Thursday, 31 January 2013
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Cougars 2 50 - 82 KB
Cougars 2 - KB
13-18
9-21
9-18
19-25
Fouls
Cougars 2 - 14
KB - 12
Lloyd - 7 turnovers, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 9 steals, 1 block, 16 points
6/14 2 pt 42%
1/2 3 pt 50%
1/1 FT 100%
Josh - 2 turnovers, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 21 points
8/14 2 pt 57%
0/1 3 pt
5/7 FT 71%
Timmy - 2 turnovers, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 12 points
3/10 2 pt 30%
2/2 3 pt 100%
Dai - 1 turnover, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 4 steals, 4 points
2/7 2 pt 28%
0/4 3 pt
0/2 FT
Alex - 3 turnovers, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 points
2/6 2 pt 33%
Hesham - 2 turnovers, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 11 points
5/11 2 pt 45%
1/1 FT 100%
Fung - 1 turnover, 1 block, 11 rebounds, 2 assist, 2 points
1/1 2 pt 100%
Wes - 2 turnovers, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 points
2/5 2 pt 40%
Mal - 1 turnover, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals, 6 points
3/5 2 pt 60%
0/2 FT
13-18
9-21
9-18
19-25
Fouls
Cougars 2 - 14
KB - 12
Lloyd - 7 turnovers, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 9 steals, 1 block, 16 points
6/14 2 pt 42%
1/2 3 pt 50%
1/1 FT 100%
Josh - 2 turnovers, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 21 points
8/14 2 pt 57%
0/1 3 pt
5/7 FT 71%
Timmy - 2 turnovers, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 12 points
3/10 2 pt 30%
2/2 3 pt 100%
Dai - 1 turnover, 3 rebounds, 1 block, 4 steals, 4 points
2/7 2 pt 28%
0/4 3 pt
0/2 FT
Alex - 3 turnovers, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 points
2/6 2 pt 33%
Hesham - 2 turnovers, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 11 points
5/11 2 pt 45%
1/1 FT 100%
Fung - 1 turnover, 1 block, 11 rebounds, 2 assist, 2 points
1/1 2 pt 100%
Wes - 2 turnovers, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 points
2/5 2 pt 40%
Mal - 1 turnover, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, 3 steals, 6 points
3/5 2 pt 60%
0/2 FT
Monday, 28 January 2013
Lamborghini MERCY
Carbon fiber is making its way into everything “super” and “hyper” these days, so it comes as no shock that Lamborghini is applying the lightweight material to its latest concept car. The Sesto Elemento concept weighs in at just 2,202 lbs (999 kg) and comes equipped with a V10 power unit and permanent all wheel drive. Further impressive stats include a ranch that houses 570 horses and that bring the beast from 0 – 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds. What’s more is the savings in fuel consumption thanks to the lightweight engineered used throughout.
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Kobe vs a giant pussy
REPORT: Kobe confronts Dwight Howard
According to Lakers’ beat reporter Dave McMenamin, the Los Angeles Lakers held a team meeting today before their game/loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. D’Antoni asked players to speak freely, and after Steve Nash squeezed a few words out of his old, Grandpa mouth, Kobe took the floor.
Bryant asked Dwight Howard if he was bothered by playing alongside him…
Bryant acknowledged he could be “hard to play with,” according to the Times, and challenged Howard to speak up if he had a problem with it.
Howard was “despondent” and did not offer much of a reply to Bryant, according to a team source.
That is - how shall I put it - very bad. Dwight folded. Kobe losing respect for a guy is WAY worse than him hating you. Kobe hated Shaq, and still won 3 titles. Crazily, this apparently isn’t the first time Dwight tucked tail:
One example of the rocky relationship between the two Western Conference All-Star starters, according to a league source, was a game this season when Howard harped to a teammate about the disparity between his and Bryant’s shots while sitting on the bench. The teammate called Bryant over so Howard could tell it to Bryant’s face, but Howard refused to speak up.
According to Lakers’ beat reporter Dave McMenamin, the Los Angeles Lakers held a team meeting today before their game/loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. D’Antoni asked players to speak freely, and after Steve Nash squeezed a few words out of his old, Grandpa mouth, Kobe took the floor.
Bryant asked Dwight Howard if he was bothered by playing alongside him…
Bryant acknowledged he could be “hard to play with,” according to the Times, and challenged Howard to speak up if he had a problem with it.
Howard was “despondent” and did not offer much of a reply to Bryant, according to a team source.
That is - how shall I put it - very bad. Dwight folded. Kobe losing respect for a guy is WAY worse than him hating you. Kobe hated Shaq, and still won 3 titles. Crazily, this apparently isn’t the first time Dwight tucked tail:
One example of the rocky relationship between the two Western Conference All-Star starters, according to a league source, was a game this season when Howard harped to a teammate about the disparity between his and Bryant’s shots while sitting on the bench. The teammate called Bryant over so Howard could tell it to Bryant’s face, but Howard refused to speak up.
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
White mamba whoops everyone
Remember when Brian Scalabrine got fed up with random people saying they could beat him at one-one-one, then challenged anyone to step to him? Remember how he said, “I’m the last guy on the bench and I will kick your butt if you’re out on the streets. It’s just the way it is.”?
Well, all that happened, right on down to the butt-kicking. From CBS Boston who actually have 30 minutes of Scal’s one-on-one footage, if you’re interested in that:
Scalabrine, who retired over the summer after a very serviceable 11-year NBA career, took on four of Boston’s best ballers in 98.5 The Sports Hub’s 1-on-1 “Scallenge,” put on by morning hosts Toucher & Rich.
Listeners sent in their try-out videos, showing off their skills and talking some trash towards Scal, but it turns out even Boston’s best was no match for Scalabrine.
He said before the “Scallenge” it would be no challenge, and Scalabrine did not disappoint on that proclamation.
Scalabrine — who spent the last few seasons of his career seen as the “human victory cigar” — easily defeated all four of his opponents, throwing down monstrous jams and sinking smooth jumpers as he beat them all by a combined score of 44-6.
Of those six points, one was a two-pointer, so Scal really gave up just five baskets while playing four one-on-one games, one of which was against a Syracuse University alum who was a benchwarmer for the Orange last season. Not a bad performance for a 34-year-old who can’t get an NBA job and rarely got off the bench when he had one.
More than anything, however, I am glad that this Scallenge should permanently shut down the idea that some normal human can beat the NBA’s worst player. Because if you were to ask somebody who the worst player they’ve ever seen was, you’re going to get a lot of Scalabrines in response. And if no one can get within eight points against him in a game to 11, what does that say about anyone else’s chances? They’re probably as low as someone beating him in a rap battle, which is the very definition of slim to none.
Well, all that happened, right on down to the butt-kicking. From CBS Boston who actually have 30 minutes of Scal’s one-on-one footage, if you’re interested in that:
Scalabrine, who retired over the summer after a very serviceable 11-year NBA career, took on four of Boston’s best ballers in 98.5 The Sports Hub’s 1-on-1 “Scallenge,” put on by morning hosts Toucher & Rich.
Listeners sent in their try-out videos, showing off their skills and talking some trash towards Scal, but it turns out even Boston’s best was no match for Scalabrine.
He said before the “Scallenge” it would be no challenge, and Scalabrine did not disappoint on that proclamation.
Scalabrine — who spent the last few seasons of his career seen as the “human victory cigar” — easily defeated all four of his opponents, throwing down monstrous jams and sinking smooth jumpers as he beat them all by a combined score of 44-6.
Of those six points, one was a two-pointer, so Scal really gave up just five baskets while playing four one-on-one games, one of which was against a Syracuse University alum who was a benchwarmer for the Orange last season. Not a bad performance for a 34-year-old who can’t get an NBA job and rarely got off the bench when he had one.
More than anything, however, I am glad that this Scallenge should permanently shut down the idea that some normal human can beat the NBA’s worst player. Because if you were to ask somebody who the worst player they’ve ever seen was, you’re going to get a lot of Scalabrines in response. And if no one can get within eight points against him in a game to 11, what does that say about anyone else’s chances? They’re probably as low as someone beating him in a rap battle, which is the very definition of slim to none.
All star kicks pack
Continuing the extraterrestrial design inspiration established in the Nike Basketball collection for Houston, Nike Sportswear presents a top-secret collection of five shoes celebrating the best of basketball. Merging old-school models with new-age innovation, the premium collection includes the Nike Blazer Mid, Nike Vandal, Nike Lunar Force 1, Nike Barkley Posite Max and Nike Air Force Max 2013.
The collection celebrates the legacy of iconic Nike Basketball models of the past, now infused with galactic textures, reflectivity and glow-in-the-dark highlights. The five-shoe collection features a custom galaxy print also featured on Nike Basketball’s performance shoes for Houston. The print appears on the collar lining of each shoe.
Since making its debut for Nike Basketball more than a decade ago, the Nike Raygun character is reincarnated on the tongue of each of these shoes.
This top-secret Nike Sportswear collection is available beginning February 14th in limited quantities at select retail locations and Nike.com.
The collection celebrates the legacy of iconic Nike Basketball models of the past, now infused with galactic textures, reflectivity and glow-in-the-dark highlights. The five-shoe collection features a custom galaxy print also featured on Nike Basketball’s performance shoes for Houston. The print appears on the collar lining of each shoe.
Since making its debut for Nike Basketball more than a decade ago, the Nike Raygun character is reincarnated on the tongue of each of these shoes.
This top-secret Nike Sportswear collection is available beginning February 14th in limited quantities at select retail locations and Nike.com.
NBA money
The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are each worth more than $1 billion dollars.
That is billion with a “B.”
They are the first NBA franchises to pass that mark, reports Forbes Magazine in its latest valuation of NBA franchises. The Knicks are worth $1.1 billion, the Lakers $1 billion even. The average NBA franchise is worth $509 million, up 30 percent from the year before, the magazine estimates.
Oh, and by the way, Kobe Bryant makes a lot of money — $59.8 million in salary and endorsements this year. The magazine also has released its list of highest earning players.
With the franchises, the Knicks move back into the top spot somewhat due to success on the court but mostly because of the $980 million renovation to Madison Square Garden. The renovation paved the way for more of the expensive, luxury seating and perks that drive team revenue. Because of that the value of the franchise jumped 41 percent in one year, according to Forbes.
By moving to Brooklyn and the new Barclays Center, the Nets value jumped 48 percent to $530 million. The lowest valued team? The Milwaukee Bucks at a “measly” $312 million.
As for players earnings, it’s Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and then everyone else.
Kobe tops the list with LeBron James second at $57.6 million. LeBron has more endorsement money coming in but his actual NBA salary is just more than $10 million less than Kobe’s $27.8 million.
Derrick Rose — he of the large Adidas contract — is third on the list at $32.4 million.
The rest of the top 10 is:
4. Dwyane Wade
5. Kevin Durant
6. Carmelo Anthony
7. Amar’e Stoudemire
8. Dwight Howard
9. Chris Paul
10. Pau Gasol
What each of those guys does is put butts in seats (even Gasol, although to a much lesser extent). Yes, they can score a lot (save maybe Stoudemire) but pay for an NBA player at the max is not just about on-court production as what he means for the bottom line of the franchise. While Kobe may be getting paid $27 million he’s worth probably three times that to the Lakers in terms of ticket sales, sponsorships and more.
That is billion with a “B.”
They are the first NBA franchises to pass that mark, reports Forbes Magazine in its latest valuation of NBA franchises. The Knicks are worth $1.1 billion, the Lakers $1 billion even. The average NBA franchise is worth $509 million, up 30 percent from the year before, the magazine estimates.
Oh, and by the way, Kobe Bryant makes a lot of money — $59.8 million in salary and endorsements this year. The magazine also has released its list of highest earning players.
With the franchises, the Knicks move back into the top spot somewhat due to success on the court but mostly because of the $980 million renovation to Madison Square Garden. The renovation paved the way for more of the expensive, luxury seating and perks that drive team revenue. Because of that the value of the franchise jumped 41 percent in one year, according to Forbes.
By moving to Brooklyn and the new Barclays Center, the Nets value jumped 48 percent to $530 million. The lowest valued team? The Milwaukee Bucks at a “measly” $312 million.
As for players earnings, it’s Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and then everyone else.
Kobe tops the list with LeBron James second at $57.6 million. LeBron has more endorsement money coming in but his actual NBA salary is just more than $10 million less than Kobe’s $27.8 million.
Derrick Rose — he of the large Adidas contract — is third on the list at $32.4 million.
The rest of the top 10 is:
4. Dwyane Wade
5. Kevin Durant
6. Carmelo Anthony
7. Amar’e Stoudemire
8. Dwight Howard
9. Chris Paul
10. Pau Gasol
What each of those guys does is put butts in seats (even Gasol, although to a much lesser extent). Yes, they can score a lot (save maybe Stoudemire) but pay for an NBA player at the max is not just about on-court production as what he means for the bottom line of the franchise. While Kobe may be getting paid $27 million he’s worth probably three times that to the Lakers in terms of ticket sales, sponsorships and more.
Town sneaker update
Ok so the pic below is all I managed before my phone died.
I can tell you however..
Footlocker has the I's below and some white/red/black IV's.
Size has the very sweet force 180's, bred XI's
AND
On Saturday will have the white/red/black V's in adult and kids sizes.
I can tell you however..
Footlocker has the I's below and some white/red/black IV's.
Size has the very sweet force 180's, bred XI's
AND
On Saturday will have the white/red/black V's in adult and kids sizes.
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Swansea 2 51 - 54 KB
By quarter
Swansea 2 - KB
11-10
16-12
10-16
14-18
Fouls
Swansea - 14
KB - 18
Lloyd - 3 turnovers, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 3 steals, 14 points
6/13 2 pt 46%
Josh - 1 turnover, 3 rebounds, 18 points
8/18 2 pt 44%
Tim - 2 turnovers, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 points
3/10 2 pt 30%
0/3 3 pt
Mal - 5 turnovers, 2 blocks, 9 rebounds, 4 points
2/9 2 pt 22%
Alex - 3 turnovers, 1 block, 11 rebounds, 4 points
2/9 2 pt 22%
Fung - 2 turnovers, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
O/3 2 pt
Wes - 1 block, 5 rebounds, 2 assists,
0/2 2 pt
Hesham - 1 turnover, 2 rebounds, 8 points
4/7 2 pt 57%
* no FT info owing to Score sheet style
Swansea 2 - KB
11-10
16-12
10-16
14-18
Fouls
Swansea - 14
KB - 18
Lloyd - 3 turnovers, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 3 steals, 14 points
6/13 2 pt 46%
Josh - 1 turnover, 3 rebounds, 18 points
8/18 2 pt 44%
Tim - 2 turnovers, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 points
3/10 2 pt 30%
0/3 3 pt
Mal - 5 turnovers, 2 blocks, 9 rebounds, 4 points
2/9 2 pt 22%
Alex - 3 turnovers, 1 block, 11 rebounds, 4 points
2/9 2 pt 22%
Fung - 2 turnovers, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals
O/3 2 pt
Wes - 1 block, 5 rebounds, 2 assists,
0/2 2 pt
Hesham - 1 turnover, 2 rebounds, 8 points
4/7 2 pt 57%
* no FT info owing to Score sheet style
Saturday, 19 January 2013
Friday, 18 January 2013
Mamba Interview
Kobe Bryant taps me on the shoulder. “We doing this?” he asks. “Let’s go.”
He’s loose and confident, which essentially makes it a normal day in Bryant’s world.
Despite the unexpected wayward direction the Lakers' season has taken, Bryant is ebullient during our exclusive, rare sit-down interview. He’s quick with a smirk or a joke and quite chummy. His exuberance suggests the Lakers are in the thick of a championship hunt. Today, his 17 years of accomplishment and five championship rings weigh more than a flimsy 17-21 record.
In Kobe Bryant’s universe, the sky is not falling. Actually, it’s still very much the limit.
On this recent January morning, he bounces from refreshingly candid to slightly guarded to inquisitive to surprisingly funny. But he quickly settles into a comfort zone, even slipping off his low-cut lavender Kobe 8s while absentmindedly fiddling with the three bracelets around his right ankle as he remembers how bewildered his 19-year-old self could be.
Bryant and I sit for nearly an hour on the purple cushioned scorer’s table used for D-League games at the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo, Calif. Just in front of us, little-used forward Devin Ebanks is on a side basket running baseline to baseline in a shooting drill with Lakers assistant coach Darvin Ham. At one point, as Kobe tells a story about his rookie season, head coach Mike D’Antoni walks by. Bryant looks ups, barely nods, without missing a beat or sacrificing a detail.
His facial features are as sharp as they were 10 years ago, his tongue sharper still. His voice is both familiar and easy. His usual baritone gets an octave deeper when a story moves him. The only difference is that the once reckless swagger is now dispensed with careful precision, making it all the more venomous when needed.
He’s both appreciative of a lengthy career and the finite amount of time left to secure another ring. He’s grown weary of the broken-record responses about his vastly underachieving Lakers. But today he reflects on his early years, contemplates hypothetical situations and offers details of his daily life.
This is Kobe Bryant, pretty much, unchained.
There’s something different about you. You seem so ... calm.
Because I am. That’s just the maturation. That’s 17 years of seeing everything the game can dish out. I’ve seen it all before. There’s no need to get too crazy or bent out of shape. There are still challenges every day. But I’m still having fun. I was born to play this game. I still love it.
So you’re not a ticking time bomb?
[Laughs.] No, not at all. This is all stuff we’re going to work through. I know I don’t have much longer to do this so I’m going to enjoy it. I’m still going to find those challenges.
Are you still adding to your game?
At the end of 2003, my game was complete. Shooting, defense, using the dribble, transition, midrange stuff was all there. Then it was about fine-tuning and trying to improve in each area. People think the footwork stuff is new, but I’ve always had great footwork. If you go back and look at film from 10 years ago, it’s all there: up-and-unders, spin moves, everything. I’ve been interested in footwork and how it benefits you since I was 8 or 9 years old. That’s just the way I was taught the game. The technical parts of the game always interested me.
You think you’ll ever score 50 again?
Yeah, it’ll happen.
Why have you only won one MVP?
Because I played with Shaq. It’s that simple. A lot of the time we cancelled each other out. I sacrificed a lot playing with him. I really did. I did it for the success of the team. If I never played with him, my numbers would have been ridiculous.
Do you ever look back and marvel at some of the things you’ve accomplished like, say, the 81-point game?
To this day I’ve never seen that game. I don’t feel the need to watch it. What am I going to learn? I don’t watch those tapes. If I’m watching film it’s usually for an upcoming opponent.
[+] Enlarge
Vince Bucci/AFP/Getty ImagesKobe says he was never intimidated when up against MJ.
When was the last time you watched Michael Jordan tapes?
Wow, it’s been a while. Probably not since 1999. I used to watch a bunch, but that was a long time ago.
What was it like dropping 33 on him as a 19-year-old in your second year?
I wasn’t scared or nervous back then when I played Jordan. He looked at me like he was going to f--- me up but I had to let him know that I wasn’t that guy. I let him know that I’m not like all those other guys he played against. That’s not what I was there for. I was there to compete and I did.
Did you let him know that verbally?
More so by the way I played and competed.
Early on you got tired of the MJ comparisons, but a part of you had to be flattered, right?
I appreciated them, but after a while it just got old. They eventually faded away because I was putting together my own identity. But I’ll never forget how much I learned from MJ. I got so much from him. I knew what he did, I knew his moves and I used them. But for me the comparisons didn’t work because our situations were totally different. I came straight out of high school and played with a dominant big in Shaquille. Man, I was so young when I got to the NBA. What was I, like, 17? I mean, 17! The more you think about it, my situation was completely different than MJ’s, so the comparisons were just, you know, I stopped paying attention to them.
Ironically, toward the end of your career those comparisons are starting to return.
I don’t mind that now. It’s different now that I’m at the end of my career and I can look back. Fans will always want to know who’s better and like to compare players, and I love that. That’s what I used to do. That’s why people are into basketball, because it’s fun to debate those kinds of things.
React to this statement: A 17-year-old picked No. 13 in the draft will finish his career as one of the 10 best players ever.
If you would have told me that back then, I’d say you were nuts. Just nuts. It’s hard to believe.
Are you a top-five player all-time?
I don’t know. I hope so. I’ve still got a little time left, but honestly I haven’t thought a whole bunch about legacy and that kind of stuff. I just feel like there will be plenty of time for that.
Have you ever been intimidated on the basketball court?
Never. Not at all. My mind doesn’t work that way. It’s something that’s never even entered my thought process. The last time I was intimidated was when I was 6 years old in karate class. I was an orange belt and the instructor ordered me to fight a black belt who was a couple years older and a lot bigger. I was scared s---less. I mean, I was terrified and he kicked my ass. But then I realized he didn’t kick my ass as bad as I thought he was going to and that there was nothing really to be afraid of. That was around the time I realized that intimidation didn’t really exist if you’re in the right frame of mind.
How did you feel when Magic called you the greatest Laker ever?
Words can’t describe it. He was my favorite player growing up, and coming from him it couldn’t have meant more. At first I was praying I would grow to be 6-9 so I could pattern my game after his, but I didn’t quite make it so I knew I wasn’t going to be like Magic. But he’s someone I’ve always admired and think highly of. That’s the greatest compliment.
Does it feel like the last 17 years have gone by fast?
It feels like the blink of an eye. I just think about how different I was back then. There are so many specific days that I can remember like they happened yesterday. When I was a rookie in my first training camp in Hawaii, I ordered a bowl of cereal from room service. They were Frosted Flakes with a little thing of milk that came to $80! In 1996! I said "hell no" and told them to take it back. I got dressed and walked down to the corner store and bought a jug of milk and a big box of Frosted Flakes for like $10.
You were a young brash rookie that many vets weren’t too fond of. I can’t imagine people didn’t try to test you.
Oh yeah, they tried. During my rookie year we were in Portland and I drove the lane, and Rasheed Wallace knocked me to the ground and stared at me. He tried to f--- me up but I wasn’t going to have it. I got right back up and drove even harder the next time. I really let people know early that I wasn’t the guy you could do that to.
Ever had a run-in with Kevin Garnett?
No, actually me and KG have been cool for a long time, so he never tried anything with me. Being two of the first guys who came straight out of high school, we were kind of in the same boat. When I was a senior in high school I used to seek his counsel and ask him what I should do. He’d tell me what life was like on the road and how to deal with not playing that much. He really helped me quite a bit with my decision.
Is it hard to be your teammate?
No. That’s so overrated. If you come in ready to work, then we’re good. Then we don’t have a problem.
Who is your best friend in the NBA that’s not a former teammate?
[Long pause.] There’s nobody I’m really hanging out with and going out with every night. But I’d probably say Carmelo Anthony. We’re pretty close. A lot of the guys from Team USA I get along with really well. I really respect those guys.
Usually self-appointed nicknames don’t really stick, but Black Mamba has had real staying power.
Well, actually I didn’t come up with it. I think I was playing ball in the park in New York and they just started calling me that, and it just stuck.
Oh, I didn’t know that.
Then I found out what a mamba can do with its quick-strike capability. There’s a really good scene in the movie "Kill Bill" that explains it.
Who would you most like to play one-on-one, either active or retired?
Jordan. No question.
What would happen?
I’m not sure, but he would win some and I would win some in a seven-game series. It would probably come down to the last few shots.
[+] Enlarge
Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesWho would win in a Kobe-LeBron game? "Me. No question," says Mamba.
You versus LeBron? Who wins?
Me. No question. As far as one-on-one, I’m the best to ever do it.
Damn. That’s pretty confident.
LeBron is a terrific all-around, five-on-five basketball player who’s an all-time great. But I’d get him.
Who could get you?
Kevin Durant is the guy that would give me the most trouble. With his length and ability to use the dribble, he’d be tough.
I always wanted to see you play Tracy McGrady.
I played T-Mac. I cooked him. Roasted him. Wasn’t even close. Ask him, he’ll tell you. When I was about 20, we were in Germany doing some promotional stuff for that other sneaker company and we played basketball every day. We were in the gym all the time. We played three games of one-on-one to 11. I won all three games. One game I won 11-2. After the third game he said he had back spasms and couldn’t play anymore.
His back bothered him for most of his career.
Well, now you know.
What about Kyrie Irving?
[Huge smile, laugh.] Kyrie’s my boy, but he knows he doesn’t have anything for me. He doesn’t want to see me. But it would be fun. I’ve beaten a lot of guys one-on-one, like Reggie Miller and Grant Hill. I used to play Caron Butler all the time in practice when he was with the Lakers. When I was a rookie I used to get Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones. They know. They’ll tell you. They used to come at me hard but I wasn’t having that. I love going one-on-one with someone. That’s what I do. I’ve never lost. It’s a whole different game, just to have them right in front of you and be able to do whatever you want.
When you’ve been playing basketball in the public eye for so long, people can lose sight of the fact that you’re a regular person who just happens to be good at something that interests them.
I’m a normal person, of course. Sure.
When was the last time you pumped your own gas?
Yesterday. I do all of life’s daily tasks. The other day my wife and I stopped at 7-Eleven and I pulled up to the pump and I started to pump some gas. She went inside to buy something and was waiting in line. The guy in front of her sees me outside but doesn’t see her. He says, “Man, there’s Kobe Bryant pumping his own gas.” My wife says to the guy, “He wipes his own ass, too.”
She came back out and we had a big laugh about it. We both have the same sense of humor when it comes to stuff like that. But, yeah, I do the same things as everyone else.
Do you still have an interest in motorcycles? And how did that begin?
Yeah, I still do. I still have my bike. I didn’t grow up riding but I took several courses that included road tests. I also took three safety courses about how to crash and get out of tricky situations. You’ve got to know it because you’re eventually going to drop the bike.
Did you ever drop the bike?
No, but I had some close calls in tight traffic.
Do you have a thrill-seeking personality?
[Smiles big.] Unfortunately, I do. I’d love to go skydiving when I’m done playing. I might jump back on the bike too. It’s about the challenge of overcoming the fear. If I’m afraid of something that only makes me want to do it more.
What do you Google?
Fourth-grade math problems when I’m helping my daughter. And if I can’t figure something else out, then I’ll look it up. But other than that I really don’t Google anything.
Ever Google yourself?
No. Why? I know everything there is to know about me. I know some celebrities are into that, but that’s not me. Some of them even have alerts sent to them.
[+] Enlarge
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesMemo to Nike: These two should be working together.
What do you do when you can’t sleep?
Sometimes I take an Ambien. But if my mind is racing, I may get up and do something. The other night I was in my hotel room and couldn’t sleep, so I got up and went across the street to see "Django [Unchained]."
What did you think?
It was genius. Absolutely incredible. Everything by Quentin Tarantino usually is, but this took it to another level. It’s the way he tells a story and the kind of characters he creates. It was crazy violent, but the story is so strong and that’s what you remember.
I know you’re a big Robert Rodriguez fan. He’s from the same maverick filmmaking school as Tarantino. Would you want to work with Tarantino?
That would be incredible. Can you imagine one of my commercials with him?
What’s your favorite commercial you’ve ever been in?
The Kobe System campaign was great. It was really smart and funny and turned out well. Working with Kanye West and Richard Branson was a lot of fun. Also, definitely the Black Mamba Nike spot that Robert Rodriquez did. I loved seeing how he worked and put things together. "Desperado" is one of my favorite movies.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
I don’t know. That’s a tough one.
What about Samuel Jackson? You cuss like him.
[Sheepish smile.] That would be something. [Does a brief PG-rated Sam Jackson impression.]
What would happen if you tried to grow your hair out again?
It would be a struggle. It would be awfully thin up front. There would be a two-month period where people would look at me like, what the f--- is going on. It would just be messed up.
You’d be looking like Django.
Exactly! Sometimes in the offseason when I’m laying low and no one sees me, I just let it go. I’ll have this full beard and everything. It’s been a while since the ’fro. Those days are long gone.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I hate dog s---. I won’t go near it. So pissed when I step in it. I’ve got four dogs and I just don’t do dog doo. I’m a diva when it comes to that. Back in the day when I was in Italy, I used to order shoes from Nike all the time. I had to have all the fresh joints. I ordered the Elephant Print Jordans that were amazing. I went to the park to play and stepped in a huge pile of dog s---. You wouldn’t believe how mad I was. I was breaking off sticks to try to get it out of the crevices. I smacked them together and scraped the soles on the curb but couldn’t get it all out. Ever since that day I just can’t stand dog crap.
You made a glorious arrival to Twitter. Are there any NBA players you might want to follow?
Probably not. I’m not interested in what you had for breakfast. Twitter is great to connect with fans and be transparent. I enjoy that aspect about it. But really, I’m still trying to figure it out.
So what are you going to do with the rest of your day?
I gotta catch a fishing boat. I’m taking my daughters fishing. It’s daddy time.
He’s loose and confident, which essentially makes it a normal day in Bryant’s world.
Despite the unexpected wayward direction the Lakers' season has taken, Bryant is ebullient during our exclusive, rare sit-down interview. He’s quick with a smirk or a joke and quite chummy. His exuberance suggests the Lakers are in the thick of a championship hunt. Today, his 17 years of accomplishment and five championship rings weigh more than a flimsy 17-21 record.
In Kobe Bryant’s universe, the sky is not falling. Actually, it’s still very much the limit.
On this recent January morning, he bounces from refreshingly candid to slightly guarded to inquisitive to surprisingly funny. But he quickly settles into a comfort zone, even slipping off his low-cut lavender Kobe 8s while absentmindedly fiddling with the three bracelets around his right ankle as he remembers how bewildered his 19-year-old self could be.
Bryant and I sit for nearly an hour on the purple cushioned scorer’s table used for D-League games at the Lakers' practice facility in El Segundo, Calif. Just in front of us, little-used forward Devin Ebanks is on a side basket running baseline to baseline in a shooting drill with Lakers assistant coach Darvin Ham. At one point, as Kobe tells a story about his rookie season, head coach Mike D’Antoni walks by. Bryant looks ups, barely nods, without missing a beat or sacrificing a detail.
His facial features are as sharp as they were 10 years ago, his tongue sharper still. His voice is both familiar and easy. His usual baritone gets an octave deeper when a story moves him. The only difference is that the once reckless swagger is now dispensed with careful precision, making it all the more venomous when needed.
He’s both appreciative of a lengthy career and the finite amount of time left to secure another ring. He’s grown weary of the broken-record responses about his vastly underachieving Lakers. But today he reflects on his early years, contemplates hypothetical situations and offers details of his daily life.
This is Kobe Bryant, pretty much, unchained.
There’s something different about you. You seem so ... calm.
Because I am. That’s just the maturation. That’s 17 years of seeing everything the game can dish out. I’ve seen it all before. There’s no need to get too crazy or bent out of shape. There are still challenges every day. But I’m still having fun. I was born to play this game. I still love it.
So you’re not a ticking time bomb?
[Laughs.] No, not at all. This is all stuff we’re going to work through. I know I don’t have much longer to do this so I’m going to enjoy it. I’m still going to find those challenges.
Are you still adding to your game?
At the end of 2003, my game was complete. Shooting, defense, using the dribble, transition, midrange stuff was all there. Then it was about fine-tuning and trying to improve in each area. People think the footwork stuff is new, but I’ve always had great footwork. If you go back and look at film from 10 years ago, it’s all there: up-and-unders, spin moves, everything. I’ve been interested in footwork and how it benefits you since I was 8 or 9 years old. That’s just the way I was taught the game. The technical parts of the game always interested me.
You think you’ll ever score 50 again?
Yeah, it’ll happen.
Why have you only won one MVP?
Because I played with Shaq. It’s that simple. A lot of the time we cancelled each other out. I sacrificed a lot playing with him. I really did. I did it for the success of the team. If I never played with him, my numbers would have been ridiculous.
Do you ever look back and marvel at some of the things you’ve accomplished like, say, the 81-point game?
To this day I’ve never seen that game. I don’t feel the need to watch it. What am I going to learn? I don’t watch those tapes. If I’m watching film it’s usually for an upcoming opponent.
[+] Enlarge
Vince Bucci/AFP/Getty ImagesKobe says he was never intimidated when up against MJ.
When was the last time you watched Michael Jordan tapes?
Wow, it’s been a while. Probably not since 1999. I used to watch a bunch, but that was a long time ago.
What was it like dropping 33 on him as a 19-year-old in your second year?
I wasn’t scared or nervous back then when I played Jordan. He looked at me like he was going to f--- me up but I had to let him know that I wasn’t that guy. I let him know that I’m not like all those other guys he played against. That’s not what I was there for. I was there to compete and I did.
Did you let him know that verbally?
More so by the way I played and competed.
Early on you got tired of the MJ comparisons, but a part of you had to be flattered, right?
I appreciated them, but after a while it just got old. They eventually faded away because I was putting together my own identity. But I’ll never forget how much I learned from MJ. I got so much from him. I knew what he did, I knew his moves and I used them. But for me the comparisons didn’t work because our situations were totally different. I came straight out of high school and played with a dominant big in Shaquille. Man, I was so young when I got to the NBA. What was I, like, 17? I mean, 17! The more you think about it, my situation was completely different than MJ’s, so the comparisons were just, you know, I stopped paying attention to them.
Ironically, toward the end of your career those comparisons are starting to return.
I don’t mind that now. It’s different now that I’m at the end of my career and I can look back. Fans will always want to know who’s better and like to compare players, and I love that. That’s what I used to do. That’s why people are into basketball, because it’s fun to debate those kinds of things.
React to this statement: A 17-year-old picked No. 13 in the draft will finish his career as one of the 10 best players ever.
If you would have told me that back then, I’d say you were nuts. Just nuts. It’s hard to believe.
Are you a top-five player all-time?
I don’t know. I hope so. I’ve still got a little time left, but honestly I haven’t thought a whole bunch about legacy and that kind of stuff. I just feel like there will be plenty of time for that.
Have you ever been intimidated on the basketball court?
Never. Not at all. My mind doesn’t work that way. It’s something that’s never even entered my thought process. The last time I was intimidated was when I was 6 years old in karate class. I was an orange belt and the instructor ordered me to fight a black belt who was a couple years older and a lot bigger. I was scared s---less. I mean, I was terrified and he kicked my ass. But then I realized he didn’t kick my ass as bad as I thought he was going to and that there was nothing really to be afraid of. That was around the time I realized that intimidation didn’t really exist if you’re in the right frame of mind.
How did you feel when Magic called you the greatest Laker ever?
Words can’t describe it. He was my favorite player growing up, and coming from him it couldn’t have meant more. At first I was praying I would grow to be 6-9 so I could pattern my game after his, but I didn’t quite make it so I knew I wasn’t going to be like Magic. But he’s someone I’ve always admired and think highly of. That’s the greatest compliment.
Does it feel like the last 17 years have gone by fast?
It feels like the blink of an eye. I just think about how different I was back then. There are so many specific days that I can remember like they happened yesterday. When I was a rookie in my first training camp in Hawaii, I ordered a bowl of cereal from room service. They were Frosted Flakes with a little thing of milk that came to $80! In 1996! I said "hell no" and told them to take it back. I got dressed and walked down to the corner store and bought a jug of milk and a big box of Frosted Flakes for like $10.
You were a young brash rookie that many vets weren’t too fond of. I can’t imagine people didn’t try to test you.
Oh yeah, they tried. During my rookie year we were in Portland and I drove the lane, and Rasheed Wallace knocked me to the ground and stared at me. He tried to f--- me up but I wasn’t going to have it. I got right back up and drove even harder the next time. I really let people know early that I wasn’t the guy you could do that to.
Ever had a run-in with Kevin Garnett?
No, actually me and KG have been cool for a long time, so he never tried anything with me. Being two of the first guys who came straight out of high school, we were kind of in the same boat. When I was a senior in high school I used to seek his counsel and ask him what I should do. He’d tell me what life was like on the road and how to deal with not playing that much. He really helped me quite a bit with my decision.
Is it hard to be your teammate?
No. That’s so overrated. If you come in ready to work, then we’re good. Then we don’t have a problem.
Who is your best friend in the NBA that’s not a former teammate?
[Long pause.] There’s nobody I’m really hanging out with and going out with every night. But I’d probably say Carmelo Anthony. We’re pretty close. A lot of the guys from Team USA I get along with really well. I really respect those guys.
Usually self-appointed nicknames don’t really stick, but Black Mamba has had real staying power.
Well, actually I didn’t come up with it. I think I was playing ball in the park in New York and they just started calling me that, and it just stuck.
Oh, I didn’t know that.
Then I found out what a mamba can do with its quick-strike capability. There’s a really good scene in the movie "Kill Bill" that explains it.
Who would you most like to play one-on-one, either active or retired?
Jordan. No question.
What would happen?
I’m not sure, but he would win some and I would win some in a seven-game series. It would probably come down to the last few shots.
[+] Enlarge
Jeff Gross/Getty ImagesWho would win in a Kobe-LeBron game? "Me. No question," says Mamba.
You versus LeBron? Who wins?
Me. No question. As far as one-on-one, I’m the best to ever do it.
Damn. That’s pretty confident.
LeBron is a terrific all-around, five-on-five basketball player who’s an all-time great. But I’d get him.
Who could get you?
Kevin Durant is the guy that would give me the most trouble. With his length and ability to use the dribble, he’d be tough.
I always wanted to see you play Tracy McGrady.
I played T-Mac. I cooked him. Roasted him. Wasn’t even close. Ask him, he’ll tell you. When I was about 20, we were in Germany doing some promotional stuff for that other sneaker company and we played basketball every day. We were in the gym all the time. We played three games of one-on-one to 11. I won all three games. One game I won 11-2. After the third game he said he had back spasms and couldn’t play anymore.
His back bothered him for most of his career.
Well, now you know.
What about Kyrie Irving?
[Huge smile, laugh.] Kyrie’s my boy, but he knows he doesn’t have anything for me. He doesn’t want to see me. But it would be fun. I’ve beaten a lot of guys one-on-one, like Reggie Miller and Grant Hill. I used to play Caron Butler all the time in practice when he was with the Lakers. When I was a rookie I used to get Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones. They know. They’ll tell you. They used to come at me hard but I wasn’t having that. I love going one-on-one with someone. That’s what I do. I’ve never lost. It’s a whole different game, just to have them right in front of you and be able to do whatever you want.
When you’ve been playing basketball in the public eye for so long, people can lose sight of the fact that you’re a regular person who just happens to be good at something that interests them.
I’m a normal person, of course. Sure.
When was the last time you pumped your own gas?
Yesterday. I do all of life’s daily tasks. The other day my wife and I stopped at 7-Eleven and I pulled up to the pump and I started to pump some gas. She went inside to buy something and was waiting in line. The guy in front of her sees me outside but doesn’t see her. He says, “Man, there’s Kobe Bryant pumping his own gas.” My wife says to the guy, “He wipes his own ass, too.”
She came back out and we had a big laugh about it. We both have the same sense of humor when it comes to stuff like that. But, yeah, I do the same things as everyone else.
Do you still have an interest in motorcycles? And how did that begin?
Yeah, I still do. I still have my bike. I didn’t grow up riding but I took several courses that included road tests. I also took three safety courses about how to crash and get out of tricky situations. You’ve got to know it because you’re eventually going to drop the bike.
Did you ever drop the bike?
No, but I had some close calls in tight traffic.
Do you have a thrill-seeking personality?
[Smiles big.] Unfortunately, I do. I’d love to go skydiving when I’m done playing. I might jump back on the bike too. It’s about the challenge of overcoming the fear. If I’m afraid of something that only makes me want to do it more.
What do you Google?
Fourth-grade math problems when I’m helping my daughter. And if I can’t figure something else out, then I’ll look it up. But other than that I really don’t Google anything.
Ever Google yourself?
No. Why? I know everything there is to know about me. I know some celebrities are into that, but that’s not me. Some of them even have alerts sent to them.
[+] Enlarge
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesMemo to Nike: These two should be working together.
What do you do when you can’t sleep?
Sometimes I take an Ambien. But if my mind is racing, I may get up and do something. The other night I was in my hotel room and couldn’t sleep, so I got up and went across the street to see "Django [Unchained]."
What did you think?
It was genius. Absolutely incredible. Everything by Quentin Tarantino usually is, but this took it to another level. It’s the way he tells a story and the kind of characters he creates. It was crazy violent, but the story is so strong and that’s what you remember.
I know you’re a big Robert Rodriguez fan. He’s from the same maverick filmmaking school as Tarantino. Would you want to work with Tarantino?
That would be incredible. Can you imagine one of my commercials with him?
What’s your favorite commercial you’ve ever been in?
The Kobe System campaign was great. It was really smart and funny and turned out well. Working with Kanye West and Richard Branson was a lot of fun. Also, definitely the Black Mamba Nike spot that Robert Rodriquez did. I loved seeing how he worked and put things together. "Desperado" is one of my favorite movies.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
I don’t know. That’s a tough one.
What about Samuel Jackson? You cuss like him.
[Sheepish smile.] That would be something. [Does a brief PG-rated Sam Jackson impression.]
What would happen if you tried to grow your hair out again?
It would be a struggle. It would be awfully thin up front. There would be a two-month period where people would look at me like, what the f--- is going on. It would just be messed up.
You’d be looking like Django.
Exactly! Sometimes in the offseason when I’m laying low and no one sees me, I just let it go. I’ll have this full beard and everything. It’s been a while since the ’fro. Those days are long gone.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
I hate dog s---. I won’t go near it. So pissed when I step in it. I’ve got four dogs and I just don’t do dog doo. I’m a diva when it comes to that. Back in the day when I was in Italy, I used to order shoes from Nike all the time. I had to have all the fresh joints. I ordered the Elephant Print Jordans that were amazing. I went to the park to play and stepped in a huge pile of dog s---. You wouldn’t believe how mad I was. I was breaking off sticks to try to get it out of the crevices. I smacked them together and scraped the soles on the curb but couldn’t get it all out. Ever since that day I just can’t stand dog crap.
You made a glorious arrival to Twitter. Are there any NBA players you might want to follow?
Probably not. I’m not interested in what you had for breakfast. Twitter is great to connect with fans and be transparent. I enjoy that aspect about it. But really, I’m still trying to figure it out.
So what are you going to do with the rest of your day?
I gotta catch a fishing boat. I’m taking my daughters fishing. It’s daddy time.
Thursday, 17 January 2013
(Mike Roberts)
Who Knew a Lay Up Could Be So Special?
When I wrote the article 'Some Talents are impossible to ignore', I was merely telling the beginning of a story about a young boy with a rare talent, a unique story and someone who lived in the same community as I lived. I felt like his talent was impossible to ignore so I wrote about it.
Ever since I wrote that article, I have only been able to monitor and watch his progress from a distance due to his change of team and schedule. Unfortunately, I am unable to watch all of his games now but I try to attend as many as I possibly can. Yesterday, I got to see the maturation from the young talented boy from my community of twelve months ago, to the amateur athlete, who enters a small list of people I categorize and rank amongst the best amateur sportsmen or sportswomen I have ever seen play in person.
Being a bit of a sports fiend, in the past 20 years I have had the privilege of watching hundreds, if not thousands, of amateur athletes in numerous different sports in person. People of all different ages, who played at different levels of competition plus whose abilities and attributes, were completely different depending on their respective sport. Some of the sportsmen and sportswomen I have been fortunate enough to know personally, many of them I would not recognise if they walked past me in the street today.
At times, when I pass a sport being played on a local field, at a leisure centre or event, I stop for a few minutes to watch people enjoy their respective sports. Also, I subconsciously look at the variation of talent among the many of the participants.
Some of the sportsmen and sportswomen, I have been fortunate enough to know personally, some I would not recognise them if they walked past me in the street today but I was in the right place at the right time.
From Kyle Sheppard, who was offered a professional contract at Chelsea Football Club to Ice Skater Katie Flynn, who had breathtaking ability on the rink. Ryan Taylor, who was offered a part scholarship to play Lacrosse in the United States of America, these are people, to name only a few whose talent I will always remember. All three were school friends of mine and have different stories to tell. I hope one day to tell you their stories.
There are a handful of people whose stories I share more than others. So, why do I remember them? It is not favouritism. It is only because when you love sport the way I love sport, it is almost impossible to forget certain performances I was lucky enough to witness.
Transition
To witness special sporting moments from amateur athletes are rare. You hear or read about them quite often but when they come along it leaves a mental note in your brain that even if you wanted to, you will not forget. I cannot recall the last time I witnessed the talent I did yesterday.
There has not been a lot of change in Josh Thomas' basketball psyche since I wrote the 'Some Talents' article back in the spring of 2012. His love for the game remains the same if not, it has only increased. The people closest to Josh, as well as his peers and elders in his community continue to see his dedication to the game on a daily basis.
Yet, there have been a couple of changes. With help from his new school and his coach Josh is learning more about the mental and physical side of the game of Basketball. Entering the gym is a requirement now, not a choice. The tweaks and changes are all being put in to place to help Josh get an education and to assist his skills on the court.
Progress is a gradual process in any walk of life but when you see hard work paying off, it blinds you with satisfaction and joy.
Josh still has plenty to learn about the game of basketball. In fact, he has more to learn now than he did twelve months ago because the more he improves the greater he has to learn. More obstacles will be put in his way by his opponents to attempt to be able to stop him. I noticed his reading of both offensive and defensive plays will need to improve. His free throw shooting will need dramatic improvement.
The Moment.
Special sporting moments are often over too quickly. A goal being scored, the 100m final are perfect examples and this was no different.
An opponent of Josh's put up a mid range jump shot that was clearly missing his basket. Before the ball was rebounded, Josh had noticed that the ball would be rebounded by his colleague so; he took a quick glance up to check the right hand side of the court was empty. Josh had anticipated, if he could get the ball swiftly, he would be able to turn defense into attack immediately.
His vision and awareness of the play that was about to unfold was incredible. The initial speed to create separation from his nearest opponent was blistering. Showing the cruising speed of a Ferrari, he drove the ball up the court with effortless control and great balance, leaving Josh to solely focus on his goal of getting to the basket to score. Only, to find approaching him were two onrushing defenders from different angles. He blew passed them with the kind of footwork skills that would make ballerinas jealous.
The skills he showed as he arrived at the basket under pressure from his opponents were mesmerising. Putting the ball in a safe position where his shot could not be dislodged or blocked. Then, to finish the lay up and draw the foul showed great bravery and ability as he just evaded the brick wall in front of him. Only, to then dust himself down and swish the free throw. These were just three of this career-high 39 points.
Was it just a fast break lay up? Sure.
Could you make that basket, under the pressure of three players at different places of the court, whilst maintaining the control of the ball at same at the speed Josh did?
This type of basket is not usual for Josh to score. Fast break baskets are second nature to him but that is why this one basket in particular so impressive. This skills displayed beginning with the vision to the composure of making the free throw was special and unique. It is his consistency and nonchalant ability to create something special out of nothing.
We can all judge talent in different ways but great talent can be both missed and taken for granted. I believe that you believe, you have witnessed great talent at some point in your life. Have you? Someone that was not only good or excellent but special. If you remember a time when you saw a great talent, share the story with someone. If you see great talent, appreciate it. If you can, encourage that person. Even inform someone if you think they can help the person with talent improve.
At worst, let it inspire you.
When Josh ran three quarters the length of a basketball court in a little over six seconds, all for just two points with the possibility of a third point, who knew it could look so special?
When I wrote the article 'Some Talents are impossible to ignore', I was merely telling the beginning of a story about a young boy with a rare talent, a unique story and someone who lived in the same community as I lived. I felt like his talent was impossible to ignore so I wrote about it.
Ever since I wrote that article, I have only been able to monitor and watch his progress from a distance due to his change of team and schedule. Unfortunately, I am unable to watch all of his games now but I try to attend as many as I possibly can. Yesterday, I got to see the maturation from the young talented boy from my community of twelve months ago, to the amateur athlete, who enters a small list of people I categorize and rank amongst the best amateur sportsmen or sportswomen I have ever seen play in person.
Being a bit of a sports fiend, in the past 20 years I have had the privilege of watching hundreds, if not thousands, of amateur athletes in numerous different sports in person. People of all different ages, who played at different levels of competition plus whose abilities and attributes, were completely different depending on their respective sport. Some of the sportsmen and sportswomen I have been fortunate enough to know personally, many of them I would not recognise if they walked past me in the street today.
At times, when I pass a sport being played on a local field, at a leisure centre or event, I stop for a few minutes to watch people enjoy their respective sports. Also, I subconsciously look at the variation of talent among the many of the participants.
Some of the sportsmen and sportswomen, I have been fortunate enough to know personally, some I would not recognise them if they walked past me in the street today but I was in the right place at the right time.
From Kyle Sheppard, who was offered a professional contract at Chelsea Football Club to Ice Skater Katie Flynn, who had breathtaking ability on the rink. Ryan Taylor, who was offered a part scholarship to play Lacrosse in the United States of America, these are people, to name only a few whose talent I will always remember. All three were school friends of mine and have different stories to tell. I hope one day to tell you their stories.
There are a handful of people whose stories I share more than others. So, why do I remember them? It is not favouritism. It is only because when you love sport the way I love sport, it is almost impossible to forget certain performances I was lucky enough to witness.
Transition
To witness special sporting moments from amateur athletes are rare. You hear or read about them quite often but when they come along it leaves a mental note in your brain that even if you wanted to, you will not forget. I cannot recall the last time I witnessed the talent I did yesterday.
There has not been a lot of change in Josh Thomas' basketball psyche since I wrote the 'Some Talents' article back in the spring of 2012. His love for the game remains the same if not, it has only increased. The people closest to Josh, as well as his peers and elders in his community continue to see his dedication to the game on a daily basis.
Yet, there have been a couple of changes. With help from his new school and his coach Josh is learning more about the mental and physical side of the game of Basketball. Entering the gym is a requirement now, not a choice. The tweaks and changes are all being put in to place to help Josh get an education and to assist his skills on the court.
Progress is a gradual process in any walk of life but when you see hard work paying off, it blinds you with satisfaction and joy.
Josh still has plenty to learn about the game of basketball. In fact, he has more to learn now than he did twelve months ago because the more he improves the greater he has to learn. More obstacles will be put in his way by his opponents to attempt to be able to stop him. I noticed his reading of both offensive and defensive plays will need to improve. His free throw shooting will need dramatic improvement.
The Moment.
Special sporting moments are often over too quickly. A goal being scored, the 100m final are perfect examples and this was no different.
An opponent of Josh's put up a mid range jump shot that was clearly missing his basket. Before the ball was rebounded, Josh had noticed that the ball would be rebounded by his colleague so; he took a quick glance up to check the right hand side of the court was empty. Josh had anticipated, if he could get the ball swiftly, he would be able to turn defense into attack immediately.
His vision and awareness of the play that was about to unfold was incredible. The initial speed to create separation from his nearest opponent was blistering. Showing the cruising speed of a Ferrari, he drove the ball up the court with effortless control and great balance, leaving Josh to solely focus on his goal of getting to the basket to score. Only, to find approaching him were two onrushing defenders from different angles. He blew passed them with the kind of footwork skills that would make ballerinas jealous.
The skills he showed as he arrived at the basket under pressure from his opponents were mesmerising. Putting the ball in a safe position where his shot could not be dislodged or blocked. Then, to finish the lay up and draw the foul showed great bravery and ability as he just evaded the brick wall in front of him. Only, to then dust himself down and swish the free throw. These were just three of this career-high 39 points.
Was it just a fast break lay up? Sure.
Could you make that basket, under the pressure of three players at different places of the court, whilst maintaining the control of the ball at same at the speed Josh did?
This type of basket is not usual for Josh to score. Fast break baskets are second nature to him but that is why this one basket in particular so impressive. This skills displayed beginning with the vision to the composure of making the free throw was special and unique. It is his consistency and nonchalant ability to create something special out of nothing.
We can all judge talent in different ways but great talent can be both missed and taken for granted. I believe that you believe, you have witnessed great talent at some point in your life. Have you? Someone that was not only good or excellent but special. If you remember a time when you saw a great talent, share the story with someone. If you see great talent, appreciate it. If you can, encourage that person. Even inform someone if you think they can help the person with talent improve.
At worst, let it inspire you.
When Josh ran three quarters the length of a basketball court in a little over six seconds, all for just two points with the possibility of a third point, who knew it could look so special?
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Lil Josh vs the Capitals
Josh drops 39 to lead his team to victory over the Capitals under 18 team in a close game.
Crazy.
Crazy.
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Larry & Reggie
THE PROFESSIONAL
May 25, 1998 - The Indiana Pacers are in danger of going down 3-1, in the Eastern Conference Finals, to the defending champion Chicago Bulls.
With 2.9 seconds left, the Pacers inbound the ball, down one point, 94-93. Ron Harper guards Reggie Miller underneath the basket. As the play starts, Miller runs through two staggered screens, losing Harper on the first. Michael Jordan notices, then steps in front of Miller to pick him up.
Reggie Miller pushes off Michael Jordan.
Derrick McKey throws a perfect pass, as Reggie curls around the 3PT line. Miller catches, takes two steps rounding to face the basket, stays behind the line, shoots, fades, and buries it. Pacers 96, Bulls 94. 0.7 seconds left. Timeout, Chicago.
After instant replays of the shot, NBC shows replays Reggie running down court, celebrating wildly, followed by Pacers head coach, Larry Bird, watching and “reacting” to the game-winning shot from the sideline.
Detroit Piston great, Isiah Thomas, worked the game as a broadcaster for NBC. Here is his call of the replay:
You’re coming off that screen, you catch it, you square up, and you let it go. And the adrenaline that’s going through your body right now, it’s hard for you to really contain yourself. Look at his emotions. He doesn’t know what to do, because so much juice is going through your body. You’re so happy. You see he’s looking like he’s ready to cry.
…and you look at Larry Bird, who’s been there before. Nothing to it. I’ve done that about 20 times in my career. Come back over here, fellas.
That is the Greatest Reaction in NBA History. Bar none.
Larry’s. Not Reggie’s.
May 25, 1998 - The Indiana Pacers are in danger of going down 3-1, in the Eastern Conference Finals, to the defending champion Chicago Bulls.
With 2.9 seconds left, the Pacers inbound the ball, down one point, 94-93. Ron Harper guards Reggie Miller underneath the basket. As the play starts, Miller runs through two staggered screens, losing Harper on the first. Michael Jordan notices, then steps in front of Miller to pick him up.
Reggie Miller pushes off Michael Jordan.
Derrick McKey throws a perfect pass, as Reggie curls around the 3PT line. Miller catches, takes two steps rounding to face the basket, stays behind the line, shoots, fades, and buries it. Pacers 96, Bulls 94. 0.7 seconds left. Timeout, Chicago.
After instant replays of the shot, NBC shows replays Reggie running down court, celebrating wildly, followed by Pacers head coach, Larry Bird, watching and “reacting” to the game-winning shot from the sideline.
Detroit Piston great, Isiah Thomas, worked the game as a broadcaster for NBC. Here is his call of the replay:
You’re coming off that screen, you catch it, you square up, and you let it go. And the adrenaline that’s going through your body right now, it’s hard for you to really contain yourself. Look at his emotions. He doesn’t know what to do, because so much juice is going through your body. You’re so happy. You see he’s looking like he’s ready to cry.
…and you look at Larry Bird, who’s been there before. Nothing to it. I’ve done that about 20 times in my career. Come back over here, fellas.
That is the Greatest Reaction in NBA History. Bar none.
Larry’s. Not Reggie’s.
Monday, 14 January 2013
Jonathan Ross
Movies I have seen this week.
Django Unchained
Jamie Fox rides a horse and kicks ass. Tarantino is the man.
8/10
Flight
Denzel flys a plane upside down. Smashed. Denzel is the man.
7/10
Les Miserables
Hugh Jackman steals some bread and does 19 years. Sings at Russel Crowe quite a lot. Hugh Jackman is the man.
9/10 - but I reckon if you watched it at home it would be a 7/10
Cloud atlas
Several different stories show how actions in one lifetime can affect what happens in the future.
Tom Hanks is the man sometimes but sometime he is a dick.
9/10
Django Unchained
Jamie Fox rides a horse and kicks ass. Tarantino is the man.
8/10
Flight
Denzel flys a plane upside down. Smashed. Denzel is the man.
7/10
Les Miserables
Hugh Jackman steals some bread and does 19 years. Sings at Russel Crowe quite a lot. Hugh Jackman is the man.
9/10 - but I reckon if you watched it at home it would be a 7/10
Cloud atlas
Several different stories show how actions in one lifetime can affect what happens in the future.
Tom Hanks is the man sometimes but sometime he is a dick.
9/10
Saturday, 12 January 2013
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