#SBC4 Star Basketball Tournament IV: Kicks on Court Gallery

The 'Real Events' SBC Tournament is the brainchild of Von RM. Knowing that his work colleagues had built a community playing weekly pickup games, he had the foresight to assemble the One-Day event. Cleverly it was designed catering to the group's collective basketball obsessions. From organizing uniforms and introducing a GM and Draft format, it appealed to us as Fantasy nerds, Ballers and Trashtalkers. #SBC4 wrapped up a week a ago and it was another ripper day.

A great by-product of the Tournament has been the Kicks Parade. Many in the work crew are shoe aficionados and collectors. Some are just starting out whilst others have been in the shoe game since childhood. The guys contribute to forums, use Instagram to show off their pickups or talk kicks regularly. We don't get to bust out our heat during the regular weekly meetups but as everyone is in attendance and all eyes are on the Court for Tourney day its the perfect time to rock our prized possessions. No doubt with the intention to bring the game to match their gear. "It's gotta be the shoes!"

I wasn't able to capture each shoe in its glory as our team had a greater mission at hand. Some not featured include the Jordan Fly Wade "South Beach" and the Nike Air Pippen II "Eggplant". Heat of the Tourney has to go to 'P Money'. He rocked the Air Jordan XI "Gamma Blues" as his Playoff shoes last Tourney and wore the Air Foamposite Pro "Yeezy" for his Playoff run this time around. He was the GM of the team we faced in the Finals.

Read a full wrap-up of the day here:
- #SBC4 Tournament recap: Anatomy of a Champion (1 of 2)
- #SBC4 Tournament recap: Road to Glory (2 of 2)

Nike Air Foamposite Pro "Yeezy"
Follow the #30HGkicks Shoe Game on the '30 Home Games' Instagram

So without further ado, here were the  Kicks on Court for #SBC4:


Nike Air Up '14 "Orlando"

- Adidas Adizero Dominate Low
- Nike LeBron X
- Adidas Mad Handle 2.0

Nike Lebron 11 "King's Crown"

- Jordan CP3.VI
- Adidas Super Beast

Nike Zoom HyperRev "Lakers"

- Nike Kobe 9 Elite "Detail"
- Nike Kobe 9 Elite "Perspective"

- Nike FlyKnit Lunar1+
- Jordan CP3.VII

- Nike Kobe 8 System (EXT Red Blue)
- Nike Kobe 8 (Black and Yellow)
- Nike HyperDunk 2012

Nike Lebron 11 "Summit Lake Hornets"

Converse Aero Jam "Home"

Adidas T-Mac 6

I was rocking the Adidas Garnett 1s. They've moved up the Depth Chart since my Adidas Gil Zeros busted open last Tourney. I brought in alternates this time around but secretly hoped I wouldn't need to use them, my "10th Year Anniversary" Reebok Questions.

Adidas Garnett 1

Reebok Question Mid "10th Year Anniversary"
Reebok Shaq Attaq 2013 Retro

I'll be post a recap of the Day's events shortly, featuring Video and Photos taken by others. It was the most evenly matched Tournament to date with 3 of the 5 teams splitting their games with 2 wins and 2 losses. As the Tourney expands it continues to get more polished and competitive. Can't wait for the next one.

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

- #SBC4 Star Basketball Tournament IV: Kicks on Court Gallery

- #SBC4 Tournament recap: Anatomy of a Champion (1 of 2)

- #SBC4 Tournament recap: Road to Glory (2 of 2)

'MADE' by Throwback Store - Sydney's newest Boutique Basketball store

The availability of Basketball merch in Australia has steadily improved over the years. During my teens when I started getting into hoops, Starter and Champion were the dominant brands. Back in the day stores stocked only a handful of teams - the Hornets, Bulls, Magic and Lakers. At the time I didn't feel it reflected the most interesting or best franchises, you were almost cornered into barracking for one of these four teams.

Prior to the acceptance of online shopping, merchants ordered only the most popular jerseys as they couldn't risk stocking niche players they might not be able to sell. Today larger stockists like Footlocker and Culture Kings offer an extensive collection of jerseys, caps and retro stock. There's no guarantee you'll find merch for each NBA team but it's a massive improvement nonetheless

Sydney has several Streetwear outlets catering to hoopsheads and beyond. Espionage stock the whackiest range of sneakers and are supporters of Japanese brand KIKS TYO which reps basketball hard. HalfSleeve have created their own hoops inspired range of branded clothing and host epic annual 3on3 Tournaments.

VIDEO: AND1 Crash the Court Sydney by AND1/dPlayground ltd

As far as dedicated Basketball boutiques, Kickz101 in Melbourne is arguably the finest and most enduring in Australia. In Sydney, the now defunct 'dPlayground' in Parramatta offered two floors of hoops heaven. Basketball memorabilia and a second level with a ring to play on and and a big screen to watch classic games. Back then blogs weren't so ubiquitous, it may have been the only Sydney retailer that received sneaker samples to generate hype for upcoming drops. 

MADE Popup shop at Bondi Westfields
via @throwbackstore

Founded in 2011, 'Throwback Store' is Sydney's only shopfront specialising in all things Basketball. Retailing as part of Alexandria Basketball Stadium, they've also setup seasonal Pop-up stores by the Bondi promenade and inside Westfield Shopping Mall. Over the weekend they opened 'Made' on 4/157 Curlewis St, Bondi stocking the best in basketball merch.

The folks at 'Made' also have their own house brand, 'I Love Rich Kids' which not surprisingly pays homage to their Basketball nerdiness. Make sure you check out their tees and tracksuit pants on the shelves.

Throwback Store
53 Maddox Street, Alexandria
Sydney, Australia 2015 

P: (02) 8959 6870 

E: info@creative5.com.au

'Made' by Throwback Store

4/157 Curlewis St (via Gould st)
Bondi Beach, Australia 2026

'MADE' by Throwback: Sydney Hoops Store

4/157 Curlewis St (via Gould st)
Bondi Beach 2026

'MADE' by Throwback: Official Grand Opening

Its awesome finding establishments that support basketball culture in Sydney and Australia as a whole. They'll only thrive and survive if they're supported by the wider public so its up to us to patronise them in whatever way we can. For the love of the game :)

Find other hoops-themed action in Sydney:
- Hip Hop Arcade presents NBA Jam Tournament @ The Flinders, Sydney
- Easts Basketball League presents 'Basketball Day' @ The Projects
- Home Game: Basketball in Sydney - HalfSleeve 3on3
- Brown Class Cinema presents Australian screenings of 'Doin' It In The Park: Pick-Up Basketball, NYC'
- NBA Playoffs: Screenings @ PLAY Bar, Sydney

Star Basketball Tournament III: Kicks on Court Gallery

The 3rd Star Basketball Tourney has come and gone, expect a full wrap-up soon.

In the meantime enjoy the gallery of fine Kicks on display during the festivities. Just like NBA All-Star Weekend, the tourney is an excuse to rock those special kicks that might not otherwise see the light of day for everyday pickup games. Whilst the main action is on the floor, its just as as flashy and competitive in the fashion stakes. Everyone dropping heat, from Jordan 11 Gamma Blues to their favorite Overseas exclusives.

Personally my favorite was seeing the Tournament MVP rocking Reebok Question Lows. The Air Max Pennys were a nice surprise as I wasn't even aware of their existence. Unfortunately my Gil Zeros got busted during play with the soles coming apart. That makes 2 of my favorite shoes falling apart on me in the past year. The other, my OG Jordan Taxi XIIs. I've only started playing ball in recent years so my shoes falling apart from actual game use is an expected casualty.

Enjoy!

Adidas D Rose 3.5 "Chi-Town"

Nike Zoom Soldier VII

Adidas Rose 2.5 "All Star",
Nike Zoom Kobe 7 "Poison Dart Frog"

Nike Air Max Penny (Hoop Pack 2005)

Nike Kobe 8 PP "Philippines"

Nike Lebron 9 "Cannon",
"Air Tsinelas",
Nike Zoom Kobe 6 "Black Del Sol"

Air Jordan 3 Retro "Powder Blue",
Nike Kobe 8 "Blue Coral"

Nike Hypedunk 2012 "Summit",
Air Jordan V retro "Fire Red"

Nike Kobe 7,
Nike Hyperdunk 2011 Supreme,
Reebok Question Low “Patriot”

My beloved Adidas Gil Zeros. #RestinPieces
Taped up for the Final after the Soles tore apart in the Semis

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

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.

Props to Undrcrwn and their basketball nerdiness

UNDRCRWN: 40 T-Shirts - 40 Nights

Just wanted to give props to Dustin Canalin and Undrcrwn for being the best at nerding out to Hoops.
Check out the Dustin Canalin and Undrcrwn blog.

Supreme x North Face: High Fashion Streetwear for Backpackers

I had presented the Jordan 2012 passport previously to whet the appetites of cool kids who love their travel. Now comes some 'World Map 5-Panel Caps via Supreme, hot off their collabo with North Face for their 'Capsule Collection' of Jackets and Bags.

Supreme World Map 5-Panel Caps via High Snobiety

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Supreme x The North Face Spring/Summer 2012
Capsule Collection via High Snobiety 

NBA Player jerseys: Overlooked eras, forgotten teams

One of the things I nerd out to basketball-wise is seeing people rock obscure jerseys of overlooked eras in a superstar's storied career. I spotted such a singlet at a recent wrestling show in Oberhausen, Germany. I found former ROH champion Eddie Edwards sporting a #12 Celtics (Dominique Wilkins) jersey as he manned his merch desk post-match during intermission. I commended him on his singlet, he told me "he got it in Boston 15 years ago" adding that he loves "anything Boston". When I told him how much I enjoyed obscure jerseys and recalling a player's forgotten years, Eddie proceeded to recount Dominique's team history post-Celtics (Clippers, Spurs).

Whilst in London, I took note of a #23 Knicks jersey (Marcus Camby) a b-boy at the Trocadero Underground was rocking. I also had a recent conversation about how dope a #35 ZombieSonics (Rookie Kevin Durant) jersey would be. Days later I would see Phife Dawg wearing it onscreen at the Tribe doco screening.

Eddie Edwards had also seen the doco and dropped even more knowledge, the guy knows his stuff. I love nerding out to basketball.

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Enjoy the following collection of superstar forgotten eras, my Christmas wishlist of obscure jerseys:

Rodman, Lakers #73. Pippen, Rockets #33

Pippen, Blazers #33

Olajuwon, Raptors #34. Ewing, Magic #6

Cassell, Wolves #19. Sprewell, Wolves #8

Iverson, Grizzlies #3

1) It seems Rodman and Pippen are still yet to have their first conversation
2) Two members of the coolest team at the turn of the century
3) 7 year itch: HOF centers, Ewing and Olajuwon relive the Finals in 2002
4) They only had one devastating year. 2004, KG's MVP year.
5) Iverson gave up on Memphis as he wanted to start for a contender. The Grizz eventually became legend-killers

NBA fans: Phife Dawg of the Tribe loves this game

@30HomeGames:
"If I was an MC I would totally pander to the crowd by rocking the basketball hometown hero jersey. Its funny I was just saying the other day how cool a ZombieSonics Durant shirt would be to rock"

Phife rocking a Seattle Supersonics, Kevin Durant #35

Phife rocking a Los Angeles Lakers tee

Phife rocking a Cleveland Cavaliers "One Goal" tee

I had the pleasure of being at the UK premiere of Michael Rapaport's Tribe Called Quest documentary. Phife Dawg of the Tribe treated the audience at KOKO (Camden, London) with a set after the screening.

VIDEO: 'Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest' Trailer

Phife a native New Yorker, who has lived in Atlanta and California shows his love for the game of basketball by rocking some dope NBA merch. By my count, I noticed Phife repping the Lakers, Cavs, [Zombie]Sonics and Warriors. In one amusing scene, Q-Tip conducts a mock interview asking Phife to clarify why he is decked head to toe in Lakers paraphernalia when he hails from New York, the conversation ends with Phife welcoming Amare Stoudemire to NY but pleading he play better defence.

This should come as no surprise. On the official ATCQ website, Phife's profile page declares:

A Tribe Called Quest - Phife Dawg
Throughout Phife’s life, sports have played a major role in this mc’s career. Phife is the one person who truly bridges the gap between sports and music. He was the first to wear throwback jerseys of his favorite teams and players in the early nineties, a trend that would catch on 11 years later. Phife not only rapped about sports, he lived it. He is a walking stat book on all levels of football, basketball, and baseball. He penned hits for the likes of Shaquille O’Neal on several of his platinum releases. He was a contributor to both Rap Pages and Slam magazine dealing with sports and music. He has served as music consultant for the Golden State Warriors...

He IS the biggest damn sports fan in hip hop PERIOD. As he tells it, it is an incurable sickness that will follow him to his grave. He loves sports more than music, and he does music for a living. That should tell you something. Phife would be an ideal host or performer for any event because of his history with music and sports, and his incredible handle on both...

- Go to the official 'Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest' website
- Official Phife Dawg profile page

Update: Greeting from Germany! Found this Dope Tribe-inspired Tee by German brand K1X

K1X "What's the Scenario !?" tee

Patty Mills teams with internationals Nicolas Batum, Rudy Fernandez and streetwear label UNDRCRWN

@30HomeGames: Its like a mashup of everything awesome. An Australian bball player for a great cause, two of my favorite international players and one of my favorite Streetwear brands!

Patty Mills rocking UNDRCRWN designed tee for Flood Relief 

The international stars of the TrailBlazer's helped out fellow teammate Patty Mills by donating their time for 'Australia Assists' - a relief fund created to help victims of the floods that ravaged Northern Australia earlier in the year.

French star Nicolas Batum and former teamate (traded to Dallas) Rudy Fernandez of Spain donated their time for the cause. Streetwear label UNDRCRWN in partnership with 'WearMyShirt ' designed a bangin' t-shirt to raise funds in aid of the relief effort.

Patty Mills teams up with Wears My Shirt and UNDRCRWN for Flood Appeal
Patrick 'Patty' Mills, Wears My Shirt, and UNDRCRWN have teamed up to raise $50,000 for Australian flood relief efforts.

During December 2010 and early 2011, significant flooding and a damaging cyclone occurred in Queensland, Australia. Months of flooding killed as many as 32 people, affected about tens of thousands of properties, shut coal mines, cut rail lines and damaged crops. Economists estimate it may cost A$20 billion in repairs.

- Follow @Patty_Mills on twitter
- Go to the UNDRCRWN blog
- Read more about the 'Wear my Shirt' initiative