Dreams

24/7

"I can get you BET and TRL too..."

Jay Z - Encore

Today is September 1, 2009...on the surface it indicates the end of the summer months, however for me it signifies a new beginning.

Sign of the Times

The writing industry changes on a daily basis, and as a journalist...I also work as an agent of change and consistency. With that said, I am now officially a correspondent for BET.com. This is a step of maturation...as I'm growing and learning everyday. You can expect the same in-depth coverage on BET as GAME TIME, however with a media conglomerate such as VIACOM, I trust that more doors of opportunity will open because of the heightened exposure from working as a national writer.

On Thursday, I'm going to sit down with Philadelphia Phillies infielder Jimmy Rollins...stay tuned, and as always...thank you for support AXG and my work.

West Side Story

Age of innocence

"I'm from where they ball, and breed rhyme stars..."

Jay- Z - Where I'm From

Last week I covered the Los Angeles Lakers for HOOP Magazine as well as this blog GAME TIME with AG. I write a column for HOOP entitled KICKIN' IT, in which I interview various NBA players about their footwear, and shoe deals. Outside of that I also write a similar article, SNEAKER GAME, as I speak with 3 players from one team, and 3 players from another team about what they are wearing, and playing in. For the March/April '09 edition, I spoke with Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, and Al Thornton from the Clippers, and Trevor Ariza, Jordan Farmar, and Derek Fisher from the Lake Show. Once that was complete, I could utilize the rest of my time to catch up with Kobe Bryant.

Boys to Men

When I was growing up my father would say a lot of things that I'm sure he learned in his youth. One of his most famous sayings to my brother and I was "son, you're going to be a man, much longer than you're going to be a boy..." and then he would either smile or let out a hearty laugh. I didn't know what he was talking, and or laughing about until recently. Now, as an adult that statement makes perfect sense, as I have responsibilities far beyond my young mind would have ever allowed.

Nevertheless with age comes wisdom if you allow it, and I have embraced my years, as I try to learn something new everyday.

I was born in West Philadelphia, and I've lived in other places, such as Brooklyn, and Suitland, Maryland, which in looking back, they have all shaped who I am today making me well versed and rounded. Back in 1994, I met someone that was also from Philadelphia, and not only had he lived in other places in the United States, but he and his family, had also lived in Italy, and France. Interestingly enough I was introduced to Kobe Bryant in a gym, as his oldest sister Sharia introduced us after her volleyball match. I'd been running my mouth to her about how "great" I was as a basketball player, and instead of entertaining my banter she got her sibling, and that ended anything I could say in reference to basketball.

As I've grown in journalism, so too has Kobe as an international icon. I consider him as the "now" in the pantheon of past NBA legends. Disagree if you will, but I will stick to this claim, because like him or not, there is nothing that Bryant cannot do on the court, and for that fact alone, it makes him one of the best. After the game in Philadelphia, Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, wanted nothing more than to shake Kobe's hand, and take a few pictures along side him. If that isn't a sign of respect, then I don't know what is.

I wanted to interview them both, as they represent what Philadelphia basketball is all about. However while I did speak with Monroe, he didn't have time for questions and answers, and I, because of our mutual respect, figured that Kobe would sit for a spell and talk, but I didn't take into account that his family and friends were at the game, so the stage was set, for an interview two days later in DC.

I drove to the nation's capital with fellow journalists Jeff Young, and Michael Tillery. Jeff is from DC, so after I taped a segment for BET News, we headed over to Howard University to catch up with friends (Chevonne, Mr. Hill), and then trekked over to the world famous Ben's Chili Bowl for some half smokes and fries...Jeff had the chili burger sub.

After filling our appetite with some good food, and nostalgic tunes, we headed over to the Verizon Center to cover what turned out to be a very entertaining game. During the 1st quarter I received a reassuring text message from Bryant's agent Rob Pelinka, saying "KB said he would try his best to give you 5 mins after the game..."

From there, I organized my questions, and analyzed the game. Afterward, true to his word, I spoke with Kobe about his latest sneaker from Nike, the Zoom Kobe IV, and the misnomer about the "suburban" tag that people so often bestow upon him.

Watch the video below for the interview with Kobe Bryant:

Witness Protection

Superbad

AG. and LeBron in DC

NYC

Nike from day 1

High School Musical

"How could you falter, when you're the Rock of Gibraltar...I had to get off the boat so I could walk on water...this ain't no tall order, this is nothing to me...difficult takes a day...impossible takes a week..."

Jay-Z - Diamonds from Sierra Leone (Remix)

Friday, December 20, 2002, was the day that I first witnessed LeBron James in living color. His team made the trek from Akron, OH to my beloved West Philadelphia, to play against Philly basketball power, Strawberry Mansion. I charged up the batteries for my camera and I was off to the venue. I took my seat on the far baseline across from the visiting bench and the rest would be history, or shall I say, his-story.

I had first heard about him during his junior year at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, which was around the time the moniker of KING was bestowed upon him.

Before I started writing professionally...I was looking for a job all the while, staying insanely hungry for my "moment". In fact I used to shine shoes for small money and write short stories just for fun. Nowadays, I’m as ambitious as ever, but it’s the people that I’ve meet throughout my life, that have gotten me to this point.

I recently caught up with Bron, when the Cavaliers played against the 76ers during the preseason in October. I walked over to his locker and he says, "what's up man...how you've been?" I stuck out my hand and he game me a firm "soul brother" shake. I told him that I had to interview Mo Williams, and that I'd be right back. After my brief chat with Williams I spoke with LeBron at length on everything from his family to his Olympic gold. He is a great person to interview, as I can truly say he has a great respect for the game, and my job as a writer.

This past summer, I interviewed the Olympic team for BET News, and when I walked into the room to sit with LeBron, his time with the media was over and he was leaving for the day. I informed him that I really needed some time with him and he agreed. We walked out of the room and down the hallway, to which we were greeted by security guards, Nike employees, hotel staffers, and a cameraman. I didn't think much of the camera, but I was walking in plain view, so I figured that whenever this footage airs, I'll be on it with my guys, Bron and Flash. Turns out, it was for ESPN, and the first few times it aired I missed it, however everyone else saw it, because I was getting emails, phone calls, and text messages for a good 2-weeks.

ROC BOYS

My very first official sit down with LeBron James was during the 2007 NBA Playoffs. The Washington Wizards drew a first-round match-up with the James Gang, I called my friend and photographer Daryl and told him we were going to interview LeBron. Nevertheless, I digress…now since I have never sat with LeBron, I asked a few people from the Cleveland media how easy or difficult it would be to interview him and what he was like. After everyone shut me down and dashed my hopes, saying that it was mission impossible, I decided to build a better mousetrap and get resourceful like I would normally do.

In 2002, at that high school game in Philly...I met the 3 other members of the James 4-horsemen. I leaned on that connection, and ran courtside during halftime of game 3. It was there I asked Randy (1 of the 4-horsemen, and he works for the team) if I could get 5 minutes with the King. He gave me a look that said, it's halftime of the playoffs, but he insured me that we would talk afterward.

I have to be honest with you. No matter what NBA city I’m in…I always secretly cheer for the team with the person I need to speak with. It is in my experience, that the players always are in a better mood when they get a W. My photographer and I waited patiently once the Cavs won, and then we decided to split up like Tre' and Ricky in the movie Boyz n the Hood.

I loitered outside the locker room and when Randy turned a corner and strolled down the hall, I knew it was a good look. He greeted me and took me into the locker room which had been closed to the media for 40-minutes already. We continued our conversation and I then noticed a presence amongst us and Randy started walking away. I turned and there was LeBron slipping past me like he does defenders on a 94-foot court. He wore a nice suit and he had those ubiquitous headphones on. I started walking with them, and Randy looks up and says, "you remember AG right?" LeBron turns my way and says to him, ‘yeah. From there I asked if I could get a few minutes before practice the next morning and he said it wasn’t a problem.

The next day, I sat with LeBron for a spell, and we've been working together ever since.

Brand Recognition

Cameron Crazies
Defense first

"You wanna dance? We got what you want...Jazzy Jeff, and Fresh Prince busing out with the brand new funk..."

Fresh Prince - Brand New Funk

I was formally introduced to Elton Brand this past summer...about an hour before I was to interview him for BET News. One of my best friends and fraternity brothers Stanley went to high school with Brand's wife...Stan also works as an ad executive for Converse. It's interesting how people and things from my past help me so much as I navigate through my immediate future.

Star Power

Now that the NBA season has begun I'm a lot busier than normal and because of that fact, I couldn't be happier. I love my job, as everyday presents something new. From the games and match-ups to the coaches, players, and owners. When I graduated from college I went to work for the NBA league office, in NYC...I quickly learned that the game I love is a business, nevertheless, over the years I've adapted to that and now I'm doing more in pro basketball, than I've ever dreamed.

Now that Brand is in Philadelphia, I interview him often, before and after games, at practice, and sometimes I call or text just to see how things are going for him and his family in this crazy city. For me, I don't write stories, I build friendships and relationships. It makes my life and job that much easier. In fact the first time I met him, he already knew who I was saying, "Hey Ant what's up, I've heard that you are the man to know in Philly...make sure you get my information before we leave." Upon hearing that I was both honored, and puzzled at how far I've been blessed to travel. He also said I can call him "Elt", to which I do from time to time. For the most part, it's funny because I hardly use anyone's name, unless it's to headline an email or text.

On Tuesday night I walked with Elt after the game to the family room...after the 76ers loss to the Utah Jazz. Below are his thoughts from the early moments of the season to his Converse signature sneakers:

Talk about leadership, and how you have defined your role as a veteran newcomer:

"I have no ego, it's all about team. There are some tough teams in the east, but I know we can play with all of them."

You played with Andre Miller before, what was that like?

"I played with Andre [Miller] when I played in my first NBA All-Star game. He was the one getting me all those easy shots, and playing with him now...it's more of the same."

You hosted the Converse Philly Open run last Saturday, what are your thoughts on the event?

"Well, where else can the kids come out, play basketball, get free sneakers, and a free lunch? I thought it was a huge success, as I'm all about helping others, and if I can do it through Converse, then it's good for everyone."

The team has struggled a little out of the box, is there any pressure on you?

"It's pressure, but it's fun, and it's exciting. I haven't had that type of feeling since my playoff run with the [Los Angeles] Clippers, and I'm looking forward to playing and getting back to the playoffs."

For more on Elton Brand watch the video below:

Photos: Manny Millan - Sports Illustrated

Getty Images

They Reminisce Over You

Life after death

25th and Diamond - North Philly

The final season

"I reminisce for a spell, or shall I say think back, 22 years ago to keep it on track. The birth of a child on the 8th of October, a toast...when my granddaddy became sober...count all the fingers and toes, now I suppose you hope the little black boy grows..."

CL Smooth - T.R.O.Y.

I tape segments for BET News once a week in DC. This past Thursday, I extended an invitation to my friend from Temple University to tag along with me. He had never been to the nation’s capital before so I figured it would be a good experience for him. On our trip back to Philadelphia (after a trip to Chick-fil-A), we were talking about basketball, and I mentioned Hank Gathers. His face was expressionless, so I then asked if he knew who Len Bias was. This time was no different, his disposition stayed the same. I then took a moment to drive from 19th and Norris Streets, over to 25th and Diamond, to teach him about two of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game. I remember my brother dedicating a reverse lay-up to Len Bias in 1986, and when Gathers died four years later, I can recall watching one of my middle school classmates cry during roll call. I’ll never forget that moment, as I didn’t know either of these men personally, but through what they have achieved with a basketball, I was able to have a connection with them. Hank was from North Philly, and even though he played collegially on the west coast, we knew who he was, and what he meant not only to the sport, but also to our community.

Eric “Hank” Gathers is and forever will be the game of basketball, the game that he helped to make great. He was born in North Philadelphia and raised along the long shadows cast down by the Ramon Rozen Housing Projects; he learned the nuances of life from his mother Lucille. However it was at 25th and Diamond streets where he would experience the lessons of sports. Be it outside or within the legendary confines the Moreland Recreation Center, games were played and a young Eric Gathers became the man-child everyone knew and loved named HANK.

Many players have honed their skills at the Moreland Rec. Essentially its basketball holy ground having hosted the likes of Wilt Chamberlain, Guy Rogers, Hal Lear, Sonny Hill, Gathers, and his childhood friend Dawn Staley. He gave his all to his family and to his craft. Ultimately he gave his life, as the 94-foot court was not only his sanctuary but also as his final resting place.

We were blessed to have him for 22-years, and the titles of father, son, brother, cousin, uncle, high school champion, high school MVP, and Collegiate Player of the Year, cannot even begin to describe him. Hank is remembered for love, ambition, and numerous amounts of very great things that he had and accomplished. A 50-foot mural of him, now adorns the former Moreland Rec. Center, as it was renamed the Hank Gathers Center. He is survived by his family, friends, the entire North Philadelphia, and all those who play the game.

Photos:  Sports Illustrated

                 AXG