Special Report by Wendell Williamson

Virginia Beach - Like a mighty wind after a fortnight adrift on a listless sea, as the weary sailors with parched throats and burnt skin peer over the horizon, their hopes returning as the cool air once again comforts them, so too the return of WLC BBALL breathes life into the souls of the dozens of desperate fans who wondered if it would ever return.

While the unexpected extended hiatus (the last game was played on July 28, 2019) drove some fans to desperation (rumor has it the Jenkins family and the Hostetler Twins ended up watching Linkhorn Elementary's recess showdowns just to scratch that basketball itch), a few held out hope that the rumors of the WLC BBALL's permanent disappearance were just that. Of those hopeful, none was more so than Jeff "Slim Lock" Brewer. I was able to catch up with Slim Lock on the corner of Virginia Beach Blvd and Rosemont Road as he was hitchhiking to the Great Neck Baptist Arena. To follow is a bit of our conversation:

WW - "So, 'Slim Lock', how'd you get your nickname?"

SL - "Yeah, so when I was a kid, late at night, I used to sneak into the tennis courts over at Bayville Farms to play POG with my imaginary friends. Even though the fence was chained up, I was so skinny, I could wriggle in between the gate any time I wanted. One of the night security guys - Fat Wally I think it was - yelled at me that I was so slim they couldn't lock me out. The word spread and 'Slim Lock' was my new moniker."

WW - "That's real interesting, Slim Lock. But now, you're headed to the GN Baptist Arena? On a Thursday afternoon?"

SL - "You know that's right Wilbur..."

WW - "It's Wendell -"

SL - "Right. My bad, Wesley. Listen, I'm going to the Mecca, bruh. Like for real, for real. WLC BBALL is back and it's about to be on! Some of my boys wanted me to go watch AEW over at Wheezy Jake's place but I can watch wrestling any time. WLC BBALL, that's some epic stuff, man. Like Continental Drift Ice Age level."

WW - "But the games don't start until Sunday night. That's like 2+ days away. Why so early, Slim Lock?"

SL - "Look, Wally, I don't know if you was raised right or not. Me? I didn't learn to read 'til I was 14 cuz I had tuberculosis and my mama was always playing Bingo trying to win herself some money for plastic surgery. Anyways, all the time she was in the bingo hall I was staring out the window at the kids shooting hoops. Hoops was my saving grace, Willy. Like, I don't know what I'd be doing now if I couldn't watch basketball. Had to sell my POG collection to pay rent last summer so if I don't get a good seat to watch Humphries catch a lob, Cooper cross 'em up, Earl shooting a dozen free throws a game, Nick catching a technical, Sivells draining a fade-away 3 from 28 feet...I could go on and on."

WW - "So, you're a big fan!"

SL - "Yes sir, Walter. But there's the Duck Donuts. I think I can catch a ride and get over to the Arena to set up my tent. Man, I sure hope Pochekailo gets at least three floor burns opening night! That kid can hustle and tumble. He's like WLC BBALL's Evil Knievel."

WW - "Good luck Slim Lock. And it's Wendell."

So, there it is folks. At least one passionate fan knew that WLC BBALL SZN SVN would be worth the wait. And while it's been nearly six months since the sounds of the game echoed in the muggy GN Baptist Arena, you can be sure that Slim Lock, Sammell's son and up to thirteen other people will be milling around, watching their phones and ocassionally yelling at the game this Sunday night. See you there!