Hoop Dreams?

Here's a rising star to look out for...

Last week's 22nd Home Court game, the annual charity basketball throw-down between Members of Congress and the Georgetown Law faculty, was a fitting tribute to the late Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH)--who had long been coach to the "Hill's Angels" team. Tubbs Jones' congressional pal, Rep. Laura Richardson ( D-CA), who stepped into fill her colleagues' coaching shoes, retired her jersey at the beginning of the game.

But the most fitting reminder of the beloved congresswoman was her son, Mervern, who helped lead the "Hills Angels" to a 48-42 victory over the "Hoya Lawyas." And Merven--the team's lead scorer-- seems to have his sights set on more than the basketball court, hinting that he's considering taking up a congressional bid after he finishes law school. "You know a lot of people are telling me to consider it," he said of running for the OH-11 seat his mother once held. The 25-year-old was quick to add, however, that he thinks Marcia Fudge is doing an "excellent job."

Mervern's post-game comments on the NCAA tournament demonstrate he may have what it takes, politically speaking. When asked about their final four picks, enthusatic freshman player Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) responded "Villanova, I swear--ask my staff;" Sen. John Thune (R-SD) launched into a soliloquy about Louisville. Tubbs Jones Jr ?. He wisely responded "men's or women's?" before saying who he picked for both brackets.

Well played.

Does Mervyn L. Jones Jr. (top left), want to get in on some more congressional huddling?