Last night I could not sleep. I went out to get some air.

All alone, in the darkness, on the edge of town (Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band, 1978, Columbia records)

I could not understand, you know. The first time I ever saw him, he played at off-guard, sometimes the small forward position.

 

Last time I saw him, he was employed as point-guard… he can’t dribble, he can’t shoot…

I was dazed and confused (Led Zeppelin, [I], 1969, Atlantic records)

 

But suddenly, a friend, the main E-Streeter,

...took me by the hand, and showed me the light, taking me out of the darkness (Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul, Voice of America, 1984, EMI records)

 

…now it’s all clear… he plays at the LOMBROSIAN position!

 

He really loves driving down the lane, turning the ball over and launching the thankful opposing team’s fast-break. All by himself. No need to help him. No need to recover. He’ll just surrender and give you the ball.

 

He's a streak-shooter… in his own mind, at least. After hitting a random 3-pointer, the streak starts: rim, backboard, air, rim, and so on. Sooner or later someone will have to shoot him, before he shoots, for the sake of G.S.Peristeri.

 

Bet someone will walk on Venus before he can complete two passes in a row.

 

A true winner.

 

No, no. I know what you’re thinking…calm down, please…I’m not talking about The Game.

 

Our hero won first prize at his younger brother's school’s lottery: a 6 feet 2 inch tall stuffed bear. Then, feeling on-fire, Manolis Papamakarios challenged the bear and they played a couple 1-on-1 games. The bear dominated, erupting with 21-8 and 21-6 wins.

 

Dear Manolis, there’s plenty of ways to earn a living…

ever considered joining your Lombrosian pal Tsiaras at a cake-kiosk in Athens? He’s a sweetheart of a guy, and most important, he’s CEO down there.

 

I’m sure he’ll take care of you.