It’s November 13, 2013, and there are 7.6 seconds left.
The University of Albany is down 62-61 to the University of Washington in Alaska Airlines arena in Seattle. Albany’s Sam Rowley inbounds the ball to senior captain Mike Black, who collects the ball at the top of the key. Black takes one dribble with his right hand, crosses over to his left, lowers his shoulder into his defender CJ Wilcox at the left elbow and drives to the hoop. He switches the ball to his right hand and scoops a layup underneath a leaping Wilcox and Hikeem Stewart that touches off the glass, stealing an upset win for the Great Danes.
Four years later, the 6’0 guard will be stealing roses instead of wins. Mike Black is slated to appear on the next season of ABC’s “The Bachelorette.”
In college, Black was a more than serviceable guard for the Great Danes — averaging 12 points and three assists per game in a four-year career. He went on to have a brief international career for Bulgarian club BC Beroe Stara Zagora and British Basketball League Jelson Homes DMU Leisester Riders.
But that’s not what we are here to talk about. We are here to find out how Michael Black can win Rachel Lindsay’s heart as one of 31 potential suitors.
We know he has the clutch gene, but a couple of things stand out as strengths.
1. He’s athletic
Sure, he wasn’t a nationally known player or NBA prospect, but he was a good college basketball player and he played professionally. If he ever gets his hands on a basketball at some point in the show, he’ll probably set himself apart from the other 30 contestants and you can lock him up for at least five more episodes.
2. He’s good looking
Look at him.
Good smile, nice teeth, symmetrical face, broad shoulders, nice skin, tasteful goatee, Mike’s got it all. Not to mention he is going up against some cyborg-looking guys like Bryce, Blake, Brady and Bryan.
3. He doesn’t have horrible hair like Lee
4. He isn’t a total weirdo non-human like some of these dudes.
This guy, Alex, is the strangest man in the world. Although he sports a hairdo we like to call the “Reverse Lee,” he looks like fairly normal guy. But in the brief interview provided on the ABC website, it becomes clear that he’s actually not a human being.
Here are some excerpts:
What are your three best attributes: Adaptable, logical, fun
What are your 3 worst attributes? Selfish, unemotional, unapologetic
Total robot answers.
Who are your top 3 favorite groups/artists & why? Coldplay, Beatles … Can't really think of a third one. Music isn't a big part of my life.
What the hell this dude can’t name three bands.
Who is your favorite artist? The Rock (Dwayne Johnson)
What, dude? You’re favorite artist is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson? What does that even mean?
Mike, on the other hand, seems like a normal, down to earth guy in his interview.
All things considered, Michael Black probably has a pretty damn good chance of winning this thing just based on the fact that he is a normal guy. Tune in tonight at 9 PM ET to watch Mike begin his quest for romance.