Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Star Basketball Tournament II recap

The 2nd Star Tourney has come and gone. Our team performed admirably but we only managed one win, we stretched the eventual champions in our Semi-Final playoff but our star player and former MVP got injured in the final 3 minutes. Upon his exit, what was a 3 point separation blew out to a convincing drubbing.

If there's any consolation the final was a nailbiter, with the game being decided by crucial free throws from both team's Star Players. The fallen team's star only managed 1 from 2 at the line. The Tournament's MVP iced both after drawing a foul in the final 15 seconds of the game. Tight D and a crucial block preserved the margin which led to unbridled celebration. The Tournament MVP was spectacular leading his team with Ricky Rubio like vision, dazzling with penetrating spin moves and half court no-looks.

Looking forward to the next tourney.

The Champions celebrate
The teams shake hands after an Epic Final
Check out our sick Yellow unis
The Star Tourney II Champions, The Carbonadoz
Star Tourney II
Our Star player doing what he does best
Find posts on previous Star Basketball events
- 30HomeGames at the 2nd Star Basketball Tournament
Star Basketball Tournament II recap
- 30 Home Games participates in a Final Four Tournament
- Star Basketball Tournament III: Kicks on Court Gallery
- Recap of the 3rd Star Basketball Tournament
#SBC4 Star Basketball Tournament IV: Kicks on Court Gallery

Sunday, December 9, 2012

30HomeGames at the 2nd Star Basketball Tournament

Wednesday, December 12 will be hosting the second Star Basketball Tourney.
The tournament has gotten bigger with the addition of a 5th team and full uniforms for each squad. Draft day was close to 3 months ago where I was humbly chosen in the 6th round. It's roughly the same position as last tourney when I was awarded "Steal of the Draft".

The pool of talent has gotten considerably better and more sizeable. My team last tourney which was projected to come 4th made a valiant run earning a spot in the Finals. Hopefully my current team, flanked by the reigning MVP (drafted 3rd) will be represented in the Finals but this time taking home the Chip.

Details to come. Wish us luck.

DenchWarmers: Uniform and Logos

Star Basketball Tourney II: 30HG Team logo mockups
Find posts on previous Star Basketball events
- 30HomeGames at the 2nd Star Basketball Tournament
Star Basketball Tournament II recap
- 30 Home Games participates in a Final Four Tournament
- Star Basketball Tournament III: Kicks on Court Gallery
- Recap of the 3rd Star Basketball Tournament
#SBC4 Star Basketball Tournament IV: Kicks on Court Gallery

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Chuck Klosterman talks about Gregg Popovich sitting out his San Antonio stars and the meaning of sports

In a previous post I offered some sports-themed existential questions as posed by by Comedians Pete Holmes and Dov Davidoff. Grantland writer Chuck Klosterman answers some of those questions as he weighs in on the Stern/Popovich brouhaha.
Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich takes a stand
'Are You Not Entertained?' by Chuck Klosterman
Last week, the Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-100 in a nationally televised game that people argued over more than they watched. It spawned one of those temporary controversies we need in order to sustain a 24-hour news cycle... I suspect those minor issues were mostly being analyzed as a way to avoid the deeper question this conflict demands, simply because the answer is too big to reasonably confront. The question is this: What are we really doing here?
...
Now, I don't mean, "What are we really doing here on Earth?" What I'm asking is, "When a dilapidated version of the Spurs plays the Heat in late November, what is actually at stake?" I'm wondering about the central purpose of pro sports, and how much of that purpose is directly tied to entertainment. It's a complicated question that keeps folding back upon itself...
For sports to matter at all, they have to matter more than that; they have to offer more cultural weight than merely deciding if Team A is better than Team B. If they don't, we're collectively making a terrible investment of our time, money, and emotion...

Monday, November 26, 2012

Inspiration: NBA Season of Drew 2007

When you're undertaking a mission its always good to refer to those who've accomplished the feat before you. Meet Drew, he completed single season stadium tours of the MLB (Baseball), NBA (Basketball) and Big10 (American Football).
Drew's tattoo of the landmarks from each NBA City
Drew capping the year at Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals between the Celts and Lakers
The Beginning...  (Saturday, August 4, 2007)
It's Thursday, August 2nd. I'm walking home from work at about 7:30 PM CST. It has been approximately one year since what my friends deemed "Summer of Drew," when I toured America visiting all of the sites and baseball stadiums. I begin to think how challenging, if not impossible that would have been to accomplish in 2006 had I been responsible for a job and not had several thousands of dollars saved in my bank account.
A few steps later I realized that I had just challenged myself to complete a similar task with a real job and without the money I once had. I try and ignore this idea, but unfortunately its not going away.
My goal is to visit all 29 NBA Arenas around the nation. Now many of you may say "Wait, there are 30 teams!" Yes, there are 30 teams, but the LA Lakers and LA Clippers both play at the Staples Center. I will however, be sure to attend both a Lakers and Clippers game, making it 30 games...
Drew lists a set of targets as he polishes his schedule and gets ready to embark on his NBA tour. Reading the early stages of the project you can sense the trepidation and uncertainty one imagines going through before undertaking such a mission. Its a great achievement and one I hope to complete with my own flair.
The Final Countdown... (Friday, November 2, 2007)
So here we are...hours away from the NBA Tour. Although I started planning in August, it came up ridiculously fast (goes to show how quickly life moves when you're motivated about something. As I head out for this venture, I've set 10 goals for myself.
  1. Foremost is to see a home game of ALL 30 NBA teams. Regular season games during the 2007-08. Who cares if you can do it in a lifetime. Challenge yourself and do it in a single year. 
  2. To appear on a national television broadcast regarding the NBA. This one stems from my mother laughing at the idea of me achieving this. Time to prove her wrong. 
  3. Make it to an NBA Finals game. The only way this one will occur is if the NBA helps me. Drawing attention to my tour is the only means of making this happen. 
  4. Receiving a handshake from NBA Commissioner David Stern and a Thank You for supporting for going all out as a fan of this sport. I want to be NBA Fan of the Year. I would prefer this happen at my final game in Milwaukee on April 12th, but I'll take it anytime. 
  5. Attend NBA all-star weekend. This one isn't in the budget...no way I can afford this, so the only way this one happens is if I receive some serious help. 
  6. Help the popularity of the NBA. I want fans to get back into the NBA again. Let's not make this sport an afterthought. I want it to return to its glory days during the Jordan era. 
  7. To change the perspective of one individual. I hope that someone who follows my tour will challenge him or herself to do something out of the ordinary, to not accept what seems to be the only option, and to think big. 
  8. To not ruin myself financially. My lifestyle probably violates every financial principle, so I'd love to pull this off and still be able to live to tell about it. 
  9. To make new friends around the country. The baseball tour provided me with several lasting friendships that i still actively keep in touch with today (& you'll soon see will facilitate the NBA tour in big ways). 
  10. Possibly the most desirable & most difficult goal will remain silent. If you follow my tour, it will likely reveal itself to you in time. I can not begin to explain how nervous I am as the time is quickly approaching. 
On a daily basis I worry about the financial aspect and every other day I worry about the weather/transit. Flights to the various cities will surely be difficult to "go off without a hitch" when you live in the Milwaukee/Chicago region. Nothing else worries me at this point. I learned enough about the world during my baseball tour & I've got the drive to make everything else work.
Simply inspirational
- MLB Drew 2006
- NBA Drew 2007
- Big 10 Football Tour 2009
- About Tourmaster Drew Cieszynski 

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Mitt Romney and Barack Obama lookalike play streetball

America awaits the results of Election day to see whether Obama has earned a Second Term or Mitt Romney becomes the 45th President of the United States. The NOC Entertainment Channel have made a series of humorous videos with Presidential lookalikes competing in events ranging from Hide-and-Seek, Breakdancing and even a Street Fight.

The video below is a game of 'PIG' on the famed New York playground 'The Cage' on West 4th

VIDEO: The NOC Episode 3 - Obama VS Romney play 'PIG'

The Real Barack Obama is arguably the most powerful basketball fan in the world, he famously converted Richard Nixon's White House bowling alley into a Basketball Court. Interestingly Obama, nicknamed Barry O'Bomber in his playing days might not be the most accomplished basketball player in Politics, that title could go to Sarah Palin. That said, there is no doubt Basketball and sports in general has benefited from the 44th President's interest and support as an engaged fan.

President Obama trying to shut down the competition
Proving President Obama's love for the game his campaign have organised 'B-Ballers for Barack' to appeal to his Hoopshead supporters. The President is often seen playing hoops during media events and has laced it up against the cream of NBA Talent (Lebron, Wade, Melo, Rose etc) in a fundraiser for the troops.

Make sure you vote and may the best person win.

Monday, November 5, 2012

HalfSleeve 3on3 Basketball Classic 2012 photos

The 2012 HalfSleeve 3on3 Basketball Classic was on this weekend and the photos are up. As usual there was great energy in the air in celebration of basketball.

Find more photos on the HalfSleeve Facebook page
HalfSleeve 3ON3 Basketball Classic 2012




2012 Audio Technica Slam Dunk Champion: Jayke Tice
2012 Champions: Bondi SuperVillains
Other HalfSleeve posts
- HalfSleeve 3 on 3 Basketball at Maybanke Courts, Pyrmont
- HalfSleeve 3on3 Basketball Classic 2012 photos
- Home Game: Basketball in Sydney - HalfSleeve 3on3

Monday, October 29, 2012

Doin' it in the Park: Streetball photos all over the world

The 'Doin it in the Park' doco hosted by Brown Class Cinemas was an inspired night out. The Facebook page has been a great source of photos taken by hoopsheads around the world.

Find the Facebook page here - 'Doin' It In The Park' Facebook
Mombasa, Kenya is Doin' it in the Park... way past dark
Photo courtesy of Malik D
Philippines is Doin' it in the Park
Photo courtesy of Brian Smith
Philippines is Doin' it in the Park
Photo courtesy of Brian Smith

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Kevin Couliau: Streetball photographer and co-director of 'Doin' It In The Park : Pick-Up Basketball, NYC'

via the 'Doin' It In The Park' Facebook page
I've been shooting forgotten basketball courts for a decade now. From NYC, the Carribean Islands, The Bahamas, Romania... and now the Greek Islands - it's always fascinating to see how global the game is. Greece might count more playgrounds than any other European country, basketball is a religion over here as well. I took this shot on the beautiful island of Santorini, in the city of Megalochori. I'll share more photos as soon as my 35mm film will be developed and my vacation over ;)
- Kevin Couliau
VIDEO: The Creative Journey ep.02 (DIY Filmmaking)

Kevin Couliau is the co-director of 'Doin' It In The Park' a documentary I'll have the privilege of seeing this Wednesday at a screening courtesy of Brown Class Cinemas. Kevin is a Frenchman with a brilliant portfolio of Photos and Video lovingly capturing the culture of Basketball.

Kevin's exploration of Basketball is an inspiration for my own journey. Whilst Kevin's work is technically and artistically brilliant, the aspect I'm most drawn to is how his documentation and interest in hoops has allowed him to access foreign experiences and connect with strangers who share a mutual love.

When I was traveling around Europe finding basketball experiences, the novelty of me being a curious Australian in a suburban court, coupled with Basketball being a niche interest was the only passport I needed to get accepted by the people. As basketball is more prevalent in America and there would be a lack of novelty being a largely multicultural Country I wonder if there is a higher emphasis on status or bringing "game". I'm looking forward to the documentary shedding some light on those questions.

Explore Kevin Couliau's work here:
Official site
Asphalt Chronicles blog
Facebook page

Friday, October 12, 2012

The price of passion: The killer instincts of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant

Raging Bull and the Black Mamba. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are famed for their Second to none will to win, a killer instinct that has been known to alienate. Its in contrast with this generation of stars who value fun and camaraderie as they rise through the ranks together and social media bonds them.

Hall of Famer Larry Bird said of Kobe in an interview with Bill Simmons
Larry Bird praises Kobe Bryant
"... he wouldn't have been shooting as much as he does now ... but his desire to win, his dedication, to always get better, uh, and he's just, he's just tough. He's just a tough cat. But, if you want to have fun, like I did with Bill Walton, play with LeBron. It would have probably been more fun to play with LeBron, but if you want to win and win and win, it's Kobe. Not that LeBron's not a winner, just that [Kobe's] mindset is to go into every practice, every game, to get better."
After Kobe Bryant's unprompted ribbing of former teammate Smush Parker, questions resurfaced regarding Kobe's graciousness as a teammate. Smush Parker defended his reputation and shared his side of the story as a guest for 'Hard 2 Guard' radio
Smush Parker: Kobe was a bad teammate, and I stopped passing to him
"Basketball is a team sport. It is team-oriented. It is not an individual sport. It’s not tennis or golf, it is a team sport. When you are the star of the team, you have to make your teammates feel comfortable. You have to make them feel welcome. And he did not do that at all." Though Kobe said Parker didn’t deserve to be in the NBA, Parker says he earned a spot on the Lakers. That didn’t matter to Kobe, who he says completely disrespected him. "I had a workout with the Lakers, beat all the guards out for the starting position, earned a spot on the team. Midway through the first season, I tried to at least have a conversation with Kobe Bryant — he is my teammate, he is a co-worker of mine, I see his face every day I go in to work — and I tried to talk with him about football. He tells me I can’t talk to him. He tells me I need more accolades under my belt before I come talk to him. He was dead serious."
The G.O.A.T Michael Jordan had a similarly fiery reputation but little has surfaced from teammates regarding the harshness of Jordan as a teammate. Personal stories like rapper Chamillionaire's run in with his Airness offer a glimpse of what it might have been like

VIDEO: Michael Jordan's relationship with his teammates (ESPN)
As I've mentioned previously I feel the price of greatness is a stubborn refusal to lose, a skewed mindset that threatens to forsake happiness and harmony with others.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Brown Class Cinema presents Australian screenings of 'Doin' It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC'

Doin' It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC
Via MSF Facebook page
Attention: Melbourne and Sydney Hoop fans; AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE - Doin' It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC...
Don't Miss out on tickets to this unique opportunity to see a new doco film on Street-Basketball, New York City! Limited Tickets Online for $16 through Brown Class Cinema (18+ event): www.brownclasscinema.eventbrite.com.au Get yours quick - Don't say you didn't know! 
Australian Premiere of 'Doin' it in the Park' presented by Brown Class Cinema
Relevant dates for Sydney and Melbourne Heads:
- Friday Oct 12 @ Rancho Notorious (1000 Pound Bend) Melbourne 9:30pm
- Saturday Oct 20 @ Long Play Melbourne 8pm
- Wednesday Oct 24 @ The Red Rattler Sydney 9:30pm

Go to the official 'Doin it in the Park' website
Make sure to leave a comment if you're going, it'll be good to see some of you kids there

VIDEO: DOIN' IT IN THE PARK: PICK-UP BASKETBALL, NYC - Trailer

Update: The 'Doin' It In The Park' Sydney Premiere at the Red Rattler

1UP FILM FESTIVAL, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA 10/24/12.
Brown Class Cinema presents 'Doin' It In The Park' @ The Red Rattler, Marrickville

Monday, October 8, 2012

HalfSleeve 3 on 3 Basketball at Maybanke Courts, Pyrmont

Via the cool kids at Half Sleeve
To find video and galleries of their previous 3 on 3 events go here

HalfSleeve 3on3 Basketball 2012 - Registration Open
Its that time of year again!
Our annual 3on3 basketball comp is on again, boys. Bigger and badder in 2012! Get your teams together now and make sure you don’t miss out on your spot to win boatloads of amazing prizes and stake your claim as the supreme team in undoubtedly the dopest 3on3 ball comp in the world! ha. Get excited yo!

Date and Time: Saturday 3rd November. 11-4pm.
Venue: Maybanke Courts. 87 Harris St Pyrmont.
Registration Fee: $50 per team (maximum 5 players)
Download the registration form here: REGISTRATION FORM (download from blue sendspace box)
- Email registration forms back to info@halfsleeve.net (or you can drop it in to the shop).
- All registration forms and payments must be submitted by Saturday 27th October. Only 16 team spots available – first in first served.
Update: The poster is up and the teams have been settled
HalfSleeve 3on3 Basketball
Saturday, November 3, 2013
Other HalfSleeve posts
- HalfSleeve 3 on 3 Basketball at Maybanke Courts, Pyrmont
- HalfSleeve 3on3 Basketball Classic 2012 photos
- Home Game: Basketball in Sydney - HalfSleeve 3on3

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Boston Celtics Antoine Walker and Chris Herren on the dark side of Hoop Dreams

Sometimes we forget that life isn't all Hoop Dreams, its a long road and sometimes people lose their way. Below are two examples of NBA players who've reached the mountain top of the NBA but have battled hardship even after getting there.

Chris Herren's confessional book about battling drug addiction whilst trying to make a name for himself in the NBA
Book Excerpt: B-Ball Junkie
People think that when you’re doing drugs you’re high all the time, out partying. They think you’re having fun. That’s not it at all. You’re not having fun. You’re in hell. Without the dope I would be “dope sick,” so sick that I couldn’t do anything, couldn’t even get up. I’d be in a fetal position. You have the sweats one minute, and you’re freezing cold the next. It’s like having the flu with restless legs, because you can’t control them. They’re kickin’ all over the place. You also can’t sleep more than 15 minutes at a time. You wake up in the morning and there’s no blanket, no sheets, the mattress is sideways. And when it gets bad, you want to ram your head into the headboard.
Antoine Walker clears some misconceptions with Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith about how he lost the $110 million fortune he amassed during his 13 year NBA Career.

VIDEO: ESPN 30 for 30 - Antoine Walker, From NBA To Broke

Monday, September 24, 2012

NBL 2012 -13 Season is about to kick off

11 Home Games - NBL National Basketball League map (Australia + New Zealand) 
Earlier this year I wrote about how I planned to visit the corners of Australia to be witness to 11 Home Games for the NBL, a precursor to my plan for America. It was really a soft plan as I had just returned from a year abroad and didn't have the money or the hunger to really complete it.

Now that the NBL Season is gearing up and after my recent trip to the Gold Coast, my first taste of travel since being on the road for 2011. My feet are getting itchy again. I will be planning interstate visits during the course of the Season and document it here. I hope readers, fellow basketball fans [and sponsors] will join me on this adventure.

Stay tuned!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Team USA Basketball sings "We are Young" after winning Gold at London 2012 Olympics

Rapper Ludacris with NBA stars Melo, Lebron, Durant and D-Will
Team USA came back to the hotel celebrating their Gold Medals singing "we are young" by Fun. If only y'all could hear them! Hilarious
@Ludacris
VIDEO: Fun. - We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe

Fun's 'We are Young' is a great hype song for a night out. For me the song connotes the feeling of recapturing lost youth. I was thrilled to find that Team USA 2012 used this song as their celebration anthem. The appeal of these great teams is that they immortalise these already elite players, making them young forever. When presented as a once-in-a-lifetime ensemble of the generation's best it makes the moment and their achievements more eternal because of its singularity.

In real life we age but we're timeless in memory and in Video Games. Heroes die but Legends live forever.

NBATV Dream Team - 20th Anniversary Reunion
NBA2K13 Dream Team - 20th Anniversary edition
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dream Team 1992 (Average Age 29)
Players listed in order of youth, achievements at the time of International selection

Christian Laettner (22)
David Robinson (26)
Scottie Pippen (26) 2 rings
Karl Malone (28)
Chris Mullin (28)
Patrick Ewing (29)
Michael Jordan (29) 2 rings, 2 Finals MVP, 3 MVPs
Charles Barkley (29)
John Stockton (30)
Clyde Drexler (30)
Magic Johnson (32) 5 rings, 3 Finals MVPs, 3 MVPs
Larry Bird (35) 3 rings, 2 Finals MVPs, 3 MVPs 

Team USA 2012 (Average Age 26)
Players listed in order of youth, achievements at the time of International selection

Anthony Davis (19)
James Harden (22)
Kevin Love (23)
Kevin Durant (23)
Russell Westbrook (23)
LeBron James (27) 1 ring, 1 Finals MVP, 3 MVPs
Chris Paul (27)
Andre Iguodala (28)
Carmelo Anthony (28)
Deron Williams (28)
Tyson Chandler (29) 1 ring
Kobe Bryant (33) 5 rings, 2 NBA Finals MVPs, 1 MVP

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Adidas Basketball: The Return of Derrick Rose Launch Video

VIDEO: Adidas Basketball - The Return of Derrick Rose


Adidas Basketball have launched a new campaign for their Marquee star Derrick Rose. It focuses on the spirit of Derrick Rose as he battles back from injury, flashing words "Belief, focus, hope, push, drive". Incidentally there is a touch of 'Dark Knight Rises' in the messaging.

I wonder if Adidas will start focusing on Dwight Howard in their messaging now that he's moved into the megawatt Spotlight that is LA. 

Saturday, August 4, 2012

#RiseAbove Isolation - Basketball in Leishan, China

Jordan Brand have been running their #RiseAbove campaign uncovering how Basketball has influenced the lives of people in unexpected parts of the world. This story details how the installment of a basketball court in a remote Chinese Village has invigorated the town and help build champions.

VIDEO: Jordan Presents #RISEABOVE ISOLATION

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

David Letterman enlightens Andrew Garfield, explains "Sports is a metaphor for life"

Andrew Garfield on The Late Show With David Letterman (June 26, 2012) 
DAVID LETTERMAN: (banter before introducing guest) How about Lebron James, Paul? Now I feel horrible, I feel awful now. Remember night after night I was whining about the guy. Now he comes in here, he shows me what he's made of - a nice, friendly happy fellow - deserves the championship and I'm just a putz
...
ANDREW GARFIELD: (changing topics) Can we talk about Lebron for a bit
DAVID LETTERMAN: well its kinda my show. Of course, you know Lebron?
GARFIELD: I know of Lebron. I was just thinking how odd that life must be. Building up to one point and if you don't win that thing then what happens and how do you feel? And if you do win it you're defined by that. And if you don't win you're defined by that then what happens the rest of the year?
LETTERMAN: As you know sports have always been a metaphor for life itself so its no different in sports than in life period.
GARFIELD: I wasn't aware that it was a metaphor for life, no I'm fascinated by that
LETTERMAN:  Did I just come up with this? (talking offstage) No I just came up with this.
Not quite sure what to make of Andrew Garfield's amazement at Letterman's seemingly obvious statement. Garfield having made name for himself in the competitive world of Hollywood and tasked to shoulder a popular Multi-billion Dollar Franchise in Spiderman could surely see the parallels in Lebron and his own life.

Watch Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker living out his basketball fantasy. Garfield has spoken about his love for the game, growing up admiring Mugsy Bogues and playing pickup games when he was a struggling actor after first migrating to LA

VIDEO: The Amazing Spider-Man "Slam Dunk" 

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Dwight Howard to Brooklyn? Is it the Choice

Earth to Dwight Howard #HelloBrooklyn
The 'Indecision' continues on for superstar center Dwight Howard much to the chagrin of everyone. It follows in the footsteps of Lebron's 'Decision' and Carmelo's 'Melodrama'. Its a tough situation and ultimately Dwight Howard will be the one who has to live with his choices. The fatigue is largely a byproduct of the non-stop news coverage by the 24 Sports News networks and the internet.

The Spotlight shines as much as it burns.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

The Joker (Heath Ledger) and Kobe Bryant: What they have in common

Dark Knight (2008)
THE JOKER: [speaking to Two-Face] Do I really look like a guy with a plan? You know what I am? I’m a dog chasing cars. I wouldn’t know what to do with one if I caught it! You know, I just, do things.
To commemorate the release of the 'Dark Knight Rises' in Sydney we reflect on The Joker, the psychotic villain from the 'Dark Knight'. The Joker is a cold blooded killer, a person who by his own admission "Just does things". Kobe Bryant is one of the key ambassadors for sportswear brand Nike who's slogan is "Just Do it".

That said there is a large distinction between both statements. Joker's declaration reflects his nihilism and penchant for chaos, he has no driving motive besides upsetting the established order. Nike's Slogan is about being a person of action, proactive and not paralysed by fear or overthinking.

Kobe following in the footsteps of Michael Jordan had a killer instinct that made him take the last shot, the antithesis of Lebron James. He is cold blooded and doesn't care about stepping on people's toes. As Superhero movies have shown, there are many types of heroes each with their own defining characteristics. Lebron James in capturing his first NBA title proves that a champion doesn't need to be created from the same mold, they can establish a new one.

Its only fitting that Nike have released several "Chaos" colorways of Kobe's shoes inspired by The Joker
NIKE ZOOM KOBE V (CHAOS)
With a lurid lime sole, red splatter accents and purple foil upper this is a fresh take on the Kobe IV Chaos colourway from earlier this year, which was apparently inspired by Heath Ledger’s Joker from The Dark Knight.

The Collection: Zoom Kobe VI Chaos
When chaos rears its game-of-chance head, unpredictable behavior is all that remains.
But on the road to yet another three-peat, there’s no room for unorganized confusion at the close of 82 games.
Approaching the closing act of the movie, The Joker encourages the people of Gotham to "Just do it". Using news personality Mike Engel as his puppet he uses a sports analogy to incite the town into anarchy:
MIKE ENGEL: [kidnapped by the Joker, Engel is reading a prepared statement] I'm Mike Engel for Gotham Tonight. What does it take to make you people join in? You failed to kill the lawyer. I've got to get you off the bench... And into the game. Come nightfall, this city is mine... and anyone left here plays by my rules... If you don't want to be in the game... get out now... But the bridge and tunnel crowd are sure in for a surprise. Ha ha ha ha."

Monday, July 16, 2012

Basketball and Esquire's 'Meaning of Life 2012'

I don't read Esquire Magazine as much as I'd like to but I'm always impressed by the thoughtfulness of their articles. The annual 'Meaning of Life' issues, hyperbole aside are always a good read. Most notable are Cal Fussman's profiles which reliably capture the heart of his subjects.
I referenced George Clooney indirectly for my Oceans '12 Team USA poster. Clooney is a big time basketball fan, his court was featured in the cover article for Esquire's 'Meaning of Life 2012'.


George Clooney's Thoughts for Today. What I've Learned (This Year)
The court has a special, slightly padded surface, and it's set up for both tennis and basketball. Clooney's close circle of friends shows up to play regularly. The padding around one of the hoop stanchions says, "The Boys." ...

There are quite a few things that the devil could tempt me with. I would argue youth. But I could argue against it in so many ways. The only reason that being younger would in any way be appealing is that I wish I could play sports at the level I now understand them. I could dunk a ball when I was in high school. But now I know how to play the game really well. I remember getting into varsity basketball games and literally being just lost — just absolutely panicked on what to do. And now I would know exactly what to do.
-------------------------------------
Chris Bosh: What I've Learned
When I arrived at training camp, ESPN had set up shop and you'd hear, "Reporting live from training camp." I'm thinking, What are they doing? This is what they do for the Super Bowl, the World Series, the NBA finals. That was the we're-not-in-Kansas-anymore moment. And it was like that for the whole time 
 -------------------------------------
Scottie Pippen: What I've Learned
Phil got us into yoga. It was tough in the beginning. We hadn't even heard of yoga. But it was something that allowed us to calm down after practice, to relax and stop thinking about going to the mall to buy this or that. It's seldom that you go into a gym and not hear a basketball bouncing or weights dropping. But the lights would dim after practice, and over time it became a sacred place.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

30HG - Team USA are the new "Oceans '12"

I like the Oceans '12 tag for Team USA 2012. I'm guessing Kobe would be George Clooney as the elder statesman.

The kids at Grantland have gone with 'The Expendables' - 
This Needs to Be the Official Team USA Portrait

Team USA - Oceans '12 (Black and White)
Team USA - Oceans '12 (Color)
Update: Red and Black posters featuring Team USA's kicks
Oceans 12' Melo, Chandler, Harden, KD, Westbrook, King James
Black Mamba, AI2, CP3, K-Love, The Brow, D-Will

Friday, July 13, 2012

New York Times explores the city via Basketball pickup games

Brooklyn Basketball slideshow
This is inspirational. I was able to do it around Europe and I can't wait to do the same around the NBA Cities of America. I need to work on my game though, I'm 2% of the way there.
‘I Got Next’: Exploring New York Through Pickup Basketball 
I moved to New York City on a lark. No job, no girlfriend, just a healthy dose of big-city wanderlust and a curiosity about the city’s mythical ownership of pickup basketball. Were its legendary courts just New York hype? Also, as someone who imagines himself a baller, would my skills stand up in the street?
This impromptu adventure did not thrill my parents, but, I figured, what better way to explore the spirit of one of the Western world’s most condensed cities than through sports, the great assimilator? I am convinced that some of the city’s truths, if not all of them, are boiled down on its basketball blacktops.

Thursday, July 12, 2012

30 Home Games participates in a Final Four Tournament

Have 32 people from your work ever organised a One-day Basketball tournament? Where you nominated 4 GMs who drafted for teams complete with Mock Drafts? Well we just did.

The 4 teams are as follows. I was drafted late for the Green Team:
Green - Disqo Manyarkez
Black - The Mambas
Blue - Last Breakerz
White - White Out

Below are some mock logos I designed for the event.

4 Team Tourney - Green, Black, Blue and White
Find posts on previous Star Basketball events
- 30HomeGames at the 2nd Star Basketball Tournament
Star Basketball Tournament II recap
- 30 Home Games participates in a Final Four Tournament
- Star Basketball Tournament III: Kicks on Court Gallery
- Recap of the 3rd Star Basketball Tournament
#SBC4 Star Basketball Tournament IV: Kicks on Court Gallery

Friday, July 6, 2012

30 Home Games Division Compilation

30HG NBA Division map compilation
1) Northwest Division
Colorado | Minnesota | Oklahoma | Oregon | Utah
2) Pacific Division
Arizona | California
3) Southwest Division
Louisiana | Tennessee | Texas
4) Atlantic Division
Massachusetts | New Jersey | New York | Ontario, Canada | Pennsylvania
5) Central Division
Illinois | Indiana | Michigan | Ohio | Wisconsin
6) Southeast Division
Florida | Georgia | North Carolina | Washington DC

30HG Destination Spotlight
Wieden + Kennedy, Nike Kitchen (Portland, Oregon)
Troublemaker Studios (Austin, Texas)
Pixar Studios (Emeryville, California)
WrestleMania 29 and Indy Wrestling (MetLife Stadium. East Rutherford, New Jersey)

Monday, July 2, 2012

Quai 54 2012 highlights

Quai 54 2012 - Event Promo (anglais)

The biggest International Streetball event held in Paris France, Quai54 just came and went. Find the webcast highlights here. Slam Online will have someone on the ground to report on the festivities.

You may recall I had placed this event on my to-do list for the 'Go With Oh' competition.

Comedians Pete Holmes and Dov Davidoff get existential with Basketball

Basketball inventor James Naismith with the original peach baskets
I find myself agreeing with Pete Holmes a lot but we diverge when it comes to sports
@30HomeGames Comedian Pete Holmes gets existential "Why don't I watch Basketball? Because the ball doesn't mean anything."
Pete Holmes finds inherent sadness in sports because it speaks to him existentially. He expands on this recurring thought with Dov Davidoff
YOU MADE IT WEIRD #64: Dov Davidoff
PETE HOLMES: (21m 20s) I'll watch a sports game (and I've said this on the show before), I'll go "This makes me sad. There are all these people here and we're all acting like this means something". Then I go "Oh No! That's what we're doing with everything". And then that'll get me in a crisis...
He counters that with
HOLMES: Either everything means nothing and I'm at a sports game and I'm like "Everything means nothing and that makes me feel hollow" or everything is everything. Everything IS Everything! ...
Update: April 2014
As part of my 30HomeGames Comedy wishlist I've been compiling a running list of Pete Holmes' NBA interviews for TBS' Pete Holmes Show:
- Fearing the Beard with James Harden
- Kyrie Irving and his long-time friend Pete Holmes
- Pete hangs with NBA All-Star Anthony Davis
- Pete hangs with Harrison Barnes of The Golden State Warriors
- Talkin' like Talls with Dikembe Mutombo

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

NBA maps: New '30 Home Games' Facebook wallpaper

NBA Map Facebook wallpaper - City listings
Proudly presenting a new wallpaper for use on the new Facebook interface. Enjoy!

1) Northwest Division
Colorado | Minnesota | Oklahoma | Oregon | Utah
2) Pacific Division
Arizona | California
3) Southwest Division
New Orleans | Tennessee | Texas
4) Atlantic Division
Massachusetts | New Jersey | New York | Ontario, Canada | Pennsylvania
5) Central Division
Illinois | Indiana | Michigan | Ohio | Wisconsin
6) Southeast Division
Florida | Georgia | North Carolina | Washington DC

30HG Destination Spotlight
Wieden + Kennedy, Nike Kitchen (Portland, Oregon)
Troublemaker Studios (Austin, Texas)
Pixar Studios (Emeryville, California)
WrestleMania 29 and Indy Wrestling (MetLife Stadium. East Rutherford, New Jersey)

Update:
NBA Map Facebook wallpaper - Ball logos
- Update 2014: Find the new versions featuring the Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans here
- Update 2015: New versions featuring the Atlanta, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Toronto and the LA Clippers