We recap the Shamash Memorial Tournament in Minnesota. Talk about the road that United Stars had to take to win their coveted championship and victory against the defending champions Orlando Union.
We discuss the new evolution in the game, and the come up of a few superstars in the making.
We welcome in both the New Era of Superstars and the New Era of United Stars.
We recap the Shamash Memorial Tournament in Minnesota. Talk about the road that United Stars had to take to win their coveted championship and victory against the defending champions Orlando Union.
We discuss the new evolution in the game, and the come up of a few superstars in the making.
We welcome in both the New Era of Superstars and the New Era of United Stars.
Welcome to Lifted, Elevating the Game. As salamu alaykum everyone and welcome to episode 14 of the Lifted podcast series. Uh, I'm sure a very much awaited podcast, uh, the post, uh, tournament analysis of Minnesota, uh, what took place just, you know, a couple of weeks ago. Um, I think the title says it all the new era of stars. And it's not so much about the new era of the champions, United Stars, but more so the new era, uh, the double meaning here is of the new stars that are coming up in this game. And I think we saw that this tournament. A lot of people were like, well, 19 teams, but a lot of them weren't that good. And, you know, tournaments a little bit watered down, but to me, volleyball is a cycle. And every couple of years, you know, you're going to get a cycle, a cycle of new talent, a cycle of new teams. Uh, we saw the, the, the formation of Toronto Hatheries for the first time, which was wonderful. A lot of new stars there. Um, we, we saw, uh, young guns coming up in the game. And I think anybody who, who says that the tournaments have been watered down have to understand that tournaments are never going to be competitive year in year out for 20, 30, 40 years. There were times in the two thousands where, you know, things started to get watered down. People moved from New York to Orlando and, and New York got watered down and then multiple teams opened up in Toronto and things got watered down there. So. It is just the cycle of the, of the way. And then in 2009, you get Faisal Banji, right? And then from 2010, you get this past era of stars. And now we're in another era of stars, a new era of stars that are going to come up in this game. And it is our duty as the veterans, as the older guys to continue on playing in this era, in this new era, because. These kids are one day going to come up in the next five, three to five years, and they're going to kick our asses and they're going to win championships. And it is going to be the fruit of our label, the fruit of us playing with them in these stages of their development, that's going to get them better. If we abandon ship, if we leave, if we don't host these tournaments, even if they are watered down, quote unquote, um, then these kids are never going to learn. And, uh, they're never going to get better and they're never going to come, come one day and use the fire against us to beat us. So listen, man, I'm here for the long haul. I'm here for the game for the long, the long haul of the game. The, the, the thing I'm thinking 10 years down the line when, when hopefully, you know, some of our kids are playing and I want to see guys like Ziddy from Allentown Challengers, you know, kicking my ass. I want to see you guys. Like some Ali Akbar Alu and all these guys in the Orlando, Orlando Union B team come and kick our ass. So, before I get into the analysis, I want to make it clear that, listen, tournaments are going to come and go. And Some of us are going to be here for a while, as you saw, right? As you saw, we're going to be here and those kids coming up, keep coming up, keep playing. Don't let anybody tell you anything else. Don't let anybody tell you that you went to a watered down tournament. Don't let anybody tell you that you didn't deserve what you got, because you're in a time now where I was 10 years ago when the game was watered down. Right. And I was coming up in the game. And you know what, from that time, from that era, the likes of Thurab, the likes of Imran Walji, the likes of Hilal, KJ, Imran Jivraj, those guys, you know, We grew up together. We grew up in the last 10 years in this game together, and now you've got all these stars. So you guys are going to get there. You guys are going to be the next batch of stars and we're going to help you in any way possible. Um, sorry, that was my little rant. Let's get to the analysis. I'll make this quick. Um, you know, I give out the lifted medallions, um, every tournament. about the teams, the 10 teams that qualified now, including the plan. Um, and, uh, I want to make it clear that Even if you didn't qualify, I am now going to give out honorary medallion for the teams that didn't qualify because there were some kids that I thought, you know, some people that I saw that really, you know, caught my eye, I'm sure caught a lot of people's eyes out there. Uh, so we'll start off with the honorary medallions going to Allentown challengers, a city has Nali this kid. I mean, All the makeup of a, of a, of a superstar, right? He's got the offense. He's got the defense. He's got the kizzer like athleticism. Um, he's got the attitude. Uh, he played phenomenal. And I know that, listen, star, uh, challengers weren't. Um, the team that we all thought they were going to be, uh, because, you know, they didn't have OB and we all heard Sammy was sick. Cause you guys all put nudger on him because he's my favorite player, but that's, let's not get there. Um, but Ziddy came out balling and he showed, he was able to showcase himself. I think challengers saw that, Hey, listen, we have somebody here that we can use like Kizzer. You know, if we really hone his skills, we can get him to get to that point. So a lot of, a lot of credit to you Ziddy for holding it down. For, for, you know, you're, you're, you're, I know you're new to the game. I know you're going to, you're just entered the game, but you got a long career ahead of you, and I think you're going to be one of the main reasons that Allentown in general is going to be back on the map at some point. Allentown is going to be a contender, whether that's challenges or union. I think we'll get to that in a bit Orlando union B. We saw a lot of young guys, guys like Ali Akbar Allu, Muzza Ali Amstar, you know, Aftab, uh, you know, the list goes on and on, uh, Muju Bodeh, and you know, all these guys, right, like, uh, sorry, not Muju Bodeh, Muju Bodeh is Muju Bodeh, right, but Muju, right, Mujahid Janmohamed, uh, um, you, we saw a bunch of kids coming up in the game, uh, led by Hussain Vargas and Hassan Somji, and maybe a little bit disappointing of a tournament for them, but, To me, the guy that came out of all that as the person who deserves a medallion is Hussein Nasser. Hussein Nasser was probably the most consistent and constant piece in that puzzle, no matter who they kept switching in and out in different positions and whatnot, Hussein Nasser was the staple and I think Hussein Nasser deserves his flowers. I think Hussein Nasser, if he continues to play in the net, because the kids got some game when he comes out, but if he continues to play in the net, I think a couple of years, he'll probably be one of the best netties in the game. Minnesota B. Probably gave Orlando Union us the hardest time in the round robin. Um, but they got two guys there, man, that balled and that's Ali Salih Muhammad and Mekab Mullah. I mean, these guys, uh, Mekab Mullah, I never, I never seen him like that before. I mean, he was jumping and hitting floaters. Ali Salih Muhammad. Ali Salih Muhammad's always got game. I told the guy, you know, he's always got game. He's got to play. Not too much of a fan of volleyball, but I think if Ali Salih Muhammad starts from now, he's on that A team. He's on that Minnesota A team probably playing somewhere on that front line or maybe that back line, you know I'm saying cuz that guy can hit the ball. So honorary medallions both your guys way I'm gonna go to New York be New York be Muhammad Ratani man Muhammad Ratani played with me once on an a team and he's just a good guy good teammate he Man, he at one point played the entire center himself. I mean, it was kind of ridiculous. And, um, he played amazing, man. He played amazing. All credit to him, um, for trying to, you know, make that work. Unfortunately, it didn't work out for them, but he still played out of this world. And then Orlando unknown, Orlando unknown. One of the most fun teams to be around, to watch, to support. Um, and those guys, I'm in shake and you know, uh, I'll use St. Jaffer and you know, the mom of the Rafiq Somji man, more RAF man playing his butt off, you know, injuring himself, um, Zion, right? Like just a fun group of guys. And they enjoyed it, uh, made some Darcy, you know, first time playing net, you know, ever in his life. Uh, dude, the guys were so much fun to watch. They love the game. They have the passion. They, they, they, every game for them was big. And I just love being there around them just to, you know, feel that joy because I was there once, right? Like when people kind of you out and you're just trying to make your name and trying to get better in the game. But man, I love those guys. And. They're going to be some, they're going to be special and they're going to be fun. That medallion goes to Ali Mahdi David. Ali Mahdi, he had a road at one point with, with Orlando youth and he took a break to focus on golf, which I don't blame him, but he's back a couple of nice spikes, super athletic. Gifted. He can hit the ball a little. He's, he's coming to practice, he's gonna get better. Um, and I think, you know, don't be surprised he can, he, he, he jumps onto that B team at some point and hey, you never know. In five years he's got his own a team, he's on a team with the A team and, and he's, he's maybe, hopefully, hopefully going for championships. Um, so those are my honorary medallion guys. Before I get into the, the top 10 teams, all you guys deserve it. All. You guys played amazing. Um, I love watching you guys. Uh, and I think just keep running, keep going. Uh, don't get down on, on the losses. Don't get down on not qualifying. It's going to come. With dupe time with dupe practice, but I think you guys deserve a little bit of a shout out Before I continue I wore this It's NBA season. So a little shout out to the Knickerbockers New York or nowhere and orange and blue skies Uh, we lost the first game against the Celtics, but we won't talk about that. Um, NBA season's upon us. Gotta, gotta talk about the Knicks. Uh, qualified teams. We'll start with the teams that qualified. And obviously I'll work my way up until we get to stars who are the eventual champions. The teams are not in order because some of the teams beat the other teams or took the other team spot. So I'll, I'll try to go in, in order. In terms of, you know, who made it as far as possible. Uh, we'll start off with Edmonton, the number 10 seed, uh, mixed, mixed team, right? You got some guys like Aslam and they had Benny and they had Ali Kamalia and they had, uh, Benny Ali Kamalia and they had, um, Um, so they had a, you know, a mixed team, but you know, salim dollar, the staple shout out salim dollar for rocking that, uh, Tagaro sleeves respect, uh, for you guys, I love watching Edmonton play. I think they're, they're a fun team. Um, a lot of ups and downs throughout. But hey, they made it, they made it into playing pretty much all you can really ask for. Um, they gave it a good fight, but unfortunately, you know, it wasn't, it wasn't in their calling, but shout out to Edmonton for even coming. I know that it was tough for them to even make it, but shout out to you guys. We love having you guys at tournaments. We hope you can make it to New York. Um, and to be honest, just. Good guys to be around. All those guys are good guys. Love the game. Love watching the game. Uh, Salim Dalla, a wonderful linesman. I'm just kidding my brother. Um, the medallion Aslam, Aslam at 55, right? Like doing what he does played amazing, uh, the best he could. And, um, given the circumstances and man, the guy still got it. To be honest, you know, a part of the reason why the B team was so successful in Orlando. Um, in December, I mean, the guys still in practice kicks our asses. So I still have a medallion your way number nine, which truly was number seven, but they ended up getting kicked out into, in, in the playing tournament, Allentown union. And you know, Allentown Union had big wins against stars in New York in the round robin, uh, some mix of youth, some veterans. It was super cool to watch Taha back with Banji and Sumar. You know, we didn't see that in Orlando, you know, and Taha and Abbas played amazing defense. Banji in the middle. Um, Hasnain always, Hasnain Kalfan always Mr. Reliable. Um, Hani Virji, you know, Hani Virji doesn't really get to play much. I mean, coming in, playing amazing on the, on the front left. Um, and then, you know, You got Sadiq Ibrahim. Sadiq Ibrahim, I haven't seen him in a while. Pretty darn good tournament for a man his age and we hadn't seen him and he was helped out by a little kid. A 14 year old kid thrown into the line of fire, um, helped Sadiq Ibrahim out and that was a young and fearless, uh, Ammar Khalfan. Ammar. Uh, I was shocked to see the, the, he didn't have like, he was almost Imran Walji esque in his facial expressions. Doesn't get too high. Doesn't get too low. Kind of just does his job, enjoys himself. Um, and man, he came in clutch. A lot of times he came in clutch. Uh, so Ammar Kalfan, um, I didn't give you an honorary medallion because you qualified, but you deserve a mention, a shout out. Keep going, kid. You're going to get it. Uh, you, you already got the makeup of it. Your father's, your father's been the, one of the best role players of all time. Um, Azhar, Sumar and Baloo in the net. I mean, first, uh, tournament for Baloo and he played pretty well. And Azhar Sumar is just an athlete, a freak of nature, right? He had to make a sacrifice after playing out in December. Now he's playing in net and he did it. Um, and I left the best for last, Ahmed Sumar. Sumar proved he's still got it. And now that not only does he have it, but he came up clutch during big games, um, playing that, that mid center ish role with, with some help. But you know, at his advanced age of 48, um, man, the guy played front center, like one of the best. Uh, he kind of was doing his thing, diving, busting his ass. Um, he unfortunately gets hurt against Hadery diving and busting his ass. Um, and it wasn't the same, right? Like he wasn't the same also during the Vancouver game. I think he had to come out at some point. I was her had to come in and it just, you can tell, like, you know, that really took the air out of the balloon for, for Allentown. Um, I think a disappointing exit because they had. Done so well in the run. Rob, they beat United stars. They beat New York. They come seven. I mean, almost seems like a lock for them, right? They should be in the quarterfinal. That is a team that you expect to be in the quarterfinal. And, uh, unfortunately they, they lose two straight and get knocked out. Um, and to be honest, I love Allentown in terms of like, those guys have always been close to us in New York, especially when I was there. And a part of me wants to almost tell him to wake up. It's time for a shakeup. If you haven't noticed, it's time to let the kids do their thing. I think it's time to maybe combine. I don't think there's enough talent or there may be too much talent, but they're, they're not, there's not enough room for two teams in Allentown. Um, and I think it may make more sense. If you guys just come together, figure it out, let the kids grow, let them do their thing. Okay. Maybe if you want to add one or two veterans with them, let's Ziti and Oz her, and you know, Let those guys play together. Hadi, let them figure it out. Okay, let Taha, Abbas, Mehdi, Ali, Ali, Sonastro, let them figure it out. You know, the kids got Kumail, Sonastro, like they got it, right? Let the other kids figure it out. Let those guys are, are, are now five, seven, eight, 10 years in the game. Let them do their thing. Right? And then the guys like Sam and all you guys, you guys still got talent. You still guys still got time, right? Like you guys can figure it out. I'm sure. And still be competitive. There could be three very solid teams. In ellentown if you guys just work together now, it is not my duty to tell you i'm nobody but I just I see it And it just sucks. It sucks to see everyone separate. And I know that you guys are very cordial and you guys have a great relationship, but at the end of the day, maybe if you guys got together, Allentown could be back on top because there's nothing better than seeing Allentown back on top for me, especially, right? Like I love watching all you guys coming up and playing and, and I just see so much talent there, man. There's just so much talent that I think is being wasted. I think if you guys come together, you guys can make an elite super team, right? Um, medallion, I'm with Sumar. I mean, I don't have to say too much, right? 48 playing mid center. you know, diving, beating stars, beating new york. Um, the guy is special. He's, he's, he's, he's a freak in terms of his volleyball mentality, his skill, his mindset. Um, and he's bro, the guy didn't want to leave the game. He didn't want to leave the game. He kept fighting. He kept fighting and fighting. Even when he was getting hurt, he kept fighting. And for me, that's a true mark of a guy who just doesn't want to let his team down. He was so positive. Every time the team was down, he was in it. He was telling Taha, he was telling Abbas, he was telling Banji, let's go, let's go. Like he was in the game. Um, even when Ammar would mess up, he'd be the first guy to give him a five. I mean, Ahmed Sumar deserves a lot of respect. And I think Ahmed Sumar. Um, is, is still a very integral piece of what Allentown could do in the future. Number eight, Van City, an up and down tournament that saw them finish ninth and fighting for the play and almost for their lives. They had to win two games in a row to make it in. Um, they take care of business. They beat, um, Edmonton, they end up beating, um, Allentown, but. You know, they take some tough losses in the round robin. I mean, they lose to Orlando union B and it almost seemed like it was going to be a tall task for them to even make it in. Um, but they found a way to come away with the final spot. And I think. A lot of what has taken place, um, in, in the, in Vancouver's rebuild, it's almost like they're rebuilding and adding pieces. Right. So anybody naturally, while they're rebuilding and adding pieces, they're going to go through phases of like, you know, Okay. I got to move, for example, Pops to the right, and then I got to move Alizamon to the left, and I got to move Yusuf to the back. So when you look at that team, like they're learning on the fly almost, right? Because they're, they're working out their kinks. And so when that happens, it's almost like people are finding their footing. And so a big shift, right? Even for Pops, he's playing front right now. He's playing front left the entire time. So credit, credit to them because it's not easy to do that. And, and it's for sticking, they're sticking it out. I'm sure a lot of us and them too, we're expecting better, I think from them, right. Then, then having to fight, fight for a play in spot. Um, but also, you know, a sense of disappointment where, you know, it's been a string of now, a couple of quarterfinal exits. And it seems like as much as they attempt to make that gap smaller between the bottom four of the eight and the top four of the eight, um, sometimes they have a letdown in those big games and that's tough on a team that could, that could truly, you know, take, bring down morale, make people second guess things. Um, And yeah, I know everyone's talked about it. You know, everyone's talking about they've scored four points in the last four quarterfinal games. That's one point a game. That's that's, that's unacceptable. And, um, it sucks because they have so much talent. You would think that, you know, that wouldn't be the case, but this tells me that it's not a talent thing. I don't think it's a talent thing. I think they got all the talent they need. I think it's more of a mental thing. It's a thing where more experience will get them to the place that they need to be. And for sure, I think they'll cross that line. They have too much talent not to. At the same token, there's portions in a rebuild that a team starts to figure out their identity. I don't think Vancouver has an identity. I think Vancouver is, could you look at Vancouver and go, Oh, that team is steady. Do you look at Vancouver and go, Whoa, that's an attacking team. No, I think they're in the, they're in flux. Almost. They're figuring it out as they go along because they're moving so many pieces around and they're trying to, you know, Mokaku played back left this time, for example, right? So they're moving pieces around trying to find the fit. I think once they find the fit, which they might have done this time with that front line, I think then you find your identity. And then once you find your identity, you start to work on that identity. You start to realize what helps us win games. Is it defense? Is it offense? Is it attacking from here, attacking from there? And It's tough because when your team is maturing and they're taking losses and I've been here, it's almost like they start second guessing things, right? They start second guessing, like, are we doing the right thing? Are we not? Why are we not excelling? Why are we not getting past this hump? And I think as time goes on and tournaments start to. start to happen. And you start to realize that game to game is very different. Uh, you know, styles make fights. We talk about that all the time. Um, they're also trying to figure out pieces of the puzzle. Now they figured it out. I think for the most part, they figured out the pieces to all the, to their puzzle. And I think the team as a whole, um, they're going to come together and realize that, listen, Vancouver is built very much like. You know, uh, uh, an Orlando, a Stanmore, there's not one star truly. There's not like a throb, right? There's not like a, for example, right. There's not one guy, there's a multiple. And I think when they take L's it's, it's as a team and when they win, it's going to be as a team. They're going to have to figure out ways to either manufacture points or not give up too many points. And that is a way that they're going to have to figure it out because they got talent in all spots. I think they finally are slowly putting a team together that's going to be there for the long haul. Sometimes, you know, in a rebuild, you're, you're not sure of a person. You're not sure of the future. I think everyone's pretty sure now of what Vancouver is going to look like for tournaments to come. And, um, I think the biggest test will be New York. I think New York you'll see, will they remain a bottom four team in that eight? Will they start to. Slowly make it in or, you know, at least make a crack at it, winning one quarterfinal game, giving a team an upset, you know, coming through, you know, maybe he's knows maybe, maybe almost upset basil Bungie at one point, right? So maybe he knows that, listen, anything is possible. And if you get a good matchup in a quarterfinal, they could be in a semis, right? Like. Yeah, I think the first goal is to let's just win a game in the quarterfinal, but I think they can do it. And I think that once they figure out their style, once they figure out their identity, once they figure out what they're good at, once they figure out how to cover up their weaknesses, I think this team can excel. I think this team can definitely get there. The medallion front right pops, dude, I give you all the credit in the world and I'll tell you why that quarterfinal game against stars in Orlando. I saw how down you were. I saw that you took that on your shoulders a little bit. I saw that you felt like you let the team down. I can tell you this much. You were The most consistent player on this team, especially day two, going into day three. I mean, even the Orlando frontline, we were attacking you and we were like, man, pops is hitting the ball back. And he's hitting the ball back with aggression, with fear, no fear with like he was, you were fearless, bro. And so for you, a big come up and you're, you're just a good dude. You're a good team vibes. I respect that about you. You're just, you're, you're enjoy the game. You admire the game. And I think this medallion, you deserve it. You deserve to be, to be, um, showcased and shouted out because I think from what happened in December, you came around this time and proved that you belong and that you can excel and that you can help this team win one day. Um, so pops all the credit to you, brother, salutations. Um, number seven, Toronto Haiderys. Toronto. I mean, come on, Toronto. Hey, there is right the most fun team to watch this term and a whole bunch of young guys. Um, a whole bunch of passion, a whole bunch of greatness that's instilled in them. And you can see it in their game. There's going to be some serious greatness on that team. I'm telling you in a couple of years. Uh, it's, it's, it's truly admirable seeing the way they play the way they carry themselves. They're just a good bunch of kids, man. And, um, and it's good to see familiar faces. Abbas Rai doing an amazing job leading these guys. He's been through it all. He understands what it takes. Kumail Nanji, he's been a champ. You know, it's good to just see him back, you know, like it's just fun to see Kumail Nanji back. Um, servants of Zahra back center front center. I mean, Nettie, what a combo, right? It's natural. Their chemistry is amazing. Um, then you got the new kids on the block, right? That are trying to figure out their footing. I think it was nice to see, uh, new faces. It was nice to see guys coming out and, and, uh, and truly, you know, working together to figure out, you know, where they, where they are. I think the Dala brothers, Ali and Abbas. Uh, Ali, Abbas was the back left, I believe. And Ali was the front center, one of the front centers, if I'm not mistaken. Um, those kids, man, I don't know where they found them, but they're freaking good. And they're having fun and they're smiling and they're enjoying themselves. And, um, then you got two guys that truly been around, but maybe just haven't had, or didn't find the right spot to play in. And, um, we've seen them at tournaments and maybe they finally found their place and they can be themselves and that's Iman Jackson. Always been there, but I think he just fit in. He just looked like he fit in. He was able to excel, right? He was able to play his role and he just looked good being on that team. And it was wonderful to see him on Jaxie back. But of course, you know, my favorite Mick Doogie, um, Mick Doogie, you know, Mr. Good looking. It's a close call. I, you know, I had a combo with him and I don't know if he thought I was kidding or something, but Faz, him, Khalil Khaki. It's a toss up man for the best looking player in the game. I mean, the guy's got the swagger. Um, but more importantly, he's a wonderful kid. Um, and a lot of people may not remember him, but he's won before he was the second Nettie, I believe for the Rob and stars against Faisal when they won. And in my opinion, if he had never taken the hiatus, And with the amount of swagger he lifted with, I think he could have been one of the best nannies in the game at one point. Um, but you know, he had so much potential and, uh, but now he's back, he's back and he's adjusted to playing, you know, out and he fits the system so well. And it's just good to see you, Mick, and I'm just so happy you're back, man. I hope I'm happy you're enjoying the game. You deserve it and uh, all credit to you to, to, to, to fight it out and find a spot and just make it back into the game because sometimes people lose the fire, people lose the passion, but you look like you got it back. You're young and you know, it's, I think you guys have something here. You guys have something really cool here. Um, and then lastly, the two kids I saw grow up, man, all I know is that they're, they're, their father, Rocky. Shiraz, no moment would be proud, would be proud of, of seeing Sahil and socket get to this point. Um, we all know those kids had game. We all know how much Rocky, uh, love the game, love the sport. One of my biggest supporters growing up, one of the guys that just like. Every time I think about Rocky, man, it's just, I remember my Friday practice. I remember him, you know, taking, chugging down the Red Bulls ready to go. And I would always ask him like, yo, why are you drinking these Red Bulls, man? Like, you know, like you don't need that. And he goes, bro, when you're hitting at me, I need everything I can get. So, um. today he gets to watch his kids from up from from up there and he is smiling down. Um, socket similar to make a netty, uh, by trade, right? And it's amazing to see him come out and have his come out party and play in the, in the front center. And the guy's athletic, athletic freak, right? He's almost Hassan Manekia like, right. Hassan Manekia light, if anything, um, he's up there, he's going to get up there. And then Sahil, I mean, Sahil, I think he's had, he shocked us all. I think he was the one that was hitting the ball back with reckless abandon and fear and fearless. And he was hitting third balls back, man. And at first I remember playing against him and, uh, we said, no, let's hit the ball to the side. Let's see what he's got. And then he hit the, he hit that ball back and we're all shook. And we're like, you know, brother, let's not go there anymore because I think, uh, I think he told me he took three points off me in the game. Um, but he doesn't realize that he took three points off him on Jirachi. So. Uh, my George would like to blame me, but I'm gonna blame him on George on that. But anyways, um, very much like his death, very much like his father, fearless, just fearless man, afraid of nothing. Just like Rocky, um, medallion Sahil, all yours, brother, you deserve it. Uh, you played lights out. Uh, keep going with that attitude. Keep doing you don't shy away. Um, and your time will come because the amount of you've excelled in the last few years, man, I remember you being a little scrawny kid, you know, barely making it into the net. And now I see you just, just blindly just hitting away. And it's, it's a scary thought. It's a scary thought. So keep doing you, man. Keep doing you brother. Um, number six, United Stars B. I mean, what a story, right? Um, Muhammad, HV, Hussein Virji, some vets like Atish, Shubber, uh, three netties, uh, Fouad in there, Hassan Sharif, the engine. Um, my guy was loud. He was, he was a team guy. Um, I think at some point he gave three points in a row and every single time he kept telling the guy to come to him, and I think the team at some point was like, maybe that's not a good idea, but man, the guy was fearless. Right? Like he was in it, they played wonderful. And they climbed into the sixth spot when people thought they'd be fighting for a spot, uh, in the play in, uh, they walk into that quarterfinal, they take down New York in the first game, almost felt like for a second, they could win this one. Um, then New York makes their run and comes back, but it's almost like, wow, the United Stars B team not only has talent, but it has some youth that's going to only get better and mix that with experience. I mean, That B team is very much like the Orlando B team that we saw in December. I mean, they were scary. Um, HV, I mean, credit, bro. Like never playing with this team, a wonderful team player. He was given a role. He played it. Um, and to be honest, like Stanmore, I don't know what you're doing with, uh, this man. I think he could be an asset. I think he deserves a crack on that A team. I think it's about time that he gets a crack on that A team. I'm gonna, I'm gonna, I know maybe I might get some heat for this, but I'm gonna say it here. Like. That's what lifted is about. I'm going to tell you the honest truth. I think I truly believe he, he deserves to be on that Sandmore 18. If you know, some guys don't want to play, then he deserves a shot. And he's a team first guy. He'll do anything you tell him to do. And with a, with a smile on his face, guys like him deserve a chance. And I'm hoping it comes soon. Um, the medallion easy. Mohamed, Mohamed Rajvani. I mean, come out, come out party, right? Like we all know how talented he is, how talented he is with Morogoro outdoors. And, you know, but the man has transformed his game for the indoor, for the indoor game. And he's just an extremely smooth player to watch. It's lovely to watch him as a back center floater after floater. Goes, goes about his business always has a smile on his face, enjoys the vibes, enjoys the game. Um, he's definitely going to be something special really soon. And, uh, I see him pulling an upset. If he's part of United Stars B, I think he can pull an upset the next tournament. And if he's on A, that's scary because there's no spots there. But they, at some point, he might force them to make a spot. Uh, so Mohamed, all love your way. Medallion coming your way. Uh, five, we the North. Um, it was just nice to see North back on the court. I think it's just always fun watching them. Uh, truly one of the biggest smiley supporters we have in our tournaments. Sometimes the only smiley smiley supporters we have and we're grateful to them. Fayaz Abbas always come through with their promises. Abbas again, aging like fine wine. If it was halal, nice to see Jamil Mouji back. Jamil looked amazing. Um, and that was the last time he played. And he played with his friend, Shamash, and you know, it was just nice to see him back there in memory of Shamash, in honor of Shamash playing for him. Uh, nice to see the new additions like Adam Seedy, Amil was there, Adil was there, Zeeshan Banji, it was just nice to see Zeeshan Banji back, right? Like, just a guy that enjoys the game, laughing, smiling. Um, North is a little bit in a weird spot. In my opinion, it's almost like they're stuck in the mid tier right now. Um, but could truly be a few pieces away from making something happen. Um, credit to them for still coming out, still keeping the team alive, supporting us, of course, bridging, um, bringing the air game. They're a game, um, Adam CD's first tournament. You can tell he's got his dad swing the up and down compact swing that his dad brings to that his dad brought to the table for years. I think with more tournaments under his belt, he's only going to figure it out and he's going to get better. Um, you know, North is going to be back in New York. You know that because technically they're defending champs from 2018, six years removed from the last New York tournament. I hear there are some changes coming. I don't know what they are, but they're in the back pocket. It's going to be interesting to see what happens. Um, some rumblings, but you know, I don't know, uh, medallion boss, Kimji got to give it to the old man. Right? The guy can swing it. He can still play some phenomenal defense. He can still go with the best of them. Him and Nathan were swinging at each other in that quarterfinal. And I had a combo with him and he told me North is going to be ready to contend in New York. He's hungry. He wants to feel that victory again. He's been a winner his whole life. And to be a winner, he's still got that fire. And we all know a Kimji with fire is a very scary thought. Maybe another Kimji with fire would be even scarier. Maybe Shannon, maybe Irfan. I don't know what he's got up his sleeves. I'm going to manifest it. I would love to see Shanu and Abbas back at it together. Who says it can't happen? Shanu still got the fire. I spoke to him in Banff. He still got it. He still wants to roll. Um, and I don't know. I don't know what North is going to have up their sleeve, but I think it's going to be a fun time. I'm here to watch it, and I'm here to admire it. Abbas Kimjiman, medallion your way, well deserved. Hopefully we get to match up soon sometime. It'd be exciting. And this time I think at your advanced age, I can take you down finally. Um, number four, the hosts, Minnesota Jaffreys. I mean, what more can I say about Minnesota Jaffreys a team without one of their best players in Imran Walji, uh, you can tell they were more fearless. They were gunning for it. Um, they were playing free. An underdog type mentality. Uh, the front line, excellent. As always, Mo, but douche, um, I think has separated himself in that front line. I think he needs to be talked about more. One of the, one of the better up and coming center front centers. Um, you had Nick, no, KLJ Doing their thing as always, you know, super support guys on the side, right? Uh, just like amazing at what they do for, for, for Matham and then Matham who went guns blazing in the semifinals against us and made us look human as he says, uh, what a fun team to watch. They all enjoy playing with one another. You can tell they're starting just starting their come up. I mean, they're just in their beginning phases of what they can truly do, especially without him Ron being there. I don't know if Vermont will be back or not for New York, but either way, they're scary. They're only going to get better. And with Monty arguably the best netting in the game today, they got all the pieces and now slowly all the experience, the medallion. Mohammed Al Batush credit to him. He changed the game in that second game in the semis. He took a step back and he started cutting everything and that allowed made them to play less defense allowed made them to start swinging. Um, he was putting those balls in that. I mean, the guy's got it, right? He's got it. He's special. He's a joy to watch. He's always smiling. He's always laughing. Uh, keep it going, young blood. You just have to work on your game a little more. We talked about this, but maybe hitting the ball a little bit more over cause you got a good shot, um, ambidextrous, right? Uh, so you're special, man. You got a long way ahead of you that I'm sure it is going to be filled with awards, accolades, and wins. Number three, my guys, New York union Islanders. I mean, I call them the dark horse, uh, and, and they got on me about this, but I did it purposely, man, give them that fire to want it more. Keeps them under the radar. It's always good to be an underdog. They played amazing, man. Jaxie, boy, AKP, that backline was just special. Um, it held it down. Sahil again, playing multiple positions wherever they needed him to win. They put him and he did it, um, with a smile on his face. Shane doing Shane as always the middle man that keeps it all together. And then Anu who has, who was huge in his role. I mean, he saved Shane. A lot of times the kid played phenomenal. Um, he came in there. And figure out a role for himself and played it to the best of his ability. And, uh, and, and to be honest, I don't think they would have got to where they were if it wasn't for him, uh, another fun team to just watch, they enjoy the game, they're scrappy, uh, they're always fighting, uh, to, to win a point. Um, and to be honest, they, they also like Minnesota are very young. Um, they're the, they're only on their come up as well. And they're going to be scary come New York time. It's about time to make for them to make that next leap. Now they're a semi finalist. Now, hopefully in New York, they can be a finalist and maybe win it. Uh, it is a home tournament. We've always made the finals there for the most part. Um, and so, you know, that's sport time, man. That's, that's, they're going to be scary in their gym. Um, and I think they can, you know, they can, they can do something special. I. I see it. I don't know. It's there. Magic. A little bit of magic. I think I see it. Uh, they had a tough semifinal loss that first game. They kept it close with stars who were the eventual champions. They almost had it in the bag. Um, they put up a good fight and that's all you can really ask for. Right. Um, Bode's leadership still on display. Amazing leader. Um, one of the true vets on the team, uh, defensive wall and just overall, uh, you know, a great teammate. Uh, one of the best. I'm sure all of you can speak to the kids and they'll tell you it was, it's always a wonder playing with body. Um, and the medallion, the medallion goes to the often overlooked Yasser Wali why Bamba, as some may call him, and to me, I've always called him KJ light. He wasn't himself in Orlando, and he knew that we had a conversation about that. And he worked on that. Um, he bettered himself physically, we were And to be honest, you could see it. You could see him becoming an elite frontline player again. I don't care what anyone says. I think this guy is one of the top frontline players in the game. Um, he's proven it time and time again. I said it before and I'll say it again. New York union has always succeeded when Yasser Wali was playing well. He was always the difference maker for us when he wasn't there, we were a different team when he was there, we were a different team when he played. Well, we were different team. We're probably in the finals every time he played. Well, that's how much he held it down. He's a dog. Um, you know, he, he wants it more than anybody on the team. Always willing to put it all on the line. Always good vibes. One of the one guys, one of the few guys I miss playing with, man. Like I miss playing with Yasser because he's just chill. He's just no tension, tension free. Um, whenever, whatever you need him to do, he's going to do it. Um, and I think he's brought himself back into the convo, you know, as solid as he, as he was. Um, I think he's, I think he's become special and, uh, the medallion for you. And, and you deserve it, Yasser, from, from what you had to do to get to this point, and the fact that you are showing everyone that you, that you still got it, that you are going to be a staple, that you, whatever team you play for, and hopefully it's New York, but if it's not, whatever team you join, just, just keep doing you, man, because you're, you're, you're definitely one of the best frontliners in the game, like I said, uh, and maybe one day we'll suit it up together one more time. One more time on the same team. Let's go win a championship, man. You never know. Um, number two, and the dreadful analysis that I have to put down is Orlando union aid for the first time on my podcast. I have to talk about Orlando union as a runner up. I never had to do that and not a champion. That's, that's, that's different for me. That's a little different. Um, a wonderful round robin. We go undefeated great quarterfinal against Vancouver. And to be honest, steamrolling until we met Minnesota in that second game. The first game was, was a wash in that second game. They started coming out swinging. We got caught and uh, it finally made us look beatable. I mean, overall, you could say everyone played well, no one played bad. We just lost our way. And in that second game, I think it gave stars the confidence after we took the L that listen, man, there's a game plan. Even these guys are beatable. Everyone is beatable. It wasn't easy. It wasn't coming easy anymore. And we almost seemed like shell shocked when it was happening. We didn't have an answer. Um, we win that third game in a very old school Orlando union type of way. It was gritty. It was just defensive prowess showcased. And then, you know, and then we hit stars. And we'll touch on stars more as we get to stars after this, um, they, they, they executed the plan to perfection, whatever stars did. I mean, it was to perfection. Um, I think nobody had an answer. I think we're a little bit lost. And, uh, I think it took us by surprise. And I guess when you're on cruise control for so long and someone just breaks in front of you and you got to get back into cruise control, it takes a while to get to that speed. It takes a while for you to recalibrate and adjust. And we never got to that point. We never got to cruising again. And it was one of those things in one of those days. We weren't the better team that day. I think anybody, any one of our teammates, my teammates can tell you that. Um, I do want to give credit to Ali T. Musti, Ari, the Netties, all three of them, uh, for being that support system for us. They all were there, uh, trying to support us any which way they can throughout the tournament. I think they all kept us grounded and, uh, they were in our ears. Um, I think we're going to come back stronger, um, hungrier, more focused. I think that's a, that's a key thing. I think we've all taken blame for the loss. Uh, it was entirely a team loss. And I want to say a part of it was similar to what Stanmore was like when it came to Orlando. Um, We walked in a little bit overconfident. We walked in thinking we're just going to steamroll past everybody. And, uh, we didn't and, um, we're beatable. Everyone is, and it woke us up. Everyone knows where they were at fault. Um, and I think we take it in the chin. And, um, we get right back up and move on. I mean, there's not much else we can do except understand what we did wrong. Get right back up and, and, and just move on. Everyone's asking me like, you know, you don't seem so down, you know, why don't you seem down? So like you're, you're, you're not as upset about the loss. And I said, man, like this is my seventh final, my sixth loss. In my seventh final, nothing phases me anymore. You know, uh, I've been here so many times. A loss only gets me more fired up. Uh, I get knocked down. The next day I wake back up and it's business as usual. Next tournament, I think about what I'm gonna do next. I think about how I'm gonna get better. I think about what I'm gonna do to help this team. It's business as usual. Back at practice, I try to bring, um, I try to bring that, that, that fire back in me. That hunger back in me. And try to, you know, give it to my teammates as much as I can. Um, and then I try to find the guy that we're going after the big dog. And that right now is United Stars. And we focus on that. We focus on what we can do next. I think we all have that mentality. I think we're all back up and looking forward to New York now. Uh, you can't win them all. And now our focus is on the next one. Um, the medallion, it goes to Arif Ali Chattopadhyay and Mustafa Shouji, the two servicemen, the two servicemen that were probably the most consistent players out of our whole team, the entire tournament. Um, for the first time we tried the two servicemen thing, which is pretty cool. A lefty server, a righty server, um, and they all took huge points for us and crucial games in the round robin and quarterfinals and semifinals. They came in clutch. Uh, they didn't make any mistakes in the finals. They were always put us in positions to succeed. And for that, they deserve this more than anybody, to be honest on the team. Um, you guys both deserve this musty. The medallion is gold. You can put it on your chain. I think you're gonna love it, man. I think it's gonna be a perfect piece, uh, for you to, to wear. Um, the champs, number one, the champs. United Stars. Okay. Where do I begin? Let's, let's talk about United Stars for a second, because this is going to be, this is going to be good. I think let's relive this story a little, I'm going to, I'm going to take you through narrative. I'm going to take you through, uh, how the story plays out in my mind, how this championship was very important, how it signifies that a team can truly come back from, from anything. Right. And I'll explain the Rob goes down in the semis in Orlando against Minnesota. He was told. He didn't have any fire in his eyes, that little fire in his eyes. Uh, he goes out and gets Usman, Lombada, Amir Dox, and Imran Nasir. Okay. We hear about them all, all year long. Uh, we hear Imran Nasir's podcast and we, everyone is talking about this all star team and Imran Nasir is talking about how good they look and how confident they are, and everyone knows that a team is being created to bring down Orlando union. Pretty much. Okay. That's what, that's what the word was. That's what the rumors were. That's what everything that is, what was happening in front of us. We all knew that this was going to be possibly the showdown in the fights. All everyone could talk about was Orlando versus stars. And then we get stars coming in first day, hot as hell. They looked amazing. Looking like the real deal, but slowly we start to see cracks. Jabri comes in the front. At some point, they're playing four in the front. The Rob isn't himself. Irfan isn't himself. The Rob is sitting some games and they take an L to Allentown union. And that means that the Allentown Union curse, the Allentown curse still continues throughout, by the way. Um, and, uh, they take a bad L against us. And everyone's like, wow, Orlando is still way more superior. I mean, that wasn't even a game. And it all looked like it was just down, going to go downhill from there. So Rob walks into day three against Hadries quarterfinal and comes out in the beginning of the first game. What was that? Like that was to me, the telltale sign that this team wasn't going to be able to do it. And everyone likes, everyone, um, sees what's happening and they start to wonder, is Stars the real deal? Is it really, truly going to be their tournament? I mean, nobody is truly themselves. And then something clicks. Something clicks and all of a sudden they're pulling a two straight quarterfinal victory. Then they put a two straight, pull a two straight semifinal victory. And it's like, okay. Stars are looking like stars and, uh, they're starting to look like that team. It's so funny. We work so hard for tournaments, right? All year long. Uh, we practice, you know, put on a lot of hard work in the gym, whatever it is. And then this happens, right? No one is truly ready for what happens. within the tournament. The tournament itself is a story. The tournament itself is a journey, right? Uh, in itself. Um, and it's a storyline. And if you look at Minnesota and Orlando, for example, where they were day one, day two, I mean, imagine what they're thinking about going to bed. Um, they, they won. They're thinking, man, it's over for us. We've lost huge games. And they come back and they fight back and they end up in the finals and you're in your head. You lose that confidence. Um, you don't have much time to fight back, and it's a story within the story that makes, that's what makes this win so compelling to me, is the story within the stories, the hardships throughout the three days. And if it wasn't for those hardships, I don't think they get to where they were. I don't think they prevail. I don't think they figure it out because those are the tests that made them get to where they were. Um, and just like Minnesota, man, stars find a way in the finals and they put it to us and let's talk about the finals, um, two straight. So they, they, they swept the playoffs just like Orlando did in December. The second one was close. The first one was, was a wash, but it almost seemed like even when they were down 9 4, they weren't even phased, bro. They didn't even call a timeout. They weren't stressed. You can tell they were confident. They had a game plan. They stuck to it for both games. They didn't deviate from it. Whether they were up, whether they were down, they didn't waver. Um, and I can say one thing. It was a team win. It was a It was a Tharab win. It was a United Stars win. Um, Imran said it in his pod, it's going to be United Stars. It's going to be talked about now, not Tharab, right? As you know, people say Tharab is United Stars. This was United Stars. Um, I mean, I got to give credit to drop. He bought in. He was a wonderful leader. You can see him in the timeouts. I mean, he's keeping everyone composed. He is composed, um, to especially what, what, what, what, what he was going through during the tournament. I mean, he stayed true to the process. Um, and. For the first time in his career, he had to share and sharing is not easy for a guy who's had 100 percent of 100 percent right for a long time for the first time in his career, um, to play that much defense as a center, to control the game that way, to not look for points, to just find ways to navigate through a game plan and just stay with it the whole time and not deviate. I mean, that is strong mental. Like purpose. That is just strong mentally. Um, and as a center, if you go watch that final, uh, you can, you could appreciate it. You can admire it. He's just playing the game, you know, he's not getting too high, getting too low float for float. And, uh, that is to me what makes him the best. All three aspects. He's got it down. And that's why he's the best center in the game right now. And, um, he, he relied on his teammates and his teammates came through and for him to rely on his teammates for the first time, when he was a man that wanted to do everything himself, um, it made him better, but he made them better. He was digging the ball in the net. He was moving around. He was playing the best he could defensively Um and special man special special credit to him. Uh, he deserves it. I know you worked hard for this and Uh, and and and you deserve it man. You got it. Um, the netties swaggy and rahim an amazing combo You could see the joy in them. You could see them being just a good support system. Um, and for them to lift the ball, man, to both the Rob and Lombada and the way they did it, it was special. They figured out the perfect timing, the perfect chemistry. Um, and they were able to give everyone the perfect amount of balls to keep them warm. You know, Swaggy spiking more than he's ever been using that height. Great lifting throughout the tournament for these guys. You guys played amazing. Um, Amir Dax, he played that Imran Jirvaj role like Imran did in Orlando. Um, wasn't in the game too much, but by design, right? Uh, but Hey, he got the ball and when he got the ball, he did the right thing. And that's all you can ask for him. He played his role. He didn't get too high. He didn't try to do anything special. You couldn't have asked for anything more from him. Don't worry, Amir. I think the next tournament, you'll surely be getting a lot more balls. Um, Samir. Can we talk about Samir for a second? I don't think this formation and plan works. This game plan works without Samir. I'll be honest with you. I think Samir held it down on that back right position. Um, he was on the line like I was in December. And he got a lot more balls, man. Credit to him. He saved multiple balls, crucial balls in the playoffs. Uh, he allowed Jabra and Irmaan to play stress free. They were able to move around and do whatever they wanted. Um, and just again, a brilliant team player who will do anything to win. Um, I really do believe he was one of the biggest difference makers, uh, watching that finals. I see how many balls he was able to take, how many balls he saved for them. And again, he allowed the guys to just do their thing. They were able, they didn't have to worry. He was there for them. Um, Usman Lambada, the best back left in the game and just as smooth as, as, and, and as smooth as it gets, as it gets. And just as you think he's aging, I'm just kidding, brother. Um, he just, he looks better. He looks better and better effortless, a good vibe. the chemistry with him and Tharab unmatched. I mean, you can see the joy in him while playing. He's playing free. He's attacking first balls. He's digging the ball in the net. I mean, he's, he's him. Usman Labada is him. Nothing surprises me with Usman anymore. And he gets better with age. Like I said, a team first guy. And we could possibly be witnessing the best backline in the game and the best one two punch in volleyball, maybe to ever exist. Maybe. Let's talk about Riaz Chomsky for a second. Riaz Chomsky's, um, importance on this team. Uh, I don't want to, um, undersell it because I think he is the glue guy. He's the guy that makes it all work. He's the guy that every team needs to win a championship. He's your, um, Draymond Green. He's your, um, Marcus Smart, right? He's that, he's that, that guy who, who's just willing to do anything it takes to win. And the way I'll put it, and the way I want to, um, Make everyone understand his impact is like this stars when they built this team, right? It was built on The core the core of Irfan job air the Rob You know, you don't lose that core. Okay, and that core is stars So the, the, the actual stability of the team, the consistency of the team, that, that comes from those guys. Tharab goes out and gets Usman and Amir, right? Those guys are from Palace. So those are, those are the guys that bring in that winning mentality. If you all know Palace Panthers, they don't lose. And so you've got the winners and the winning mentality and, and, and the guys that knows what it takes to win from, from the Palace guys, you've got the stability. From the stars guys, but then there's the seven, eight, six guys, right? The guys that are from Toronto elite, the guys that have been scrapping and clawing the guys that have been, you know, through the trenches and the ups and downs and, and they've never felt it. They've never tasted it, but they've come so damn close and that's swaggy. And that's Imran Nasir and that's Riaz Chamsi. And that's why Riaz Chamsi was probably one of the, if not the, most important piece in this entire puzzle. There are times, if you watch the game, I think it's game two, where if you watch it, Riaz, uh, Tharab at some point has a, uh, strategy. of going down, um, going in between the gap of Alu, Hilal, myself, and Imran, right? And he's playing that gap all night long, right? He's just playing the gap, he's playing the gap, and he's not looking for the point, but the ball is in the right spot, right? And at some point he switches, and he goes to KJ, and it could have been the lift that was that way or whatever, but he switches, goes to KJ and Freddy for a little bit, and KJ gets his hand set, takes a point. At that time, watch Riaz Chomsky. Riaz Chomsky, right after that point, comes to Tharab, stands directly in front of him, right before the serve, and tells him, pretty much tells him, and this is again, I'm reading his lips, is, is don't go that way. Don't lose sight of the strategy. Don't lose sight of the gameplay. Keep going the other way. And the very next ball, Tharab forces that ball into the gap again. That gap that he was playing. Riaz Chomsky saved a ball down the line. That KJ, uh, almost got Lombardo on, right? Um, and then pretty much saved the game because he digs that ball over. Freddie puts that ball into the net. Um, I mean, small things like that. You see Riyaz Chamsi right after, uh, Tharab takes two points off service in game two. Riyaz Chamsi comes in and takes a point off service right after that, right? Just to like, that causes us, I believe, to take a timeout. I don't wanna, I don't wanna. I don't want to, uh, undersell what, again, what Riyaz Jhamsi meant to this team. Uh, I don't think people understand. I don't think people get it. There are guys on your team that you need. To keep you right the whole time and just to keep you steadfast, keep you, you know, focused, keep you eye on the prize, you know, and Riaz is that guy Riaz, you know, comes from that 786 dog hungry mentality. Where you're always the underdog, you're always the guy that, you know, and, and it just works, right? It works that the mix of the palace guys with the stars guys with the seven, eight, six guys, it was the recipe. That's the recipe to success. And, um, so all credit to Riyaz, all love, you know, um, again, and such an impactful person on the team that, uh, you know, I don't want it to be looked, you know, uh, looked as an oversight. You are probably the glue guy. You're the guy. That probably is in Usman's ear, and, um, Imran's ear, and Swaggy's ear, and Tharab's ear, and Irfan's ear. You know, just trying to keep everyone even keel. So, all credit to you, my brother. Um, Jabir Al Din. Jabir Al Din. And this might be a little bit of a rant and I'm sorry, but, um, y'all said he was done. Y'all said he was washed and y'all obviously you're tripping. Because if anything, it was the resurrection of his career. Jabra Lidino right now is the best defensive backline player in the game. And if anyone wants to debate me on it, give me a call. Um, he played front this tournament, back left, back right center, for God's sake. I mean, what else do you want the guy to do? Um, he's proven it time and time again, the amount of work he has to put in and watch him on the floor, man, watch him get to every ball in that final. Like he was just everywhere. Imagine he possibly got a hundred third balls hit at him at some point in the finals. And he gave what? Three points? Four points? five, five points. That's an insane ratio, bro. Um, to me, when it's all said and done, he could be up there with the likes of Hustain, Gigi, and us Grunkle. Like to me right now, he's third on that list. Um, and to me, he deserves it. He's a team guy. He'll do whatever it takes. He deserves the dub all credit to you. And thank you for shutting up the doubters. And, um, the Mount Rushmore of defense right there, you all should admire it before it's gone because he's on that Mount Rushmore for sure. Imran Nasir, the dog, Imran Nasir. I could tell you, I told you so. I could tell you that the podcast said it all. I could tell you that if there's one man on this team, one man that deserved it more than anybody else, it was Imran Nasir. He put in the work. He's always been a fighter. He has brought up young guys in the game. He has led teams. He has lost some close games. He has been through heartbreak, um, in finals and semifinals. He has tasted defeat after defeat. And for him to come out on top makes me so happy for him. I'm probably the happiest guy for him. Uh, because I would like to think our careers are very parallel to one another. Me, him, him, me, him, the Rob and my Walgie all kind of had parallel careers. And, um, to see him come out as a champ, to see him adjust to the front, right. To see him return ball after ball, to see him go down in, in some of the games and come right back up and be that dog in that finals, almost like, yo, nobody's going to beat me. If I'm going to be, if anybody's going to beat me, it's going to be myself. That's man. That's, that's just everything you want in a team. That's everything you want in a teammate. That's everything you want in a player. Imran Nasir. You deserve the finals MVP. You deserve the MVP. You are the dog. You are a champ. Um, and to be honest, I, I couldn't have respected you and your game even more. Uh, everyone I think saw what I was talking about. Everyone saw why you were the difference maker. Everyone saw why you were more special than anybody, anybody else on that team. Why you, your addition made the difference. And I could promise you, The carousel of front line guys that came through the United Stars system. You have come there and debunked all that and you have made your name back in this game. So, Irman Nasir, congratulations to you, man. You deserve it. The medallion, Irfan Kermali. Well, yes, Irman Nasir deserved the medallion too. He did get the finals MVP. To me, this tournament only proved one thing. And the proof has been there in the pudding. We just maybe haven't noticed it. United stars goes as far as Irfan Kamali goes. I said it probably the best front center in United stars history. is Irfan Kamali. Irfan Kamali wasn't himself the first two days. I think he would tell you that himself. Irfan Kamali was part of game plans. Irfan people were hitting down the middle. Irfan Kamali was put into a position where he had to play front left center at some point. Irfan Kamali was not Irfan Kamali. And when Irfan Kamali is not right, Tharab isn't right. And when Tharab isn't right, Stars isn't right. And when Stars isn't right, losses after losses. But when Irfan Kamali is right. Then everyone's right. And that right brought them to a championship. If it wasn't for Irfan Kamali, for, it wasn't for his passion for, if it wasn't for his leadership, if you see the timeouts, he's, he's going buck wild. If it wasn't for his confidence at some point, he's digging the ball in net and just surrounding, you know what I'm saying? Like that level of like dog mentality. And I think it was a little bit of that in my Nasser, just, you know, um, rubbing off on him, uh, Irfan Kamali, you deserve this medallion more than anybody else. You have put your name back on top as one of the best front centers in the game like you always have been and to do what you did to come back from that a lot of credit to you, a lot of credit to what you've done a lot of, I think the spotlight now should be given to you on your career on what you have accomplished. Because this was the one for you. This was the one to go up against that frontline. You know, you've always had battles with Kizzer. You've always had battle battles with Orlando unions frontline. And this time, brother, you prevailed and you deserve that medallion. Here we are. The new era of stars has begun and I'm actually honored that stars had to put this team together to beat us. Honestly, like it's a sentiment. I'm not joking. I think it's a sentiment, how great we were. And look at how great they are. They're special. Um, obviously the, the favorites going into next tournament. Um, and I think that everyone's going to be anticipating it. It's only going to get better for stars. I'm sure their chemistry is only going to get better. Their confidence is only going to be better. Um, and I think it's, it's going to be fun to see what matchups come out of this and what happens in New York. Um, but, uh, T another chapter in our rivalry. And yet again, you get the dub, uh, love for you always. But I think, I think we got another chapter left in us. I don't know. I don't think the story rivalry is done yet. Um, you know what they say, let a dog roam and he'll find his way home. The dog is back in me and I'm coming home. New York City, the Mecca. I'll see you there. This time, the tides may turn, brother. I don't know. We'll see. Good night, everybody. And I love you all.