Double Double

"Remember when they ain't believe in me..."

Kanye West - Family Business

The Lakers defeated the Nuggets for the first time since the '09 playoffs, and while they wore their Sunday best white uniforms...this game was far from anything routine.

By Any Means Necessary

Kobe Bryant had a poor shooting night, making 3 of 17 baskets, however he utilized a superior attack, and contributed with an array of veteran savvy moves...combined with his sheer will and intelligence. The Lake Show had a slow start, as this was a game of two starkly different halves...with Denver making the most of things in the first two quarters, and then after intermission...the home team made some adjustments, as they began to defend much better, forcing Anthony, and Billups out of their comfort zones. Then referees got in on things, with the Nuggets benefiting from the closely called game at the outset...however the same calls went to the Lakers towards the end, as Carmelo fouled out with 2:13 to go, and his team down 4.

You have to respect the way Kobe plays and approaches the game. He is still working through the changes that his many injuries have put him through, and with his jump shot faltering...he stayed aggressive in drives to the goal, which enabled him 8-trips to the free-throw line, as he went a perfect 8-8 from the stripe. He also hauled in 5 rebounds, handed out 12 assists, and had 3 steals, with 2 blocks.

This was a complete game, from a complete player, and thanks to teammates like Lamar Odom, and Ron Artest...in the end, everything today at the Staples Center, made perfect sense.

These teams will play again in the second season, and that is when the real fun will begin.

Photo: Andrew D. Bernstein, NBAE/via Getty Images

Respect Due

"That blue and yellow, yeah that's the Carmelo jag..."

Nicki Minaj - Up Out My Face

"Melo had a great game...if the West would have won, he would have been MVP..." - Dwyane Wade

Super Official

On Sunday the NBA hosted the All-Star game, however last night the Cavs matched up with the visiting Nuggets, for an entertaining duel between best friends.

Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James will forever be linked not only through basketball, but also because of their mutual respect and bond. The league is driven by stars and team dynasties, so when Kobe and LeBron get the international advertisements, and continue to do the impossible...they tend to overshadow their peers. However there are special players throughout the association, and one such person is Carmelo Anthony.

He has been given the nickname Captain America from his breakout play with Team USA, and ability to score as well as defend, making Anthony one of the best. At 6'8", 230lbs he moves like a guard, with Usain Bolt like speed.

In Cleveland, he and the Nuggets needed an extra 5-minutes playing into overtime to outlast the Cavaliers 118-116. Carmelo had 40-points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks, while James counted with a triple-double (43-points, 15 assists, 13 boards), but it was Anthony's jump shot with 1.9 remaining that delivered the win.

One thing is true, in that after everything is said and done...there will be nothing left to say or do.

Photo: David Liam/NBAE via Getty Images

Flashpoint

"I'm paying Dwyane Wade..."

Jay-Z - D.O.A.

There is something to be said about a person that is at the peak of their career, yet they stay humble, and work even harder as if they were an intern trying to break into the corporate world.

Through the Fire

Dwyane Wade was an afterthought to LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony leading into the NBA draft several years ago, as LeBron was the most coveted prep player since Kevin Garnett, while Anthony led 'Cuse to their first national championship. And once the dust settled in June, it was James that was selected first, Darko next, followed by Carmelo third...in what became the LeBron/Melo draft.

However it was Miami with the 5th pick that walked away the big winner in 2003 by selecting Wade, an over achieving guard from the Midwest. Three-years later the Heat captured the NBA title behind his stellar playmaking, heart, and free-throws.

On Sunday, Flash helped the East All-Stars defeat the West with 28-points...and with that he corralled the MVP honors. Last night the Heat were in town to square off against the 76ers, and afterward I spoke with him about perseverance and success.

Here is the final score on our court side conversation:

AXG: As a basketball player you have been overlooked a lot, how do you feel about that?

Wade: "It just makes you work hard...it just makes you appreciate success when you get it...it makes you appreciate your whole journey. I feel like, no matter how high I go, I feel like I have to always continue to prove myself, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

AXG: Talk about the All-Star MVP award.

Wade: "It felt good man...first of all to be a part of that game...to be a part of the historical event that went on, and to be able to hoist that MVP trophy above my head really felt good. I enjoyed it!"

AXG: You are sometimes the forgotten name among the superstars, why is that?

Wade: "You know what...it drives me, and of course hopefully until I am done playing this game I will continue to shut people up, or continue to prove myself. All I ask for in this game is respect, and when it is not given, I go out and I try to take it. Like I keep saying...it's fine, everything in life happens for a reason, so I will continue to keep going."

AXG: What do your All-Star peers think about you?

Wade: "Melo had a great game...if the West would have won he would have been MVP, and you know me and LeBron we both had good games. At the end of the game we all came together you know me, Melo, LeBron, CP...you know group hug, because we're all close, and it's a relationship outside of basketball...so just as well as I was happy for LeBron when he won his two [All-Star] MVP's I was right there, and I know that he felt the same way."

AXG: What does the '03 draft class mean to you?

Wade: "It's always going to be part of a conversation that you're going to have to mention '03. When you talk about the great drafts, there were some great drafts, and people will always argue over who was the best draft class, but you would never say that without mentioning '03, and that's a good thing to be a part of."

Photo: Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Senioritis

Anxious

Eager

"But what can I do...I gotta stay true, cause deep down I'm still a G..."

Trey Songz - Can't Help But Wait

The media has everyone looking forward to a Kobe versus LeBron showdown, however unless "they" know about something I don't...then the conference finals determine who will play for the 'chip, and we still have a long way to go before June 4th.

Growth

When I was in the 12th grade, one of my teachers made a comment about senioritis. Until that day I had never heard that term...in fact I thought it was something lame that he made up, as I went through my entire final year of high school not knowing what the word meant. 

This morning my gears were turning about the eastern and western conference finals, and while the Cavaliers are down in their series against Orlando, and the Lake Show are going back and forth with Denver, it seems to me that LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony have this thing called senioritis...

So I can't write a story about a word that my English teacher made up...and I cannot use something that never knew the meaning of it can I...so the first thing I did was Google the word, and what I found was interesting.

Read about it here: Senioritis

In a nutshell, it is used when students work so hard to get the point of graduation, and then they coast, because they understand that things will be over very soon. Now don't get me wrong, LeBron and Carmelo are playing VERY well, however they are so close but so far to winning the NBA Finals. Are they coasting, and going through the motions...NO they are not. 

So where does my theory make sense...well their respective teams are going through the motions. Nothing against the Lakers or Magic, but each team hosts an Olympic superstar and it is collectively that the series and championship will be won as a team. 

The Lakers experienced poor team play and senioritis last year against the Celtics...and now they are playing to get back to the big stage of the Finals. As Yogi Berra once proclaimed..."it ain't over 'til it's over..." Anyone can win either series and play for the title...yes you read that correctly.

Tonight the Cavs/Magic series resumes in Cleveland. Game time is 8:30PM EST, and I don't make predictions...I just watch the games.

Gold Standard

The Future

Excellence

"It's new, it's out of the ordinary, it's rather extraordinary..."

The Fresh Prince - Brand New Funk

The Eastern and Western Conference Finals are some of the best games of pro basketball that I've "witnessed" in a good while. The teams are so evenly matched, and I know the fact that the Fantastic 4...or should I say, leaders of this new school, competed last summer to win a gold medal...has everything to do with everything I see today.

World Renown

I don't find it interesting to see the four teams standing within the NBA Playoffs...bring out the best in each other night in and night out. I covered the association last season, and the biggest difference in Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Dwight Howard is their Olympic experience. They, as well as their respective teams have reaped the benefits, so I decided to test my theory...and made a few phone calls.

Below is the score on my Olympic conversations with LeBron, and Dwight...how convenient that I get these interviews just in time for the Orlando/Cleveland series...

Talk about August 24, 2008:

LeBron: "It was such a journey to get to the point that we got to on the 24th of August...it was an unbelievable feeling for me...to fulfill a dream and accomplish it the way that we did, and the fashion that we did...going out dominating the field, and then having a test at the end...and being able to win the game. It definitely was a dream come true, and a lot of people set out dreams and don't get an opportunity to conquer them, and I was one of the few...I mean including myself and the other 11 guys, and the coaching staff, did a great job of preparing ourselves. We brought back the number 1 prize, and it was big...really big!"

Talk about the Olympic experience:

Dwight: "All of us were always together everyday...going to the gym, and then to McDonald's...that was the biggest thing...that was the highlight of the day, after a hard day at practice we would go to McDonald's and chill. That whole experience just brought us closer...it was just all about basketball. It was about life and developing friendships that last forever. I think me and Carlos, and Chris Bosh really bonded...we talk a lot everyday, we're always emailing each other, and checking up on one another, and we need that. We have people going through the same stuff we're going through, and it makes it a lot better."

Deja Vu

The Closer

Mr. Defense

All eyes on me

"I got so much trouble on my mind...refuse to lose..."

Chuck D - Welcome to the Terrordome

The Lakers defeated the Nuggets 103-97, playing spoiler to the first home Western Conference Finals game in the mile high city, in the last 24 years.

Get Familiar

The Lake Show now have a 2-1 lead in this best of 7 series, and as the saying goes...the more things change the more they stay the same. Allow me to explain: so the venue changed, but Los Angeles won after trailing most of the game...Kobe scored at least 40 points in a victory...Pau Gasol led the team in rebounding...and what's more uncanny is that Trevor Ariza gets a key steal off the in-bounds play, late in the 4th quarter. Sounds like something you've heard before right? That's exactly what I was thinking...

Unlike the last Lakers win in which I felt they really lost...tonight with great defense, and some clutch shooting and desire from Kobe Bryant, the Lake Show actually deserved the comeback win. This is the type of game that could change things, as the purple and gold actually seemed to solve the mystery of the Denver Nuggets. This was a swing game, and Game 4 favors LA.

The keys from tonight's game are as follows:

Kobe Bryant...enough said, but if I must explain, he turned it on late, and never gave up on the script. He also in the midst of a scoring binge trusted his coaches, and teammates.

Luke Walton played pesky defense on Carmelo Anthony, which is no easy task, and then he made some great passes and plays on the offense end while Ariza was out of the game.

Pau Gasol made the baskets that kept the Lakers within striking distance, giving his team enough room to take over and win. LA's front court is the key to the team success.

Lamar Odom played superb defense on the in-bounds pass that led to the Trevor Ariza steal...just like in Game 1.

Carmelo Anthony had a great first half, played aggressive, gave his team the lead, and kept the City of Angels at bay. However he struggled in the 2nd half and fouled out the contest.

Chris Andersen grabbed 7 rebounds, and netted 15 points which could prove costly for the opposition in the upcoming games.

J.R. Smith has changed his game, and is now finding the open teammate, as he had 6 assists, but his technical foul after making a 3-pointer was unnecessary and costly.

The refs have been sub par to say it nicely.

The struggles from the foul line from both teams can determine the series because the games are so close.

Photos: Jed Jacobsohn/NBAE via Getty Images

Blue Magic

Showmanship

Power

"Slick like a gato..."

Jay-Z - Can't Knock the Hustle (Featuring Mary J. Blige)

Cleveland had yet to be tested in these 2009 NBA Playoffs, and as Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals began, it looked as if nothing had changed but the faces on the visiting team.

Statement

This game was a tale of two halves, as LeBron James and the Cavaliers jumped out to a 15-point lead at halftime, out playing the Magic during the first 24 minutes. The most amazing thing of the first half however was a Magic moment, as Dwight Howard threw down a serious dunk...breaking the shot clock clean off the backboard. 

In the 3rd and 4th quarters Orlando seemed to wear down the home team in a basketball battle of attrition. Cleveland mirrored Denver's Game 1, in that LeBron James carried his team with 49 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds in a loss...like Carmelo Anthony's 39 in a futile effort.

The Magic used all of their weapons to get the 107-106 victory, handing the Cavs their 3rd home loss of the year.

Dwight Howard had 30 points, and 13 boards...Rashard Lewis added 22 points with his biggest shot...a 3-pointer with 31.6 seconds to go, pulling his team ahead 104-103. Hedo Turkoglu rounded out the balanced attack with 15 points, and 14 assists.

Game 2 is Friday night in Cleveland.

Will Power

40

39

Teammates

"You have to show them that you're really not scared..."

Michael Jackson - Beat It

When the Rockets took the Lakers to the brink of elimination, two things happened...the so called experts said it was over for LA, and the team clicked, and destroyed Houston in the 7th and deciding game.

Savvy

The well rested Denver Nuggets flew to the City of Angels to matchup against the Lake Show. Carmelo & company played extremely great from the outset...they played well enough to win, however there were a few things that led to a 107-105 Denver loss. 

It seemed as if everyone including the Lakers were watching Melo play, instead of assisting/defending him, as he was able to do whatever he wanted to the tune of 39 points. The Lakers need to make someone else beat them, and people like J.R. Smith need to get more involved. 

The home team should have lost Game 1, but I honestly believe it was the inexperience of the upstart Nuggets that led to their demise. The Lakers didn't win the game...the Nuggets just lost it. For example the Kenyon Martin foul on Kobe Bryant with 30 seconds remaining...sending him to the line, where Bryant sank 2-free throws for a 101-99 lead...then Trevor Ariza stole the ensuing in-bounds pass that allowed LA to wind the clock down to 10 seconds, before Kobe was fouled again for a 103-99 lead that sealed the victory.

Experience is the best teacher, and between the lessons the Lakers learned last year, and the painful learning curve the Nuggets had last night...the door is wide open for anyone to win Game 2. 

As Rasheed Wallace would say..."both teams played hard", but it was the squad that executed the best down the stretch that won the game...well that, and Bryant's 40 points didn't hurt either.

Fantastic 4

Focus

Desire

"It's time to chase your dreams..."

Afrika Bambaataa - Planet Rock

The NBA is down to the Conference Finals, as the winners will advance to play for the ultimate prize...an NBA championship.

2nd Season

The Los Angeles Lakers will matchup against the Denver Nuggets, while the Cavs play host to the Magic. I find it interesting that a lot of "experts" and media outlets alike are already pitting the Lake Show against Cleveland for the title bout, but I wouldn't pencil anything in just yet, as the Nuggets are more than deserving to vie for the Western Conference crown with the likes of Carmelo Anthony, and Chauncey Billups.

A Kobe/LeBron series would be the best thing since people started slicing bread, but as Herman Edwards once said, "you play to win the game"...and in this case...the teams have yet to take the floor. However, I promise you that these series will be just as entertaining as the games in the first round. Remember the Chicago/Boston cliffhangers...well prepare to turn off your cell phone, and put the children to sleep, because you do not want to miss Kobe and Carmelo, or LeBron against the Magic.

I'd like to go out on a limb and make a prediction, but that's not my style. A few keys to each upcoming game...Trevor Ariza's defense on Carmelo for the Lakers, and the point guard battle...Mo Williams, and Rafer Alston will determine more than Game 1.

I love this game!

Captain America

Boricua

Anthony and Anthony

"Make 'em call you Carmelo..."

Lil' Wayne - Swagga Like Us

The 2003 NBA Draft class is as historic and legendary as the '84 and '96 group. The best of the best have emerged within the past 6 years to become superstars, and world champions.

Respect

I find the media very interesting sometimes, especially when it comes to professional sports. I have been writing and covering the league for several years and when I see a special player like Carmelo Anthony...I do my best to let his game and words do the talking, as I use that to tell my story. 

Less from me, and more from the athletes themselves.

Last night Melo hit the game winning 3-point shot, giving the Denver Nuggets a 3-0 lead over the stunned Dallas Mavericks. For the past two seasons Anthony has been playing on a high level, and instead of getting great press, and or endorsements...he is often left out of the great player conversation because of some off the court issues. 

We all make mistakes, and no one is perfect...Melo is a very dedicated father, and talented athlete...so let's all stick to the script and understand him for who he is, and not what he is perceived to be.

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

By Any Means Necessary...

Carmelo Anthony and AG. in DC

Telling it like it is

Boys to men

"Thangs done changed on this side...remember they used to thump, but now they blast right..."

Dr. Dre - Lil' Ghetto Boy

Basketball is a game of passion, that when taken seriously it can have a positive, long lasting result. In the ‘hood it’s widely known as a way to not only deliver yourself, but your family to a new life and tax bracket. However basketball isn’t about the money, it’s about the love, and in the end that’s all that matters.

Captain America

As I talk about the greatest game that has ever happened to me, it’s only fitting that I write this as I watch the ‘06 NBA Draft…and speaking of the draft…in June, 2003 Carmelo Anthony was selected as the 3rd overall pick out of Syracuse. Four months later Sole Collector magazine would debut with issue 1, and the NBA and the magazine industry has not been the same since.

Now that I’ve given a little background, it’s imperative that I fill in the blanks a little and explain my theory. 2003 was a launch pad for Carmelo Anthony as he won the NCAA Championship, an ESPY Award, and he went on to sign with the Jordan Brand and Denver Nuggets. Coincidentally, it also marked the rise of a little known writer to the national scene, named Anthony Gilbert from Temple University.

Other than the fact that we are both named Anthony, and we are former student athletes, I have always found it interesting how much he really loves collecting sneakers. It is always good to see how much a like people are, no matter what race, color, or creed.

I first met Carmelo Anthony in Los Angeles during the 2004 NBA All Star Weekend, and we have been good friends since then.

I have had an opportunity to write a few stories on him…and to chronicle a player of his caliber is not only an honor, but as a journalist I would not have even thought this were possible, when I first saw him at Syracuse one Saturday afternoon on CBS versus Georgetown. Since then Anthony has emerged as a team leader and while he hasn’t gotten the recognition in years past, it’s his peers around the league that know his props are way overdue.

‘Melo and I had a chance to sit down and talk for a spell this past summer before the Olympic games, and after we caught up with one another, I interviewed him…here is the final score on our conversation:

How important is it to be active in the community?
“That’s my number 1 goal. Every time I get a chance to give back and serve the community that is what I’m going to do. The community is very important and whenever I can get involved in something positive, I’m going to give it my all and participate.”

What do you like so much about sneakers?
“We have to have…people like myself, you know…I love sneakers, so when I look at you, and magazines and I see all the old, or exclusive sneakers that nobody can get…it keeps me focused to where I want to be, and collecting is what I’m going to keep doing.”

What does the Jordan Brand have in store for the upcoming season?
“Man I can’t tell you...but knowing you, I’m sure you already have an idea [laughs]…”

Most basketball players are really into sneaker collecting and the culture, because from the day we began playing, you always needed something on your feet not only for the obvious reasons but also to show some of your personality and style. When I began playing in 1989, my mother took me to Marshall’s department store and I got my first pair of Nike. They were hi-tops…white and royal blue Sky Force, and even though the team uniforms were green and gold, and my shoes didn’t match them, it was all about my shoes, my game, and the love.

Supremacy

Intellect

Determination

Desire

Power

Respect

"Too black, too strong..."

Malcolm X

The Games of the XXIX Olympiad began and ended in an extreme fashion, and with the men's national basketball team vying for gold against Espana at 2:30 this morning, I couldn't ask for more than the familiar tune from Francis Scott Key.

I love sports, as I have figured out a way to make a career from it without playing in the actual games. I do participate, as a working member of the media, however I use my talents on the MacBook, instead of the field, and court...that is of course when I’m not playing basketball.

I’ve enjoyed the holy game since 1988, as it not only provides clarity...it also saved my life numerous times, but before I count the ways, I have to give all the glory, and honor, to the savior Jesus, and my mother, who raised me in faith, and love. I’m a West Philadelphia born, not raised journalist that witnessed enough peril to last a few lifetimes, and the dream of playing professional basketball was enough to keep me from becoming a number within the system or county morgue. It paints a bleak and morbid picture, however I always try to look at the bright side and with true optimism my environment is something that I have endured, as I have learned to navigate through it, instead of abiding along with it.

Jemele Hill wrote earlier this week on ESPN Page 2, how important the gold for the Redeem Team is to the black community. She is correct in her assessment; however I cannot speak for everyone, so this is from me to you. The first sport I ever played was futbol, but once I stepped in between the lines of the basketball court, it was marriage. The game is intoxicating, forever altering my mind, body, and consciousness to the point of dependency. Survival without it is mind boggling.

“Rather be judged by 12, than carried by 6...”

Ice Cube – Steady Mobbin’

The 12-member team representing the United States of America, not only won the gold and title of the Olympic best, but they also gave the world a vision in black. They lived up to their nickname as the Redeem Team, however what they redeemed is more in the lives of black people in America past, present, and future, not necessarily USA Basketball.

The Souls of Black Folk has a new chapter due to the efforts Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Tayshaun Prince and Michael Redd.

I don’t go out much, as the nightlife doesn’t appeal to me too tough, unless it’s an industry event or party for a relative or close friend. However with the gold medal game beginning at 2:30am EST, I figured I would head out, paint Philadelphia red, drive home, and be wide awake to watch the game I’ve been waiting 8 years for.

My first mistake was leaving my car home, as my homeboy Carlos picked me up in a stark white 2009 Lexus ES 330. I’m not even into cars like that, but the allure of knowing that I was going to drive back as the designated driver was enough to convolute my thinking.

1:37am – I receive an email via my blackberry from my girl Daisha in Japan.
“The GAME is coming on I know your up!”

1:45am – The DJ begins to wind the party down (Its Philly, everything closes early), and I respond to her email: “Yes I’m up. If you can believe it, I’m up in the club at this Temple [University] black alumni event. I will be home in time to see that gold medal that Kobe is going to get.”

1:53am – “how is the event?”

2:08am – “It’s good, you know this is Philly so its over. I’m about to race home to watch the game.”

2:18am – “be careful driving! It didn’t start yet!”

About 2:34am, Carlos, and my alumni friends that I haven’t seen in a while decided to go to the 24-hour Diner on 39th and Walnut. I didn’t drive so I had to follow them to not only miss the game, but to also eat at that hour in the morning.

2:43am – “u home?”

2:48am –“No, my ride...Carlos, wanted to get something to eat. How am I supposed to eat at 3am? I’m not a happy camper. I’m in a diner and I’m missing the game of my sports career. Pray for me mama. There is nothing I can do.”

3:11am – “Japan isn’t showing the game!”

3:13am – “Dag, we’re both missing it.”

3:49am – “91-80 US up with 2 sec in 3rd”

That last email was received as I unlocked the car. From there I knew that I had just enough time to drive home at a decent pace without the state troopers taking a second look. So I could get in front of my television to watch Kobe’s 4-point play, as he silenced the raucous international crowd, en route to a 118-107 gold medal earning win.

“Black is back all in, we’re gonna win...”

Chuck D – Bring the Noise

Watching the team take their place on the podium as the best of the best reminded me that this was for Muhammad Ali in 1960, John Carlos, Tommie Smith, and Lew Alcindor in 1968, and the millions of black people in the Americas...this one was for all the marbles, win, lose, or draw. Nevertheless, this team had a mission and while the mainstream media had their doubts up until the final second, I had all the confidence in the team, which restored order, pride, and hope for today, and tomorrow.

Batman Begins

Destiny's child

The Fresh Prince of LA

Star among stars

Internationally known

"Play the front row seat watching Iverson...first class aircrafts when I'm flying in...to LA...Shaq, Eddie, Kobe Bryant, and them..."

Beanie Sigel - Adrenaline

Two-weeks after Kobe Bryant scored an unfathomable 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, he and I were to sit down for an interview in Los Angeles. I made the 3,000-mile trek from Philly International to LAX...from there it was a short hop to the Lakers front office and practice facility in El Segundo.

I took my place among the media and waited patiently for Bryant. He emerged from the locker room and informed me that he had something more pressing to do, and that he would call me later. I reluctantly agreed and proceeded to call Rob Pelinka, his agent. Since I had more time than I would have liked on my hands, I ventured to LA to take in the sights, window shop, and perhaps head over to Fat Burger or Carl's Jr. for some savory west coast flavor. As the day progressed and light turned into shadows, then darkness, I realized that my interview with Bryant wasn't going to happen, at least not on this day...and just when I gave up all hope...my cell phone rang. It was almost to the effect that an alarm clock has during the serenity of REM sleep.

I was excited...this was the call I'd been waiting my entire career for, so I answered in a very non-descript voice, with my Philly twang...Hah-LO. The voice on the other line belonged to Pelinka, as he told me that he had Kobe on the line, and that he is really sorry...something came up.

"What up Kolb?" I said. "My bad Ant...I couldn't do it today. I had some stuff to take care of with Vanessa." He replied, sounding as if he was torn between his family, and his fam. "It's all good man. We can sit down another time...but you know what?" "What's up?" responses Bryant. "I want to write a story unlike no other. I really want to take it from West Philly to LA and back again. I want this story to hit hard man...I want this to set all the records straight, as to inspire the young bawhs! You're the DARK KNIGHT." There was that brief awkward silence, and then he said, 'yeah! I have some DARK KNIGHT in me!

I have since interviewed him numerous times, as I feel that day was a proving ground...a trail by fire if you will, showing KB that I didn't take anything for granted, but that I am a journalist and if I didn't first succeed, that I will try, try, again. TV, print, Internet, or otherwise, he has always made time for me, no matter the medium.

Hard work and diligence are words that come to mind when thinking of Kobe, and I know that he can recognize my pain, hunger, work ethic, and respect, and in turn I've been rewarded with one-on-one interviews and a genuine friendship.

This morning, I woke up early with pre-game jitters as if I had to suit up and play against Australia. In a crazy moment, that I am almost embarrassed to admit, I fell victim to the media hype surrounding Team USA. I know that Team USA is for real, and I understand that they will win the gold, however every time I read something or watch TV, the "experts" are warning me about the opposing team. I don't know much about the teams of the world, however I know that any team with Kobe, LeBron, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard and Jason Kidd has more than a fair chance at VIC-TOR-Y, as Johnny Drama would say.

I prayed promptly before game time, giving God thanks, all the while asking for grace for the players and the outcome of the game. Yes its that serious for me. Nevertheless, I'm so upset that I allow the so-called basketball guru's scare me like something of out an Orson Welles broadcast. I know better, because I know Kobe Bean Bryant, and he won't stop until the Redeem Team lives up to their moniker.

If you ever watch Kobe play you will see how good he really is. The man is talented. Say what you want about him, however your eyes will not deceive you. It is in those few instances that you have to pay attention, because he can turn it on at the bat of an eye. During today's match against the Aussies, I saw that familiar look in his body language that reads you can't stop me, and this game is over!

When Bryant starts shaking his head, and when you can read the word NO on his lips, then the opposing team needs to run for cover, because its not over until he says so. He shook his head to the tune of 25 points and 5 assists.

Team USA 116 - Australia 85

So how did he get like this? That's the million dollar question, and I've asked him as recently as June. His answer, "I'm just determined. I don't know...I've always been like this."

Kobe Bryant is not only the league MVP, but he is also as most consider him, to be the best player on the planet.

The date was March 6, 1996 and my best friend Brandon King and I went to go cheer on the Minnesota Timberwolves against our hapless Philadelphia 76ers. We were cheering against the home team not because we wanted them to “tank it” and get Allen Iverson in June…no, nothing like that. It was because we were there to cheer on University of Pennsylvania alum Jerome “Pooh” Allen, who was so legendary in the neighborhood, that he had the entire city trying to emulate his signature through the legs, behind the back cross over move. I don’t remember seeing Allen play because little did I know as a fresh faced teen that the NBA is a business, and when you have a high school player on your squad that was drafted with the 5th pick overall, he plays. While the accomplished Ivy League, and Philadelphia hero that was taken in the 2nd round, 20th pick, 49th overall sits the bench, and continues to work extremely hard in practice. I didn’t understand the politics, but it was there that I decided that I didn’t like Flip Saunders as a head coach.

Minnesota won the game 103-90, and it was the play of Kevin Garnett that really stood out. Here he is not that much older than I and he is playing in the NBA. I was both encouraged and perplexed. You have to understand that when I was growing up playing ball in the Sonny Hill League, the message revolved around two things, education and the game. Even the legend Rasheed Wallace went to college, so when Garnett skipped higher learning, people were surprised. Which brings me to another point…I was so frustrated with Flip Saunders for not putting Jerome Allen in the game that I began to concentrate less on the Wolves, and more on the people around me. As I scanned the audience for a fine “hunny”, I saw a young man that looked as if he were studying for a final exam, rather than watching a basketball game. It was Kobe Bryant, the younger brother of my crush Sharia. You see his oldest sister Sharia played volleyball at Temple University and at 5′10″ she not only excelled at the sport, she made it look GOOD. I became friends with her thinking that if I couldn’t get a date, I could at least befriend her.

One day after mustering up some courage, I told her that I play basketball and she smiled and says ‘yeah, well you can’t beat my little brother! I didn’t know who she was talking about so I said, ‘go get your brother…and a few days later I was standing in front of her 6′3″ younger brother with a look that spelled anger, so after denying the facts, I naturally wanted to get on his good side and befriend him also.

By the time I saw Kobe at that 76ers game I was comfortable enough with him to speak, but I decided not to because of the way he was “enjoying” the game. I never saw anything like it and by June 26, everything made sense. Bryant was drafted 13th by the Charlotte Hornets and later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac.

He was in fact studying that game, and more specifically he was concentrating on Kevin Garnett and how he faired as a high school prodigy against the likes of the NBA. It was no secret in Philadelphia that Kobe had been practicing at St. Joseph’s University against the 76ers, giving Jerry Stackhouse headaches, so he didn’t lack for confidence, I just figured that he wanted to see someone else put in work to make his argument to enter the draft a little more solid.

It was the classic scenario of student learning from teacher.

Now Bryant is the teacher, and the world is his classroom.