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."

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

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