Hops Tribute Day Post

If the rumor is true, this one hurts.  Not only do we lose out on watching the “Hops Jog” during a game, his vanilla trash-talking, but we also lose out on the 5-possession blow-up from Hops.  Three subtle things, we all can agree, that add texture to a great weekend.

The Hops Jog does not get enough cred or mockery in PCTI.  It’s only after a made basket for his team does the Hops Jog get activated.  He “runs” back on defense on his tip-toes, his body upright as if he is constipated.  It almost appears that he’ll tip over or poop his pants if you come into contact with him during his jog.  All the while, his teammates walk back faster than his jog.  It is every bit of poetry in motion due tenderness/slowness of his move, similar to reading a Shel Silverstein gem. 

His trash-talking that he steals from other great trash-talkers is ridiculous and hilarious.  It’s ridiculous to think that any trash talk in PCTI is actually happening.  But when Hops performs the occasional "EEWWWWWEELLLLLL", it’s hilarious because it’s not mean-spirited and it usually gets a good chuckle from me.  I’m going to really miss those jabs during the games.

The 5-possesion blow up happens once a weekend.  It starts with a bad turnover by Hops’ teammate.  The next possession is Hops going 1 on 5 through the lane and getting hammered.  However, there is no foul called by the stripes.  Next defensive possession, his teammate gets beat and Hops starts voicing loudly to “play defense” or “box out.”  From there, Hops jacks up/airballs an ill-advised 23-footer.  The other team scores again, and with Hops’ emotions all over the floor, he puts his head down and drives again 1 on 5 and this time gets fouled.  He subsequently checks out after this series of events.

Hops, I hate this for you, bro.  I hope you still come to Phoenix, but I will not hold it against you if you don’t show up.  I also vote to not let Dawson Huff back in this thing as a replacement.