Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Star Basketball Tournament II recap

The 2nd Star Tourney has come and gone. Our team performed admirably but we only managed one win, we stretched the eventual champions in our Semi-Final playoff but our star player and former MVP got injured in the final 3 minutes. Upon his exit, what was a 3 point separation blew out to a convincing drubbing.

If there's any consolation the final was a nailbiter, with the game being decided by crucial free throws from both team's Star Players. The fallen team's star only managed 1 from 2 at the line. The Tournament's MVP iced both after drawing a foul in the final 15 seconds of the game. Tight D and a crucial block preserved the margin which led to unbridled celebration. The Tournament MVP was spectacular leading his team with Ricky Rubio like vision, dazzling with penetrating spin moves and half court no-looks.

Looking forward to the next tourney.

The Champions celebrate
The teams shake hands after an Epic Final
Check out our sick Yellow unis
The Star Tourney II Champions, The Carbonadoz
Star Tourney II
Our Star player doing what he does best
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

Sunday, December 9, 2012

30HomeGames at the 2nd Star Basketball Tournament

Wednesday, December 12 will be hosting the second Star Basketball Tourney.
The tournament has gotten bigger with the addition of a 5th team and full uniforms for each squad. Draft day was close to 3 months ago where I was humbly chosen in the 6th round. It's roughly the same position as last tourney when I was awarded "Steal of the Draft".

The pool of talent has gotten considerably better and more sizeable. My team last tourney which was projected to come 4th made a valiant run earning a spot in the Finals. Hopefully my current team, flanked by the reigning MVP (drafted 3rd) will be represented in the Finals but this time taking home the Chip.

Details to come. Wish us luck.

DenchWarmers: Uniform and Logos

Star Basketball Tourney II: 30HG Team logo mockups
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

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Chuck Klosterman talks about Gregg Popovich sitting out his San Antonio stars and the meaning of sports

In a previous post I offered some sports-themed existential questions as posed by by Comedians Pete Holmes and Dov Davidoff. Grantland writer Chuck Klosterman answers some of those questions as he weighs in on the Stern/Popovich brouhaha.
Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich takes a stand
'Are You Not Entertained?' by Chuck Klosterman
Last week, the Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-100 in a nationally televised game that people argued over more than they watched. It spawned one of those temporary controversies we need in order to sustain a 24-hour news cycle... I suspect those minor issues were mostly being analyzed as a way to avoid the deeper question this conflict demands, simply because the answer is too big to reasonably confront. The question is this: What are we really doing here?
...
Now, I don't mean, "What are we really doing here on Earth?" What I'm asking is, "When a dilapidated version of the Spurs plays the Heat in late November, what is actually at stake?" I'm wondering about the central purpose of pro sports, and how much of that purpose is directly tied to entertainment. It's a complicated question that keeps folding back upon itself...
For sports to matter at all, they have to matter more than that; they have to offer more cultural weight than merely deciding if Team A is better than Team B. If they don't, we're collectively making a terrible investment of our time, money, and emotion...

Monday, November 26, 2012

Inspiration: NBA Season of Drew 2007

When you're undertaking a mission its always good to refer to those who've accomplished the feat before you. Meet Drew, he completed single season stadium tours of the MLB (Baseball), NBA (Basketball) and Big10 (American Football).
Drew's tattoo of the landmarks from each NBA City
Drew capping the year at Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals between the Celts and Lakers
The Beginning...  (Saturday, August 4, 2007)
It's Thursday, August 2nd. I'm walking home from work at about 7:30 PM CST. It has been approximately one year since what my friends deemed "Summer of Drew," when I toured America visiting all of the sites and baseball stadiums. I begin to think how challenging, if not impossible that would have been to accomplish in 2006 had I been responsible for a job and not had several thousands of dollars saved in my bank account.
A few steps later I realized that I had just challenged myself to complete a similar task with a real job and without the money I once had. I try and ignore this idea, but unfortunately its not going away.
My goal is to visit all 29 NBA Arenas around the nation. Now many of you may say "Wait, there are 30 teams!" Yes, there are 30 teams, but the LA Lakers and LA Clippers both play at the Staples Center. I will however, be sure to attend both a Lakers and Clippers game, making it 30 games...
Drew lists a set of targets as he polishes his schedule and gets ready to embark on his NBA tour. Reading the early stages of the project you can sense the trepidation and uncertainty one imagines going through before undertaking such a mission. Its a great achievement and one I hope to complete with my own flair.
The Final Countdown... (Friday, November 2, 2007)
So here we are...hours away from the NBA Tour. Although I started planning in August, it came up ridiculously fast (goes to show how quickly life moves when you're motivated about something. As I head out for this venture, I've set 10 goals for myself.
  1. Foremost is to see a home game of ALL 30 NBA teams. Regular season games during the 2007-08. Who cares if you can do it in a lifetime. Challenge yourself and do it in a single year. 
  2. To appear on a national television broadcast regarding the NBA. This one stems from my mother laughing at the idea of me achieving this. Time to prove her wrong. 
  3. Make it to an NBA Finals game. The only way this one will occur is if the NBA helps me. Drawing attention to my tour is the only means of making this happen. 
  4. Receiving a handshake from NBA Commissioner David Stern and a Thank You for supporting for going all out as a fan of this sport. I want to be NBA Fan of the Year. I would prefer this happen at my final game in Milwaukee on April 12th, but I'll take it anytime. 
  5. Attend NBA all-star weekend. This one isn't in the budget...no way I can afford this, so the only way this one happens is if I receive some serious help. 
  6. Help the popularity of the NBA. I want fans to get back into the NBA again. Let's not make this sport an afterthought. I want it to return to its glory days during the Jordan era. 
  7. To change the perspective of one individual. I hope that someone who follows my tour will challenge him or herself to do something out of the ordinary, to not accept what seems to be the only option, and to think big. 
  8. To not ruin myself financially. My lifestyle probably violates every financial principle, so I'd love to pull this off and still be able to live to tell about it. 
  9. To make new friends around the country. The baseball tour provided me with several lasting friendships that i still actively keep in touch with today (& you'll soon see will facilitate the NBA tour in big ways). 
  10. Possibly the most desirable & most difficult goal will remain silent. If you follow my tour, it will likely reveal itself to you in time. I can not begin to explain how nervous I am as the time is quickly approaching. 
On a daily basis I worry about the financial aspect and every other day I worry about the weather/transit. Flights to the various cities will surely be difficult to "go off without a hitch" when you live in the Milwaukee/Chicago region. Nothing else worries me at this point. I learned enough about the world during my baseball tour & I've got the drive to make everything else work.
Simply inspirational
- MLB Drew 2006
- NBA Drew 2007
- Big 10 Football Tour 2009
- About Tourmaster Drew Cieszynski 

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Mitt Romney and Barack Obama lookalike play streetball

America awaits the results of Election day to see whether Obama has earned a Second Term or Mitt Romney becomes the 45th President of the United States. The NOC Entertainment Channel have made a series of humorous videos with Presidential lookalikes competing in events ranging from Hide-and-Seek, Breakdancing and even a Street Fight.

The video below is a game of 'PIG' on the famed New York playground 'The Cage' on West 4th

VIDEO: The NOC Episode 3 - Obama VS Romney play 'PIG'

The Real Barack Obama is arguably the most powerful basketball fan in the world, he famously converted Richard Nixon's White House bowling alley into a Basketball Court. Interestingly Obama, nicknamed Barry O'Bomber in his playing days might not be the most accomplished basketball player in Politics, that title could go to Sarah Palin. That said, there is no doubt Basketball and sports in general has benefited from the 44th President's interest and support as an engaged fan.

President Obama trying to shut down the competition
Proving President Obama's love for the game his campaign have organised 'B-Ballers for Barack' to appeal to his Hoopshead supporters. The President is often seen playing hoops during media events and has laced it up against the cream of NBA Talent (Lebron, Wade, Melo, Rose etc) in a fundraiser for the troops.

Make sure you vote and may the best person win.

Monday, November 5, 2012

HalfSleeve 3on3 Basketball Classic 2012 photos

The 2012 HalfSleeve 3on3 Basketball Classic was on this weekend and the photos are up. As usual there was great energy in the air in celebration of basketball.

Find more photos on the HalfSleeve Facebook page
HalfSleeve 3ON3 Basketball Classic 2012




2012 Audio Technica Slam Dunk Champion: Jayke Tice
2012 Champions: Bondi SuperVillains
Other HalfSleeve posts
- HalfSleeve 3 on 3 Basketball at Maybanke Courts, Pyrmont
- HalfSleeve 3on3 Basketball Classic 2012 photos
- Home Game: Basketball in Sydney - HalfSleeve 3on3

Monday, October 29, 2012

Doin' it in the Park: Streetball photos all over the world

The 'Doin it in the Park' doco hosted by Brown Class Cinemas was an inspired night out. The Facebook page has been a great source of photos taken by hoopsheads around the world.

Find the Facebook page here - 'Doin' It In The Park' Facebook
Mombasa, Kenya is Doin' it in the Park... way past dark
Photo courtesy of Malik D
Philippines is Doin' it in the Park
Photo courtesy of Brian Smith
Philippines is Doin' it in the Park
Photo courtesy of Brian Smith