At a Loss

"I reminisce for a spell..."

CL Smooth - T.R.O.Y.

Last week there were faint reports that a former NBA player was missing, as it was first pointed out to me by Michael Tillery of The Starting Five.

Sadness

Lorenzen Wright was found dead outside of Memphis, TN, 10 days after he was reported missing. When I heard the news I had to sit and reflect for a minute as my mind was racing with numerous thoughts. As a collegian I joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and one of the things that always delighted me was that there were several NBA players that were also members, and we have all become friends. During my internship with the New York Knicks, Allan Houston would always look out for me, and when I met Oscar Robertson during an All-Star game I was humbled at how he embraced me as a brother.

Ren as he was known was no different, always looking to catch up before and after games...sometimes we spoke about basketball, other times we spoke at length about our college days and life.

The news did not specify what happened to Wright, however I always knew him to be a standup guy, that took full advantage of his basketball skill set...making a great career from the game he loved.

Roots

"On fifty-deuce while I walk in the rain..."

Black Thought - Silent Treatment

The Lakers are in the midst of an 8-game road trip, which can only mean one thing...I'm going along for the ride.

Confidence

Friday night I found myself back in the familiar confines of Madison Square Garden...covering the Knicks/Lakers. Yesterday I was in Philadelphia to attend the Kobe Bryant Classic, high school tournament. I arrived fashionably late only to find Imhotep Charter down by a good margin against ANC, which boasts 6'9" Rakeem Christmas, 6'5" Savon Goodman, 6'11" Malcolm Gilbert, and number 24...point guard Jonathan Riles.

I decided to find a seat at halftime, and as the clock dwindled to zero, I walked across the court and found an empty spot next to Donald Hunt, of the Philadelphia Tribune. A mere minute and a few seconds elapsed before we began trading interesting facts about the legend that has become Kobe Bryant.

As a child I had aspirations to be on TV. I'm not sure I knew exactly what I wanted to do then, but as I got older it became evident that I desired to cover sports like Ahmad Rashad. I didn't seek fame...I just had a love for the game of basketball, and I knew that if I didn't make it to the NBA as a guard, then I needed to do something that would get me there in another capacity.

Throughout my childhood...while growing up on the basketball courts and barber shop...people would always talk about West Philly and how people like Wilt Chamberlain, Patti LaBelle, and the Fresh Prince had become successful. I figured since I was from the same part of town, I had a good chance to make a name for myself one day.

Kobe arrived at Lankenau Hospital in 1978...and while I didn't meet him until years later...it is the bond of Philadelphia that enables our friendship outside of athlete and scribe.

I couldn't imagine being Kobe, because I've never had an ounce of what he can do with a basketball, however what I admire more than anything else is his drive and will to win in all that he does. The first time I met him, he was a challenging me on the basketball court...now my biggest hurdle is figuring out what I'm going to get autographed for the office.

When Wilt, Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor, Dr. J, Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Zeke, Charles Barkley, and Michael Jordan were playing...I either wasn't born, or too young to have been a member of the media. The point I want to make is that Kobe is an extension of the great players of the past, namely his father...and instead of watching from a distance...I make an effort to cover his games and interview him the best way I know how.

Tonight the Lakers lost by 1 in Toronto...their next stop is the White House as guests of President Obama.

Photo: Walter Iooss Jr./Sports Illustrated

Master and Commander

adidas Commander for Dwight Howard

adidas Commander for KG

"Make you all jump along to the education...brother's gonna work it out, so stop chasing..."

Chuck D - Brothers Gonna Work It Out

adidas is the official sponsor of the NBA, so it only makes sense that they make shoes for some of the league's marquee players. It's no secret that I write about shoes regularly for various publications, as well as I have worked on a few sneaker commercials...so I've written all that to say, it's fitting for me to take the time to write about footwear here on GAME TIME.

Anything is Possible

adidas has long been a leader within the footwear and apparel industry, and the same has been true in basketball. From Oscar Robertson, Earl Monroe, and Pistol Pete, to Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard, and Kevin Garnett, the tradition has been established and passed down. 

At the beginning of the season the brand with the three stripes released the Team Signature Commander and Creator series with two footwear designs to meet the specific needs of players and their unique roles on the court. 

Starting today adidas continues the evolution of the line with the TS Bounce Commander, which will be worn by Dwight Howard, KG, Tim Duncan, Josh Smith, and Michael Beasley. 

I interviewed Dwight Howard for BET News in June prior to his training for the Olympics, and since then he and I have decided to work on a few things during the second half of the season, so stay tuned...in the meantime you can check out the adidas website to see exclusive videos featuring Howard as well as a few surprises.

Watch the latest videos below: