She’s kind of a big deal these days, but Fatima Smith, also known as Michael Beasley’s mother and “Mama Sayz” around these parts, is back. She wanted to stay connected with the Kansas State community, and you can’t say no to family, can you?
So here’s the format – this week, we lobbed her a few softballs, just so she could work her way back into the groove. But this is supposed to be interactive, so the questions in the future will come from you. Here’s the catch – if you don’t ask questions, you won’t see her ‘Bag, which is short for mailbag. Get it? No mail, no answers, no Fatima.
Questions can be submitted below in the comments, or, if you want to be subtle – and I can’t imagine why – they can be sent to me at jmartin@wichitaeagle.com or jmartin@kcstar.com. Just make sure to write “Mama’s Bag” in the subject heading.
OK, enough from me. Here’s Fatima:
1. Ms. Smith, it’s been a while. Why don’t you catch us up on what’s been going on?
Wow! Why so formal? Just call me Fatima… or Mama for short. LOL! You’re right, it has been a while. How do you catch people up with so many dramatic changes? The kids are still the same and doing fine. They love it here in Miami although I must say that Malik and Little Miss Tiffany talk about Manhattan, Kan., all of the time. They really want to come back and visit… I just have to figure how to juggle everything around to make that happen. Oh, how could I forget! I have a new addition to the family – and no, it’s not another dog. My 16-year-old niece has joined us. It’s really good for Mychaela to have someone her own age in the house, especially starting a new school. So, I can honestly say that I have no “major” complaints at this moment…
2. Explain the differences, good and bad, between Miami and Manhattan.
O.K., let me see if I can do this “properly.” When I relocated to both Manhattan and Miami, it was pretty much the same sort of situation where I was moving to a strange place where I knew probably a handful – and that’s being generous – of people prior to me arriving. The weather is totally gorgeous here in Miami. There are plenty of place to shop and dine. I think I have four major malls within a four-mile radius of my house. There are both private and public beaches that we can access at any time, too. We’re approximately 3.5 hours from Orlando and maybe a 45-minute drive to the Florida Keys… I guess you get my point that there are plenty of things to do here.
With all of that said, when I was back in Manhattan, I felt cozy and safe like I was tucked in a warm comfy bed. I liked going places and seeing familiar faces… Not only people that I knew by name but people who just had friendly spirits. I enjoyed the times I spent at the only mall in town and if I felt the need to change things up, taking a road trip gave me time to meditate and let my mind be free… literally. I know this is going to sound crazy but I even miss going to work and socializing with people on a regular basis, both co-workers and patients. I look forward to having people come in town to visit but for some reason people think that living in Miami means that you are walking around in bikinis and sitting down at South Beach 24 hours a day, which is far from the truth. When I first arrived here in Miami, I thought to myself, ‘For a town to be so BIG and populated with millions of people, this is the loneliest place that I have ever lived.’ But now my days are so full with taking care of any and everything that I don’t know how I make time to get to the Heat games, which is a must!
3. What’s the funniest NBA-related story you can share with us?
Hmmm, let me think about this for a second…
When Michael brought Mario Chalmers over to the house for the first time, Tiffany ran up to Michael to give him his usual hugs and kisses. I’m not sure if she recognized Mario or if Michael told her that he played for the Jayhawks but she looked over at him and said as loud and clear as she could, “JAYHAWKS SUCK! BOO!” Both Mario & Mike could do nothing but crack up laughing.
But outside of Michael and her new “crush” Daequan Cook, Mario is her favorite person on the team and she now gives him hugs and kisses just like she does when Michael comes around…
13 Comments
Mamma, do you travel to all the away games like you did when you were in Manhattan?
It’s great to hear from you again. I enjoyed watch Mike play last year and try to watch him when I get the chance this year on TV. My wife and I are visiting a friend in N. Palm Beach from Feb. 28th through March 3rd. We are planning to go to the Cleveland vs. Miami game that Monday night. What is the best way to get decent tickets to that game? Also, how do Mike and D-Wade get along? Thanks.
Hey!
Okay so you gotta let us all know…
Does Michael “B-easy” Beasley Have a girlfriend?
Come on, tell us!
Thanks; your amazing!
It’s funny about Chalmers. I would do the same thing, too.
Could you tell us more about their friendship? I think it’s very interesting that two sworn enemies could come together and become friends.
Hey Fatima!
How many tats does Mike have now
and what do they mean?
We’ve missed you, Mama. I am jealous of your warm weather, it has been FREEZING here in Kansas. How has Mike adjusted to life ‘on the road’?
Hey! I’m from California but just wanted to say I’m a big fan of Mike and your blog and that I appreciate you coming back to answer some questions! I’m so proud of Mike- he is doing awesome in Miami. I have a quick question concerning Mike’s role in Miami- he hasn’t been starting and saw a limited amount of minutes especially in the beginning of the season. I just wanted to know if that was hard for him and how he is adjusting from being the leader on his Kansas team to being a role player in Miami?
Thank you! =)
Mama,
It’s great to hear from you again.
You’ve watched a lot of basketball on various levels in your day. How would you compare the NBA games to the College atmosphere? Are the games in the League as boring as they look on TV? Has Mike talked much about practices and preparation since he’s joined the Heat? How do they compare with Frank Martin’s practices?
We love your story about Chalmers.
What do you think Mike’s biggest adjustment has been since transitioning to the NBA?
We are sure you don’t miss single digit temps here.
Are you still considering a small business in Manhattan?
Are you considering coming back for any games?
Jeff,
Ask Mamma if she has talked with Bill Walker’s mom recently. I’d like to know if she is enjoying watching her son in the D league.
She could have been cozy and safe like she was tucked in a warm comfy bed in Manhattan, and spending her son’s millions at four local malls NEXT YEAR like mamma….but, mistakes were made.
What do your new Miami friends ask you about what your one year in Manhattan, Kansas was like?
Will you come back to Manhattan when Mike’s KSU jersey is hung from the rafters in Bramlage?
We just got back from watching the Heat play the Oklahoma City Thunder, did Mike realize how many KSU fans were in attendance to support him?
We estimated there was roughly around 200 in purple or #30 Beasley heat jerseys.
Mike did not have his best game, he was in foul trouble early. It seemed like the officials were kinda of laying for him. It’s really hard to tell how they call fouls in the NBA, Mike’s fouls were so ticky tacky.
A few quite observations from last night’s game:
1. If Mike make a mistake they pull him alot quicker than Chalmers.
2. Wade is a great shooter, but he is such a ball hog.
3. There is no reason why Mike should not be starting.
Be sure to pass on to Mike the number of KSU fans in attendance.
Hey Mama,
Do you have any connections to help hook up a K-State student/Mama’s Says reader (me) with an internship with the Heat?