Q&A Stickman

Perhaps the most unheralded of the founding fathers, nobody brings the physicality anywhere near the way Stickman does. Ben Wilson saying that Bruiser once pinned Smo so far under the basket that he got stuck in between the pads on the wall remains one of the best all-time jokes in PCTI history.

It's good to have Bruiser back after a year away. His Q&A follows.

Two thoughts before you read it. A dozen or so of these in and for the first time I'm kicking myself for forgetting to ask a question. I would have loved to know how many people in PCTI Bruiser likes/respects more than Deuce. That linebacker bond runs strong. Second, Stickman hooked my squad up with another name. First we were the Brats, then the Brats (as in the sausage) and now...see question 8.


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1. I'm not just saying this to say it, you were missed a year ago. It's not the same anytime a founding father has to sit one of these out. With that said, it happens. Just wanted to let you know I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say, we're damn glad you're back.

So, since it's been a while. How's life? Fatherhood, work, Nashville, etc?
Life’s pretty good. I love being a dad and hanging out with my little girl. She’s turned me into a little softy. Work is good. We are having a great year sales wise, we’re building a new office/warehouse, and since I’m being groomed to take over and run things once my dad retires I’m involved in everything so I’m usually pretty busy. As for Nashville, I couldn’t tell you the last time I went there. Having a baby makes it difficult to get out so we typically just hang around the Nolensville/Cool Springs area. But I’m sure Nashville is as amazing as ever and would be a perfect spot for the next PCTI….just saying.

2. Danny has spent much of the off-season blatantly poking at you by openly questioning your dedication to basketball. Not to PCTI, but to playing the other 362 days a year. What do you have to say to that?

It makes me laugh. Danny loves poking the bear but he’s got the right to question it. I haven’t played as much as I’d like to. I have several excuses, but that’s all they are, excuses. I’ve picked it up over the past two months playing at least once a week but I’ve been trying to go 2-3 times a week. There’s a pickup game out here in Spring Hill that plays every Mon, Wed & Fri morning that I try making it too. With PCTI just a couple months away I’ve really put a push on going at least twice a week but sometimes life just gets in the way and I don’t make it.

3. Every few years you seem to show up looking 10 times more physically imposing than anyone else in this thing could ever dream to be. Then, "have you seen Bruiser?" is the trending question Day 1. So who are we gonna see when you walk in to Cincinnati?

I haven’t let myself completely go by any means but I’m not going to be in the same shape I’ve been for some other PCTI’s….or will I be? Gotta keep the other team guessing.

4. Thoughts on the nickname Stick Man? It's somehow managed to stick in PCTI and is one of the most underrated nicknames in this thing.
Doesn’t quite have the same ring as Bruiser but I’m cool with it. Probably a more accurate description these days.

5. I'm gonna drop some news on you to see gauge your reaction. As was widely speculated, there have in fact been some preliminary discussions within the Bored about possibly housing everyone under one roof in a rental property. Knowing how you are one of the best at scrutinizing the weekend's setup/planning/schedule, what do you make of that idea?
I think it’s a great idea. If all of us are under one roof there’d be more interaction between everyone instead of just several groups of 3-4 people hanging out, we’d be able to organize everyone better dinner/boozing/games/etc. and Danny could make everyone power omelets in the morning. I’m Sold.

6. Alright, lets shift the focus to this season. Once again, you're attached to Sabin. How do you balance the fact that he obviously has tremendous admiration for you with the reality that you two have been incredibly unsuccessful when paired together?
I don’t care what our record is together, I love playing with Sabin. He’s a team player and doesn’t try to do too much on his own for the most part. He plays hard whether he’s winning or losing and despises losing. AND he tries getting me involved in the offense more than anyone else in PCTI except for possibly The Doctor or DK. I’d rather play with someone like that and lose than be on a team where I never touch the ball and/or one person takes 80% of the shots and we win. I fucking hate winning that way. I’ll do what it takes to win but if it’s to the point to where my team is better with me on the bench for most the game or not contributing at all, then it’s time I hang it up in regards to PCTI.

7. Top to bottom what do you make of your squad?
I love our squad. I think we have a good combination of scoring, rebounding, size, strength & speed. Josh is the best and Doc can be when he’s fired up; both are scoring machines. Sabin’s game is typically more polished than most and his game on both sides of the ball is solid. I think Donley is one of the best all-around players in this thing. You got me and Wes coming off the bench and that’s obviously the wild card. It all depends on what kind of shape we both show up in. If we both can contribute some solid minutes, I think we win the series.

8. What about the opponent?
Chump dicks

9. I'm guessing that if we polled PCTI on who are the most consistent players, you would finish near the top. Yet as a guy who is always described as "you know what you're going to get with him," there have definitely been some years where you had a much larger impact on your team than others. How would you explain that? 

I guess it really depends on what kind of basketball shape I’m in and how my team utilizes me. Sometimes I see the ball on offense, sometimes I barely get to touch it. Just depends on how I’m playing and how the flow of the game is going. The main thing is the shape I’m in though. If I can stay on the court and play hard, I usually do pretty well.

10. I made it nine questions without discussing your PCTI win-loss record and your losing streak. How much does that eat at you and will it be a motivator this year?

DUDE, it fucking KILLS me. I hate be THAT guy that’s only won once. I don’t think I’m a terrible player but I mean it’s getting hard to ignore the fact that whatever team I’m on loses. So either I’m just really not a very good player and I drag my team down or my game is just so different than everyone else’s on my team that I screw the flow and chemistry up and we end up losing. I HATE LOSING.