Can't Ban the Snowman: The Legend of Tony Snow

[chosenone58]

[chosenone58]

[mvp]

BI to Cleveland

[ShamWowNY]

Josh Smith return tour, let's see it

[kibaxx7]

USA Basketball selection!

[chosenone58]

BI to Cleveland

Yeah, free agency was something else.

Josh Smith return tour, let's see it

I was surprised to see him still here, I figured why not? We'll see how it goes.

USA Basketball selection!

Team USA can't go to Tokyo without the two time MVP.

[chosenone58]

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[chosenone58]

Michael Snow's Boys

“This is it, boy. You ready?”

“Yeah, man. This is gonna be a piece of cake.”

Nico and I were sitting in the parking lot at the University of Miami getting ready to head in for Freshman Orientation. I decided against doing any traveling out of the country to play ball this summer, outside of the Olympics, because I wanted to spend as much time with my little brother as possible before he started college.

“You know it’s going to be weird not having you in the house.”

“I’m only thirty minutes away.”

“Exactly. Why didn’t you just choose to live at home? Got me spending all this money on room and board.”

“I wanna get the full college experience. At least freshman year. I need to be in the middle of all the action. Finger on the pulse and all that shit.”

“You couldn’t experience more scholarship money?”

“Hey, I got tuition covered. I felt like you should share in the experience too.” He laughed.

We made our way through the various lines and picked up the keys for his dorm room. We were stopped more than a few times by students and some parents. I tried not to hold up the process too long because today wasn’t about me. Nico took it all in stride. About 2 hours and five trips to the car later, we had him all moved in. We met his roommate Austin, who was from Houston ironically, and who happened to be a huge Rockets fan. I spent most of the time talking to Austin’s dad, Stuart, while his mom, Carol, helped the boys decided on a set up for their room.

“You’ve accomplished a lot for someone so young.”

“Thank you.”

“So, you think you guys can win it all again this year?”

“That’s the plan. But I’m not even thinking about the season right now, if I’m being honest.”

I get a text from Mo letting me know that he finally made it to campus. I excuse myself and Nico follows me out of the door. We meet Mo in the parking lot where he gives my brother a big hug. More emotional than we’ve ever seen him.

“Mike would be so proud of you. Both of you.”

“Thanks, Mo. Didn’t take you for the sentimental type.”

“Your pops was like a brother to me. He held me down when my career tanked. Y’all don’t know the half. Those were some dark times. So, to be able to be here for his boys is big deal to me.”

“This just got super heavy. You wanna see my dorm room set up?”

Big Mo just laughed. Leave it to Nico to just crash a moment. It’s been 7 years since our dad passed away and we moved from Orlando to Miami to live with my uncle. A lot has changed since then, but it still hurts to think about, so we try not to dwell on it too much.

“Yeah, man, let’s go see this set up.”

After another hour of strolling through campus, it was time to go. The students had some sort of party tonight.

“Well, I’ll leave you to it. I’ll be back for the Florida State game in September. Should be done with training camp by then.”

“Where is training camp this year?”

“Bahamas,” I say with a huge grin.

“Damn, man. I wish I could be part of that."

“Tokyo wasn’t enough?” I joke.

“Of course, but there can never be too much vacation time.”

“True.”

We stood in an awkward silence for a couple minutes.

“Mo’s right you know.”

“About what?”

“Pops would be proud of you, Nico. You know how big college was to him.”

“Yeah. He’d be proud of you too. Fuckin’ NBA Champion over here!” He laughed.

I pulled him into a one armed hug before unlocking my SUV.

“I love you, man.”

“You ruined it, Tony.” He laughed. “I love you too, big brother.”

I climbed in my Benz and rolled the window down.

“Call me if you need anything or even if you don’t need anything.”

“I will.” He turned and walked away. He went about five steps before he turned back around. “Call Eva.”

I started the engine. He kept talking. Louder this time.

“I’m serious, man. What if I have a niece or a nephew out in this world? Call her.”

I nodded my head and pulled out of the parking lot. Wondering when in the hell my little brother got to be so grown.

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