Full @30HomeGames interview with GetBuckets on YouTube

<< crossposted on the 30HomeGames Medium blog

I was interviewed by Ryan of GetBuckets to close out 2023, we reflected on our time in Manila for the FIBA World Cup and talked about the world game. I had excerpted our conversation for an IG guide, but seeing as that feature was disabled, I've transferred that info here. You can still scroll through the IG guides via this link: 30HomeGames Instagram guides.

VIDEO: The NBA is not it and FIBA is proving its case  

Chatting with Ryan from Get Buckets.
We debriefed after our FIBAWC experience in Manila.
Find the full vid on the 'Get Buckets' YouTube channel.

My intention for FIBAWC 2023 in Jakarta 🇮🇩, Okinawa 🇯🇵 and Manila 🇵🇭

My World Cup Intention
LE: (1m 03s) I knew I had to do it my way, which is usually doing it all 3. Obviously most people will watch their team and whoever the host is, maybe go to Manila for the finals phase.

Because I'm doing it as a traveller, backpacker and explorer and also just someone who wants to immerse myself in the experience, I had to do it all.

Lietuva, where @30HomeGames began
LE: (2m 08s) I was hooping in Rotterdam🇳🇱 with a Spanish guy from the hostel… and he goes "You love basketball, you should go to EuroBasket".

I was like, "What's EuroBasket?"

He explained it to me, I looked it up and went to Lithuania a couple of months later… I got to see Dirk Nowitzki, Marc Gasol, Joakim Noah, Boris Diaw. All NBA guys obviously but that's a side of the game that maybe people don't know about.
You know "The Dream Team", you know your local national team but there's a whole world out there.

Taiwanese superfans of the Baltics in Jakarta

Hoops opening up the world
LE: (5m 22s) The more curious and the more you find out, the more you realise there's more curiosity to look into. There's more that we can dig into…"

Find your pack
LE: (7m 14) We all have to realise that attention is paid to what's popular but there's always going to be a small subgroup of people.

People like Australians who like the Boomers. People who like small market teams, who like the Grizzlies and the Timberwolves who are like
"🙋‍♂️ How about us? 🙋‍♀️ How about us?".
There's always been that tussle.

On growing the fanbase
LE: (8m 20s) For me - and we can talk about this with women's sport or just anything. You just need to build a loyal fanbase. You need to build a fanbase that's "ride or die " with you and who are genuine about the team. Genuine about the culture.

Success can bring you new fans, success can bring you new audiences... but you just need that loyalty, you need that culture. You need that sense of community.

Lebanon fans in Jakarta for FIBAWC

Win for Lebanon
LE: (10m 15s) My first World Cup game was Latvia vs Lebanon, probably the best crowd on both sides I experienced. Lebanon came second in FIBA Asia, Wael Arakji is a player I really like so I came in wanting to like Lebanon. They had an amazing support group... a massive amount of Lebanese fans, that's what it's about..."

Gold stays forever
RA: (11m 08s) This is where I really appreciated that mob of Australians, the old heads who were even wearing custom shirts… Even if the Boomers weren't there, they all had fun. That's what it's all about, being with your mates and enjoying the sport that you love.

Pilipinas at Australia (February 2018)

They say we love basketball
RA: (14m 28s) If the Philippines or Filipinos have the ability to support, they will.
...
In 2018 there was an exhibition match in Melbourne... Gilas vs Boomers. 80% attending were Filipinos IN Australia.
I was so proud that I was there, it was insane!
...
They will support the Philippines team, it's just outside of them and Team USA, it needs some work. I don't think it's the Filipinos' fault. Again, credit to the huge marketing machine that is the NBA...

Love of the game
LE: (19m 09s) You've seen this with sneakers… everyone's a sneakerhead now and everyone knows more about sneakers than you do. Then you're like wait "Didn't you just get into it two years ago?"

But that's all of life now...

Guest piece for 'SBS Voices'
LE: (19m 24s) Everything is just accessible but how does that translate into authentic following. Because if it's easy to get into something, it's also easy to get out of something out.

RA: That's right. Is it a trend or do you believe it as a person and it just became a trend?

This. Is. Wrestling. #30HGlive

Then. Now. Forever.
LE: (20m 08s) Everyone likes everything.

RA: There's small bubbles everywhere. They like their own thing.

LE: But then how many things in your life have you liked since you were 15? That to me is what's interesting… That's basketball for me. It's pro-wrestling as well and then there's a million other things.
But that's also what makes me, me.

Best way to find out
LE: (21m 53s) You want to search for it. There's a comedian Pete Holmes who [has a joke] about Googling. You can Google all knowledge but the best knowledge is when you experience it, maybe organically through conversation or organically through life...
And so for me that story is amazing because you had the intention for something to happen... And to me that's what the experience of going on these trips is about.

Getting swept up by @Gromuls and Team Latvia

The Latvian connection
LE: (23m 32s) I'm walking towards there, then I see a bunch of Latvians and I'm like "They're going to the game, I'll follow them
...
They're friendly to me and they give me a [Rolands Šmits] shirt so I become part of their crew...
So [@gromuls] he's a TikToker, an influencer, and he just knows everyone in Latvia so I was just connected with him for all the games yeah...

Meeting Raimonds Vējonis

LE: (24m 14s) "I want to introduce you to someone. he's the President of Basketball". So I shake his hand, take a photo. He's a cool guy.

Then later on everyone else is taking photos with him and one of the guys goes, "You know who that is right? That's the former President of Latvia".
...
This is who I want to meet and connect with. People who are just like: You're a fan, I'm a fan.
I'm a person, you're a person.

Srbija Got Game

RA: (27m 58s) You want to understand why the last three MVPs in the NBA are not American, this is why. You have to see how they play, how they connect. They're so different.

I go back to Bogdan, this is why I want a Bogdan jersey... he's the lifeblood of the Serbian team.

30HomeGames sees the world (Indonesia + Japan + Philippines): FIBA World Cup wishlist

Jakarta, Indonesia + Okinawa, Japan + Manila, Philippines (Aug25 - Sep12)

I attended my first Basketball World Cup last year, watching the best women in the world in my hometown Sydney. In a month I'll embark for FIBAWC, watching games in Jakarta, Okinawa and Manila. I've been to Indonesia, Japan and Philippines previously but this will be my first solo adventure exploring these cities. Backpacking has been a great way for me to immerse myself in new places, and a big part of what drives my 30HomeGames mission. 

Being born in Cebu, I've had my sights set on this FIBA World Cup since it was first announced. Connecting with my birth country, a hotbed for basketball, and on the grandest stage of them all. I'm flexible on my trips but do search for my other loves of wrestling and comedy wherever I go. Its ultimately a stand-in for finding niche and subculture in new places. Otherwise its exploring neighbourhoods with street food and streetwear as a pretext, on top of the usual sightseeing and hoops of course. 

I've generally just made wishlists for my NBA trips. With the scale of the trip and it being my first basketball mission since the pandemic, it made sense to create a guide. If you have any suggestions, kindly let me know in the comments or get in touch via Instagram or Twitter.

Via BobbyHundreds' IG stories

JAKARTA, Indonesia

EATS
- Union Group (American brasserie, bakery & bar)
Plaza Senayan, Pondok Indah Mall, Pik Avenue
- LEKO (Indonesian)
Jl. Arteri Pd. Indah No.10, RT.10/RW.6, Kby. Lama Utara, Kec. Kby. Lama, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12240
- Rumah Makan Padang Sari Indah (Indonesian)
Jl. Wolter Monginsidi No.7, RT.5/RW.2, Selong, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12170
- GIOI (Farm to Table)
Jl. Senopati No.88, RT.7/RW.3, Selong, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190
- August (Modern Indonesian)
Sequis Tower - Ground Floor #03-02, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No.Kav. 71, Jakarta, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12190
- Sate Khas Senayan, Kemang (Sate & Seafood)
Kemang Square, Jl. Kemang Raya No.3A, RT.14/RW.1, Bangka, Kec. Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12730
- Meatsmith Jakarta (Steakhouse and American BBQ)
Gunawarman No.17, Selong, Kec. Kby. Baru, Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12110, Indonesia

FASHION
- A G E L E S S G A L A X Y ®
Jl. Bangka Raya No. 10, Unit C Pela Mampang, Mampang Prapatan Jakarta Selatan 12720
- Primetime Jakarta
STC Senayan No. 1001, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270
- Sepatu Compass
Sawah Lio Raya 4 Jl. Sawah Lio Gg. 9 No.20, RT.3/RW.6, Jemb. Lima, Kec. Tambora, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11250

OTHER
- Bucketlist (Art Gallery + Basketball Court)
R.H. Moh. Tohir No.1, Tanah Baru, Bogor Utara. Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16154
- Ketawa Comedy Club

Indonesia Arena
QRP2+376, Jl. Pintu Satu Senayan, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270

The Group Phase (My Indonesia leg)

Jakarta Games
Group G: Brazil, Côte d'Ivoire, Iran, Spain
Group H: Canada, France, Latvia, Lebanon

Arriving Friday, Aug25
- Group Phase, 1st Round (Friday Aug25 - Wednesday Aug30)

_________________________________________

OKINAWA, Japan

Other
- Itinerary and Eating suggestions from MsTravelSolo
- Ogimi Village
Known for its long life expectancy

Events
- Tug of War Festival
These festivals usually take place from July to October to pray for a good harvest.

2nd Round Group Crossover (My Japan Leg)

Okinawa Arena
1 Chome-16-1 Yamauchi,
Okinawa, 904-0034, Japan

Japan Games
Group E: Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan
Group F: Cape Verde, Georgia, Slovenia, Venezuela

Arriving Thursday, Aug31
- 2nd Round and Classification (Thursday Aug31 - Sunday Sep3)

_________________________________________

Philippines Travelogue: Alexander Wolff, Rafe Bartholomew, Kevin Couliau

MANILA, Philippines

EATS

Collections from Manila with @nikkorms from Titan 🇵🇭

How Kobe Bryant visited the Philippines, laughed at his tattoo and then signed a pair of shoes for him 🙏 pic.twitter.com/Ro77k6Ty2u

— B/R Kicks (@brkicks) August 25, 2020

FASHION

- SLAM Online Philippines
- Titan 22
1108 Katipunan Ave, Quezon City, 1800 Metro Manila, Philippines

- Titan Conrad

#230-231 S Maison, Second Floor, Conrad Hotel Manila, Marina Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay 1300

- Titan22 Outlet
Building C 2FR-1 Solenad 3, Nuvali Sta. Rosa 4026

- Season Pass
63 Maginhawa, Diliman, Lungsod Quezon, 1101 Kalakhang Maynila, Philippines

Wrestling
- Manila Wrestling Federation
September 24: Aksyonovela TV Taping @ FitnessPlayground PH

OTHER
- P. Villanueva & F.Sanchez, Pasay, Metro Manila
"I came upon the smallest basketball arena I'd ever seen, and in its own way the grandest." Mentioned in Alexander Wolff's 'Big Game, Small World' (2002)

- Private Road, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila
"We first hit Private Road. I’ve never liked the term “streetball” since it wasn’t a label our own community created but rather a term that media and corporate brands pushed" — Photographer Kevin Couliau in his Asphalt Chronicles Vol.1 zine

- #TheCourtyardMNL, Bonifacio Global City
Press Release: "Nike just launched Manila’s newest basketball court in the heart of BGC. A safe space for every baller to work on their game."

- Payatas Dumpsite, Quezon City (closed?)
"There's got to be a better way. Obviously people have been here for generations and they are making a living... I'm sure basketball is one of those things that help you deal with those realities..."
— Author and host Rafe Bartholomew in NatGeo's docuseries 'Pinoy Hoops' (2014)

- Secret Fresh, DJ Bigboy Cheng
Ronac Art Center, Ortigas Ave, San Juan (11am-6pm)
R2, Power Plant Mall, Rockwell, Makati (11am-9pm)

VIDEO: LeBron, Paul George have visited this famous basketball court in a crumbling tenement | SC Featured

- Fort Bonifacio Tenement
"The Tenement has since become an iconic symbol and a bucket list destination for those who love basketball" —Jordan Clarkson in SC Feature.

Events

Winning Time! (My Philippines leg)

Manila Games
Araneta Coliseum
General Roxas Ave, Cubao,
Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila
Group A: Angola, Dominican Republic, Italy, Philippines
Group B: China, Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Sudan

Mall of Asia Arena
Mall of Asia Complex, J.W. Diokno Blvd,
Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila, Philippines
Group C: Greece, Jordan, New Zealand, USA
Group D: Egypt, Lithuania, Mexico, Montenegro

- Group Phase, 1st Round (Friday Aug25 - Wednesday Aug30)
- 2nd Round and Classification (Thursday Aug31 - Sunday Sep3)
- Quarter Finals (Tues Sep5, Wed Sep6)
- Classification 5-8 (Thur Sep7)
- Semi-Finals (Fri Sep8)
- Classification 7-8 (Sat Sep9)
- Finals (Sun Sep10)

#30HGaustralasia Plans for 2016: 'Australian Boomers Farewell Series' in Melbourne and a Texas NBA Road trip

Approaching the midpoint of 2016, I'd made no travel plans for the year. In an instant, I locked two Basketball trips this past month. The '30 Home Games' mission streamlines my decision-making. Once tournaments and events arise, I'm sprung into action. With momentum on my side and a hospitality job that allows me fleet of foot I've been able to capture the sense of light air I've had on long-form backpacking trips.

The Farewell Boomers' series came to my attention when I glanced a TV ad at work. Within a few days, I orchestrated time off and am making a return pilgrimage to send off the Aussie National Team. There is still uncertainty regarding the availability of NBA star Andrew Bogut, who sustained an injury in the NBA Finals series. On the other hand, It'll be good to see newly crowned Champ Matthew Dellavedova before he dons the colors of his new team, the Milwaukee Bucks.

Farewell Series: Boomers vs Pac-12 College All Stars
July 12 + 14 at Hisense Arena. Melbourne, Australia

Not being an avid follower of the College game, it'll be fun scouting rising talent that we may eventually see in the NBA. It was a privilege seeing now No.1 Draft pick Ben Simmons in front of his hometown as he toured Down Under with his LSU Tigers. Unbeknownst to me I actually witnessed 'Rookie of the Year', Karl-Anthony Towns as he represented his native Dominican Republic during FIBA Americas 2013. I didn't realise this until he entered the NBA 2 years later. Perhaps we might glimpse a similar gem amongst the Pac-12 College All Stars.

This Melbourne trip comes on the heels of buying return tickets to Houston in November for what I thought was my lone vacation for the year.

Going to California or Texas
- Toyota Center (Houston Rockets)
- American Airlines Center (Dallas Mavericks)
- AT&T Center (San Antonio Spurs)

Besides considering when Game days are, I usually don't do much planning or pre-booking to allow freedom of movement. The NBA schedule being typically released by early August. I originally had a choice between California or Texas for my trip. Whilst California offered more known non-basketball pursuits from Wrestling, Art Shows and Comedy. Texas was the exotic choice. A place I'd long been fascinated with and had yet to visit. Especially Austin, the homebase of two creative rolemodels Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez. The latter's 'TroubleMaker Studios' being a dream destination for me to visit.

A photo posted by Loz In Transit (@30homegames) on Jun 20, 2014 at 1:37pm PDT

Another key leg of the journey, regardless of whether I chose Texas or California was spending November 1st in Mexico for 'Dia de los Muertos' (Day of the Dead). Due to time constraints, I'd be limited to a Mexican Border town a bus ride from Houston. I've been advised against this from some Mexican friends on the grounds of excitement value and risk. Having been to Caracas, Venezuela for FIBA Americas 2013 I'm no stranger to travel warnings. I took heed and eventually canceled my plans for AfroBasket 2015 in Tunisia due to events on the ground.
What makes the Mexican excursion different is that I'm not there for basketball. '30 Home Games' has given me resolve in the past to forego initial trepidation. It gave me comfort during the hardship of navigating China and steeled me against the concern of visiting Venezuela. Both rewarding trips when said and done. The Mexican leg is still under ongoing advisement. Perhaps I just have to find a basketball related Carrot on a stick.

Basketball Destinations:
- Find photos and stories of my past Melbourne trips: #30HGaustralasia
- Champagning and Campaigning in the NBA Cities: Western Conference edition
- 30 Home Games mission: Southwest Division map
- 30HG Destination Spotlight: Troublemaker Studios (Austin, Texas)

LozinTransit in 2015: American Roadtrip, FIBA Oceania and Asia

<<crossposted on the 'Loz in Translation' blog

Founded in Lithuania during EuroBasket 2011, I've been documenting my search for basketball experiences on my @30HomeGames project. It became an Instagram-focused pursuit when I got my first smartphone in 2014, each day capturing a moment through the lens of basketball. Whether its snapping basketball kicks on a bushwalk, a jersey at a foodie gathering or finding "hoops of the world". These daily scavenger hunts have made my adventures at home as novel as my adventures abroad, a premium placed on quirky and improbable intersections.

#30HomeGames in 2015: USA Roadtrip and being the Ultimate NBA fan

I started 2015 with a splash, spending 2 weeks on the US East Coast. The New York Knicks graciously hosted my friends and I at the "world famous" Madison Square Garden. An auspicious start for my mission to visit all 30 NBA Cities.

In 2011 and 2013 I quit work and went on extended trips, 13 and 6 months respectively. I knew this wouldn't be the case for 2015 but continuing my FIBA (International Basketball Federation) streak would be a solid consolation. During my EuroTrip I spent a month in Lithuania as they hosted the biennial European Basketball Championship. I made sure to attend the Americas equivalent in Venezuela during my 2013 South America Trip. For 2015 I had a choice between FIBA Asia and AfroBasket. I had sights on the African tourney in Tunisia but ultimately decided against it with uncertain developments in the area. Going to Changsha, China for FIBA Asia and adding nearby Wellington and Melbourne for FIBA Oceania rounded out a worthy mission for the year.

Stash from Australia, New Zealand and China

Under the umbrella #30HGaustralasia, the itinerary for Oceania was:
Aug 15 - Melbourne, Australia. FIBA Oceania Game 1
Aug 18 - Wellington, New Zealand. FIBA Oceania Game 2
Aug 22 -  Melbourne, Australia. LSU Downunder Tour
Sep 23 to Oct 3 - Changsha, China. FIBA Asia
Oct 11 - Shenzhen, China. NBA Global Games

As with previous forays into FIBA action, watching games came with a learning curve. I endeavour to watch as many of the competing nations as possible, sourcing tickets through official channels. Regular games usually don't meet quarter capacity whilst the host nation plays to a packed house which often means having to brave the secondary market. With FIBA Asia in Changsha, there was little choice but to deal with secondary vendors. Rather than having booths by the stadium, tickets were sold at the nearby university. A stall was set up with all the tickets emanating from a lone backpack manned by a student-type, these were snapped up by enterprising locals who tried their luck reselling them. All transactions were cash in hand which makes one wonder where the money ultimately ended up. How much you paid for tickets fluctuated with demand and the whims or mercy of the vendor, a glimpse into the negotiable markets of China.

In some ways this helped. I paid most for tickets in the beginning when I was just getting my bearings and saved money progressively. I watched all 7 Gilas Pilipinas victories paying around 100-200 RMB (AU$20-$40) for the earlier, less coveted games. Come the Playoffs as Gilas matches were incorporated into double-headers with the China games, we were able to ask for tickets from the departing locals who only wanted to watch their national team play. We had to compete with savvy resellers doing the same. Newcomers invariably get taken advantage of so it helps to ask around and get a lay of the land as early as possible. The fun part about these trips are always the things you stumble on and the connections you make that can only happen by being on the ground and having your feelers out.

A photo posted by 30homegames (@30homegames) on Sep 30, 2015 at 5:20pm PDT

Whilst this proved successful for watching other games, I ultimately couldn't stomach paying the high price to see the host nation play. I departed Changsha altogether on the morning of the Philippines VS China grand final knowing it'd be futile trying to watch it live. Reports would later say that even Filipino coaching staff had trouble securing tickets for the game.

This proved the same for the NBA Global Games in Shenzhen between the Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers. With tickets starting at a hefty AU$80 and ultimately selling out, I braced myself for an uphill battle. I was happy to observe the pandemonium in search for access but didn't want to risk any money by joining them, I witnessed every manner of bribery and trickery imaginable from eager travelers and locals desperate to watch the game.

Vista views: Fenghuang and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Ticketing aside, for me these trips are shaped by the adventures outside of basketball. Without the benefit of a rolling start and the considerable language barrier, this mission was arguably my most challenging travel experience. As South China was less frequented by western travelers I didn't encounter many peers, on the other hand I was less concerned about falling prey to travel scams. Interestingly as China is densely populated and I'd unwittingly visited during the Golden Week holiday, I was never very far from hordes of Chinese locals who were commuting during their short annual window away from work. En route to my final basketball destination in Shenzhen, I spent a week traveling through Fenghuang (Ancient Phoenix town) and Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (popularly inspiring James Cameron's 'Avatar'). Heavy rain and a severe dose of food poisoning put a damper on some of the days but it turned out to be some of the most scenic places I've ever visited.

The China trip gave me lessons and set expectations for AfroBasket and FIBA World Cup if I am to pursue them. Likewise for missions in general. At times it can feel more like a business trip, as previously these basketball trips were happy detours on a larger backpacking adventure I hadn't really noticed the process of it previously. Interestingly all my trips this year have been in the service of basketball, beginning with USA to Melbourne, New Zealand and China. I like traveling with a larger theme in mind, so its only fitting.
Its been a good year. My daily Instagram snapshots, whilst seemingly one-dimensional with its basketball theme offers a fair accounting of what I've been up to. No plans for 2016 but I've got my head up waiting for the next play.

Find other Basketball adventures here:
- Balancing Basketball and Travel in Lithuania (1 of 2)
- My time in Caracas, Venezuela for FIBA Americas 2013
- Hashtag Roadtrip: #30HGroadtrip

'30 Home Games' on Instagram: Basketball Souvenirs, Streetball and Hoops around the world

Jacques Henri Lartigue: Why I'm getting a camera
I was steadfast (stubborn) in not getting a camera as I had enjoyed the manufactured dynamic when I told people I was without one. I was happy with other people's photos, it became an experiment. It allowed me to live in the moment, any photos of me were candids or documented outside myself.

Many of my basketball experiences during my travels haven't been captured in photos. I only got my first smartphone 3 months ago (Shoutout to SP*) and only had a camera for a quarter of my time during Europe 2011 and South America 2013.

The '30 Home Games' mission in pictures
Follow @30HomeGames on Instagram

The main goal of this blog is to have lived experiences, writing about it has been a good way to capture the memories and encouraged me to find more. Often times however it's been without photographs. I don't have any courtside shots of the games I watched in Caracas (FIBA Americas) or the during the NBA lockout period that made my time in Lithuania (EuroBasket 2011) so star-studded. Whilst they were fun, my interests are more in personal interactions than celebrity-spotting. I value experiences had outside the arena, often through the prism of basketball but ideally as a participant rather than a spectator.

Some moments only gain stature in my mind due to lack of documentation. I befriended an Amsterdam local at a hip-hop bar because of his Amar'e Stoudemire 'Stat NY' shirt. With his recommendation, I took a 30min bus ride to Amsterdam-Noord for some pick-up games which immediately got rained out. Play carried on, a mixed full court game in the wet gray. A moment that has stuck with me for its surrealness.

The last few months up I've set up a '30 Home Games' Instagram to house the photos I do have. Below are a few samples of the types of photos, graphics and hashtags to look out for. A few are crossposted on my my other platforms - The 30HG Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr.

My collection of sneakers and the stories behind them
Explore #30HGkicks

Basketball references are always shoehorned into each life snapshot
Porto Alegre, Brazil (Oct 2013)

Streetball experiences at home and in my travels
Bogota, Colombia (December 2013)

Collection of Basketball shirts collected in my travels
Explore #30HGtees

Crossposts of the graphics found on this blog
'Team UNDFTD' emerge victorious

Basketball adventures found in my hometown of Sydney
'One Day Sundays' (Booze, Beats and Ball) at Vic on the Park

Kindly Follow '30 Home Games' on Instagram. Tell a friend to tell a friend :)

30HG Interviews | Australian NBA Tourism: NBA summer leagues and other pro-am summer events

For international fans traveling to the States during the off-season there are still opportunities to catch NBA action and quality basketball in the summer. Various pro-am and brand sponsored events regularly feature NBA stars and other famed streetballers. NBA summer leagues in Orlando and Las Vegas also offer a limited set of NBA teams showcasing upcoming stars.

My outlet store pickups from Summer League 2009
Find more at #30HGtees on the '30 Home Games' Instagram

Whilst I've had the pleasure of seeing NBA players in action at home (Sydney 2000) and abroad (EuroBasket, FIBA Americas), my only taste of them stateside was during the 2009 Summer League in Las Vegas.

Samsung NBA Summer League: Las Vegas

My friend JY*, a die-hard Pistons fan recently checked out the 2014 NBA Summer League. He had the fortune to preview rookies Jabari Parker and Andrew Wiggins before they take the league by storm. I quizzed him on the experience and asked him to share some thoughts on what to expect at NBA Summer League and the stars we'll see in the upcoming season. All photos courtesy of JY*

Where did you stay and how long were you in Vegas. How much were the tickets?
I only attended 2 days due to family commitments. We stayed with the in-laws who live relatively close to the stadium. At $28 a day (up to 4 games) I thought that was a bargain, definitely worth it so no need to approach the scalpers.

Australia's own Dante Exum facing down Giannis Antetokounmpo

Basically there are 2 stadiums - Thomas & Mack Center and the Cox Pavilion (right next to each other). If the game you want to see is at the Cox Pavilion - book your tickets well in advance (limited seating). If your games are at the Thomas & Mack you can rock up on the day (plenty of seats).

[Ed: Scalpers approached us during my visit in 2009. As Re-entry with a stamp was possible, opportunists offered discounted stadium access with their replica stamps. I'm sure the system has changed.

The Thomas & Mack Center would later become infamous as it was the site of Paul George's gruesome injury a few week after Summer League play. The non-regulation basket stanchion due to the stadium's cramp spacing partly to blame for the freak occurrence.]

Giannis with an acrobatic layup

Any tips on players to look out for in Fantasy?
From the 7 games I saw, Giannis really stood out for me. Just an unbelievable athlete who had a LOT of confidence at both ends of the floor. He reminded me of Durant to be honest. Jabari reminded me of Melo, he had a lot of maturity and looked very comfortable with the ball in his hands during ISO plays. Great shooter too. Exum looked very comfortable too, great penetrator and fearless. I just think he'll get outmuscled by the bigger 2-guards, so best for Jazz to to play 'run and gun'. Tim Hardaway Jnr was an absolute scoring machine and was probably the most intense player I saw at the Summer League. Shane Larkin also made a big difference for the Knicks when he was on the floor, solid point guard and if Calderon picked up an injury, Larkin would be a double-double player. The players I was disappointed in were Ben McLemore (quiet), Noah Vonleh (lacked activity) and Shabazz Napier (low points + assists) - I sure won't be grabbing these guys on my fantasy team!

Freshman coach Derek Fisher speaking to his New York Knicks

How is Summer League competition? Who would it appeal to?
100% this is for the nerds, definitely not enough star power there to excite the average fans. I honestly thought it was Disneyland though as there were plenty of coaches/players walking around the stadium and if you were lucky sitting in the stands with you! I'm also really interested in rookies and the other up-and-coming sort of players. Running into the likes of Ben McLemore, Nerlens Noel, Tom Thibodeau and Scott Brooks was really cool. I went up to Austin Daye too, not the biggest name but an ex-pistons rookie.

#2 Pick Jabari Parker leading the Milwaukee Bucks

Any other brushes with fame in Vegas?
Coincidentally went to the PALMS one night and ran into a NBA table tennis fundraiser. Couldn't actually get in but saw Mike Bibby, Mike Dunleavy Snr and Dennis Schröder walk out.

[Ed: If you know your players, you'll have plenty of sightings. During my 2009 experience Walt Frazier hopped into our cab after we were done with it. I congratulated Corey Brewer on a standout performance as he was cashing chips at the Casino]

Philadelphia 76ers "rookie" Nerlens Noel

Which teams stood out for you? Upset Detroit weren't playing?
I think the Jazz and Bucks have a lot of young talent coming through which showed at the Summer League. If the Bucks have Larry Sanders playing, I think they are a very complete team. Same with the Jazz, solid at all 5 positions. Given a couple of years who knows where these teams could be. McBuckets didn't play on the day I went which is probably the biggest disappointment as from previous games it appears he was a steal for the Bulls and gives them another good wing player in addition to Snell and Butler. It was OK, the Pistons played the smaller Florida Summer League. Overall the Summer League was an unbelievable experience for this NBA diehard, still yet to see a regular season game live after 20 years following the league. I would definitely return, the next item on the bucket list is to see a Pistons game for sure!

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As a hoops nerd, I'd love to be a part of NBA Summer League or any of the pro-am events available during the off-season. Whilst I prefer the intensity of playoff basketball it's nice to celebrate upcoming talent and witness the future and potential of the NBA in casual surroundings. More often than not, they're also hosted in interesting parts of the country.

I've compiled a list of annual summer events below:
- Drew League (Los Angeles, August)
- The Seattle Pro-Am Basketball League (Seattle, August)
- Samsung NBA Summer League (Orlando, July)
- Samsung NBA Summer League (Las Vegas, July)
- Bobbito Garcia's Full Court 21 (New York City, August)
- Venice Basketball League (Los Angeles, July - September)
- Miami Pro League (Miami, August)

- Nike Hoops Summit (Portland, April)
- Adidas Nations global basketball camp (Orange County, August)
- Under Armour Elite 24 (New York, August)

Find my other posts on American traveling tips from Australia:
- Australian NBA Tourism: Planning an NBA road Trip from outside the United States
- Australian NBA Tourism: NBA Summer Leagues and other Pro-am Summer events

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