Written By Captain Ferdinand
As the weather gets colder there are two guarantees in my life.
1. I need to wear a coat
2. We’re getting closer and closer to March Madness
Some of you may or may not know, college basketball is my favorite sport. I go into full on nerd mode once this time of year swings around. Although we’re not quite there yet and there’s not much to report on until a few weeks from now when it becomes more prevalent, I had an intrusive thought: “Who are some of the best hoopers that went to the league but instead became rappers?”
The great Lil Wayne once said, “Athletes wanna be rappers and rappers wanna be athletes”.
There are plenty of rappers today who make incredible music but could have had a great basketball career in my opinion.
My starting 5 are as follows:
1. Quavo
Photo via Joe Murphy/ NBAE via Getty Images
Arguably the most popular member of the rap Group Migos— Quavo is also known for getting to the basket. He has showcased his skills a few years ago in the NBA Celebrity game that they host during the All-Star break. He dropped a cool 27 points in 2019 and put the world on notice.
2. 2 Chainz
Photo via Rich Fury/Invision/AP
Formerly known as Tity Boi (an elite stage name btw) 2 Chainz actually did play college basketball. Legally known as Tauheed Epps, Mr. Chainz played college ball for Alabama State University back in the 90’s.
3. J Cole
Photo via Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Jermaine Cole has been known to get a bucket or two. His love of the game allowed him to have a small go at professional basketball in Basketball Africa League. While that was short lived, Cole is still proclaimed as one of the coldest hoopers in the rap game.
4. Lil Dicky
AKA Skinny Penis, this Jewish rapper has had his share of highlights on the court. The rumor also has it that LD is the fourth son of LaVar ball and that LaVar does not claim him due to his lackluster performance on the basketball court.
5. Sheck Wes
Photo via Olivier d’Almeida
This guy is known for his hit song “Mo Bamba” which is a shoutout to the Orlando Magic center. Sheck Wes did declare for the NBA Draft but unfortunately was passed on by all 30 teams. However, similarly to J Cole, Wes even had a stint where he played pro basketball overseas in Paris.