Word has it that with the All Daz camp you never know what weapon they're going to pull out of their arsenal. Coming back from an 0-1 start and taking on a retooled Madness team jointly managed by CEO Larry of Universal Madness and Herb Francis you know All Daz would want to represent and reestablish their good name and reputation.  An 0-2 start would be totally unacceptable. 

All Daz suited up none other than Tre Kelley (South Carolina/ playing professionally overseas), Nolan Smith (Duke), Brian Chase (Virginia Tech) and the legend Curt "Trouble" Smith, who like Jay-Z briefly stepped down from a management role to "put things in order" sort to speak.

The Madness team, not to be outdone suited up Bryant Matthews (Virginia Tech, playing professionally overseas, incoming freshman Roscoe Davis (Hargrave Military/West Virginia) and Brandon (Baltimore).

The Goodman season tickets holders were in the gates at 4:30pm. The VIP and BF Crazy sections were full and ready for the action to begin.  Before the game, I had a chance to speak with Madness coach Herb Francis who said "We're going to play fundamental ball today unlike the Lakers, who play 1 on 5. We're going to try and keep it going, keep it simple.  We have some weapons, they have some weapons. It's gonna be a great game.  The fans will enjoy it but I want this one."

  The commissioner Miles Rawls gave the orders, "Move em!"

The Madness bigs Bryant Matthews (Virginia Tech), who actually played with Brian Chase in college, and incoming freshman Roscoe Davis (Hargrave/West Virginia) were dominant all game with sportscenter highlight dunks from put backs and alley oops from  Madness teammates but ultimately had no defense for the All Daz four guard attack.

Tre Kelley established himself right from the jump but I noticed this year he added a deft left hand to his arsenal. He even seemed a tad quicker than last summer and his patented spins, slashes and teardrop bank shots are a thing of beauty.   Nolan Smith also seemed to play with more aggression and confidence than last summer and he joined Kelley in the point production.  Nolan Smith must have springs in his shoes because he can certainly rise off the ground. Trouble is the brains of the outfit.  His basketball IQ is genius level without a doubt. He can control the flow of any game without having to outjump or blow by his opponent with lightning quick speed.  He knows when to drive, shoot, and pass.  Brian Chase, "The Assassin" has one of the best strokes on the planet period but was overshadowed by Kelley today.

At the five minute mark in the first half, the Madness squad, powered by their bigs, began to close the lead All Daz built and closed the gap to within 4 at halftime. The score was 52-48 All Daz at the half.

In the second half, each team exchanged the lead and spectacular plays.  Madness's Roscoe Davis and All Daz's Nolan Smith each threw down tremendous dunks while Tre Kelley was racketing up good numbers slashing to the basket and converting from the free throw line. 

At the 3:31 mark of regulation, the All Daz guards seized control of the game as the Madness bigs seemed to get fatigued.  After Madness's Bryant Matthews converted two free throws to make the score 93-88 with almost 2 minutes remaining, his team failed to capitalize down the stretch.  Tre Kelley and Brian Chase sealed the win with free throws while Nolan Smith threw down a tremendous tomahawk dunk at the end of regulation.

I asked Nolan Smith after the game how the Goodman competition prepares him for the ACC and he said,  "Playing in the Farms makes you tougher both mentally and physically.  In the ACC you just don't get the bump you get here. Playing here definitely gets you ready for the ACC."

Madness coach Herb Francis said after the game, "That last possession hurt us. What can I say? They had the top guards.  Each guard had the whole package of spin moves, the works. We just couldn't contain them."

6'11" big Roscoe Davis, who will be a freshman at West Virginia in the fall said "Here you have to bring your A game all the time or else."

Just one year ago, two incoming freshmen players Mike Beasley and Donte Green graced these same courts and now both are on the verge of entering the NBA. 

Highlight move of the day: At the 3:33 mark of the first half All Daz guard Tre Kelley drives the length of the court, fakes the ball behind his back with his right hand, switches it to his left hand and converts from the left hand side of the basket for a layup. Unofficially I had Kelley at 32 for the game.

All Daz and Madness both have identical 1-1 records.

 In the first game, The Famous Firm led by guard White Chocolate defeated a diminished We R One team 46-34. The Famous Firm's record is 2-0.

For archived articles on the Goodman League this summer, go to the DCMS Blog link.

www.dcmetrosports.com/dcmsblog

Check back soon for the 3rd Eye Story and other in depth bios on the great Goodman League.