Rafer Alston (Skip 2 My Lou) on And1, NBA, Eddie House Slap, Playing Kobe & Iverson (Full Interview)

Former NBA player Rafer Alston came through for his first-ever VladTV interview, where he spoke about growing up in Southside, Queens, which was riddled with violence, but Rafer found a way out by being a gifted athlete. He went on to become a well-known streetball player in New York, and he got more recognition while playing the the And 1 Mixtape Tournament,. From there, Rafer played for three junior colleges before dropping out his junior year and being drafted in the NBA. Rafer went on to speak about transitioning into the rules of the NBA, along with the politics, while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. Rafter also spoke about playing with Jalen Rose and not always seeing eye-to-eye with him, and he went on to speak about playing with Dwyane Wade. Rafer opened up about other teammates, including Sam Mitchell on the Raptors, who Rafer said was disrespectful to everyone, and Yao Ming, who Rafer said worked really hard every day. Moving along, Rafer addressed his 2007 arrest, playing against Kobe in the 2009 Finals with the Orlando Magic, playing for the Nets, and ending his NBA career with the Miami Heat. To hear Rafer’s full story, hit the above video.

[@ProjectDystopia]

This man needs to be on a sports show, I like how he articulates his life as a player. Plus, I feel a realness about him.

[@lexanithadon]

Its a queens thing Dunn

[@j.campbell8491]

He didn’t tell you that he has an ugly sister that works as a Assistant Manager at Walmart.

[@prime535]

So true! I agree 100%

[@ekclay7]

Most definitely.

[@paulsweat5337]

Think he did lil some on ESPN few times

[@botsebulldog1211]

Around 39:50 he was about to say " he was bad with that rock " 😭😭😭😭🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Joshua_Harrell]

This one of vlads best interviews…he actually let the legend talk

[@xavieriswavier]

He don’t let Vlad talk over him 🤣

[@TOON.MUSIC.503]

He's definitely a legend on the basketball realm

[@TheYungSesShow]

I remember growing up collecting all the AND1 mixtapes and the ESPN streetball show watching skip, headache, AO, hot sauce, sik wit it tryna emulate all the moves at park runs lol skip a legend man seeing him on the mixtapes then making in the NBA was awesome

[@skatnnofx]

"Half man, half amazing" was always so dope too

[@solowayne433]

Been saying for years I’d love to see a And 1 documentary. This will do for now. Get more and 1 players plz

[@MrPupilsdilated]

ESPN 30 for 30 just did one...no professor tho

[@theyloveziyah85]

its one on netflix now

[@solowayne433]

The Netflix one was way better than the 30 for 30.

[@Antmoore1997]

As a young baller growing up in Harlem in the 90's Skip and Shamgod were B-ball GODS to us.

[@livinproof718]

Facts ... the whole nyc tho

[@Antmoore1997]

@@livinproof718 TRU!

[@95alive77]

I’m from Baltimore but my older cousins boyfriend were hustlas from the Bronx and they talked about Skip all the time. I had never even heard of the Rucker before them but they made you feel like these dudes were God’s

[@lsi01]

I remember when we’d get snippets of Skip on HOOPSTV over here in London… reading the Slam articles.. he was a worldwide legend before he ever stepped into the NBA… Gotta wonder how many NBA players grew up idolising him

[@johncriscione4298]

God Shamgod? He played at PC. Met him a few times, used to go to all the games. His handle was insane

[@95alive77]

When he described how it felt to come outside and see the Drug Dealers and Gangsta’s get all the respect, all the women, drive the flashy cars and wear the fly clothes was the feeling every kid growing up in the hood had.

[@bradkennedy8350]

This is by far my favorite Vlad interview yet. Thank you for this one he's a street ball legend Coast to Coast

[@warrenclayton426]

Vlad great interview

[@SatoshiHODL]

1:15:20 Eddie House part starts. You’re welcome!

[@commanderkeef4330]

Why is vlad always trying to focus on crime and criminal behavior.

[@nibz94]

That’s all he care about anything drama related

[@tthompson5867]

I totally agree, I never seen someone so obsessed with a slap

[@aubreemoore133]

Because controversy sells

[@TheBulletzgottishow20]

Rafer alston is a legend man street ball legend he up there with marbury Kenny Anderson Kenny Smith Shem god Felipe lopes Cam'ron karlton Hines booger smith future

[@germancruz2358]

Van gundys biggest mistake was benching Alston for the Finals and inserting Jameer Nelson.

[@UnsaidUser]

This

[@aboutmillions]

Rafer was a part of one of my favorite basketball teams of all time. The 2008 Houston Rockets, that team was so fun to watch when we won 22 games in a row.

[@holyhecks]

That was the first year T-Mac got hurt. That year slowed down quick.

[@MR.__G]

Basketball was so much fun at the time. I would hardly ever miss a TV game.

[@alechendrix9367]

@@holyhecks it was either him or Yao injured.. also Kobe and the Lakers was always trashing us in the playoffs 🥲 Rip Kobe 🐐🙏🏻

[@jonsummersprizepicks]

Yea that team almost took it injuries got crazy

[@DAllen985]

One day ima be on vlad telling him how i use to be in his comments telling people Im Probably one of the Dopest Lyricist From The South But Can't Get Heard Cause I Don't Sound Like Everyone Else.

[@CstWstFllwer]

hopefullly your uniqueness will shine

[@vincerodriguez209]

reach for the shy young D!! anything and everything is possible !

[@DAllen985]

@@vincerodriguez209 all Love Fam!

[@Thetruthyaheard]

Rafer has a son named Bankroll Radoe, rapper from Fresno. Check him out this a little known fact

[@youngmafi5609]

VladTV definitely steppin tf up & gettin some of my respect back after this one. AND 1 was LIFE back then & saved my life no cap

[@robertrudick2492]

Fantastic interview. A real gentleman's gentleman! I admire the guy. He has been down a tuff road to make a successful career! Thank you for a awesome interview. I enjoyed every minute of the interview. He was very truthful...that's a truthful guy. Thank you Mr.Alston.

[@DJ320_]

I alwys said Aaron Owens (AO) was the best And 1 player but I always respected Skip cuz he only one made it to NBA

[@joseph5589]

Da General

[@adamwilliamson6881]

If AO only had a shot he would’ve been in the league no doubt about it

[@DJ320_]

@@adamwilliamson6881 u must be talkn bout hot sauce AO could shoot dribble pass & look fancy at the same time that’s what made him great

[@councilmanrashadtate1228]

he was always my favorite. fundamentals down pat. Shouldve been a pro

[@Monsterr713]

Rockets fan here, always gonna have respect for rafer

[@hectorelite7030]

RIP ESCALADE

[@Oba_Ewaunfo_]

I miss this era of NYC B-Ball players. I played HS ball in NYC, grew up watching great players at NYC golden hoops tournaments. Players like Rafer Alston, Shammgod, Steph and Zack Marbury, Ed Cota, Kareem Reid, Lamar Odom, Felipe Lopez, Eric Barkley, Speedy Claxton, Ramel Lloyd, Ron Artest, Scientific and Majestic Mapp, Shaheen Halloway, Kevin Morris, etc. I remember seeing or playin against some of these NYC greats.💪🏾

[@ShinobiKush]

Scientific and Shamgod we're DOPE!

[@stefanwilliamson299]

Those are some great names...hellava era🏀

[@Enycbx]

Growing up as a teen in the 90's hoopin in NYC, Skip was that dude. Happy to see him doing well.

[@ahmadabdullah008]

SKIP IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLAYERS !!! HE ALWAYS KEEPS IT POSITIVE TOO IF U NOTICE !!! GREAT INTERVIEW NICE JOB FELLAS ….

[@jaxjr121]

CSU Fresno in the building!! Let's Goooooooooooo!!!✊🏿🤝🏿👍🏿💯🏆

[@drock260]

Great humble guy right here man one of my favorite basketball players legend great interview vlad 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@newyork2308]

Skip is a smart dude...._i used to hang with him at kings park...._.__

[@AL1NO3]

They need to get Rafer on All The Smoke 💨

[@arthurcpiperjr]

Let’s be clear the Magic loss in the finals come down to Jameer Nelson coming back.

[@upby20truckingllc57]

Nah fr tho

[@MrEer218]

My fav streetball legend of all time 💪🏾 And I still skip on the court when I'm feeling loopy 😁

[@omarces155]

Dope ass person to interview very good pick vlad unexpected but dope queens got alot of legends didn't even know he was from my town

[@JoshieGymGod]

That's ur fault...i knew he from ur town back in like 99 and I'm from Cali🤷🏿‍♂️

[@CentralFloridaHipHop]

I will never forgive Stan Van Gundy for not starting Rafer in the 2009 finals. What was he thinking?

[@UnsaidUser]

THIS THIS THIS THIS THIS!!!!!!

[@Maxtrash69]

😫 😤 😠 til this day!

[@SuburbanDude.]

Thought this was Shotti bih

[@dothemostrav]

This funny asf bro😂

[@txspitta4667]

I can’t get over how he looks like a 45 year old shotti

[@Dnh3one]

This gulp at 4:35 is crazy

[@HighlightReelFactory]

Maaan😂

[@councilmanrashadtate1228]

super loud

[@Maxtrash69]

It's outrageous 😮😂

[@Elboogie404]

I used to rebound for Skip when he was in Golden State during that summer when I was on the equipment staff. He is stating all facts. Skip was in amazing shape at all times. Eric should never have let him go.

[@Easycooking422]

Skipp to my Lou still a down to earth person and I'm still a fan of his from and 1 from back in 1999

[@ejkboxing]

If Stan Van Gundy would've given Rafer 40 minutes in one game in the finals, the Magic would've won that series. He was killing everyone in that game, I forget which game it was. But, Jameer Nelson was injured & Nelson came back & Van Gundy kept Nelson in the game. But, in that one game Rafer should've gotten 40 minutes.

[@justinstewart1828]

I remember that dude couldnt check rafer Alston at all van Gundy Nelson you're in Alston you're out it was total bs.

[@charlescameron7182]

I went to that game. It was game 3 or 4. I was cool with Skip and flew out there to see the game. Escalade(RIP) was there too. Skip was very upset after the game. Skip, me, his cousin and Escalade hung out after that game. But you're right, the coach should had let him play. Alot of people don't know but Skip cursed the coach out lol and rightfully so.

[@moseshanon7060]

Anybody got the time stamp on when he addresses the Eddie House, smack 👋🏾?

[@therealist2000]

1:15:04

[@jesseodum4513]

My man Alston would have been a champ had he never been sat for Janet to start. Case closed. Period.

[@thisguytm3302]

LEGEND 🤝🏾🤝🏾🤝🏾🤝🏾 😅😅😅😅 Rafer 👀not Vlad, Vlads the feds 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@b.i.g.j.i.p.s.z.41143]

This man is a legend.

[@calsums914]

I don't think he a legend.He made a sucess off talent.But he full of excuses.Could of been bigger just listen

[@ch.illmatic]

@@calsums914 shut up

[@richardhiller3135]

You know how good he had to be to go the route he did and still make the nba

[@googlemechuck4217]

he got that Kenny Smith demeanor

[@NoticetNoskates]

Lmaooo Na the Eddie house portion got me in tears

[@dom_blvcc]

What time was that in the vid. That’s all I’m here for lmaooo

[@missayawk]

Hey Vlad in the intro/bio above you gotta change " Southside Queens" to Southside Jamaica Queens.Gotta be specific when it comes to NYC locations.

[@calvinmcneil6189]

Wish we a had a chance to see ali-moe play in NBA r.i.p

[@QualittyTimePodcast]

And 1 mixtapes...what a time to be alive....Skip and Master P 2 different routes....both hood legends

[@nubreedapparel6012]

I wanted vlad to ask him how skip felt when Jamir Nelson came back and ruined the finals and took skips shine.

[@ch.illmatic]

Skip was still the starter tho and getting g playing time, Skip was kinda not great in that series either

[@thisisyourconcious]

Man changed basketball forever. Look at the ball handlers of today...

[@richardhiller3135]

The greatest ball handler of all time started in the nba over fifty years ago. Today's players still try to copy him

[@truthayael8329]

All of em...You see Skip and Sham in every kid with handles

[@itzjdub282]

The interview is great until we get to the self accountability part. It seems to be everyone else's fault or a big misunderstanding.

[@vernonvijayasingham3987]

😂😂

[@zoominnboomin]

One of my favorite players ever! Awesome interview. He seems like a genuinely good dude.

[@owoolleyi]

I saw Rafer ball out at Ventura Junior College. Most unreal handle. Got MVP, state champ then left. Ventura College had NBA talent such as Cedric Ceballos and James Ennis.

[@padresmith2000]

I’m from Spanish Harlem and I remember watching him on the and one DVD Sthis was a dope interview 💯💯💯💯

[@felixayala923]

Great individual, awesome interview but he wasn’t the first street baller to go Pro. Lloyd Sweet Pee McDaniels made it. Brooklyn native who was on the guachos. Some say he passed like Magic and shot like Bird!

[@sansee6840]

I remember going crazy when they came to Venice beach, they made me learn to dunk

[@jbjackson8889]

I felt that Vlad was out of line talking about Rafers father like that

[@popomomo12]

Haven't watched any vlad videos in a while. Im glad I found this one.

[@antinomie2009]

Happy to see that Rafer is doing well. And as a Heat lifer, the culture is real as Rafer indicated structure in 03-04, while TO wasn't. I respect Pat Riley even more now for curating the Miami Heat decades ago till this day.

[@95alive77]

Vlad always tryna start something. Bush League tactics doesn’t refer to his Streetball Days, that’s what you call any incident that involve a under handed play.

[@allaninq]

To this day, the man slap on Eddie House is the best Skip play I seen.

[@malleratty]

real new york legend 👑

[@pjlove76]

Great interview! I definitely have different perspective of Skip, you can feel the realness in this interview

[@dallas6746]

Why don't we mention Rafer as one of the best ball handlers to play to the NBA AI, Kyrie, Nash, Crawford...

[@Ty2Gudda]

Interview Philip “Hot Sauce” Champion next. WE NEED THAT LOL

[@Gwuapgang]

Actual factual

[@tiemann55]

You can tell when a guy has a chance to make it. I went to middle school and high school with Admiral Schofield who plays for the magic . I was in 8th grade , was pretty good , he was in 6th grade and completely hooped all of us up . Zion Benton High School Alum

[@calsums914]

Skip my man you got to take accountability for your actions.Much respect on the sucess

[@yeon723]

I think if I was in the NBA, I'd be in the gym all the time for the simple reason that I'd find it fun as hell to be playing or even practicing.

[@jonsummersprizepicks]

I remember niggas used to go to dozo to catch licks😂😂😂😂😂 shit was lit back then

[@kallventors7193]

My guy rafer . Go back to young life purple gang... Salem church days

[@mafiagang20]

Legend is an understatement..skip needs his flowers ..like an espn special or something

[@Trinibad905]

Got to meet this legend he was fucking with some girl on my street that was back in 05 in Toronto

[@darricksublet9833]

Nobody from New York talks about David Rivers.

[@raywilliams4387]

Basketball is more than a sport it's a way to stay alive in a world full of death sadness and negativity you learn that you can do anything if you want

[@drbeasy06]

Skip and shotti look to much alike smh

[@Jay-kk5wi]

finals would have been a lot closer if they let rafer keep his team, and not play jameer

[@jeengyim3072]

One of my all time players on and off the court..thank you

[@trellefletch6775]

If Stan never took him out and put in an injured jameer Nelson my magic would have a ring...Van gundy screwed orlando

[@redd1387]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@MrPupilsdilated]

Ya wasn't beating the Lakers stop 🤣🤣🤣

[@rayjackzon8049]

Cardozo bayside

[@ksjoris01]

AND1 mixtape volume 21

[@BreakneckTV]

Rafer could play man

[@jonsummersprizepicks]

I know this is fucked up …but his coach got ktfo frfr

[@itzjdub282]

I never been in those shoes. That Vince Carter and Carmelo Anthony mindset. Collect that NBA check as long as you can. It's temporary

[@itzjdub282]

So how was the time in Orlando? The organization is wonderful, the fans are wonderful, and the weather is wonderful. So the next day you were charged with assault with a deadly weapon. Well no I thought I was at home with my weapon. I didn't realize I was in public 😳

[@marlonfowler]

51:38 😳 Had to rephrase that one 😂

[@ryancomstockrealtor]

Skip to my Lou!!! I love this dude

[@rozzer666]

Shit Jony bones Jones looking slim

[@nrb0918]

Keep it going vlad

[@ranimal1]

Oh Boy... Greg Vaughn... I love Rafer... but heres the truth... Im on the court when that incident occurred...... Im also the same guy that told Shorty Blacks lawyer that the 113th had tried to pressure me into saying he killed my cousin. When we all knew who did it.. At the time.. they were trying to pin another case on him..... Now dude was not only good with his hands...he was a class valedictorian too..brilliant dude... if hes 5'7"...that maybe a stretch...but the toughest mmer f'r I ever knew and Mike Tyson confirms this in that Barbara Walter's Interview!!! Black was the bodyguard hes referring too!!! ... Unfortunately Mr Vaughn made some one sided calls with a game that had side bets upwards of 20k... The bag had 80k in it... certain players...who didn't protect themselves by using fake names...got caught up and lost games over this game... Its late August... some of guys were away at college. So... our man Bimmy...lmaooo... he used to play with all the best .....up until about 14...Him and Luc Stephens played for the same HS about 4 years apart... Luc graduates in 80 or 81... Bim left after 9th grade...maybe halfway through 10th... But he would ask me to make sure 2 certain players had RT ticks back and forth from their schools and funeral passes...lol..true story.. I had a real job by this time...lol.. apt.. credit...So.. As long as they gave me the dough...the rest was mine...at the time you could just go to Kennedy or laguardia and pay cash for a ticket...( try that now!!) ... Greg tried to punk the wrong young guy.... he could've tried that ish with anyone else in that park...ANYONE... and it wouldve walked...But that one fatal mistake...caused Black to get defensive and he left crossed him.. he hit his head and that was that...The initial reports he was beaten by bats had me thinking 2 people were murdered the same day same name...same time...because there were no bats involved... So...lets look at our ages here...Im thinking Greg is about 34..35... Myself and Black are 24.... Rafer is 12 or 13 .. Either at Shimer or IS8 because Greg worked at both... This is pretty deep...because... in all our years I wouldve never known there was a connection between Skip and Greg.... I knew Skips Dad... he wouldve known him for sure... Alot of peoples get ruffled over that game...but there's another that happens in the 90s... With Skip playing...lmaoooo..... Probably the most ignorant killing and shooting ever... I still remember the date...July 25th 1995.. The great Pearl Washington buys a house right on Skips block...imagine that!!!!

[@ranimal1]

Pearl I knew from a teenager...but knew his first kids mom very well.... So he asks me about skip...I go meet him at the crib...we drive a few blocks to baisley...park in back so we could just roll out just in case...And boy did just in case happen...good god...There is over 50 k in cash in one bag.... of course the bag is protected.... but these dudes rush the court and start the killing fields... Now Pearl is woefully out of shape...lol... I look both ways...NO PEARL!!!! Dude was over the f'n fence!! BRILLIANT BED STIY SURVIVAL TACTICS he told me later.... I had to get on a plane that evening myself to get back to work on Florida... It was on the news in Florida...crazy.... But Pearl gave Skip the stamp...he loved it...lol... by that this time people knew better than to put your real name on that roster... F the NCAA it could mean your a witness.... I doubt if Skip even knows the amounts of money or who's putting what up...lmaooo .... Yes... Greg got hit because he touched the wrong dude...period. But that 95 shit to run past the money and start spraying people was the scariest shit ever.... But one cheating ref... Ima leave that like that... Peace to his family tbough...

[@raywilliams4387]

Vlad scares me with the questions

[@ranimal1]

Lmaoooo I still have video of that night they said you slashed someone...impossible.... because I got pissy drunk fell out... Esc had to come out the bathroom and get me.... an ambulance came...Esc doused me with Ice.... I had to go in the ambulance..Checked out okay... We go the garage and Esc Young Boy started hurling in the parking garage..... P.S...The garage was being held up as we were waiting for our cars... The next morning... police are at all our houses... and we are hearing Rafer stabbed someone....in f'n credible.... They had definitive proof we were in that parking garage at that time....

[@ranimal1]

Mannnn.... 170 and Linden... SAP Boy!!!... His brother Ramar isn't a slouch either.... Rafer..Ramar...Jazzy...Boo..Wally......that was his crew growing up...he eventually meets Troy Jackson...aka Escalade...and these two become the kings of NYC Nitelife as well... I was fortunate enough to travel with them to about 6 cities on the And1 tour. I grew up with Troy's brothers... So when they had an event right in our hood ..... it was hilarious... So... Esc and Skip are supposed to get players from the hood to play the And1 crew... Clearly this had to be planned for weeks... So Esc is running off at tge mouth..."We are gonna wipe yall up"..Cool.... I think... so...I start to see a few guys come in... we are stretching...Im 45 at the time.. The other guys ... late 20s early 30s... So ... theres 2 courts in OCP at the time.. one is a short court uneven rims with a wall as out of bounds...the other a regulation size court even rims... They want to play in the caged setting...okay...thats appropiate... play where the home team usually plays... So we are warming up outside on the big court... and the producers swapped out the teams.... instead of the Hood Ballers...they had Soccer players...the dude on the other court...anyone but ballers...lmaoooo.... Afier that... there was a game in msg we had dinner and went to the worst strip club on earth in the Bx..Wtf... On my word...this chick set her punanny on fire...Fire Breathing Pussy... incredible... I sitting in chair tied on stage crying hoping thick chick comes nowhere near of me...please go....lmaooo...

[@ranimal1]

Dammm... I remember the drama surrounding him during the time Esc died...also ... another friend was killed and his funeral was the same day...The Model Escobar.. Rafer and I were pallbearers at Esc funeral... Honestly...I dont think Rafs heart wasn't in it...and it was the Audi R8...smh..... And Perfections...its torn down now... that and the other joint...where the kid Cleanthony got shot... were our faves before hitting the city.....

[@ranimal1]

SAP Boy!!! St Albans Park!!! Dubron Murray... was also an asst coach at Manhattan CC.. younger brother named Tecla that was an American from my park too!!! Also..Lenny Cooke is a SAP Boy too... I put the ball in Lenny's hands...and put him on my team to beat Rafer and his crew because they felt he should play on the dirty courts like they had too...hahahahaha... Nah... had to take tge yung buck under my wing and show him the ropes...lol...

[@seds9331]

Fresno State Bulldog 🐾🐾

[@willlpowerful]

Skip to my Lou! This man was a legend to me before he ever stepped foot in the NBA. Too cold 🥶🏀

[@keyballa]

Great interview! I met Skip at the airport once years ago when he played for Miami. I asked him for a quick picture and he was glad to take one with me. Great guy and my all time favorite street baller.

[@gnicevids]

He has the best handle even better then Kyrie.

[@MrPupilsdilated]

God Shamgod

[@thisisyourconcious]

Finally... an interview i wanna see

[@mackdaddygorjis6169]

Shotti tryna pretend he Rafer Alston just to get close to 69😂😂😂😂😂

[@2realalways...]

😭😭😭 good one