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It could have been one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the Nestle Rock N Jock competition. In what appeared to be a laugher for the Stripes, the Stars almost pulled off the unthinkable after trailing 76-11 at half time. With four seconds left in regulation and the Stars trailing 99-80, actor Donald Faison attempted the game-winning jumper at the 20-point basket over the outstretched hands of P. Diddy. The ball fell a foot short and the Stripes took home the victory and the championship prize, a super-sized, nine-pound Nestle Crunch candy bar.
“We actually played smart basketball at the end,” said Faison. “But P. Diddy is a hacker. If you can get away with fouling, you’re going to win. He got away with it, so it’s all good.”
 Rap star Method Man goes in for a layup over fellow rapper P. Diddy during the Nestle Rock and Jock basketball game at the NBA Jam Session Center Court All-Star 2002 Gregory Shamus/ NBAE/Getty Images |
Center Court was jumping during pre game as NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers introduced rappers Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris who added a little Philly style to their special performance of the hit, “Welcome to Atlanta.”
The Rock N Jock game, which features its own unique sets of rules, made for entertaining viewing. For example, six, not five, players represent each team on the court while players have the option of choosing to shoot at a variety of baskets and locations on the court. There are 20-point, five-point, two-point and one-point baskets. Also, participating NBA players must be stationed at a designated pro zone that is located on the side of the court and five feet above the elbow outside of the free throw line.
The Stripes team appeared to be in cruise control in the first half with Szczerbiak reigning 10-pointers from the pro zone area on the side of the court while P. Diddy was putting on a dunking display at the five-point baskets. Lil’ Bow Wow ran the point for the Stripes and showcased his nifty, between-the-legs and behind-the-back ballhandling skills. But it was Faison who led the charge for the Stars in the second half, scoring some key baskets. “Donald was hitting some big shots and he had the hot hand for a second,” said Battier, who was stationed in one of the pro zone areas for the Stripes. “We were one 20-point shot away from losing the nine-pound candy bar and it would have been a bitter defeat. We were in control for most of the game. Now, I’m going to go home and savor the taste of sweet victory, literally.
Overlooked by Faison’s near heroics was the surprise appearance of former New Jersey Net and current NBC studio analyst Jayson Williams who was announcing the game for MTV along with Gus Johnson and Kenny Smith of TNT. Williams was one of the sparks for the Stars in its impressive comeback.
“We went up by 60 points,” laughed Williams. “I never did that with New Jersey.”
Regardless of the outcome, the game presented an opportunity for all of the artists from their different fields and backgrounds to get acquainted and put on a show for the fans.
“It was fun,” said Szczerbiak. “I hit my shots and I had a great time interacting with all of the stars. That’s what this weekend is all about. It’s just a good experience. I had a good time.”
So did Williams who was anxious to partake in the weekend festivities.
“Now the party really starts,” said Williams. “We can all go out and now talk about how bad the celebrities really are in basketball. I don’t know why entertainers want to be basketball players and vice versa. Thank god they put these five point baskets in or the score would have been 18 to 18.”
