Jay Z was court side at last night’s Duke vs Pitt game. It’s not something that you’ll see often on the college level. The rapper’s representatives reached out to Pitt a few weeks ago about coming to the contest. Zion Williamson, who lists Jigga as one of his favorite rappers, called it a “dream come true.” So in the spirit of HOV, I decided to match these Duke players up with some of the rapper’s best bars.
Zion Williamson: Zion is one of the most exciting players in college basketball. From his freakish athleticism, to the way he’s able to make his 6’7″ 284 pound frame dance on the floor, a daily conversation among writers and analysts has been what player (past of present) would you liken him to? But the freshman phenom has been very clear that he doesn’t want to be compared to anyone. He’s uniquely Zion.
“Hov, remind yourself:
Nobody built like you, you designed yourself!”
“I agree,” I said, “my one of a kind self” – It was All a Dream
RJ Barrett: Don’t let that Canadian stigma about being nice fool you. On the court, RJ Barrett is a stone cold killer. The level of competitiveness I see in his eyes during games is unmatched. He knows he’s one of the best in college basketball and there’s nothing wrong with that.
“Sometimes you need your ego, gotta remind these fools
Who they effin’ with, and we got FN’s too
Before we had A&R’s, we had AR’s too
We the only ones really movin’ like y’all say y’all do” – BAM
Cam Reddish: Cam hasn’t gotten the shine that RJ and Zion have gotten, but as he reminded us in the Florida State game with the absence of Williamson and in the absence of Tre Jones, there’s no question about his importance to this team. And even though things haven’t been easy, his confidence hasn’t wavered.
“One day you’re up, next day you’re down
Long as you stay the same, it’ll come back around” – Sweet
Tre Jones: Tre is the glue that holds this potent offense together and his on-the-ball pressure wreaks havoc for opposing teams. Jones was the freshman with the least fanfare heading into this season, but his play and ball security has made his a name everyone knows.
“More than a hustla, I’m the definition of it
Master chef, lord of the kitchen cupboard
More than a street legend, homey, it’s Hova
More than a relief pitcher, I’m the closer” – Go Crazy (Remix)
Jack White: Last year Jack White averaged 0.8 points per game. This year he’s one of the players who helps balance this Duke team. His hustle and ability to spread the floor with his 3-point shot has helped open lanes for Williamson and Barrett. He’s the x-factor.
“I put my money on the long shots
All my ballers that’s born to clock
Now I’ma be on top whether I perform or not
I went from lukewarm to hot; sleepin’ on futons and cots
To king size, green machines, the green fives” – Hard Knock Life
Javin DeLaurier: Javin, along with White and Bolden, are the upper class-men voices of experience and reason on this team. Gathering the squad together to talk during the games, pointing out screens – as captain, DeLaurier is all about the team.
“I’m even better
I’m eating better
Best thing about it is
My n****s eating together
With each endeavor, we reaching levels” – Sweet
Marques Bolden: Every team needs an enforcer – a player who may not put up all the points, but if something goes down he’s going to send a message for the team. Bolden is that player to me. Behind his naturally quiet demeanor is a guy who has no problem putting you on the floor.
“You got a flow, that’s cool with me
You got a little dough, that’s cool with me
You got a little cars, little jewelries
But none of y’all muh’f**kers could fool with me” – Do It Again
Coach K: No explanation needed for this one.
“Pound for pound, I’m the best to ever come around here
Excludin’ nobody, look what I embody:
The soul of a hustler, I really ran the street
A CEO’s mind, that marketin’ plan was me
And no I ain’t get shot up a whole bunch of times
Or make up sh*t in a whole bunch of lines
And I ain’t animated like, say, a Busta Rhymes
But the real sh*t you get when you bust down my lines
Add that to the fact I went plat’ a bunch of times
Times that by my influence on pop culture
I’m supposed to be number one on everybody list
We’ll see what happens when I no longer exist” – What More Can I Say
The Entire Duke Basketball Team:
“If every n***a in your clique is rich, your clique is rugged
Nobody would fall, ’cause everyone would be each others crutches” – Feelin It