How basketball leads to connection: Isaac Eger on the 'Dear Adam Silver' podcast by Abigail Smithson

Writer and baller Isaac Eger AKA @gluten_daddy

I founded my 30HomeGames mission in Vilnius, Lithuania. I created the project after an unforgettable month traveling the country as the hoopsmad nation hosted EuroBasket 2011. It was my way of preserving that spirit and hopefully a way to keep chasing that high. It was the highlight of my year backpacking Europe, unlocking experiences and connections through a shared love of basketball.

My approach to travel is an extension of how I approach life: Wherever you are, be an interesting and interested person. Basketball becoming my wayfinder these past few years since founding @30HomeGames. I consume and follow plenty of hoops writers. Whilst traveling for work can be standard in sports journalism, I hadn't found many writers with the travel experience or approach that resonated with me.

Rafe Bartholomew was one I admired, he's an American who travelled deeply around the Philippines. Immersing himself in the culture and learning the language in order to understand why a small island nation was obsessed with basketball.

Episode 12: Isaac Eger on the Art of Playing Pickup Basketball

Isaac Eger was another. I found him through some streetball articles a few years ago. I enjoyed his gonzo approach to life and basketball and followed him since. He was a recent guest on artist Abigail Smithson's podcast 'Dear Adam Silver'. She discovered him the same way, describing him in the episode intro thusly:

Isaac is a writer and pickup basketball player, he has played the game all over the world. From Sarasota, Florida to New York City, to Cuba, Israel, Lithuania and Tibet. I reached out to Isaac a couple of years ago after reading an essay he wrote for Los Angeles Magazine about playing street basketball in LA.

In the episode, Abigail and Isaac discuss the power of games and how it allows us to connect with strangers and strange lands.

'Dear Adam Silver' Episode 12: Isaac Eger on the Art of Playing Pickup Basketball
ISAAC EGER: (43m 08s) We play basketball for reasons beyond just the game itself. I think that playing pickup basketball forces you to interact with people in a way that you wouldn't otherwise. I love playing basketball in different countries because I don't feel like a tourist. You know I feel very much on the level with everybody else...
ABIGAIL SMITHSON: Yeah it just seems like a powerful way to sort of build belonging where there is no belonging.

Abigail continues with a point that I've personally lived by. I backpacked Europe in 2011, then South America in 2013.  All my travels since have been Stateside or around Australia, always instigated by basketball. The beauty of this calling is it allows me to explore overlooked locales and find appreciation for any destination.

SMITHSON: (45m 12s) Yeah and I think when you're going to a new place and you get off a plane and then all of a sudden there's this other language around you and everything that you're used to is different. The fact that knowing you have a starting point is really a nice thing. It's like you can always go back to basketball to interact with that place. Rather than feeling like you have nothing to do or feel very groundless. 

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Alice in Wonderland, the OG Space Jam 🕳🐰. #JordanIII

A post shared by Loz In Transit (@30homegames) on Oct 9, 2018 at 1:32am PDT

My @30homegames Instagram project has been a handy catalyst for me to seek adventure. Because I've designed it so every post is basketball related, plenty of life experience goes uncatalogued. It's these times that are often the most unforgettable. Lost in the moment with newly made friends, wandering the unbeaten path. Feeling like Alice in Wonderland.

EGER: (45m 38s) That's the first place I always go to whenever I travel. I always look for the basketball court and I let everything else happen on the way to the basketball court. I'm very frequently on foot and a lot of the stories I write about that have nothing to do with basketball, I discover to and from the basketball court. When I go travel, I don't look to go to museums any more. I always found it to be a funny phenomena where people don't go to the museums in their hometown but the second they're in Paris, "We got to go to the Louvre". It's just like "Why?". Why do you feel like you have to go? So I almost avoid that and so if there's a basketball court on the way to the Louvre or I meet an employee there that can get me in for free or I get some special treatment then hell yeah I'll go. Otherwise I don't want to follow the same grooves everyone else has gone through in their travels...

Playing streetball with Colombian locals on Christmas Day 2013

My camera roll is odd and cryptic, devoid of selfies or tourist photos much to my parents chagrin. I have an archive of obscure jerseys in the wild, hoops of the world and nerdy stealth shots. I do it because I enjoy it. I learnt a while ago that one has to find joy in the process. In travel as in life, doing things to impress others is a fool's game if you're not enjoying the lived experience.

SMITHSON: (47m 17s) I don't think that following that blueprint of "these are the places you can't miss". It leaves you feeling a little bit like you've experienced this place in a very enclosed way and your idea of that place hasn't necessarily changed based on your experience.
EGER: Think about the way people share or position themselves relative to these places they have to go visit? I'm sure you've seen the people who are always holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
SMITHSON: Yeah, of course.
EGER: It becomes–It's no different than a green screen at that point.
SMITHSON: Totally. I have to say if I was there, it would be hard for me not to do it. I mean I've never been. I would just do because maybe that's why we interact with that space but I understand I'm trying not to seek them out because I think it lessens the chance that there's this unknown and a variable and when you have a list and when you have a travel book of all the sights you should see. Those variables you can't hear them as much.

Read Isaac Eger's articles:
- What Pickup Basketball Reveals About L.A.
- ‘I Got Next’: Exploring New York Through Pickup Basketball
- @gluten_daddy on Instagram

Find Abigail Smithson's work here:

- Official folio site
- 'Dear Adam Silver' podcast
- @abigailsmithson on Instagram

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

'One Day Sundays' Block Party goes National: September dates in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney

Una foto publicada por 30homegames (@30homegames) el Ago 8, 2014 at 1:17 PDT

I had the pleasure of being at the OG 'One Day Sundays' show, since then I've had the event circled on my Calendar as I dug the combination of "Ball, Beats, Babes and Booze'. I lived a short walk away from 'Vic on the Park' at the time and had participated alongside friends at the 3on3 Streetball events they hosted.

VIDEO: One Day Tour / One Day Sundays

Fast Forward a year later, the event and the 'One Day Crew' have blown up. The 7-strong crew comprised from four of Oz Hip-Hop's finest (Spit Syndicate, Horror Show, Jackie Onassis and Joyride) have been touring their album 'Mainline' and enjoy high rotation on Triple J Radio.
The next event this Sunday to cap off August will bookend a September-long Nationwide run where the boys will tour their Weekend banger for the first time to other corners of Oz - Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne. With a triumphant return home, September 28 in Sydney where it all began.

'One Day Sundays': Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney

'One Day Sundays', 1pm each Sunday of September 2014. OneDayers Joyride, Adit and Raph performing DJ sets alongside local spinners:
- Melbourne, Sep 7 @ 'The Howler'. 7-11 Dawson st, Brunswick
- Perth, Sep 14 @ 'Rosemount Hotel'. 459 Fitzgerald st, North Perth
- Brisbane, Sep 21 @ 'The Elephant'. 230 Wickham st, Fortitude Valley
- Sydney, Sep 28 @ 'The Vic'. 2 Addison rd, Enmore
Find all the dates for the September 'One Day' National Tour on the Triple J Gig guide

VIDEO: One Day Sundays @ The Vic

Whet your appetite on the 'One Day' YouTube Channel and we'll see you there Sunday :)
Find other posts on Streetball at 'Vic on the Park', Enmore:
- 30HomeGames will be at 'The Projects and Easts Basketball Game 3-on-3 Comp'
- Easts Basketball League presents 'Basketball Day' @ The Projects

'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 :)

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

<< continued from #SBC4 Tournament recap: Anatomy of a Champion (1 of 2)

After our low key win and the 30 minute break we were on bench duty. We were able to scout the first two teams who we considered formidable contenders for the Final. The Sonics gained the edge over Rack City in a game that went down to the wire. Their superior rebounding and interior presence overcoming Rack City's firepower. On the other court, hollering could be heard as Gators' guard 'Mik' lit up the Ruff Ryders with 4 triples. Mik was the reigning Champion GM, his long range form foreshadowing what was to come as we faced them next.

A gutsy 31-29 win by the 'Sonics' over 'Rack City'

After our hiatus we began our final Round-Robin, 10 minute game flat footed. The 'Gators' started the game hot, scoring exclusively from downtown on their first six shots. They also had the Tourney's most devastating Center and best Floor General so they controlled the game in the half court, lobbing it to their Big Man in the paint for easy points.

With 7 minutes to go and trailing 15-24 I'm sure it dawned on us that even if we were fortunate enough to win it all, it would lose its sting if we hadn't gone Undefeated. Our Big, "Superman" started the slow climb back with consecutive buckets before resting. Our last pick and virtual lock for 'Steal of the Draft' began to take the game over, forcing turnovers, hitting "And Ones" and a handy trey. Incredibly, 'Chang' had been making a case for each trophy the whole tournament. His performance in this game would have made it tough for the GMs voting for MVP. Remarkably we clawed our way back, trading baskets to close the match. "Uncle Drew" hit the clutch go-ahead jumper, our first lead of the game. 'Big D' got a questionable call the other way and knocked down his Free throws to put the Gators' back on top. With 20 seconds left our other Big 'Linsanity' dribbled it forcefully inside to hit the game-clinching deuce. 28-27, we survived. It was clear the team took it's name to heart. Whilst the title picture remained just as uncertain, this game showed we had the fortitude to match all Challengers

The epic comeback coming to fruition

The Semis pitted the Gators' against 'Rack City'. We would face the 'Sonics' who dropped to the 4th seed on for and against. Both matches were replays of our opening games, our showdown mirrored the first but shots were falling this time as both teams played loose. The 15 minute halves for the Championship stages worked to our advantage having the deepest roster. As we had a chain with solid links and standout players we could simply outlast opponents as their Stars got tired. The 10 extra minutes was the difference in our rematch with the Sonics.

The #SBC4 Stat sheet

Our toughest matchup, the Gators' faced a different problem. After being torched by 'Cannings' they applied a 'Box-and-One' defense for the rematch to contain him and force the other players to score. It was a fatal misdiagnosis as they underestimated the supporting cast and the equally deadly 'Taiwan Tiger' and 'Ridirkulous'. Rack City dominated, almost beating them by double. The 'Gators' unable to reverse their misjudged strategy change.

Whilst we expected the daunting prospect of facing the Gators for a Finals showdown. The incredible 50+ point Semi Finals performance by Rack City signaled they were coming into form. The MVP trophy was up for grabs with at least 5 players staking their claim. Check out these Tourney averages:

RACK CITY
#8 Cannings (Top scorer, 1st Overall pick) - 12pts, 3asts, 5rebs, 2stls, 1blk
#41 Ridirkulous (Double Double) - 10pts, 10rebs, 1stl, 1blk

Team UNDFTD
#11 Leo (Team leader) - 7pts, 3asts, 3rebs, 3stls
#2 Superman (Force in the middle) - 6pts, 5rebs, 1stl
#0 Chang (8th rd selection) - 6pts, 2asts, 3rebs, 2stl, 1blk

VIDEO: #SBC4 Finals recap - Team UNDFTD vs Rack City

Whilst the MVP trophy could have legitimately gone to any of these standout players, it was the Finals that ultimately clinched it. Leo in the game that mattered most dropped 9 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals to claim the award. To be fair his supposed "Stand-in" dropped a comparable line, in many ways 'Chang' wasn't an understudy as much as a duplicate of the MVP. He even challenged for 'Defensive Player' honors from the Guard position, the award going to 'Superman' who was an imposing anchor for our team.

Yes we did! 'UNDFTD' Championship Celebration.

Team UNDFTD, #SBC4 Champions

We did it! All the hard work and preparation paid off. Bringing on sideline coach Jesse was instrumental to our success and incredibly 'Jonesy' remained Undefeated claiming his 4th title. This one surely the sweetest, taking home the Championship trophy for orchestrating arguably the best campaign of #SBC tournament history.

Another amazing event hosted by Von RM. The standard of play, organisation and competition keeps improving with each iteration. Can't wait for the next one.

Update:
The impressiveness of the team was revealed in the following Tournament's Draft when 4 of our stars were selected by Round 2. The whole squad picked up by the fourth - SBC5 Draft Results

Find posts on previous Star Basketball events
- 30 Home Games participates in a Final Four Tournament
- 30HomeGames at the 2nd Star Basketball Tournament
- Star Basketball Tournament II recap
- Star Basketball Tournament III: Kicks on Court Gallery
- Recap of the 3rd Star Basketball Tournament
- #SBC4 Star Basketball Tournament IV: Kicks on Court Gallery
- #SBC4 Tournament recap: Anatomy of a Champion (1 of 2)
- #SBC4 Tournament recap: Road to Glory (2 of 2)

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

We recently wrapped up the 4th One-Day Basketball event amongst work colleagues - The 'Real Events' SBC Tournament. The 5 team GMs for the Tournament were ostensibly the Committee members that helped put the last two events together. 'SQ' (7pts, 9rbs, 4asts, 2.5 stls) the reigning two-time MVP declared he wouldn't be participating for #SBC4. His main rival 'Mamba' (8pts, 8rbs) followed suit which was sure to open up the field and herald a new MVP. This bore itself out as 3 of the teams split their games at 2 wins apiece and an MVP race that ended neck and neck.

The distinction of winningest player goes to 'Jonesy'. Having gone 3 for 3, he's been on each Championship team since the Tournament's founding. Tasked with being a GM this time around he had the opportunity to remove the "Lucky Charm" tag, seen as simply having the good fortune of being drafted with the most devastating player. Jonesy could remove all doubt for this latest campaign, assembling and managing his own team .

With the 4th pick of the Snake draft, Jonesy wisely built his team in consultation with his #1 pick. Despite being a standout of the group, 'Leo' remains humble and arguably the most enthusiastic of the pickup game crew. Together they selected a squad based on chemistry and consistent attendance to the Wednesday sessions. I had the pleasure of being drafted to this team in the later rounds. This was a masterstroke as the team gelled and defined their roles through constant play, there were times during the midweek scrimmages where half the participants came from our squad.

What we were playing for:
SBC Championship, MVP, Steal of the Draft and Defensive Player trophies

Another visionary move by our GM was creating a private Facebook group and bringing on board Jesse as 'President Team Advisor', a motivated player unable to participate on court due to nagging knee pain. The intensity of these moves was amusing and unsettling at first but the preparedness paid dividends on Game day. Particularly the advantage of having a detached observer to critique performance and manage the minutes.

In deciding our Team Name it was only natural we consider referencing our GM's remarkable winning run. It was audacious to be sure but we figured it was better to own it, place the targets on our back and galvanise the team into winning it for his legacy. We went with 'Team UNDFTD' and based our unis on the OG Toronto Raptors. In hindsight the 2014 Phoenix Suns had a more analogous identity with our Dual PGs, twin bigs and equally rounded roster.

The #SBC4 Uniforms:
Gators, Sonics, Ruff Ryders, Team UNDFTD, Rack City

The scouting report for our opponents were as follows:
Gators - The best PG/C Pick and Roll tandem surrounded by deadly shooters
Sonics - Balanced team with Height and solid rebounders
Ruff Ryders - Guard heavy with wiley veterans (read: Lots of Pinoys)
Rack City - Headed by 3 talented all-rounders that can shoot from range

We played the Sonics first up, our weeks of wargaming was finally going to be tested in battle. It was a tight game due to their size and rebounding, the shots weren't falling on both sides but we eventually took control with what would be our calling card for the Tourney, Points off Turnovers.

Our second Game was against 'Rack City' which featured the #1 Draft pick 'Cannings' in his first SBC Tourney. His hand was sizzling after torching the 'Gators' with some deep treys. He remained hot swishing a few times from a few steps beyond the arc but our balanced play deflated them as we ran away with the game in the second half.

The SBC's inaugural MVP tallying the wins and losses

We faced the 'Ruff Ryders' next. They were winless at this point so we came in confident after two solid wins against stiff competition. Knowing they had nothing to lose, the team of scrappy vets played with spirit and lead by 5 going into the second term. We knew we outmatched them in positions and had a second gear to access, we flipped the switch and took control with end to end to plays in transition.

Tournament intermission: Takeaway stir fry. 

Entering into the break we had lived up to our name, we knew we matched well with our opponents and it was just a matter of meeting the intensity come the later rounds. For the 30min intermission, Commissioner Von brought out takeway Stir Fry to feed the combatants and referees, an SBC first.

The months of scrimmages and excited chatter was coming to fruition. It was still a long Road to Glory but we were liking our chances. Would we meet our date with destiny?
Find out: #SBC4 Tournament recap: Road to Glory (2 of 2)

Find posts on previous Star Basketball events
- 30 Home Games participates in a Final Four Tournament
- 30HomeGames at the 2nd Star Basketball Tournament
- Star Basketball Tournament II recap
- Star Basketball Tournament III: Kicks on Court Gallery
- Recap of the 3rd Star Basketball Tournament
- #SBC4 Star Basketball Tournament IV: Kicks on Court Gallery
- #SBC4 Tournament recap: Anatomy of a Champion (1 of 2)
- #SBC4 Tournament recap: Road to Glory (2 of 2)

#SummerisSerious 2: Nike's Global Search for the "Baddest" streetballers

Nike have returned with their 'Summer is Serious' campaign and this time it's Global. Culminating in a pickup game in Barcelona, it seems to be capitalising on the congregation of basketball stars that will be in #Spain2014 for the newly named FIBA World Cup of Basketball.

Here is the promo:

Summer is Back and Summer is Serious. And this year we want to see your "baddest"... and because the baddest don't have borders get your passport because this time we're going Global.
We're going from LA to Liverpool, from Pittsburgh to Paris, from Chi-town to China. From the Parking lot to the Pool...
Ladies, fellas you can not hide if you've got game... so we wanna see your Hypnotic Handle, the Teardrop, the Crossover, your Eurostep. We wanna see it all. We don't care where you do it. We don't care how you do it and if you bring your baddest you could be drafted by one of these folks [Harden, Irving, Nowitzki, Diaw etc...] to play in the World's Biggest Pickup game this Summer in Barcelona.
- Film yourself
- Put it online
- Hashtag #SummerisSerious and we'll find it
If you've got game, it could be you. Move em!

'Summer is Serious 2' is going Global

Entrants are eligible from all around the World

Simply
1. Film yourself
2. Put it online
3. Hashtag #SummerisSerious and they'll find it

Get drafted by WNBA and NBA International superstars
from Kevin Durant to Marc Gasol.

I'm not sure I have the elite game to be a part of this but I definitely have the passion for Travel and Hoops which is what draws me to this campaign. It would also make it a trifecta having been at FIBA Americas 2013 and EuroBasket 2011. I'm encouraged that they're looking for the "Baddest", I'm sure I satisfy at least one of its meanings.
I'd love to be a part of this somehow.

- Go to the Nike Basketball 'Summer is Serious 2' minisite for more
- Find more about the the FIBA World Cup of Basketball

#SBC4 Star Basketball Tournament IV: Kicks on Court Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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


Nike Air Up '14 "Orlando"

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

Nike Lebron 11 "King's Crown"

- Jordan CP3.VI
- Adidas Super Beast

Nike Zoom HyperRev "Lakers"

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

- Nike FlyKnit Lunar1+
- Jordan CP3.VII

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

Nike Lebron 11 "Summit Lake Hornets"

Converse Aero Jam "Home"

Adidas T-Mac 6

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

Adidas Garnett 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recap of the 3rd Star Basketball Tournament

Its been a week since the 3rd One-Day Star Basketball Tourney.

Having not been eligible during Draft period I didn't have a team entering into the day. GM Mick graciously put me on his 'Grinderz' squad when a no-show opened up a roster spot. My team consisted of holdovers from the last tournament Champions - the reigning MVP, his sharpshooting wings and the undefeated "Jonesy". He remarked "I've been lucky each draft, all my teams have been a $1.50". I was off to a good start.

Tourney Draft order. Commissioner and Committee posing
with the Event trophies: MVP, Champhionship and 'Steal of the Draft'

The 5 SBC Teams and their Jerseys:
Supremacy, Avenjers, Grinderz, Hornets, Vatos

The Round Robin phase was competitive, no team going undefeated. Most games came down to the last possession, a few decided at the FT line after time had expired. Our team lost to the Avenjers after a sloppy start, we came second overall on points scored. Vatos were eliminated from the Semi-Final stage, Supremacy just squeezing past. The decider, a mere 2 points extra in total scoring over 4 games.

Tipoff: Vatos VS Avenjers

Another game down to the wire. Avenjers squeak by 18-17

After falling behind once again, the Grinderz avenged their sole loss against the Avenjers. There was some gamesmanship before the game, the Avenjers were in a serious huddle diagramming plays then playfully did a mock Haka. After the game both teams turned their attention to the other Semi still in play. The game went to overtime after Supremacy, the 4th placed team bullied the 1st placed Hornets with their BIGs.

Our team in White waiting to see who we'll face in the Finals.
In Overtime and the closing seconds decided on the line

The tension was high as both teams gave up careless fouls and missed crucial free throws in the dying seconds of extra time. The Hornet's star Point Guard drew the foul as time expired. With one to tie or both shots to win, he iced the pair leading to a Finals showdown between the day's two best teams.

Both teams watch on. The ball in flight determining
either a Hornet's Victory or a Second Overtime

The Finale featured a rematch of the two biggest stars who squared off in the last Tournament Finale. Our star player led the team on both ends of the floor. Half court no-looks and drop passes on offense, on the other end he was rejecting and diving for loose balls. Two timely threes from our star Forward created a buffer that allowed our team to breathe easy in the final seconds. We took home the Championship trophy, our veteran forward won 'Steal of the Draft' honors and the reigning MVP doubled his hardware for a second straight campaign. "Jonesy" made it 3 Championships from 3 attempts, planting him high on everyone's draftboard for the next tourney.

Grand Final: Grinderz def. Hornets 46-39
Semi Final: Hornets def. Supremacy 34-33

For myself it was bittersweet. Despite enjoying the Championship ride and getting the pleasure to watch the MVP dazzle every game, I played below standard and was largely a non factor. It'll only encourage me to practice harder for next time. Thanks to the Commish, the organizing committee and the wonderful HR staff who came on board for putting on another awesome event.

Can't wait for the next one.

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

Star Basketball Tournament III: Kicks on Court Gallery

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

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

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

Enjoy!

Adidas D Rose 3.5 "Chi-Town"

Nike Zoom Soldier VII

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

Nike Air Max Penny (Hoop Pack 2005)

Nike Kobe 8 PP "Philippines"

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

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

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

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

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

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