The Secret's Out

For someone to go by the name of Big Bill, you would imagine them to be about 6-5, 285llbs of lean muscle. Well, as Player Coach always says, your name ain't always your gam...and in the case of DaSecret1 aka Big Bill, this scenario applies. DaSecret is about 5ft, 100 lbs soak and wet on any given day. Where he gets the name "Big Bill" from is beyond reason. However, while he may be diminutive in stature, his game is big, tall and wide. This is evident by the path he took to advance to the Nationals 6 final four. The killaz DaSecret1 had to go through resembles an all star death row line up that perhaps was the most difficult road for any other baller that advanced as far. Even Big Game James didn't have to face these killaz back to back. From the second round Big Bill dispensed of DC/BFL, Black Jesuz/UGK, Lou Tillery/NOMB, and Booker T/HS, before being edged out by eventual Nationals runner up Gooch.

EBC's - DaSecret1 (Big Bill?)

Can you imagine taking down two of the hottest ballers in the nation in Booker T. and Black Jesuz in one sense, and then arguably two of the winningest ballers in Nationals history in DC and Tillery...all in the same tournament? This kind of poise under pressure likens the youngster to another baller that thrived to be in the hot seat under pressure....one Pasadena Soldier.

But not only was that an amazing feat for the youngster, he also played with courage and guts that resembled that of a Nationals vet. After topping BFL legend DC, the youngster played a pressure packed game vs. Lou Tillery where with the game on the line and everyone in the room going crazy, Bill stopped Tillery's two point conversion with seconds remaining to eek out a 1 point win and knock future hall of famer out of the tourney. But that was not all. With one of the most ruckus Nationals crowds ever, DaSecret put together a GW drive with 44 seconds remaining vs. Booker T which included converting a 4th and 10, after Booker T dropped a wide open interception.

DaSecret fortunes fell a little short in his game vs. Gooch when a questionable coaching call gave Gooch the ball back with enough time to score the game winning TD in the closing seconds.

Nevertheless, DaSecret's is out. This kid has mad game! And despite all the talk about flaws in the 2004 game, and the run and gun and so much other stuff....this kid earned the respect of every top baller in the room because of his gutsy calls, his charisma, and his ability to flat out play the game well. Many people walked away impressed how he handled himself in tough game situations. Add that he is only 17 yrs. old (but looks 10) is more impressive.

Bill's future is bright. And many detractors would say he would probably not be as successful on a more stable edition of the game. Whether or not that is the case remains to be seen. But one thing for sure, this kid can flat out play. And if he can get the 2005 under his fingers, look for him to be one of the great clutch ballers on the tourney circuit next season.

Big Bill's (DaSecret1) Run To The Final Four

Final Four: Lost to Gooch/BMB 58-57
Elite 8:Defeated Booker T/HS 64-57
Sweet 16: Defeated Lou Tillery/NOMB 49-48
3rd Round: Defeated Black Jesuz/UGK 62-57
2nd Round: Defeated DC/BFL 70-56
1st Round: Defeated Hitz/FA 63-21

DaSecret1's Round Robin Scores

Hustleman's Classic Play By Play: DaSecret v. Booker T