The Pistons enjoy 'after-hours' ball play!
- Thread starter Snapshot9
- Start date
Hint Hint Hint HINT
Pistons take shots for fun
AUBURN HILLS -- Pistons players have learned, no matter where, no matter when, they are likely to be victimized by Rasheed Wallace's humor.
It happened Friday morning at the Pistons' practice facility, as Jason Maxiell talked about the charity pool tournament he's hosting today at Slapsticks Billiards and Spirits in Clinton Township.
Maxiell made the mistake of saying, within Wallace's range, that he plays pool now and then.
"He don't play no pool," Wallace screamed before disappearing into the dressing room.
Advertisement
Maxiell shrugged and continued to talk.
"Rasheed is the best at everything, with him saying it," Maxiell said. "We shall see on the pool table."
Billiards have become a casual pastime for some Pistons.
Sometimes NBA players are so wired after games they can't fall asleep. Some Pistons still are edgy even after Roundball I touches down in Metro Detroit following road games. So, they'll sometimes shoot a couple games before heading home.
The games rarely are serious. There's always lots of trash talk, especially from Wallace, who believes he is the modern version of Minnesota Fats.
That spirit of fun will carry over today at Slapsticks.
No game? No problem
Maxiell does not care if you have game. He simply wants people to play for charity.
"You know you can come help out and have fun at the same time," Maxiell said.
The fee is $30 per contestant and $10 for spectators. The tournament runs from 2-6 p.m. and proceeds benefit the Detroit youth sports initiatives.
It is a chance for everyday people to mingle with the Pistons and other celebrities. Jarvis Hayes and Amir Johnson have committed to play, along with Detroit Shock first-round draft picks Alexis Hornbuckle and Tasha Humphrey. Just like the impromptu get-togethers following night games, this event is supposed to be casual and fun.
That's even the case for a guy like Frank Trongo, 56, of Clinton Township, who placed third in last year's event and won $50. He considers himself a casual once-a-week player who enjoys games with his wife of 34 years, Patricia.
Before getting married, Frank honed his skills enough to enter and win some local tournaments. He began playing at age 16 and enjoyed the sport so much he played just about every day. But then came marriage, and children Frank Jr., now 30, and Brenda, 26.
Billiards then became a casual evening out when time allowed. Trongo admits he is more into bowling and golf now, but he has maintained his skills enough to get by.
Not too competitive
"I guess I am all right," Trongo said. "There are some people better. Winning was not important. I got lucky last time."
This year's winner gets $200 and second wins $100. Anybody advancing to the second round receives Pistons tickets. Also, there will be a silent auction of Pistons and Shock memorabilia.
Maxiell admits he is not a great pool player but finds it a relaxing way for him to get away from basketball and be competitive. But not too competitive.
"You know, you just sit back and play pool," he said.
You can reach Terry Foster at (313) 222-1494 or terry.foster@detnews.com
Pistons take shots for fun
AUBURN HILLS -- Pistons players have learned, no matter where, no matter when, they are likely to be victimized by Rasheed Wallace's humor.
It happened Friday morning at the Pistons' practice facility, as Jason Maxiell talked about the charity pool tournament he's hosting today at Slapsticks Billiards and Spirits in Clinton Township.
Maxiell made the mistake of saying, within Wallace's range, that he plays pool now and then.
"He don't play no pool," Wallace screamed before disappearing into the dressing room.
Advertisement
Maxiell shrugged and continued to talk.
"Rasheed is the best at everything, with him saying it," Maxiell said. "We shall see on the pool table."
Billiards have become a casual pastime for some Pistons.
Sometimes NBA players are so wired after games they can't fall asleep. Some Pistons still are edgy even after Roundball I touches down in Metro Detroit following road games. So, they'll sometimes shoot a couple games before heading home.
The games rarely are serious. There's always lots of trash talk, especially from Wallace, who believes he is the modern version of Minnesota Fats.
That spirit of fun will carry over today at Slapsticks.
No game? No problem
Maxiell does not care if you have game. He simply wants people to play for charity.
"You know you can come help out and have fun at the same time," Maxiell said.
The fee is $30 per contestant and $10 for spectators. The tournament runs from 2-6 p.m. and proceeds benefit the Detroit youth sports initiatives.
It is a chance for everyday people to mingle with the Pistons and other celebrities. Jarvis Hayes and Amir Johnson have committed to play, along with Detroit Shock first-round draft picks Alexis Hornbuckle and Tasha Humphrey. Just like the impromptu get-togethers following night games, this event is supposed to be casual and fun.
That's even the case for a guy like Frank Trongo, 56, of Clinton Township, who placed third in last year's event and won $50. He considers himself a casual once-a-week player who enjoys games with his wife of 34 years, Patricia.
Before getting married, Frank honed his skills enough to enter and win some local tournaments. He began playing at age 16 and enjoyed the sport so much he played just about every day. But then came marriage, and children Frank Jr., now 30, and Brenda, 26.
Billiards then became a casual evening out when time allowed. Trongo admits he is more into bowling and golf now, but he has maintained his skills enough to get by.
Not too competitive
"I guess I am all right," Trongo said. "There are some people better. Winning was not important. I got lucky last time."
This year's winner gets $200 and second wins $100. Anybody advancing to the second round receives Pistons tickets. Also, there will be a silent auction of Pistons and Shock memorabilia.
Maxiell admits he is not a great pool player but finds it a relaxing way for him to get away from basketball and be competitive. But not too competitive.
"You know, you just sit back and play pool," he said.
You can reach Terry Foster at (313) 222-1494 or terry.foster@detnews.com