I know Steve has enjoyed playing for him mostly. So I'll stick with my pick.

This wraps up the May edition with Alvin Mack.