The Beginning

"Now once upon a time, not too long ago..." - Jay-Z - 99 Problems

I've always had a passion for basketball. My older brother introduced me to the game, as he would often bring me to the playground while he would hoop for hours. Since I was younger and didn't understand the game...I was drawn to it by default. 

You always want what you can't have.

Solace

Once I learned the basic fundamentals, I never looked back. The sport has taken me far, as it continues to challenge and teach me about hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Recently I was on Twitter congratulating the Lakers on a victory...when none other than Andre Iguodala wrote me back saying that I should learn to cheer for my hometown Philadelphia 76ers. I was surprised to say the least, and I defended myself by saying that I'm a Kobe fan...who is also a native of west Philly. Nevertheless, in the days following that exchange, I felt bad for not being a big advocate of the Sixers. 

Iguodala had a valid point, and today as we texted one another a Merry Christmas I thanked him for speaking his mind.

I'm always going to cheer for Bryant, but it's about time I pay closer attention to the home team in the Wells Fargo Center.

Words: @axgilbert

Picture: Associated Press

The Next Movement

"We hit 'em like the EL at 60th and Market..."

Black Thought - Adrenaline

The Philadelphia 76ers have been playing well all season. In fact they are leading the Atlantic Division with a 18-8 record, however when it comes to national recognition, things seems to fall apart.

The Return

On Thursday night the NBA announced the All-Star reserve rosters for the east and western conference teams. February 9, 2012 is a date that should remain as a point of reference in the minds of the Sixers faithful...as Andre Iguodala was named to his first All-Star team, which will be played later this month in Orlando. 

I wanted to get his take on making the mid-season classic, so I sent out 2-text messages and a tweet to congratulate him on his recent accomplishment. He replied via text saying, "It hasn't even hit me yet..I'm thinking about the Clippers tomorrow!"

His response is a microcosm of what the Sixers are all about, with their all business, team first approach to every practice and game...and that's the difference between them and a lot of other teams around the league.

Things are changing for the better, as the 76ers continue to make believers out of people.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Michael Perez/Associated Press

Net Worth

"I keep that nine on me, ala Iguodala..."

Fabolous - The Way (Intro)

Tonight the Philadelphia 76ers enter their 21st game of the year as they host the Orlando Magic, and while that may not sound overly exciting, it's games like this that can make or break a season.

The test

If the NBA were a college or university, then this week could easily be the Sixers mid-term exams. They will play the likes of the Magic, Bulls, Heat, in Philadelphia...travel to Atlanta to face off against the Hawks, and then they will once again defend home court against the Lakers next Monday, San Antonio next Wednesday, and the Clippers to round out that week on Friday.

Philadelphia is a good team, however the knock on the young squad is that they have beaten the best of the worst from around the league, including the Washington Wizards twice by large margins. Okay so the schedule has been fairly kind, but if the 76ers are going to advance further than the first round of the playoffs, then this upcoming stretch will provide a glimpse of their future possibilities.

They play a fast-paced run and gun style with a decent half-court pressing defense. Things have continued to change for the better under the direction of Doug Collins, and while most teams have at least one All-Star, the 76ers have established a good team first philosophy with some emerging names and tough role players. Time will tell if this is a recipe for success in South Philly, but with a 14-6 record at the time of my writing this piece...that's not such a bad start.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

A-Team

"You ain't met no dudes spit it cold as me..."

Eight Ball - Stay Fly

Sunday was a great day for all things sports, however nothing shined brighter than three NBA superstars.

Three Times Dope

The Super Bowl is a week away, and the NFL prepared for the world's greatest sporting event by having the best of the best play yesterday in the Pro Bowl. The AFC defeated the NFC 41-34, but it was the heroics of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant that stole the show, as they played in their respective games, leading the Lakers, Cavs, and Thunder to victory with highlights and flair that only they could provide.

I'll keep this short and sweet. It is in my opinion that Bryant is the standard to which basketball players should be measured, followed by King James, and in a few more years the debate will evolve from Kobe and LeBron to LeBron and KD. If the powers that be used some forward thinking...the Kevin Durant MVP puppet commercial would debut during the upcoming All-Star Weekend.

Kobe sealed the Lake Show's win with seconds to go in the 4th quarter on a jump shot over Ray Allen. Meanwhile LeBron outscored the visiting Los Angeles Clippers in the first quarter, with his 23, and their collective 20-points. He had four three-pointers in that first stanza, which led to a 114-89 win. Last but most certainly not least the Thunder earned their 26th W, with Durant scoring at will, finishing the game with a season high 45-points against Golden State.

These are good times for the NBA...well for most teams...the Nets lost once again, this time to the visiting 76ers. Andre Iguodala paced Philadelphia with 14-points, 9 boards, 4 assists, and 3 steals. The Nets record is now a lowly 4-42. As for the Sixers there is a lot of trade talk and rumors swirling around the team, and the latest involves Iguodala going to Cleveland to join the James Gang...

Stay tuned sports fans.

Photos: Kobe Bryant - Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE, Kevin Durant - Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE, LeBron James - David Liam Kyle/NBAE

Exit Wounds

Future

Hoop Dreams

"And if at first you don't succeed...you can dust it off and try again..."

Aaliyah - Try Again

Last Thursday the 76ers were unable to get a win against the visiting Magic in Game 6 of their first round playoff series...therefore they are home a little early after an interesting season.

Next Year

I attended the exit interviews at the practice facility, and I spoke to several players...however it was the words of team leaders Andre Iguodala, and Elton Brand that I wanted to hear the most. Below are the quotes from each player, as they addressed the media for the last time this season:

Why did the team struggle at the end, is it based on coaching? AI: "I think at times we have mental lapses...that comes from us as well. Myself, being leader of the team...guys have to be ready, especially this time of the season being in the playoffs, you should never have a mental lapse during the playoffs. This is a key moment...you shouldn't be thinking about anything else but the game."

What are the major differences between last year and this year, and what are you going to personally do in the offseason? AI: "Well last year was negotiating and dealing with that, and that clears up a lot of free time...clears up a lot of thinking in your mind, so it's a lot different. My mind is just clear...thinking about ball, and how to become a better player, and how to step it up in order for us to get to the next level."

What do you want to add to your game...anything? AI: "I don't think I've gotten where I want to be with my confidence yet. You know I think with the playoffs...it was getting close to there, but I will continue to shoot the ball, and become a more dominant post player, and just growing as a person and player."

How is your injury coming along? Brand: "The rehab is coming along well...the shoulder is stronger...I've been on the court, and it's much better."

What do you think happened in the last game? Brand: "I was hoping we'd come out with a lot of fire, and energy...and we certainly didn't do that, and we kind of played down without Dwight [Howard], I think we played down to the competition a little bit, but I'm disappointed...and I understand the fans disappointment...the team's disappointment, and I'm disappointed right along with everybody so I'm just going to make myself work a lot harder."

What did you see by sitting out for most of the season? Brand: "Now I really have a great idea of what Andre Iguodala can do...of what Andre Miller can do, what Thaddeus [Young] can do. You know being on the west coast, I haven't seen those guys play that much, but being there every game...I can really see where I can fit in now...definitely, so I learned a lot, but I wish I could have been out there to contribute, but I learned a lot."

Outside of your shoulder injury, what will you do as a veteran player this offseason? Brand: "I just want to talk to the guys and spend time with the guys. You know they kept me in the loop, and they didn't have to, because I remember when I played with Kerry Kittles...he was a vet...and he came to my team with the Clippers, and he was supposed to be the outside shooting threat, and he played 10 games the whole season...and we barely talked to the guy. We were so upset that he got hurt, and we felt like he let us down but now I'm older I understand...injuries do happen and these guys kept me in the loop and kept me on their side."

Photos: Webster Riddick

The Future

The Present

Determination

Prodigy

"What would you do, to get to me...what would you say, to have your way...would you give up...or try again..."

Aaliyah - Try Again

The NBA announced the reserves for the All-Star game yesterday during the game on TNT, and while I was surprised at some of the selections, I also know that there is nothing I can do about it, except write a story.

Winner's Circle

The pictures above tell two different stories...the first is the obvious with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as they have become mainstays in the annual game, while the other pictures depict two players that I feel should have made their respective teams, but the day is approaching when Andre Iguodala and Al Thornton will play in several of these mid seasonal matches.

Call me biased, but both of these players should no longer be labeled as up and coming, or players on the rise, as they have both become complete players within the NBA. Offensively, and defensively you have to account for them, as they are game changers, while playing and maintaining a high level on defense. Only the good players can do that, so don't be surprised when this comes to fruition.

Their numbers are very solid, with Thornton averaging 17.2 points per game, 5.30 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, while Iguodala brings 17.7 points, 6.20 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per night. Granted, these are my thoughts, but I know a little something about basketball...and I'm very proud of Jameer Nelson, because he has proven his worth to the Orlando Magic, and he's from Chester, Pennsylvania...I can't stand the university he attended, but that's only because I went to Temple...and that's another story.

Is there anyone that you feel should have made the reserve team? Ray Allen, or Carmelo Anthony possibly...I'd like to hear your opinion. In the meantime, the list of reserves are as follows:

NBA All-Star Eastern Conference Reserves:

G - Devin Harris - New Jersey Nets

G - Joe Johnson - Atlanta Hawks

G - Jameer Nelson - Orlando Magic

F - Danny Granger - Indiana Pacers

F - Rashard Lewis - Orlando Magic

F - Paul Pierce - Boston Celtics

C - Chris Bosh - Toronto Raptors

NBA All-Star Western Conference Reserves:

G - Chauncey Billups - Denver Nuggets

G - Tony Parker - San Antonio Spurs

G - Brandon Roy - Portland Trail Blazers

F - Pau Gasol - Los Angeles Lakers

F - Dirk Nowitzki - Dallas Mavericks

F - David West - New Orleans Hornets

C - Shaquille O’Neal - Phoenix Suns

Photos:  Webster Riddick - Iguodala and Thornton

Getty Images - Bryant and James

Flight School

Determination

AG and AI after practice

"I holla at AI peoples..."

50 Cent - Ski Mask Way

Andre Iguodala and the Philadelphia 76ers have managed to turn things around...recently winning their last 5 games. Iguodala scored a season-high 29 points yesterday. Over the past 21 games, he is averaging 20.4 points and has scored 20+ points in nine of the past 12 games.

Home Improvement

In the midst of the Philadelphia Eagles playoff success, the team across 11th Street...the Sixers, have been playing well lately in their own right. Maurice Cheeks was fired as head coach, and Elton Brand has been sidelined with a shoulder injury...and while these two instances could derail most teams...it has been a test that the home team could handle, as they have improved their record, to 18-20, after winning on Wednesday night 100-79, over the visiting Trail Blazers.

AI had 14 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals in the 1st quarter, as the 76ers jumped out to a 31-15 lead, holding Greg Oden, Brandon Roy, and LaMarcus Aldridge to a combined 6 points. 

By the half, AI and company led 55-33, so I steered my focus on my questions for after the game. 

In the end, I attended head coach Tony DiLeo's press conference, and then I proceeded to the locker room to catch up with Iguodala.

Here is the final score on our conversations:

GAME TIME with AG: Coach can you talk about the ball movement...you had three guys with 6 assists...offensively things are looking really good as of late: 

Tony DiLeo: "Yeah the spacing is good...the half court execution looks good...the timing, we've worked on that...it's a credit to this team. They're out there passing the ball, they're looking for other people...very unselfish team."

GAME TIME with AG: Can you talk about Andre Iguodala, and his play tonight?

Tony DiLeo: "You know, I probably don't give Andre enough credit...in these press conferences I like to point out guys...you know sometimes I think we take Andre for granted, but he's been playing at a high, high level. And you know last week, I thought he had a chance for Player of the Week honors, but unfortunately he didn't get it...maybe he'll get it this week?"

GAME TIME with AG: What has been the key to the 5-straight wins?

Andre Iguodala: "Our defense has been a lot better! We've gotten stops when we needed to...getting the rebounds, and getting out on the break, the game's a lot easier when we get stops."

GAME TIME with AG: Coach talked about this team having a green light to shoot offensively...what does that do for your game personally?

Andre Iguodala: "Well it's the confidence factor, where you just feel like you can make any shot, so you know...you shoot it in rhythm, you shoot it with confidence, and more than likely...it's going to go in."

GAME TIME with AG: Coming out of Arizona, your game was steady, with a lot of double-doubles...when you first came into the League the focus was defense, now you've matured in this league, and you can score whenever you want...you're getting back to that college game, is defense still the focus for you?

Andre Iguodala: "Yeah...I think that it has to be...to try to be as a complete player as possible, and I think that's what separates me from other guys. LeBron's doing that now...he's blocking shots...it's like you have to be at a high level at all times to be a complete player, and that's what I'm trying to be. You know you have some guys who are shooters and that's it...if they're not making shots then they're on the bench. So I'm just trying to be a factor in every facet on the floor, and being out there and being effective."

GAME TIME with AG: Talk about playing defense:

Andre Iguodala: "Some nights I might match up with like, a Carmelo [Anthony], but also I have to make those guys work when I'm on the offense end...when they're on defense, you know...just making the game tough on them. It's harder than what people think, you know you have to go out here, and I only had a few points against Charlotte but, I had to guard [Gerald] Wallace, and that's a big match up...and I was able to get him out of the game, and we ended up winning, and people don't see that, but that's just a part of me being a complete player, and understanding doing whatever it takes for us to win."

GAME TIME with AG: Coach talked about you should have gotten NBA Player of the Week honors, do you think about those types of things?

Andre Iguodala: "Yeah...one thing is...if you get wins, you get noticed more, and we always seem to get it going too late, but I think the Player of the Week thing is something that you try to be complete every game, consistently...and that's what I'm trying to do. Just not for the week, but for the month, but more so for myself, and not being noticed, I know I've been playing better as of late, and I just have to keep it going."

GAME TIME with AG: Does this season remind you of last year?

Andre Iguodala: "I think it reminds me a little bit, because of the way we started off a little slow, and then we got it going. But before...last year it took us until after the All-Star break, and I think this year, if we keep playing the way we are, we can get it going earlier, and get a better start. I think now we understand how important our finish is late in the season to get a playoff spot...a good one."

GAME TIME with AG: Does the Eagles success have anything to do with your team, or are you just trying to play your game?

Andre Iguodala: "I think we are just trying to play our game, but I told the guys 3-weeks ago that the Eagles were going to the Super Bowl, and they thought I was crazy. I said if they beat the Cowboys...then they're going to the Super Bowl. I'm not an Eagles fan, but I said they was going to go...I said that on our west coast trip and they thought I was crazy! I said if the Raiders win, and the Bears lose...I said something has to be going on, and if they get the win against the Cowboys...then they gotta go, it's too crazy...that was crazy, and now they're on their way!

GAME TIME with AG: Talk about Donovan McNabb:

Andre Iguodala: "McNabb, that's my dude, so I'm hoping he gets one [ring]...the media needs to get off his back!"

The hard work and determination is paying off for the Philadelphia 76ers, and while Iguodala is a San Francisco 49ers fan, he at least can tell a winner when he sees one, as I look forward to continuing this conversation later at practice.

In the beginning

Dedication

Determination

Leadership

Intelligence

Optimisim

"We ain't in the same league...you can lie to yourself, but can't lie to me..."

Jay-Z - Blow the Whistle

I write for several media outlets, including HOOP and SLAM magazines, so when my editor at HOOP asked for my 2008-09 NBA season preview, I jumped at the chance. I'd grown up reading what the "experts" thought about basketball, and now I am giving my "expert" opinion.

There was one catch...I only had 75 words to capture my view on the upcoming year. The following is what I submitted, and while I wish I had more to share, I'm confident in my picks from MVP, to playoff contender. At the end of the season we will revisit this post and see how right I was, LOL:

HOOP 2008-09 NBA Preview, Anthony Gilbert

The more things change, the more they stay the same. With that said, the Lakers and Celtics will vie for the Larry O’Brien trophy, Kobe wins the Maurice Podoloff, with Dwyane Wade as runner up. The East is stronger with the 76ers-revamped roster, Jermaine O’Neal in Toronto, a full-season of Bibby in Atlanta, and Detroit and its championship nucleus. The West ups the ante with New Orleans, the Texas triangle, and the Clippers.

It's going to be a great season.

Stay tuned!

Training Day

"...I'm Dre, so listen to the play-by-play, day-by-day, rollin' in my 4 with 16 switches..."

Dr. Dre - Let Me Ride

Labor day is upon us and as the season comes to a close, I'd like to reflect on the summer of 1991. I'm not a big fan of the hazy, hot, and humid weather, so it is with great joy that look forward to the fall and winter months. Not to sound persnickety, its just that where I'm from...99 degrees in the shade isn't my idea of a good time. However one of the best moments of my life happened 17 years ago on a sweltering Philadelphia night. 

I started taking the game of basketball seriously in 1989, and with the notion of perfect practice, makes perfect, I exerted all of my energy to become the best I could be. There was a slight disadvantage...I was a lot shorter than my current six-foot frame, as I stood at a mere 5'7" or quite possibly a hair taller at 5'7" and a half. Nevertheless, what I lacked in height, I made up for it with my heart and will to play bigger and better than my skills would allow. 

In '91 I shot up to 5'9". Those two inches would come in handy as a point guard during the upcoming season. One evening after playing ball all day, and into the cool hours of the summer night, where the city lights, fire flies, and street lamps lit up the sky...I was on the courts playing against the older teen-aged boys. That in itself was an accomplishment! What would eventually transpire is one of those great moments in time. For some reason in Philadelphia, we play a zone defense in pick-up games. In NYC, and DC, they play man-to-man, but for some reason in Philly its zone. I have always been a guard so I was at the top, foul-line extended on the left side. One of the older and more respected guys Khari, dribbled to my side and as he crossed the ball over from his right to left...there I was waiting for him like how a spider awaits their prey. 

I'd been practicing dunking for over a year, and for those of us that lack height and the ability to palm the ball, so many elements have to work together in order to be successful. Without breaking it all down, everything clicked and I dribbled down the right side of the court with my left-hand. I had a clear path to the rim, and I rose up, and flushed my first dunk in a game, through the goal. Everyone was stunned, and I was so happy, however I couldn't celebrate because I was one of the two younger guys playing against the older kids...jubilance could have resulted into a fist-fight. 

After everyone had a moment to understand what I had accomplished, Khari rained on the parade, informing me and my team that he called foul, and the basket I just scored didn't count. 

I learned a lot about myself that day, and while the dunk didn't count, it meant the world to me. 

Speaking of dunks that didn't count, in looking at the pictures above, it shames me to comprehend that this acrobatic move of basketball prowess not only lost to Nate Robinson (who had 10,000 chances to make his last dunk) but it also goes unappreciated, instead of going down in NBA lore as one of the best dunks in history. 

What Allen Iverson, and Andre Iguodala did on the court at the Toyota Center should have won Iguodala the 2006 Sprite Rising Stars SLAM DUNK championship, which could have resulted in a windfall of endorsements, and commercials. He was however recently awarded a new contract with the Philadelphia 76ers for a very nice sum...so sometimes when you lose, you can still be a winner, as we learn something new everyday. 

Win, lose, or draw, experience is the teacher and we are merely the student.