City of Sydney and 'Youth Services' present 3on3 Half Court Games in Glebe

I don't recall the last time I played Streetball since returning to Sydney, it seems I've become one of the asphalt snobs pundits have described. Instead I've opted for organised full court runs in Auburn and Sydney Uni with work and school colleagues. Now that I'm playing more competition basketball I've lost interest in casual outdoor games, which is all that's available when traveling.

My local courts, the Peter Forsyth Auditorium in Glebe provides free access to its facilities on Fridays with refreshments, training and referees. An initiative to foster community amongst neighborhood youths.

Youth Worker Mereani hosting 3on3 Halfcourt games at Glebe

'City of Sydney' and Youth Services present 'City Hoops in the Park'
Free for young people 12-25 years old
3 on 3 and half court games Basketball Tournament
Fridays 3pm - 6pm
Peter Forsyth Auditorium Glebe
Come with team or make new friends. Games will be played on half courts and have free play training
Healthy Snacks and refreshments provided

Youth Services run a range of programs, events and activities. They also offer support and advocacy for young people. For more information contact your local youth worker on 9298 3120

Where to watch the 2014 NBA Finals in Sydney: Heat VS Spurs II

The 2014 NBA Finals is upon us. After my beloved Memphis Grizzlies were eliminated, my eyes were set on a Spurs/Heat rematch and now we have it.
Just like a tightly contested CageFight, everyone wants to see an automatic rematch. Will there be a decisive winner on the Court this time around?  Either way, I'm betting the fans win again.

NBA Finals 2014: San Antonio Spurs VS Miami Heat (Sydney schedule)
G1. Heat @ San Antonio. 11am, Friday June 6
G2. Heat @ San Antonio. 10am, Monday June 9
G3. Spurs @ Miami. 11am, Wednesday June 11
G4. Spurs @ Miami. 11am, Friday June 13
G5. Heat @ San Antonio. 10am, Monday June 16 (if necessary)
G6. Spurs @ Miami. 11am, Wednesday June 18 (if necessary)
G7. Heat @ San Antonio. 11am, Saturday June 21 (if necessary)

Below are profiles of the best venues to catch the NBA Finals in Sydney:

1) PLAY Bar, Surry Hills

PLAY Bar, Surry Hills
(near Central Station)

PLAY Bar in conjunction with Nighthawk Diner and HalfSleeve Clothing have been supporting the NBA Playoffs from the start. I've attended a few raucous Game 7s amongst Diehard fans. During the recent closeout Game 6 where San Antonio dispatched OKC, the Bar was awash in Black and White. Patty Mills' cousin also in attendance cheering the team along.

The communal and knowledgeable crowd aside, the menu provided by 'NightHawk Diner' is an awesome "And One". Gourmet Nachos and Subs offered at $7 offers great value, I've definitely been here enough times to have sampled the entire menu.

PLAY Bar
Basement 72 Campbell Street,
Surry Hills, Sydney
w: playbar.com.au
p: (02) 9280 0885

b) Palings Kitchen & Bar [Ivy], Wynyard

PALINGS Kitchen & Bar, Wynyard
(near Wynyard Station)

Merivale has come on board for the NBA Finals. Boasting "The Biggest Screen in the CBD" it offers the largest site for watching the NBA Finals alongside the '24/7 Sports Bar' at Star Casino. Only one weekend game is scheduled (the crucial Game 7 if it gets there) so it'll be interesting to see how full the venue gets.
The Ivy is well-situated to draw in the office crowd on their lunch break. Like the 24/7 Sports bar there will be promotions available to coincide with the Finals.

The venue is an open air Courtyard allowing smokers to light up but is bothersome during rain. The rainfall boxed out some of the prime seats in Game One, with umbrellas partially obstructing views. The Palings Bar accept reservations so book a spot as they do fill up. There are also VIP seats on the second floor. There's definitely a feel of Miami glamour as the Ivy crowd are more "suited and booted" compared to your average sporting punter.

Palings: Kitchen and Bar [Ivy]
Level 1, Ivy
330 George St,
Sydney

c) 24/7 Sports Bar [Star Casino], Pyrmont
Unlike Play Bar and Palings, the '24/7 Sports Bar' has betting stations on the premises to cater for punters. As the name suggests the bar stays open all day and night. The Bar is purpose-built to cater for Sporting crowds, a destination venue for the State of Origin, PPV fights and the upcoming Soccer World Cup.

Basketball isn't a big Spectator sport in Australia as far as communal watching goes, less so on weekday mornings. The most complete entertainment option if you're available during the day.

24/7 Sports Bar
Level 1, Casino,
The Star 80 Pyrmont Street
Pyrmont, Sydney

d) Most pubs in Sydney: 3 Wise Monkeys, Cheers, York 75 Sports Bar etc...
As the NBA reaches the pointy end of the Season with single games being played on alternate days, ESPN began televising each game of the Conference Finals onwards. The NBA Finals will be televised either 10 or 11am on Game Day. There will be repeat screenings each night from around 8:30pm. This means any Pub that carries ESPN should have the game playing on their screens.

Enjoy the NBA Finals everybody, let's hope its another epic series that goes down to the wire. See you out there!

Update: 2015 Playoffs
If you follow my Instagram you'll find my favorite NBA spots around Sydney

A photo posted by 30homegames (@30homegames) on Nov 26, 2014 at 6:01pm PST

Hip Hop Arcade presents NBA Jam Tournament @ The Flinders, Sydney

I had the pleasure of attending an NBA Jam Tourney hosted by 'Hip Hop Arcade' at the Flinders. Held each Wednesday, it began January 22nd and will culminate in a March 5 Grand Final where each week's winners will face off in a Round-Robin.

The event was reminiscent of 'Nintendisco', a Video Game night in Shoreditch where I celebrated my birthday for 2011.

I advanced to the Finals but lost by 7 points in the Big game. Playing with Utah in the 1st round I feasted on a steady diet of alley-oops to "AK-47". Playing as Atlanta in the 2nd round, Joe Johnson was formidable behind the arc as Josh Smith cleaned up the mess.

NBA Jam Tournament @The Flinders
courtesy of 'Yagz'

The Final was hard fought. I returned as the Jazz but was outclassed by Dino and his favored tandem of Pippen and Rodman. Playing as D-Will once again, I was limited to finger rolls and contested threes whilst Pippen hit ridiculous fadeaway triples and the 'Worm' controlled the paint.
I'll definitely be upgrading to a better team and tweak my game plan for our rematch.

My Vanquisher, winner of Week 2 action.
via the Hip Hop Arcade event page

Find details of the event below, see you guys on the court

Hip Hop Arcade presents NBA Jam Tournament @ The Flinders
Doors Open 6PM
Competition starts around 8:30PM
FREE ENTRY
Great Pub menu
Qality Hip Hop mixed by DJ Raine Supreme
$5 Drink Specials all night
Prizes from our Sponsors 567KING and THE RECORD STORE

ELIMINATION ROUNDS - 1on1 - winner advances to grand final!
Jan 22nd - Round 1
Jan 29th - Round 2
Feb 5th - Round 3
Feb 12th - Round 4
Feb 19th - Round 5
Feb 26th - Round 6

GRAND FINAL - 1on1 - all winners compete in round-robin March 5th

- Go to the official site of 'Hip Hop Arcade'

'30 Home Games' meets 'Taiwan Sometimes': Viral video mission to dance in 100 different countries

I haven't met too many people with missions on the road, when I have they've been light and usually halfhearted. That said there are no shortage of epic travel missions crawling the web and circling the globe.
I met an unassuming man in a Popayán hostel in Colombia, he mentioned being in a parade days earlier with the President in attendance. He showed me his photos amongst locals in traditional costume, nothing out of the ordinary so far.

I generally don't seek indigenous or traditional cultures when I travel. Being a city kid, I'm more interested in modern subcultures and communities. My basketball mission reflects that. That said I'm ultimately interested in humanity, what gives purpose and brings joy. This is common in all people and cultures.

 

'30 Home Games' meets 'Taiwan Sometimes'
(Note: You'll notice Ed rocking this KD35 jersey in his Viral vids)

Through further conversation my dorm-mate Ed explained his plans for South America. He was travelling to film a costumed character from Taiwanese folklore, planning to dance with colourful locals in each place. Colombia was his 63rd Country. The first video was shot in India 2011 and drew inspiration from the popular "Where the hell is Matt" clips.

VIDEO: Where the hell is that Taiwan guy? (South America 2012)

Ed's mission is to promote cultural awareness of Taiwan which he feels doesn't have global exposure because of the long shadow cast by China. I mentioned Taiwan had appeared on my radar because of a visible tourism campaign in Sydney and the meteoric rise of basketball star Jeremy Lin. He replied with a curt "So?" which gave me pause.

Does knowing one famous person from a country mean you know the place? I realised how absurd my logic was. It's something I've pondered when I've tried to connect to people and where they're from through basketball. Interestingly Ed mentioned that Taiwan wasn't able to compete in the London Olympics under its own flag which demonstrates the complicated politics they have to contend with. It also speaks to the reach and symbolism of sport.

When you travel you meet so many people and visit so many places that most of the insight you gleam is superficial. Personally I don't feel it makes it less profound, curiosity and experience are the keys to awareness and we can choose to go deeper once the doors are open. It was a pleasure meeting Ed, we compared notes on the challenges of pursuing a mission but also the great relationships and opportunities that arise from them. Admittedly his aims are far loftier and meaningful than mine.

Ed in 'Desierto De La Tatacoa', Colombia (Facebook)

Check out Ed's pursuits below:
- Like 'Taiwan Sometimes' Facebook page
- View Ed Wu's Youtube Channel
I encourage you to connect with him if he ever comes down your neck of the woods :)

Pierre Johannessen and Big Bang Ballers: Basketball used to Empower Youth

The '30 Home Games' mission is my way of connecting with people around the World, using our collective passion for the game of Basketball. Sharing the Court opens conversation and leads to further invitations. It eases the tension when a language barrier exists. Canberran Pierre Johannessen also sees the power of Basketball and has used it to empower kids from all over the World. earning him the distinction of 2010 ACT Young Australian of the Year.

Throwing a basketball at big problems “We use basketball to fight youth poverty and social disadvantage, and that’s a big way of saying we basically just play basketball with kids,” he explains, sitting in his office at Isaacs shops, where he and his mother run a small law firm... ”He traces the simple idea back to late 2007, when he was shooting hoops in Bangladesh with a couple of French expats and a local guy. He was in the country working with Habitat for Humanity through the Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development program. “You can do it with anything – you can do it with music, you can do it with arts – it just so happened that basketball was what we knew at the time,” he says.

It's incredible to see that the modest idea of "just playing basketball" coupled with visionary dedication can achieve so much. Hats off to Pierre for his work Empowering the Youth and his great ambassadorship of Basketball.

VIDEO: TEDxCanberra - Pierre Johannessen - 

International development, basketball and valuing youth

 Find more about Big Ballers and Pierre Johannessen below - Big Bang Ballers website - Pierre Johannessen's personal blog - Pierre Johannessen at TEDx Canberra

F*Yesta: 6 Months in South America

'Loz in Transit' goes to South America

My next Adventure will be a jaunt around South America with a projected return after 6 months. Dubbed the "F*Yesta" it will be a continuation of the YesMan spirit that carried me through the last few years in Australia and Europe. Whilst over there I'll be musing on my travels, finding Basketball experiences and recording podcasts.

- About 'Loz in Transit'
- My Basketball mission in Venezuela

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

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

Faith in the underdog: Memphis Grizzlies, Iverson, Arenas and Randolph

I have a soft spot for Allen Iverson and Gilbert Arenas. For the sports I really enjoy (Basketball and Wrestling) I've always been drawn to the human face behind the persona. Iverson has gone the way of Antoine Walker in recent weeks, a superstar suffering a massive fall from grace. Similarly Gilbert Arenas' reputation took a dive with his locker room gun fracas but never hit rock bottom.

I'd planned to see Iverson play for Beşiktaş whilst over in Europe but his contract was terminated before I got the chance. Arenas' zany personality appeals to me on a personal and sports marketing perspective, there's a reason his Undrcrwn/Adidas sneakers are my holy grails.

Both player have ties with the Memphis Grizzlies, a team I'm fond of. They'd been my mascot for my underdog Fantasy Team the last 3 years. I witnessed their gutsy game 1 win over the top-seeded Spurs at 4 in the morning whilst I was in Spain. Z-Bo's coming out party was one of my highlights of last year's playoffs.

The Grizzlies recent signing of Gilbert Arenas has been compared to the failed Iverson acquisition. Personally it chimes with the Grizzlies underdog persona and I hope Gilbert rehabilitates his image the same way Z-bo and Tony Allen have with their stellar play for the team

Grizzlies GM: Gilbert Arenas Signing Unlike Allen Iverson Signing

When the Memphis Grizzlies signed Gilbert Arenas, many Allen Iverson-related jokes were cracked. But GM Chris Wallace refuses to compare this situation to the 2009 Iverson disaster in Memphis. From the Commercial Appeal: "Gilbert was never the rock star that Allen was. Gilbert is in better physical condition than Allen was. Allen hadn’t done anything all summer" Wallace said...

Continuing with the underdog narrative, Interscope MC Don Trip recently released the single 'Allen Iverson' off his new mixtape, Guerrilla.
Read his interview with Complex explaining the song's genesis

Interview: Don Trip Talks "Allen Iverson" & his "Guerrilla" Mixtape
"When I first met Cool & Dre, they asked me who I looked up to growing up. I told them I looked up to Mike Tyson, Allen Iverson, and Tupac. I felt like I knew them or that I had grown up with them, and they raised me...

"I always felt that the way we use our celebrities is a little shady. We love them when they're hot, but when they start to fall down, we realize that they’re human and walk away from them."I always felt that the way we use our celebrities is a little shady. We love them when they’re hot, but when they start to fall down, we realize that they're human and walk away from them. I wanted to show how similar our situations are, and that I'm going through the same things."

VIDEO: Don Trip - "Allen Iverson" (prod. Cool & Dre)

- Listen to the Jeremy Lin rap song
- Listen to the Allen Iverson rap song

Likely ROY Kyrie Irving has decided he won't be representing Australia at the Olympics

Kyrie Irving can represent Australia or USA

Rookie of the Year favorite Kyrie Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia and has been vocal about one day representing the Australian National team.

Kyrie Irving ‘seriously considering’ playing for Australian national team
Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1992 while his father Drederick was playing pro ball over there. Therefore, he has dual citizenship. Irving said he lived in Australia until he was 2 years old – not long enough to develop an accent but long enough to become a fan of “The Crocodile Hunter.” As for the possibility of Irving one day suiting up for the Aussies at the Olympics, he says it’s a very real option.

“That’s something I’m seriously considering. Whether it’s suiting up for the U.S.A. or Australia, either opportunity would be great for me. ... That’s definitely a strong consideration for me. For one, I want to be considered an international player. I feel like that would be fun for me. And also, I haven’t been back there. And I think that would give me a chance to get back and feel stuff out if I do decide to play for them. I’ll make the best decision for me.”

Kyrie recently announced his decision to hold out for the chance to represent Team USA

Kyrie Irving Won’t Play for Australia in 2012 London Olympics
According to Irving, he heard news that his collegiate coach Mike Krzyzewski will still be handling Team USA for the next four years until the 2016 Olympics and he is hoping that his former coach will give him the chance to suit up for USA in the future."It was the right decision," said Irving on his decision not to forego his eligibility to play for USA in the future. "I found out Coach K would be coaching in 2016. It made my decision so much easier to play for my coach again. That was the deciding factor."

Ricky Rubio with torn ACL injury: Out for rest of NBA season and Olympics 2012

On twitter I was giddy for the Spanish encounter between Pau Gasol and Ricky Rubio. Their fortunes seemed to be going in opposite directions going into the game, Pau in constant trade rumours whilst Rubio's upstart Wolves were surprisingly above .500, managing a playoff spot at 8.

Sports as in life is fickle. The Wolves played the game without Kevin Love who was out with back spasms. The Wolves were competitive up until the closing seconds when disaster struck:

Ricky Rubio has torn ACL
MINNEAPOLIS -- Ricky Rubio's sensational rookie season has come to a devastatingly abrupt end. The Minnesota Timberwolves point guard will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL in his left knee, the team announced on Saturday. "Thank you everybody for ur support.I promise I will be back soon and stronger. There is only one way to take: move forward and stay positive," Rubio tweeted Saturday. Now the upstart Wolves will have to keep chasing a playoff berth without one of the players who was most responsible for the franchise's resurgence.
...
The news also means that Rubio will miss the upcoming Olympics, where he was expected to be a vital part of Spain's bid for the gold medal.

I personally believe Rubio's role in the Spanish Olympic bid is overrated considering the National team would still favor Calderon and Llull over the youngster. That said I expect hoopheads, Fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Spain, League pass owners, NBA and Olympic TV execs are going to have a hole in their heart for the rest of the season.

Pau was philosophical in his sentiment towards his Spanish teammate

"Anything he needs, I'm there for him. I was truly sorry. It's a tough one to swallow and it makes me laugh about my situation. You know? About my trade and no trade and how that makes me feel. When you (tear) an ACL, that's when you really feel bad and that's a lot worse than being mentioned in trades and potentially play somewhere else. No. Health is always the main thing and that's why everything is so relative in life."

Get well and Godspeed Ricky.

The NBA is coming to Melbourne, Australia

From my sources in Australia, the NBA is coming to Melbourne!
No news yet on the players confirmed:

Hi again, well that is timing for you, I’ve just had the phone call. Have also been advised this information is yet to be released to the public, so you are the first to know!

The promoter has just locked in dates. SADLY as this is strictly a 2 week last minute tour and due to the fact that they are also taking in South America, the promoter has been able to secure a venue & suitable dates for Melbourne ONLY.

WHERE: Rod Laver Arena
WHEN: Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th November
PRICING: $240.00, $320.00, $850.00 and courtside $1200.00 (approx.)

Tickets will be going on-sale to the public on Monday. If anyone is available to commute to Melbourne and are still interested in ticketing please get back to me ASAP.

I think for this event I will provide you with a contact name and number for you to ring through and secure your tickets, that way you can pay directly by credit card. It’s going to be too hard for me to coordinate from here with such a short leeway.

Sorry I’m not the bearer of better news for us Sydney residents.

Update 2 (Oct28): It seems that word on the street is not good. Mere hours after the initial exciting promise

"Word on the street is that LeBron, Carmelo, and CP3 are pulling out of the tour... supposedly D-Rose has pulled out already"

Update 3 (Nov 1): The latest news from my source in Australia

This is the roster touring Australia to the best of my knowledge:
Kobe Bryant
Kevin Durant
Dwight Howard
Dwyane Wade
Amare Stoudemire
Blake Griffin
Chris Bosh
Paul Pierce
Kevin Garnett
Kevin Love
Rajon Rondo
Carlos Boozer
Tyson Chandler
Chris Kaman

Trash Talk: News and notes on Lithuania and EuroBasket2011

crossposted on The LozInTranslation blog

On Lithuania

• Basketball is their first religion. My mormon running mates tell me Catholicism is their second. I would argue Foosball is their third
• Its a tourist cliche, "[Insert Country] has the most beautiful women" but the Lithuanian women are fine and more importantly the people are friendly
• The Spanish seem to be doing well on and off the court in Lithuania
  
• Lithuanians are great hosts. I've been invited by strangers to their universities and homes to watch Lithuania's marquee games.
• Gedimino, the main street of the capital Vilnius is decorated by Basketball ornaments, Non-basketball tourists tell me "its lit up like its Christmas". I concur smiling, "It is".
• Haven't figured out whether its because I love Lithuania or I love basketball, but the EuroBasket 2011 theme gets me quite emotional. Lithuanian version here.
  

On EuroBasket2011

• I Keep forgetting to google why Serge Ibaka is on the Spanish Team
• It seems I'm not alone in thinking Macedonia's Pero Antic looks like Carlos Boozer
• Spain's Juan Carlos Navorro doesn't know how to miss
• As much as I want to like him, apart from his off-target shooting Ricky Rubio's game is nondescript
• Lithuanian TV is mindful not to keep showing that heart-breaking turnover but it seems you can find all sorts of EuroBasket torture videos on the net. Who ever made this video must be some sort of Macedonian version of the bad guy from 'Saw'.
  
• My France Finals prediction came through, shame for everyone the Lietuva leg didn't hold up
• France's Nicolas Batum probably has the most impressive highlight reel of the Tournament
• Batum's white makeup of the Crazy Light's gets my vote as Sneaker of the Tournament
• Second best sneaker goes to Darius Songaila's Lithuanian colorway of the Kidd Zoom Flight 5's
• My initial love for Serbia's Miloš Teodosić dropped as his turnovers piled up (highest of Tourney). I would guess NBA scouts felt the same way, though people tell me he prefers Europe anyway
  
• American-Born Bo McCaleb is likely to have more desire to play in the NBA and has the most calls to return as his stock rose together with his Macedonian team. A case has been made that he was a smarter fit for contenders The Magic and Lakers
  
• Despite the final day not featuring host nation Lithuania it provides the most compelling matchups. Featuring the 4 Group leaders, each team dropping no more than one game in their respective pools. Both games promise tantalizing rematches, the bronze medal game gives Macedonia a chance to avenge their buzzer-beater loss against Russia. Headliners Spain up against a full strength French team in the Gold medal game, the two favorites ready to treat the fans with the barn-burner they withheld in the qualifying stages.