"Everydayness": Heidegger on Death and Kevin Garnett playing a midseason Game in Charlotte

<< crossposted on 'Let's Get Real podcast' blog

An aging Kevin Garnett VS Charlotte's Cody Zeller.  

What does Champion NBA Power Forward Kevin Garnett have to do with influential thinker Martin Heidegger? Authors Daniel M. Klein and Thomas Cathcart in their humorous book on the Philosophy of death finds a way to explain Heidegger's often complicated ideas via a basketball analogy

Heidegger and a Hippo Walk Through Those Pearly Gates:
Using Philosophy (and Jokes!) to Explore Life, Death, the Afterlife, and Everything in Between

Ch 4. Heideggerty-Dog, Ziggity-Boom, What You Do to Me
Look at it this way: Say you're Kevin Garnett and this is Game 7 of the NBA Finals. You're going to play with way more intensity, way more energy, way more life, than in one of those dreary Thursday night midseason games in Charlotte. Heidegger called the latter "everydayness," and he put it down as the ultimate drag. So let's face it squarely, Daryl, this -- right here, right now -- is Game 7 of the Finals, and what a joy it is to be here!

For Heidegger, the worst possible news would be that our souls are immortal. That would condemn us to a never-ending string of those Thursday night games in Charlotte.

My only quibble is the use of Garnett for the example. He's arguably the most consistent and unfailingly intense player currently in the L.

2010 FIBA World Championship posters

Below are a collection of Wallpapers to whet your appetite whilst we wait for the #Spain2014 promo wallpapers. These are from the 2010 FIBA World Championships hosted by Turkey, before it was rebranded as the 'FIBA World Cup'.

Brazil: Anderson Varejão 

Australia: Andrew Bogut

Turkey: Mehmet Okur

Turkey: Ersan İlyasova

Turkey: Hidayet "Hedo" Türkoğlu

USA: Kobe Bryant

Argentina: Luis Scola

France: Tony Parker

Russia: Andrei Kirilenko

Canada: Joel Anthony 

Puerto Rico: Carlos Arroyo

Spain: Pau Gasol

- List of NBA Players suiting up for International teams at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, #Spain2014
- 30HG: Team USA are the new "Oceans '12"
- Team USA Basketball sings "We are Young" after winning Gold at London 2012 Olympics

List of NBA Players suiting up for International teams at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, #Spain2014

I was enlightened on the distinction between Basketball and NBA fans entering into my first FIBA International Basketball event. On my flight into Lithuania for EuroBasket 2011, I befriended the Manager of the English Basketball Men's Team. He spoke of his love for the game but didn't rate the NBA style. He likened it to WWE Wrestling, all glitz and glamour. To which I responded, "I love Wrestling". Though I doubt he meant it, the Wrestling analogy offers another layer. Hardcore fans tend to support all types of Wrestling, they have an awareness of the International scene and support their local and Indy Feds. On the other hand some fans only know the WWE Universe. This means stars from elsewhere who are entering the WWE often need to reestablish their credibility to this new audience. They're essentially starting from scratch despite any notoriety gained in other Federations or in Developmental. I imagine this plight is not too dissimilar for accomplished Ballers in the International scene, the NBA is simply on another level as far as exposure goes.

VIDEO: See you in #Spain2014

For many fans, all Basketball is viewed through the prism of the NBA. Growing up with the flash of its Superstars, highlights and shoe endorsements, I assumed that's how everyone came to love the game. Being at EuroBasket surrounded by passionate hoops fans and the International game, I realised there were aficionados who were interested in aspects of the game like Ball movement and Team execution who might have preferred the technical International style of play. Something the 2014 NBA Finals might have educated audiences to as the chemistry of the San Antonio Spurs triumphed over the star wattage of the Miami Heat. The Champion Spurs fielded 9 International players from 7 different Countries.  

#Spain2014 FIBA World Cup Group Draw

Here in Sydney I've heard many people being dismissive of our local League, the NBL. Having watched a few International Leagues in Turkey, the Baltics and EuroLeague our game stacks up well. By its nature every League is inferior to the NBA, in talent, money and production therefore value should be placed more on how well the League fosters the product and the fanbase. When people critique the NBL I feel it more likely reflects an allegiance to the NBA Product. Those same critics are also just as unlikely to consume EuroLeague, WNBA or the D-League.

The dominance and celebrity of TeamUSA has meant a lot of these International Tournaments are simply a showcase for the North Americans. It's not a matter of if they'll win but by how many points. In the last International Final at the 2012 London Olympics, Spain put in a spirited effort only losing by 7 points to a Superstar-laden team. For this Basketball World Cup, hosts España will have Homecourt advantage whilst TeamUSA look vulnerable with last minute roster changes and a squad largely inexperienced in International play.

It's worth noting the omission of Canada from the Tournament. They had a strong initial showing at FIBA Americas, even besting eventual Champions Mexico in the First Round. They faded in the later stages eventually placing 6th in the 10 Team competition. Had they fielded their NBA Players for the World Cup, Team Canada would have showcased 3 recent Cleveland Cavaliers' draftees including this year's No.1 pick Andrew Wiggins. The team would have also been led by recent NBA Champion, PG Cory Joseph. Canada would have been a fun team to watch. Several European teams are notably absent also, Powerhouse Russia alongside Italy and Germany. I feel FIBA Americas host Venezuela were an unfair omission after their Spirited 4th Place Finish. Considering Brazil were winless in the Tournament, Canada and Venezuela could have deservingly taken their place.

Below is a progress list of Current and recent NBA Players who'll be representing their Nation for the FIBA World Cup in Spain. I've denoted the players who won't be in uniform in Red.

2013 FIBA Africa Champion: Angola
Angola def. Egypt (57-40)

#15 Angola, Group D
n/a

#3 Argentina, Group B (4 of 5)
F Luis Scola, IND
F Carlos Delfino, MIL
G Pablo Prigioni, NYK
F Andrés Nocioni, PHI (2012)
G Manu Ginobili, SAS

#9 Australia, Group D (6 of 8)
F Aron Baynes, SAS
G Matthew Dellavedova, CLE
G Dante Exum, UTA
C David Andersen NOH (2011)
F Cameron Bairstow, CHI
C Nathan Jawai, MIN (2010)
C Andrew Bogut, GSW
G Patrick Mills, SAS

#10 Brazil, Group A (4 of 5)
G Leandro Barbosa, PHX
C Nenê Hilario, WAS
C Tiago Splitter, SAS
C Anderson Varejao, CLE
F Vítor Faverani, BOS

#16 Croatia, Group B
C Bojan Bogdanović, BKN
F Damjan Rudez, IND

#26 Dominican Republic, Group C
F Francisco Garcia, HOU
F Charlie Villanueva, DET
C Al Horford, DET

#46 Egypt, Group A
n/a

#39 Finland, Group C
F Erik Murphy, CLE

EuroBasket 2013 Champion: France
France def. Lithuania in the Final (80-66)

#8 France, Group A (5 of 13)
F Nicolas Batum, POR
F Boris Diaw, SAS
G Evan Fournier, DEN
C Rudy Gobert, UTA
C Ian Mahinmi, IND
G Nando De Colo
C Joakim Noah, CHI
G Tony Parker, SAS
F Kevin Séraphin, WAS
C Ronny Turiaf, MIN
F Mickaël Piétrus, TOR (2013)
G Rodrigue Beaubois, DAL (2013)
C Alexis Ajinça, NOL

#5 Greece, Group B (2 of 3)
G Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL
G Nick Calathes, Mem
C Kosta Koufos, MEM

2013 FIBA Asia Champion: Iran
Iran def. Philippines in the Final (85-71)

#20 Iran Group A
C Hamed Haddadi, PHX (2013)

#31 Korea, Group D
n/a

#4 Lithuania, Group D (2 of 3)
F Donatas Motiejūnas, HOU
C Jonas Valančiūnas, TOR
F Linas Kleiza, TOR (2013)

FIBA Americas Champion 2013: Mexico
Mexico def. Puerto Rico in the Final (91-89)

#24 Mexico, Group D (2 of 2)
C Gustavo Ayon, ATL
G Jorge Gutierrez, BKN

#19 New Zealand, Group C
C Steven Adams, OKC

#34 Philippines, Group B
C Andray Blatche, BKN

#17 Puerto Rico, Group B (1 of 3)
G José Juan Barea, MIN
G Carlos Arroyo, BOS (2011)
F Renaldo Balkman, NYK (2012)

#41 Senegal, Group B (1 of 2)
F Gorgui Dieng, MIN
C DeSagana Diop, CHA (2013)

#11 Serbia, Group A 
C Nenad Krstić, BOS (2011)
C Miroslav Raduljica, MIL

#13 Slovenia, Group D (1 of 2)
G Goran Dragić, PHX
G Beno Udrih, MEM

#2 Spain, Group A (6 of 6)
F Rudy Fernández, DEN (2012)
G José Calderón, NYK
C Marc Gasol, MEM
C Pau Gasol, CHI
C Serge Ibaka, OKC
G Ricky Rubio, MIN
F Victor Claver, POR

#7 Turkey, Group C (3 of 3)
C Ömer Aşık, NOL
F Enes Kanter, UTA
F Ersan İlyasova, MIL

#45 Ukraine, Group C
C Viacheslav Kravtsov, PHX
C Alex Len, PHX

#1 USA, Group C (Team to be decided)
C DeMarcus Cousins, SAC
G Stephen Curry, GSW
C Anthony Davis, NOL
G DeMar DeRozan, TOR
C Andre Drummond, DET
F Kenneth Faried, DEN
G James Harden, HOU
G Kyrie Irving, CLE
G Derrick Rose, CHI
G Klay Thompson, GSW
F Rudy Gay, SAC
G John Wall, WAS
G Bradley Beal, WAS
G Paul George, IND
F Paul Millsap, ATL
F Kevin Durant, OKC
G Kyle Korver, ATL
G Damian Lillard, POR
F Chandler Parsons, DAL
F Gordon Hayward, UTA

I've tipped the field for the FIBA World Cup. Hosts Spain have a good chance of knocking out TeamUSA but if they plan to it'll need to be in the Final game. Lithuania and Mexico will threaten the North Americans in the second stage, incidentally both teams are my Darkhorse favorites to win it. USA face little resistance in their own Group with Dominican Republic and Turkey being the best of the bunch.

The FIBA World Cup begins August 30 culminating in the Final, September 14th.
Download the full schedule PDF from the FIBA website here

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

Memphis Grizzlies: 'Bad News Bears' 2014

The Dallas Mavericks booked a ticket to the Playoffs by beating the Suns in a nailbiter. The Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns remain dueling for the Final spot, destiny is in their hands as they face each other in their penultimate game. I've updated my 'Bad News Bears' graphic to incorporate the 2014 squad. Its the most players I've featured with 7 but I still wanted to squeeze rookie Nick Calathes in there.

Bad News Bears 2014:
James Johnson, Mike Miller, Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph,
Mike Conley, Courtney Lee and Tony Allen

There have been a few roster changes over the years and some players I've omitted depending on their role in the team. Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph and Mike Conley have been the constants. Tony Allen has also been key but wasn't featured in the original graphic.

Bad News Bears 2013: Jerryd Bayless, Tayshaun Prince,
Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, Mike Conley, Tony Allen
Bad News Bears 2012: Gilbert Arenas, Rudy Gay,
Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, O.J. Mayo Mike Conley

Go Grizzlies! Phoenix have had a remarkable year and they're an affable team. Its shame that Memphis will have to oust their Cinderella run, hopefully there's room for all of us in 2015. Stay Calm and Keep Grinding.

Find previous 'Bad News Bears' posts
- Memphis Grizzles: Bad News Bears 2013
- Bad News Bears: Memphis Grizzlies to win the Chip

Update: In honor of the gutsy Game 7 sans Grizzlies Top scorer Zach Randolph. We've definitely had a string of bad luck entering the big game - suspended players, Mike Conley with Hamstring issues and Tony Allen with an unexpected migraine.

Lots of bad luck goin into Game 7. That's not why I call #Grizzlies the "Bad News Bears". They are Ultimate Underdogs pic.twitter.com/cZkzWi1617
— Loz Intransit (@30HomeGames) May 3, 2014

Joakim Noah talks hoops and travel with Rick Fox for 'Off the Court' presented by American Express

American Express presents 'Off the Court' with Joakim Noah

JOAKIM NOAH: (2m 20s) I think traveling is very important for anybody who has a chance to do it. Its just important to explore. It doesn't have to be a 5 star Hotel, it doesn't have to be a different Country. Its important to get out of that box, get out of your comfort zone, meet people and just follow your passion.
To me that's what its all about. I'm Joakim Noah and travel is my passion, what's yours?

American Express continue their fascinating NBA series 'Off the Court' with Chicago Bulls star Joakim Noah as chief ambassador. Understandably this is an inspiration for my Basketball + Travel blog. Joakim sat down with Champion Laker Rick Fox to talk hoops and travel for #AmexNBA

Chicago Bulls star Forward Joakim Noah talks about his passion for Travel

Off the Court Live Chat: Joakim Noah
RICK FOX: (11m 40s) We're talking travel. You come from an International family like myself and you like exploring new places. What do you love most about traveling?
JOAKIM NOAH: I think traveling is very underrated, its something that's really important and I just wish that more kids, more people my age were able to do it. I think that as soon as you get an opportunity, you get a little bit of money instead of buying some jewellery or things like that, traveling is way more important than something like that. It gives you the ability to compare different cultures and just see something different. I think that's really important
FOX: How is your upbringing as an International kid influenced your passion for traveling?
NOAH: My mother is from Sweden, my father is from France and West Africa. I was born in New York City so I didn't really have a choice. I come from a lot of different places. I have a lot of family from a lot of different backgrounds. I think it just makes me more sensitive to different people, to different cultures. When you come from different backgrounds like that it just makes you more openminded to things that are different
FOX: That openmindedness and sensitivity is a cross I bear too sir

American Express are also running a competition to be at the Chicago Bulls' 2014/15 season opener.

#AmexNBA Travel Challenge
When I travel, I love going to new and exciting places. Share a photo of somewhere you've been or something you've done that's unusual. If I think your journey stands out, American Express will send you to Chicago.

Unfortunately for fellow International NBA fans the competition is only open to US Residents. In the spirit of travel, I hope American Express widen their scope to include fans from around the World. As a big fan of Joakim Noah, #AmexNBA scored slam dunk choosing the French International as their spokesperson. He's definitely my spirit animal when it comes to passion, travel and "Off the Court" shenanigans.

- Find the official #AmexNBA 'Off the Court' mini site here

A Day in the Life of an NBA Player: Kevin Durant, Nate Robinson and more

Whilst backpacking I've encountered bands on tour, as well as fighters and sportsmen travelling for competition staying in various hostels. It's interesting spending time with them at leisure as they prepare for the task at hand. For myself, I've only ever traveled for pleasure. With business travel there's a focus on professionalism whilst juggling the perks of being on the road, the sightseeing, partying and sampling of local delicacies.

In the NBA as players have a set 30 cities they visit for competition, most would have developed their routine for places to frequent and people to visit. Jalen Rose has graciously imparted the 411 on other extracurricular activities on his 'Champagne and Campaign' segments for Grantland. Fans have been made aware of terms like "imports", "jumpoffs" and "roadkill". It's a world that I doubt I'll be accessing in my 30 Home Games adventure.

For as long as I can remember, I've been curious about experiencing the world through other people. Its manifest in my podcast and "ego-tripping" pursuits. With that, I've compiled a directory of videos featuring a 'A day in the life of' various NBA players:

A Day in the Life of an NBA Player

A day in the life of:
- Arron Afflalo presented by Athlete Interactive (17m 48s)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo presented by Bucks TV (6m 23s)
- Jason Williams presented by ESPN The Life (21m 32s)
- Jeremy Lin presented by JLin7 (5m 35s)
- Jeremy Lin 'Thank You Red Nation' presented by JLin7 (3m 06s)
- J.J. Redick presented by 2K Sports' College Hoops 2K7 (9m 54s)
- Kevin Durant presented by NBA TV (3m)
- Kevin Love presented by NBA TV (11m 22s)
- Luol Deng presented by Jay Z's Life + Times (21m 54s)
- Paul George presented by Jay Z's Life + Times (24m 44s)
- Roy Hibbert presented by Stack vids (5m 17s)
- Stephen Curry presented by Spiracle Media (3m 44s)
- Tyson Chandler presented by Mavs.com Interactive (10m 25s)

Kings.com presents McLemore, Boogie and Jimmer

Kings.com presents:
- Ben McLemore participates in his first Summer League (8m 54s)
- DeMarcus Cousins at the NBA Summer League (6m 25s)
- Jimmer Fredette NBA Road Trip to Utah (5m 23s)

Nate Robinson's 'State of Nate': Chicago, Miami, Brooklyn and Denver

Nate Robinson's 'State of Nate' created by TJ Regan
- Season 2, Episode 4: Miami Holdat (16m 20s)
- Season 2, Episode 6: Hello Brooklyn (17m 45s)
- Season 3, Episode 1: Thank You Chicago, Hello Denver (13m 12s)

Champagning and Campaigning in the NBA Cities: East and West

Jalen Rose speaks on "miscellaneous" activities for professional athletes:
- How Wives and Girlfriends are separated at NBA Games (3m 26s)
- What Really Happens when NBA Players go to Nightclubs (7m 12s)
- Jalen Rose on the NBA Pre-Game routine (4m 36s)

Grantland's Jalen Rose on why its OK for J.R. Smith to be at the club and how NBA players unwind

VIDEO: Jalen Rose Explains Why J.R. Smith Should Be At The Nightclub

JALEN ROSE: (1m 51s) In theory what I'm trying to say for the masses is everybody beats to their own drum and some guys need to relax to have a stress relief whether its going out hearing music, whether its going to have a couple of adult beverages just to relax and just to kick it. And then all of a sudden the next day, concentrate on basketball. Concentrate on your craft.

It's no different than somebody that has a 9 to 5. They didn't invent Happy Hours because of Athletes. They invented Happy Hours because when people get off work, most people need a stress relief before they go home to their real life and then to wake up the next day and go to their real job

A gallery of NBA Players in party mode:

James Harden’s All-White Yacht Party Looked Like Quite The Time

Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul & Russell Westbrook Party At Tao Nightclub

Team USA Partied Like This After They Won The Gold Medal (Photos)

Lebron James partying with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh after
the Big Threes' first NBA Championship

Champagning and Campaigning NBA style is one of the goals for the '30 Home Games' mission. It'll be tough without the NBA money and fame but all we can do is our best.

Find Champagning and Campaigning posts here:
- NBA Cities: Eastern Conference
- NBA Cities: Western Conference
- Jalen's Black Guy City Power Rankings
- Sydney celebration

NBA players suiting up in FIBA Americas, Caracas 2013

With the help of Hoops Hype I've compiled a list of the NBA Players one can expect to find in FIBA Americas, Caracas 2013.

Luis Scola of the Indiana Pacers

Argentina (1 of 4)
PF Luis Scola, IND
SF Carlos Delfino, MIL
SG Manu Ginobili, SAS
PG Pablo Prigioni, NYK

Brazil (0 of 6)
SG Leandro Barbosa, WAS
C Nenê, WAS
C Fab Melo, BOS
C Tiago Splitter, SAS
C Anderson Varejao, CLE
C Vitor Faverani, BOS  

Joel Anthony of the Miami Heat

Canada (5 of 10)
C Joel Anthony, MIA

PG Cory Joseph, SAS
SG Kris Joseph, BKN
PF Andrew Nicholson, ORL
PF Tristan Thompson, CLE
C Samuel Dalembert, DAL
PG Steve Nash, LAL
C Robert Sacre, LAL
PF Kelly Olynyk, BOS
SF Anthony Bennett, CLE

Fransisco Garcia of the Houston Rockets

Dominican Republic (1 of 3)
SF Francisco Garcia, HOU  
C Al Horford, ATL
SF Charlie Villanueva, DET

Jamaica (0 of 1)

Roy Hibbert

Gustavo Ayon of the Atlanta Hawks

Mexico (1 of 1)

PF Gustavo Ayon, ATL

JJ Barea of the Minnesota Timberwolves

Puerto Rico (1 of 1)

SG JJ Barea, MIN

Greivis Vasquez of the Sacramento Kings

Venezuela (1 of 1)
PG Greivis Vasquez, SAC

Definitely going to get a souvenir 'Caracas 2013' T shirt. The Vasquez, Venezuela jersey as well as the Luis Scola, Argentina one look the most enticing to me.

Update: Whilst Venezuela's star player was an emotional presence in the tournament, Greivis Vasquez was unable to play due to his rehabbed ankle. "I would like to play (at the FIBA Americas Championship), it's a desire that I feel in my heart, but at the same time I understand this is the correct decision. "I am sure that I will be an important player in the future of the national team of Venezuela.".
Greivis was recently traded to the Sacramento Kings and is one of the fastest rising stars in the NBA.

Credit: @FVBaloncesto

- My time in Caracas, Venezuela for FIBA Americas 2013

Live Basketball Store: Basketball Heaven in Cordoba, Argentina

Argentina are the only team that has comprehensively bested Team USA in International competition (Olympics 2004 and FIBA World Championships 2002). As such I was expecting a healthy support for Basketball. Despite spotting a humble Luis Scola mural and seeing a Manu Ginobili graphic for the Gatorade stand in the Supermercado I'd seen very little. None of the big Sporting stores and brands stocked basketball merch, not even sneakers for the most part. Let alone singlets and shorts.
(Update: I've been told the reason is a trade embargo rather than a lack of demand. Items need to be manufactured in Argentina.)

I was pretty bummed, that was until I discovered 'Live Basketball' in the student town of Cordoba. Occupying the first level it was Basketball paradise. I was in luck as currently there was an exposición for hometown hero Fabricio Oberto. It contained murals, medals, jerseys and sneakers from all his stints playing Basketball around the world including his Championship Ring for with the 2007 San Antonio Spurs and the 2004 Olympic Gold Medal. There were kiosks for each of his teams with videos highlighting his finest plays and Oberto's experience in each city.

The store stocked some cool Argentinian merchandise as well as NBA Gear.
Seriously, Basketball Heaven!

VIDEO: Live Basketball StopMotion

Fabricio Oberto Exposición: Facebook album

Fabricio Oberto: 10 yrs in NBA
10+ Years representing Argentina's National team

Oberto posing with FIBA and Olympic medals

Oberto's International jerseys and awards

Live Basketball Store

Full Court press

McFarlane Toys NBA Action figures

Manu Ginóbili jerseys

Shoe sizes for Wade, kobe, LeBron, Yao and Shaq

'Live Basketball' Cordoba, Argentina

More about 'Live Basketball':
Peatonal 25 de Mayo 34
Córdoba, Capital
Argentina
- Read the 'Live Basketball' Blog
- Like the 'Live Basketball' Facebook page
- Watch the 'Live Basketball' YouTube Channel
- About Founder Pablo Cabial

Update: Found another dedicated Basketball store in Argentina, this time in Rosario.
MVP Store
Tucuman 1319,
Rosario, Santa Fe

MVP Store - Official Facebook page

Australian-born Kyrie Irving to host Basketball Camps in Melbourne, July 2013

I'm coming home 2 Melbourne 2 run basketball camps in the July school holidays. Register at http://t.co/qLE0rJkrZI and get on board!!
— Kyrie Irving (@KyrieIrving) June 7, 2013

Australian-born Kyrie Irving will be coming to Melbourne to host a series of Clinics in July. "Uncle Drew" will be teaching 3 tiers of youngbloods for his camp:

Welcome to Kyrie Irving's 1st Pick Hoops - Australian Basketball Camps
KYRIE’S ROOKIE CAMP
Ages 9-12, Boys & Girls, Domestic and Representative Players
KYRIE’S EMERGING STARS CAMP
Ages 13 – 16, Boys & Girls, Domestic and Representative Players
KYRIE’S ALL-STARS
Ages 15 and above, Boys & Girls, Representative to Advanced Players

For those interested in taking home some footage of Kyrie in action you might be out of luck as the Official '1st Pick Hoops' webpage forbids any documentation:

Please note that First Pick Hoops will not be permitting members of the general public or registered camp members use of camera's, video camera's, iPhone's or other Photography devices during this camp.

Listen to Andrew Gaze on 'SEN Sports Sentral' interviewing Kyrie Irving about his Camp, NBA Future and personal history with Australia - Kyrie Irving on 'Morning Glory'.

Update: The former Dukie tries his True Blue Aussie accent at the airport