Watch the Throne

"The homies call me lucky lefty, I'm flashy and deadly…" - @S_C_

The game of basketball is often referred to as a metaphor to our everyday lives. Every now and again a person will arrive, and everything, including the game and world around it changes.

Can't Knock the Hustle

Skylar Diggins has become one of the most recognizable faces within and outside of her profession as an athlete. The precocious point guard is a household name, and most certainly can draw a crowd on and off the court.

Diggins possesses an it factor that cannot be taught, and is hardly understood. She is very conscious, strategic, and her business savvy would give any CEO a run for their money. I recently caught up with her on the road in the nation's capital, and she was better than advertised. Skylar Diggins is as rare as she is talented, and her potential is limitless.

Words - @axgilbert

Photo - Getty Images

Cameraman - @appolonaxg

Ring King

"Ain't that like LeBron James..."


Kanye West - Gotta Have It






Words: @axgilbert


Photo: Associated Press

Post Season - Miami Heat

"Funny how my old highs is suddenly my new lows..."


J. Cole - Grew up Fast

The Miami Heat are on a mission for a second championship in their franchise's history, but it's LeBron James that wants to be first in line to hoist the Larry O'Brien trophy.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Style

"I'm out here ballin', I know y'all hear my sneaks..."

Jay-Z - No Church in the Wild

Paul George is an up and coming NBA player from southern California. He has been getting a lot of attention and recognition not only for his game, but also for his penchant for wearing exclusive sneakers.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: AXG

Humility

"My city on the map, there is no other option like a slow quarterback..."


Wale - Work


The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best teams in the league...and they get the job done night in and night out flying seemingly under the radar.


Go Mode


There is no time like the present for the Thunder. They are quite arguably one of the more entertaining clubs to watch, and their 30-8 record makes them statistically the 2nd best next to the Chicago Bulls. 
Last week during their stay in Philadelphia, I took time to get a better understanding of their humble superstar Kevin Durant.


First I spoke with Royal Ivey, and then KD:


AXG: You're wearing the Nike Zoom KD IV...you're with Nike now?


Ivey:  Yeah, KD got me a deal...and I wear his shoes.


AXG:  The Thunder losing last year to Dallas is in my opinion the best thing to happen to y'all.


Ivey:  You're right! We can't wait for the playoffs to start, we're so hungry right now!


AXG:  You mentioned how the lockout games helped you win the All Star MVP.


Durant:  It gave me confidence playing in those games. I was trying a lot of different stuff, and once you try stuff in a game setting, it's easier to try it in a real game, so moves I was trying then...became muscle memory in my mind with the moves I'm doing now. 


AXG:  Did you really take Mega Bus during the summer from NYC to DC?


Durant:  Yeah I did, and it was a long trip too!


AXG:  How is it that you can stay so humble?


Durant:  That's the type of person that I am. No matter what, whatever happens...I always gotta be humble, and know that at any point this can be taken away.


AXG:  You always have your mother and family around supporting you.


Durant:  Like I told you, when I was growing up, I didn't think none of this would happen. My goal was to make it to the NBA, and I had my sights set on making it to the NBA, and once I did I was like cool...whatever happens after this is a bonus. The stuff that's going on for me right now...I'm just so blessed to be in this position. First of all to have people believe in me, every single night, and to showcase my skills, and have teammates that believe in me, they trust in me. But to become an All Star, and to win an All Star MVP...that's just like on a whole other level for me man. It's a blessing, so having my mom there is like we're going through this together. It was just me, mother, my brother, and my dad living in an apartment, 2-bedroom apartment, and to go from that so quickly to this...I was 18 living in a 2-bedroom apartment, with my mom, my dad, and my brother, and months later I was in the NBA, and 5-years later I'm an All Star MVP so stuff is coming quickly, and I never expected it.


This is just the beginning for Oklahoma City, and their budding star Kevin Durant.


Words: @axgilbert


Picture: Anthony Gilbert/AXG

Shark Week

"Hunt me or be hunted..." 


Notorious B.I.G. - Unbelievable


Nike is a brand that prides itself in listening to the voice of the athlete to make the best footwear and apparel. Luckily for us, things continue to get better over time.


Superb


Nike Basketball has a series within the Kobe signature shoe line entitled the "Predator Pack". Bryant is an avid fan of the Discovery Channel, as he enjoys learning about nature, and how he can incorporate it into his game. Some of the animals that have made the exclusive pack are the cheetah, poison dart frog, North American grey wolf, and the great white shark.


"The philosophy I have is that you either be the hunter or the hunted, the predator or the prey. I'm not trying to be the prey," Bryant stated.


Kobe's predatory focus on the game is what has made him a 5-time NBA champion, as his search for another title continues.


Words: @axgilbert


Video: Footlocker

Above and Beyond

"We're chillin' like a villain..."

Andre 3000 - Da Art of Storytellin', Pt. 1

Sports have long been the metaphor to our lives...like a mirror sharing our reflection, athletics are much more than winning and losing. This summer LeBron R. James, made a decision to play in South Florida...and everything from that moment changed forever...or has it?

Commercial Appeal

"With my unique skills...nah, you can't compare me..."

Guru - Mass Appeal

Once upon a time Kobe Bryant was on top of the world with championship rings, and much respect from Madison Avenue. After a brief hiatus from the wins, and sponsorships...it's really good to see that things have shifted for the better.

Change

With the Lakers and Celtics vying for the title and bragging rights within the storied rivalry...Kobe Bean is quietly making his way back to the small screen. His advertisements with Nike Basketball and Vitamin Water are only the beginning if his team can win two more games.

Winning changes everything...just watch and see what I mean.

Dedication

"Some dreams stay dreams, some dreams come true..."

Kanye West - Still Dreaming

I've known Kobe and his family for several years, and I'm happy to see the results of his labor.

Relentless

Nike Basketball has a new campaign and while it invokes memories of seasons past, it made me think about the future, and the determination that it takes to become successful.

Photo: Elsa/Getty Images

Legendary

"Shaq, Eddie, Kobe Bryant and 'em..."

Beanie Sigel - Adrenaline

The two highest individual scoring totals in the league are 100, and 81-points respectively.

Imagine

I often marvel at these games, however what I find more mind bending than the numbers, is the fact that both Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe Bryant are from West Philly. They have walked the same streets and played at the same courts where I did, and as a Philadelphian it gives me a sense of pride. I never met Dippy, but it was Bean that challenged me to a game the first time I met him once upon a time.

Little did I know he would grow up to become such a dominant force in the game, and never in a million years would I have thought that I would be writing about it.

Now that's crazy!

Happy Holidays

"They can't write a song...so their careers won't last long..."

KRS-One - Outta Here

Happy Holidays from the only company that can say it best...NIKE.

Timeless

In my youth I watched a lot of television...which only makes sense, as I aspire to say in front of the camera as much as possible. One of the things that I will always remember is the classic Michael Jordan commercials, and with the MVP (most valuable puppets), its good to see that the more things change...the more they stay the same.

I've enjoyed the Kobe/LeBron/Lil Dez puppets since the playoffs, and I look forward to the new ads and adventures.

Stay tuned!

Changing of the Guard

"I was cold as ice...long ago...I wasn't very, very, very, nice you know..."

Rick James - Fire and Desire

The Internet is always interesting...and while I wasn't looking for the clip above...I found it on Youtube, and felt it was necessary to post.

Nothing new under the Sun

Top recruit John Wall is headed to Kentucky to play for the Wildcats...however as you can see, he has been playing all summer...working on his game...and the hard work has paid off, as he humiliated Jerry Stackhouse.

Hmmm....let's see this sounds a quite familiar for two reasons. First and foremost it wasn't long ago that LeBron James was "dunked on" or so-called dunked on, and the ensuing Nike video tape scandal...this is the year of the amateur...but the real reason why this resonates a tune of familiarity is because it wasn't too long ago when Stackhouse was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, and a gangly youth named Kobe Bryant used to torment him.

I can remember Kobe telling me that he was going to play in the NBA, and I didn't necessarily doubt him, but I didn't believe that he would turn pro right out of high school either.

Part of the circle of life is that there is always someone out there better than you, and for Jerry Stackhouse that couldn't ring more true.

It is what it is...

At the Playground

"Please join a sorority...go step your game up..."

Little Brother - Lovin' It

On Christmas Day reigning NBA MVP Kobe Bryant celebrated breakthrough innovation with a festive flair by unveiling a special NIKEiD designed version of his latest signature shoe – the Nike Zoom Kobe IV. The day also marked the first day that people could visit NIKEiD.com to create their own version of the shoe. From now until February 1, 24 pairs of the Nike Zoom Kobe IV will be sold daily on NIKEiD.com. After February 1, the Zoom Kobe IV will be available in normal capacity on NIKEiD.com. The Zoom Kobe IV offering marks the first time that a signature Nike basketball shoe is available for customization on NIKEiD.com before it is available at retail.

To celebrate the shoe’s launch on NIKEiD.com, Bryant teamed up with Nike to create a web video that features appearances by DJ AM and comedian Mike Epps. Last week Nike rolled out a 30-seconds teaser version, which we featured here on GAME TIME.

In the beginning

When Kobe Bryant moved back to the United States, from France...it was at the playground where he was able to measure his game against the so called best of the best in North and West Philadelphia. Kobe played countless hours in the gym (JCC, Temple University, St. Joes Alumni Fieldhouse), but it was at Tustin Recreation Center where I remember him playing the most. So I find it fitting that his new web video is about a game of HORSE, in which Mike Epps is hustling everyone for their sneakes. The ad guys didn't have to think too hard for this one, as I'm sure they asked Bryant about some of the things he's seen happen on various courts around the city.

The more things change...the more they stay the same.

By Any Means Necessary...

RG and AG courtside in Philly

Sports and sports culture are often a metaphor for our daily lives. You win some, you lose some…basketball, as the game pertains to me, and how I view things, are one in the same, as the game has provided joy, pain, wisdom, and life experiences far beyond my childhood dreams.

Along my journey, I have encountered my fair share of ups and downs, making decisions, right and wrong. The saying of, “you live and learn”, rings so true, and with new ventures on the horizon, I know that I have a lot more learning to do. Sometimes you figure things out later than you would like, nevertheless it is better to learn at any moment, than not at all. The point I would like to make revolves around something that is both black and proud.

“I’m dark like the side of the moon you don’t see…” – Mos Def, Astronomy (8th Light)

The Bold and the Beautiful

A few years ago, I received a gift that I didn’t quite comprehend and or appreciate. Right in front of me was something that I needed, and always longed for, however I believe that I didn’t understand what I had because it was given to me, and I didn’t work hard enough for it. Now that I have your attention I’m talking about my first pair of Nike ACG boots. A good friend had sent them in the mail at the beginning of the winter months, and instead of putting them on right out of the box, I waited until I was ready to wear a boot that Nike had made. Having grown up in Philadelphia, a Nike boot was one of the last things I was going to wear, let alone purchase.

One day on my way to work on a snowy, frigid day, I decided to adorn my feet with the boots I had cast aside like Robinson Crusoe. The first thing I noticed was how comfortable they felt, as if I was wearing a product from Nike Basketball. Once I stood up, I immediately noticed that I was taller, from there nothing was ever the same again, as I have met my match.

There is a region on the eastern seaboard, affectionately called the DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia) by those who live there, and if style and swagger is what you are looking for, then you will not have to go far around these parts, because the DMV is home to everything from GO-GO music (Chuck Brown, UCB, Wale) to some of the best athletes in the world. (Kevin Durant, Michael Beasley, Shawne Merriman)

A few miles north in between this area and my hometown of Philly rests Baltimore, home of Carmelo Anthony, Rudy Gay, and no doubt the Nike ACG Boot. I recently sat down with Rudy one day after a game to catch up on things.
Here is the score on our courtside conversation:

Can you shed some light on the Nike ACG Boots?
“Man I was in middle-school when I had my first pair of Nike boots! I wear them the same as I did then. Nike boots go with anything. I used to wear them to church, you can wear them to the club, wear them to school…and we wore uniforms. Nike boots can go with your uniform! I think that people are just learning about Nike boots outside of Maryland, but we never receive the credit. I remember the first time I wore them in college (UCONN) and everybody was asking me what are they? They look like space boots, and now everyone is trying to get a pair. I had the Goadome, and I just got another pair.”

How did you get into sneakers?
“Well I started late because growing up I always had the hand-me-downs, and stuff like that, and I think that is what gave me a love for sneakers. Growing up I had 2 pair of shoes…I had my play shoes, and my old good shoes. My play shoes were sometimes too small and everything, but that’s how it was. Having grown up that way, I appreciate things much more now.”

What is your favorite sneaker of all-time?
“Favorite shoe of all-time…I would say the Jordan XI, they’re crazy, white/black! Oh and how could I forget about the Nike Foamposite shoe, the Duncan’s, I would say those too.”

Talk about your relationship with Nike?
“My relationship is good. I went to their camp when I was younger. Actually they accepted me…I didn’t expect to be in any camps. I wasn’t on the radar at all. They gave me a chance and I took advantage of it, that’s how I see it. When no other camps were looking at me…I really thought I was going to a JUCO, (Junior College) but Nike gave me a chance and there were a lot of coaches out there watching and I made the best of it!”



I sometimes marvel at how things happen…one minute, I figured boots by Nike were irrelevant and now, they have been a staple in my wardrobe for quite a few years now. They are so good, that I’m crazy without them.

I’m so thankful for second chances…luckily for me, it was a matter of comfort, style, and height…and not anything more serious like lost relationships and love.

Peace.


AG.

STARS and STRIPES

Heaven is a playgroundThe King and I


While the NBA rookies and hopefuls recently started playing in the summer leagues, another group of players look to find their place amidst the best the world has to offer. This team is hopefully unlike any other as they look to regain global supremacy with Olympic gold.

Last month Nike Basketball hosted an event to celebrate the 2008 USA Men's National basketball team, as well as showcase the new uniforms and footwear. (Nike Hyperdunk)


Everyone on the squad was loose, yet they all uttered the sentiment of bringing the gold medal back to the United States. The Olympics for Team USA used to be a much easier task in basketball, however what once seemed like taking candy from a baby, has now become as difficult and painful as filling up your gas tank regularly. If this event and last summer's perfect record are any indication of things to come, then it is only a matter of time before The Star Spangled Banner is played for the men on a mission.



Watch the video below for more on Team USA: