Realist Shows He Is For Real

North Carolina golden boy "The Realist" can now add his name to the legendary madden ballers that have exclusive membership in the National Champions fraternity. After topping Young Gunz 45-41 in the Nationals V title game, Realist now adds his name to the list of champions that includes The Creator (I), Candyman (II), Lou Tillery (III), and Ice Ellis (IV). Each one of the aforementioned ballers achieved legendary status during the title run and championship reign. And if 2004 is anything like 2003 was for the new champ, his fate shall be no different.

The Realist burst onto the MWS scene taking Mega Bowl by fire, coming out of nowhere to advance to the elite 8. He and his "road dog," The Champ, made a huge impression on the MWS contingency, riding in to Vegas as virtual unknowns, but leaving with the respect of some of the top ballers in the community.

But the North Carolina crew did not stop there. The Realist went on to win, place or show in Maryland, WCC, Sac Town, and Carolina. The Realist late season tear propelled him into the top of the MWS rankings while becoming one of the favorites to win the Nationals V crown.

The Realist road to the championship was no easy one. His first major obstacle was getting past the stubborn Big Game James (BMB) in the round of 32. It was a tough draw for James who, like The Realist had an amazing run at years end.

The Realist went into Survivor Sunday with a #3 seed on the AFC side of the bracket, while James earned the #14 seed on the same side. It was a tough draw for arguably two of the hottest ballers in the country at seasons end to meet that early in the tourney.

The Realist prevailed in a 63-56 nail biter. From there the Realist faced Kambo who went 1-2 in his round robins, only to advance to Survivor Sunday as a 47 seed and knock off Candyman in the round of 32. However, The Realist took care of Kambo advanced to KOTC stud Wayne Walton in what was perhaps The Realist toughest game of the tourney. After spotting Walton a 14 - 3 lead, Realist came back to win it in the second half 17-14.

From there, the new champ ended up facing of all people his old road dog, The Champ in the final four. It was a tough draw, but the two did play, albeit it was a very casual non competitive game.

The stage was set as The Realist advanced to face the baller many thought was hands down the best in the country, the vaunted Young Gunz from the BBO.

Gunz, like Realist, made his name at the Mega Bowl, taking the MWS by storm with amazing stick control combined with a simple yet effective game plan.

Unlike Nationals IV where two members from the same camp squared off in the title game (Ice Ellis v. Lou Tillery) the Nationals V championship had an excitement to it, just with the mention of the match up. Young Gunz, v. The Realist. Two of the best and most consistent ballers during the 2003 season.

Gunz took the early lead and it was primarily a see-saw battle for most of the first half. However, The Realist seemed to be moving the ball at ease vs. Gunz. Nevertheless, Gunz took a 21-14 into the half.

The game almost turned controversial when the Realist was driving for the tying score and a faulty programming error in the game, caused a reversed call by the officials in the two minute warning to be mis-spotted. The room erupted for their were many who felt that the programming error should be allowed to stand, because it was in the game. The Realist caught a pass and which was ruled out of bounds at the 3 yard line. But the officials automatically reviewed the play since it was inside the two minute warning of the first half. The call was reversed which should have awarded the Realist the ball on the three yard line. Instead the game mis-spotted the ball and placed it at the original line of scrimmage which was Young Gunz 25 yd. line.

Tournament Commissioner The Swammi, stepped in and called for the ball to placed at the 3 yard line, since the game had reversed the call. Young Gunz in turn was forced to go off sides until the ball was advanced.

The room erupted in controversy and debate. But it was all for moot when two plays later, Gunz picked off The Realist at the goaline, to preserve his 21-14 lead at the half.

The pivotal point in the game came when Gunz, down by 7 late in the third, decided to go for it on 4th down deep in his own territory. The Realist held him defensively and converted with an easy score to go up 14. From there it was all catchup for Gunz, and The Realist held on to secure the 45-41 win.

It was the first championship for the Realist, and the first for the dominant EBC, who placed 3 ballers in the elite 8.

2004 will answer many questions about the new champ and the EBC crew as well. For only Lou Tillery and Candyman returned in the following season after winning the title to be dominant in tournament play. And still today both Candyman and Tillery are considered not only two of the greats currently playing the game, but perhaps two of the greatest of all time.

Where does the Realist falls? Only time will tell. But if his later seasons are anything like his first, you can add the Carolina golden boys name to list of some of the best to ever play the game.

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