The Hurry-Up With Manny

Player Name: Manny
Real Name: LaRon Manny Williams
Birth Date: 12/24/1988
Hometown: Harrisburg,PA
Current Team: Dallas Cowboys
Best Placing: 1st place Playersbowl Crew vs Crew, 1st place Playersbowl PS3 (Split)
Other Favorite Competitive Games: NBA2k10
Hobbies: Playing Blackjack, Tonk, Basketball

AskMadden (AM): Let’s kick this off with a summary from Playersbowl. How did you do at that event?
Manny: Well I won every game I played except one loss to Problem. My crew won the Crew vs Crew, and Los and I split The PS3 tournament.

AM: What went wrong in the game against Problem?
Manny: I lost in the final eight. The game was a hell game, but I played dumb the whole game. I lost by 6, no taking field goals or punting the ball back fired on me. It’s all good though,  it was a learning experience and it wont ever happen again. I should have cleaned house at Playersbowl but that one loss kept me from doing it.

AM: Did any other gamer give you a tough game, or surprise you with a new look?
Manny: Well nothing surprised me at all. Everyone I played at Playersbowl I’ve already played online, so I was prepared for everything. I had a few tough games but that’s with every baller. I just was good enough to pull them out.

AM: You said your only loss all weekend was to Problem. For the guys at home that never get the chance, can you describe what playing Problem feels like?
Manny: Well to be real, I was actually happy I finally got the chance to play him. I didn’t have any pre-game jitters, or anything like that — but he does have the best [defense] I’ve ever played against.

Manny, far right, part of the winning crew at Playersbowl "Mommas Boys"

AM: You’re relatively new to the scene, making a huge splash at Playersbowl. Give us a little history on how you got into competitive Madden (as well as who you lab with, what crew you’re in, etc)
Manny: Well this is my first year. I never thought I would’ve made the adjustment coming from ps2, but I miraculously did. I played online for cash all the time and I just kept getting better and better. I never lab, and I came to players bowl without playing Madden in a month. Also, I’m officially in the crew “Mommas Boys.”

AM: You’re known for being the best online player in the world right now. What advantage, if any, does playing online give you when preparing for a live event?
Manny: It gives you a lot more reps. a lot more playing time. It’s like practice before a tournament to [help you] tighten your game before a big event.

AM: What were the biggest adjustments from playing online that you had to make when you came out to your first live event?
Manny: Well everyone says online is different but to me its the same. The only major thing that is different is that you have everyone in your ear. Online you’re just on chill mode at your crib.

AM: How do you see Madden ‘11 going for you and the rest of Mommas Boys?
Manny: Well to me I think I’m going to win MLG. All of it. Just write the check for me now. As far as “Mommas Boys” we’re too tough right now.

AM: Thanks for the time, Manny. We look forward to seeing you in Madden ‘11 as well as your rematch with Problem. Any shoutouts and/or closing comments before we go?
Manny: Thanks. Special shoutout to my crew, “Mommas Boys” and all of the killers out there. See you at MLG!