West Side

"Back in Philly, we be out in the park..."

The Fresh Prince - Summertime

The end of the year always brings people to reflect on their lives, and while I have been thinking about numerous things this week...there is one thing that I wanted to make clear before January 1, 2011.

Showtime

If someone would have told me that the tall, lanky younger brother of Sharia Bryant would one day grow up to become one of the best basketball players in the world...I wouldn't know how to interpret that information. 16-years ago, the only thing on my mind was getting a new pair of sneakers, and hanging out with my siblings and friends.

People are usually skeptical about my friendship with the Bryant and Cox families, however it's because of Kobe, that I cheer for and support the Los Angeles Lakers. I grew up watching the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks, however when the Lakers drafted Eddie Jones from Temple in 1994, and then acquired Bryant two years later...I became a Lakers know it all. What would you do if your friend was drafted by a professional team...I'm guessing you would be a fan?

I'm all about my hometown team...I enjoy watching the Sixers, and I cheer for them always. In fact, as I write this they are playing in the Staples Center, and with 2:36 to go in the 2nd quarter they are trailing the Lake Show by 10-points, 46-36.

This is how I root for two teams...the first thing I do is assess them both realistically...meaning the Lakers are a championship caliber team, so I hope they win it all, and the 76ers are in the midst of bouncing back from a bad season last year, so I'd love for them to advance to the playoffs, and make a run.

I just wanted to set the record straight...Happy New Year!

Great Adventure

"Get the point...good...let's dance"

Janet Jackson - Interlude: Let's Dance

As a collegian one of the things I always looked forward to outside my broadcast television classes...was the NCAA tournament.

Madness

Temple University always had great basketball teams...in fact it was the leadership of Coach Chaney...and play of the Eddie Jones/Aaron McKie tandem that attracted me to enroll. Well...that is after my dream of attending UCLA didn't come to fruition, however that's another story...nevertheless I'm happy to say that things haven't changed much on North Broad Street, as the Owls have been ranked throughout the season, and well on their way back to the tournament.

My allegiance is to TU, and then everyone else...one of my favorites outside the alma mater is Villanova, and even though they have struggled recently, I know they will be just fine because the Big East is by far the best conference in the nation.

Everyone talks of the SEC with Kentucky, the Big 12 and Kansas, or the ACC with Duke...however the Big East has several schools that have superior teams with experience, and talent at numerous positions. With their victory over Georgetown, hopefully the world will understand how good West Virginia is, and the Pitt Panthers are another team that plays exceptionally well without the recognition.

I'm not going to make any predictions, however when you are filling out your brackets, remember the Temple Owls, and their neighbors in the Big East.

You can thank me later.

Photo: AXG

Birds of Prey

New school

"This ain't back in the day...but you don't hear me though..."

Notorious B.I.G. - Things Done Changed

For the first time since 1979, the Temple University Football program is eligible for a Bowl game.

Dirty Thirty

On the last Saturday in October, the Temple Owls defeated the Midshipmen of Navy, in a come from behind victory 27-24. This game hits home as anyone that knows me will tell you...I'm a big supporter of my beloved TU...however as I sat in a rain delay during the World Series...I learned that the Owls have won their 6th game of the season...good enough for a Bowl.

The news while extremely heartwarming...came as a welcome surprise. Don't get me wrong, I'm a believer, but Temple is not by any means a football school. Head Coach Al Golden has done a great job a changing the culture, with a no nonsense approach. I've seen first hand how demanding Golden is, however he looks like a genius now.

Lead by true freshman Bernard Pierce, Temple secured a 14-10 halftime advantage. Then Navy took over, as Temple's passing attack or lack thereof enabled Navy's 24-17 4th quarter lead.

Pierce emerged from the anemic pass offense...as he did what he does best, becoming the first letterman since 1986 to run for consecutive 200 yard games. He gained 1,033 yards thus far and is the first Temple back to gain 1,000 yards rushing since 2002. He rushed for 100 yards in five of his last six games.

Pierce's teammate James Nixon etched his name in the books as well...as he returned a kick for 100-yards, a school record.

I've written this before, and I'm going to write it again...the only thing constant in this world is change...and now that Temple Football is mentioned on ESPN's Sportscenter, and receiving national attention...change is good, very good.

Nostalgic

Flight

"I'll throw it down your throat like Barkley..."

Chuck D - Rebel Without a Pause

Three weeks ago I had an opportunity to interview a former NBA player that with one dunk carved out a place in history.

Attrition

When my editor at Sneaker Freaker emailed me and asked if I would be interested in interviewing Dee Brown about his famed Reebok Pump sneakers, and the 1991 NBA Dunk Contest, I not only replied yes...I emphatically reveled in the opportunity. I love basketball, and history was one of my best subjects as a child, so to combine the two is like having cake and eating it too!

I wouldn't be within my rights to post the story I wrote, however I thought it would be fitting to show the quotes that didn't make the final edit. I found it extremely interesting that Brown had a scholarship off from my beloved Temple University...had he gone to school in North Philadelphia, instead of Jacksonville University...I would have been a fan long before he set foot on the court, that one night in February, 1991.

Below is the final score on our court side conversation:

So Temple University and the legend John Chaney was looking at you?

“Yeah Temple was…I had like 10 schools looking at me after the Sunshine State Games, its like the Empire State Games in New York. Its like a junior Olympics type of event and I broke the scoring record, and I was playing against all the top players…Mr. Basketball, and other top players in the state, and I was grinding them up, and then all of a sudden I had like 10 scholarship offers the next day. But I said no because I wanted to stay home. Everything with me has been like the underdog, because it made me work hard, and made me more humble. My whole life, you can look at the whole story…its funny, I’ve always been the underdog, got overlooked, and had to wait to get it done.”

I was inspired back in the day by the play and flair of Dee Brown, and after interviewing him recently...I was sincerely inspired by his words, and story.

"There is no substitute for hard work..." - Coach John Wooden

Acknowledgement

Intensity

Strength

"Got a hunger for this game..."

Jay-Z - Honey

I didn't go too far from home when I decided to attend college, as I merely was a public transportation ride away from Temple University. As a post graduate I've lived in numerous places, including New York City, and Beaverton, Oregon...I've been homesick as an adult, but never as a student, since I was educated so close to home.

Honor

If you have been watching the NBA this season a few things will stand out, such as the MVP season that LeBron James had, and the way Dwyane Wade led the Miami Heat to the playoffs with a young team, however Courtney Lee, the rookie guard for the Orlando Magic is having the time of his life.

Lee had a standout career at Western Kentucky University, and as a homesick freshman he was befriended and guided by teammate Danny Rumph, which he credits for helping to shape him into the person he is today.

Rumph collapsed and died in 2005 at a playground in his hometown Philadelphia. He used to wear the number 11 for WKU, and now Courtney Lee remembers him twofold by wearing Rumph's number for the Magic, and through a tattoo on his right arm of an angel winged-basketball player, wearing a no. 11 Western Kentucky jersey with a Philadelphia Phillies cap.

The Philadelphia 76ers have drawn the Magic in the 1st round of the playoffs, and as the series shifted to Pennsylvania, these games serve as a homecoming for Courtney Lee. I had an opportunity to interview him before Game 3. Here is the score on our conversation:

GAME TIME: You have a big role with the Magic, can you talk about that?

Lee: "Like you said, I'm playing, and staying ready and prepared to knock down open shots and taking what the defense is giving me...and they're giving me a lot of open good looks, so I'm ready to step in and knock them down. Fortunately my teammates have been able to get me the ball in that position. It's been a long season...I've been working hard from day 1...I was able to break [into] the starting line-up, after the first 30 games.

GAME TIME: What's it like coming from a small school?

Lee: "Coming from a small school Western Kentucky...we really wasn't on the map that much, but we did our best."

GAME TIME: Talk about conditioning...have you hit the rookie wall?

Lee: "Conditioning wise, I'm in the best shape of my life. 82-games, practice...there's no time to get out of shape. My legs are fine...I really didn't hit the rookie wall. I mean there were a couple of times when we would get in late, and I'd wake up the next day and I'm tired...but not really to the point when I needed a break. This is basketball, and I love to do it!"

GAME TIME: What are you feeling now that you are in the NBA Playoffs?

Lee: "This is the biggest stage I've ever played on in my life...I'm definitely having fun out there, and coach does a good job of preparing us in practice and walk through, so we know what we're going to face. It's all about execution, and we're out there playing for each other."

GAME TIME: You had a big offensive night in Game 2, can you talk about playing defense?

Lee: "I've been getting switched from 1, to 3, and I'm just trying to stay in front of my man as much as possible, and make them take difficult shots all night."

GAME TIME: Talk about shooting the big shots:

Lee: "That's what you have to play for, you have to be ready to knock down big time shots. On this team we have other guys that probably get the play called for them, so anytime it comes to me, I have to be ready. I thrive off that."

GAME TIME: Coming from a small school, you are carrying a lot of people on your shoulders:

Lee: "Yeah...after Game 2...I had like 50-60 text [messages] from people just telling me that they're proud of me, and that definitely means a lot. I come from a city where they are basketball crazy, and then as I kept going to the next level, they have followed me and supported me, and it means a lot!"

GAME TIME: Can you talk about your jersey, and the number 11?

Lee: "In college, my teammate which is from the Philadelphia area, passed away after my freshman year, and I wanted to pay a tribute to him at the highest level, so I have a tattoo of him, and I switched my number to his number.

Bryant on Broadway

61

Will power

"Trust me on this one, I'll detach you..."

Jay-Z - Takeover

New York, NY - February 2, 2009 - Black History Month continues here on GAME TIME, as Kobe Bryant took the liberty of making his-story on the biggest stage in basketball.

Second to none

I haven't been in New York since the summer, so when an opportunity arose to travel to Gotham City to cover the Knicks versus the Lakers...I didn't hesitate. My career in pro basketball started in Madison Square Garden, with the New York Knicks, and Liberty. I did my internship with those teams, the summer before my senior year at Temple University. There is a saying that has something to the effect of "if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere...", and the city that never sleeps is tough, but I was able to learn, and grow, as well as make a name for myself there. With that experience, I've been able to build on that success to have a solid career in journalism.

I made sure to arrive early so I could catch Bryant during the afternoon shoot around. I noticed that he and assistant coach Brian Shaw were on one end of the court while some of the other guys on the team were shooting around and joking on the other side. Kobe was in one of his more focused moods, but after he was finished he walked over and addressed me and then the media. Once he was done with the media availability I walked with him down the hallway to the elevator...I told him that I'd heard from his sister on facebook, and I asked him what he was doing with his shoes after the game?

What would happen a few hours later, would be a lasting memory that I am sure my children will hear about one day. My friend and coworker Audie, mentioned a few times throughout the day that Bryant would have a BIG game against his hometown Knicks. Side note about the Knickerbockers, I am really impressed with Danilo Gallinari, he is a decent player that will only get better. It was interesting to see him and Kobe speak with one another during the game, in Italian no less. Trust me on this on Gallinari is legit.

Before the game began, people from the Garden not only remembered me, but they also showed a genuine love and respect for me. That made me feel really good, as I know that I did my best during the time I worked there. Once the game started, I saw the stars were in attendance, as Mariano Rivera, Jay-Z, Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, America Ferrera, and John McEnroe, watched KB go on such an offensive tear that I figured this would become one of his many 40-point games. What I didn't figure, was that it would be the most historic night offensively in the current Madison Square Garden, which was built in 1968. 

He scored 61 points, as he made a perfect 20-20 from the free-throw line. It was the 4th best offensive outing for his career, which was good enough for the best since Bernard King scored 60 points on December 25, 1984. 

With 18 points in the 1st quarter and 34 by halftime, the Garden was electric as I would have to agree that it is the most hollowed place by far to play a basketball game in. Bryant had 12 points in the 3rd quarter, and evened everything out with 15 in the 4th. It was truly an amazing game, and afterward I had an opportunity to interview Kobe...however I forgot to ask him if his shoes had anything to do with it, as he was wearing his new Nike Zoom Kobe IV.

Kobe after throwing his very own "Garden" party, answered questions (click on the link to see Kobe, and listen for my questions at the end) for several minutes, and as he made his exit...he and I walked and talked about his team, and Black History Month.

He is the final score on our conversation:

Talk about this team and how things are a year later, after making the NBA Finals:

"Better prepared..better prepared, you know a lot of guys, it was their first time, you know Pau [Gasol] it was his first time out of the first round, and he goes all the way to the Finals...so a lot of things were new, so I think having a year of experience, and also...you know, learning a lot from that series, 'cause we learned a lot, so now we take those lessons and apply them to this season."

What are your thoughts on Black History Month, because a lot of people don't mention sports in that?

"Sure, sure...well it's a celebration of all of it, it's a big time of the year for us, and Martin Luther King Day, and having [President Barack] Obama being inaugurated the day after that, and now we have Black History Month...it's great, it's a great year for us."

With all that you have done, and then scoring 61 points tonight in Madison Square Garden...you have made a mark within Black History Month:

"Man it feels incredible, it feels incredible, and we obviously have to take the responsibility as African-American athletes and we try to do our best to live up to that."

Presidential Suite

Larry Miller and AG. in Philadelphia

NYC

"America surprise us, and let a black man guide us..."

Nas - Black President

I, like most young people wanted to grow up and play sports professionally. At a very early age I was so intrigued with competition, and sport that I often dreamed of becoming an All-Star in either basketball, futbol, or baseball.

Role Model

It was Sir Charles Barkley who once echoed that he wasn't a role model...now at the time, I disagreed with him because I was a child that looked up to him as a fan of the Philadelphia 76ers. However Barkley was correct, as he backed up that statement by saying that he was just a basketball player and that parents, and working professionals were the people we should look up to.

It all makes perfect sense now, as I never attained my dream of playing in the NBA, but I did land a job with the League office upon my graduation from Temple University. The rationale was that my skill set didn't live up to my ambitions, so I had to channel that love for basketball into a job.

Since then, my zeal for the game continues to propel my career path, as I have switched gears from working in public relations to becoming a journalist.

One of the persons that I look up to and have looked up to for quite sometime is Philadelphia native and Temple University alum, Larry Miller. I first met him when he worked for the Jordan Brand in New York City during a Jumpman promotional tour. What amazed me the most was that he is from the same neighborhood that I'm from, and he now serves as the President of the Portland Trail Blazers organization. His love of sports helped him to excel and grow into becoming an executive of an NBA franchise.

His name was in the news recently as he sent an email to all the NBA teams, warning them not to sign Darius Miles to spite his organization. It's a long story, but at the end of the day, he is just doing his job, and for that I will continue look up to him.

Bill Cosby, Will Smith, and Larry Miller have proven to me, that my environment does not and should not decide my future. If they can achieve, then I too can follow in their footsteps.

Photo: Webster Riddick

Never Give Up

Legendary

Respect

"I reminisce for a spell, or shall I say think back 22 years ago to keep it on track..."

CL Smooth - They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)

Today the sports world lost basketball icon Kay Yow. The former Head Coach of the North Carolina State women's program, lost her battle to breast cancer.

Wolf Pack

Coach Yow has been fighting breast cancer since it first encroached on her body in 1987, but instead of throwing in the towel, she fought the disease through treatment, and sports. I truly believe basketball was her outlet, as she was inducted into both the women's (2000) and mens (2002) basketball Hall of Fame.

On January 11, 2001 she reached the 600-career mark against my beloved Temple University 71-64, and 6-years later Coach Yow, won her 700th game with a 68-51 win over Florida State.

This is not the first loss the NC State basketball family has suffered due to a cancer related death of a Head Coach, as it was Jim Valvano who once echoed "Don't give up. Don't ever give up..." before his passing.

I do not want to tell people how to live, however no matter how hectic things get, we must all be thankful for another day. 

Today we remember Coach Sandra Kay Yow, March 14, 1942 - January 24, 2009.

Second Semester

Basketball IQ

"I wish for you 100-years of success, but it's my time..."

Jay-Z - Roc Boys

Whenever ACC oppents matchup, it's usually a great contest, so last night when #9 Clemson visited Tobacco Road, and the #6 Tar Heels, Wayne Ellington and company didn't disappoint crowd, or the national ESPN audience.

Student Athlete

This time last year I was living in Oregon, and while the PAC-10 is a great college basketball conference with the likes of UCLA, Arizona, and Arizona State...there is no place like home. I would catch the Big East, ACC, and Atlantic-10 sparringly, but one game stood out, and that was UNC vs. Clemson, as the 'Heels traveled to South Carolina for an important conference battle. That game went down to the wire, as sophomore Wayne Ellington made a 3-pointer at the buzzer to seal the victory.

Ellington's heroics against the Tigers remained in tact as he led his team on Wednesday to an impressive win 94-70. He played a team high 32 minutes, scoring 25 points, while handing out 7 assists, and grabbing 6 rebounds. His only mistake was leading both teams in turnovers with 4...but I'll take that at this stage in his career now, because it means two things. First and foremost, he was being aggressive, and next, this is how he will learn the valuable lessons for the next level.

The Philadelphia native is a big Kobe Bryant fan, so in KB24, he has one of the best to look up to. It's only a matter of time before he joins him on the big stage.

Tonight I'm headed to Temple University for some more college basketball action, as I'm sure Dionte Christmas will leave me with something to write about tomorrow.

Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Politics as Usual

Pride

Strength

"Down to Maryland...all the way over there at Morgan State..."

RZA - Ain't Nothin' Ta F--- Wit

I love sports, because like our lives...anything can happen without a moment's notice. On Wednesday, January 7th, the Morgan State University Bears, traveled south on the beltway to College Park, MD to play against the University of Maryland. What would eventually happen is something that brings joy, and pain.

unBEARable

During the days of racial tension and Jim Crow laws, black people in this country worked together to provide services, and opportunities for one another. For example, there were black business (hotels, laundry mats, newspapers, restaurants, mom & pop stores, etc.) that thrived in this country because of segregation...as this relates to institutions of higher learning and intercollegiate sports, they also enjoyed the success of high enrollment, and winning programs.

Once the integration doctrine was accepted, things changed within the black communities, as there was no longer a specific need to support one another...because a new integrated world had opened up. Traditionally Historically Black Colleges and Universities had the best of the best athletic programs...with Coach Gaines, and Earl Monroe at Winston-Salem State, Coach John McLendon at North Carolina College for Negroes, Coach Ben Jobe, Avery Johnson, and Bobby Phills at Southern University, and John Chaney at Bethune Cookman University, to name a few. Nowadays playing for an HBCU is second to the likes of the University of Florida, Duke University, and the University of Kentucky...so when the Morgan State Bears "upset" the Maryland Terps 66-65, it became BIG news. 

I was watching ESPN as always on Wednesday night, when I saw the highlights from the game. I didn't know what to think? Should I be happy because the Bears are getting some national recognition, or should I be upset because they don't get enough attention? As of this morning, I still haven't decided, so I wrote this rather spirited piece. Last season MSU, under coach Todd Bozeman, won 22 games, good for 2nd best in the school's history, if you didn't already know that fact. I say that to say...MSU has a good men's basketball program. 

Last but not least, I went to Temple University...passing on Howard University...which makes me stop and think...was I apart of the problem that I'm writing about now...or did I stay home in Philadelphia because it was best for my family? The answer is...I wanted to attend UCLA because of the prominent black athletes that received their education there in the past...from Jackie Robinson, and Arthur Ashe, to Lew Alcindor, Flo Jo, Reggie Miller, and Pooh Richardson, so between that, and I really didn't have a choice other than Temple and Howard.

As the University of Maryland can attest...things don't always go accordingly to plan, and that's why the games are played. 

Congrats to the Morgan State University Bears, all the best this season.

Photo: Carol Smith

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.

New York State of Mind

Anomaly

Defense first

"Young, early 80's throwing rocks at the crazy lady..."

Nas - Street Dreams

When I first heard of Lamar Odom, I was very impressed at what I had read. So when I saw the left handed, 6'10" point guard, from South Side Jamaica, Queens...my greatest fear had come to fruition. The stage was set, as my Temple University Owls played against the Rams of Rhode Island in the Atlantic 10 Championship game. Much to Coach Chaney's dismay the game's balance was the hands of Odom with a few seconds left on the game clock. To make my story of agony brief, he put up a shot from the arc that not only ended Temple's championship run...it also beat the buzzer, and the rest is history. 

When it was a game

The aftermath of that 3-point shot, resulted in Lamar entering the NBA draft that summer, and becoming the 4th overall pick for the Los Angeles Clippers. It no secret that as a native of Philadelphia I was raised a fan of the 76ers. However, because of where I grew up, I met Sharia Bryant older sister of Kobe, and because of that fact, I cheer for the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Having explained that...as a journalist, I attend as many Laker games as I can when they travel east. Last Wednesday, they were in Philly, and I spoke with Odom, and Stephen A. Smith about New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress. After our conversation, I decided that I would interview Lamar before the next game against the Washington Wizards.

I drove to DC with my fellow writers Jeff Young, and Michael Tillery. Jeff and I, after walking over to the visitor's locker room, spoke with Derek Fisher first, and then Lamar Odom.

Here is the score on my chat with the man they call LO:

Talk to me about your role on this team:

"I just bring my energy off the bench. My role is to fill any position that we need...ball handling, rebounding, I come off the bench...score a couple of buckets, and try to get people involved. Basically it's my job to play basketball the right way every night."

On the possibility of a starting role:

"That's not really my focus. My focus is to...my job is to basically do what I'm asked, you know what I'm saying...and I just leave it at that, and put my head in the right place mentally, so whatever they ask of me, I can fulfill that. Whether it's coming off the bench or starting...at the end of the day it's basketball. You know what I'm saying, when you come off the bench of course you don't get to play as much, but you never know. Injuries, streaks...as far as people playing good or bad, you know it's a long season...minutes, whatever may be, I just try to stay prepared. You know keep my mind, and my body prepared so when the time does come, I can play my role, do what I do."

Talk about the college game when you were in school and what it is now:

"There was a transition in the college game in the early 90's until now. The transition was that guys started to leave a lot earlier. You know when I was coming up, watching the [NBA] draft... '92 draft, '93...even the guys like Big Dog, Grant Hill, stayed like 3-years. Now guys...the guys that are really good, are going like basically 1 [year] and done. So you see a lot of teams dominating, like all the way through the season, like you can pick who is going to be in the Final Four, and Sweet 16 a lot easier, because the teams that are able to keep players there, and keep really good players there of course, are going to be good. When I say keep them there I just mean, you're a veteran right now if you're a junior in college. I think when [Kevin] Garnett went to the league, and the whole AAU situation, and the high school age limit, all that kind of changed college in general. But I think the college game is a necessity for a lot of the kids to come to the NBA, not for basketball, but for the off the court prep that it gives you. I spent two years in college, and played 1, and I miss it to this day. It's nothing like it...there are people that I know...I bump into journalist, to lawyers...it was probably the most incredible time I've had in my life. You got to do what you love on a national stage, but yet the off court scene still had an innocence to it. This is business, you know what I'm saying...even though we love to do it, but a lot of what we do is based upon economics and politics...like any other job."

You were highly touted as a high school student, what are your thoughts in looking back?

"I've been playing basketball against Ron Artest...I'm only 28, 29-years old...I've been playing basketball against Ron Artest and Elton Brand for like 15-years. You know what I'm saying...more than that really, since like 12, or 13-years old. So to grow up with dudes like that and to get to this level and still play against them...and still be with them...for the whole borough of Queens that's special. I went to Christ the King with Chamique [Holdsclaw] and Sue Bird, and that New York City basketball tradition...I'm trying to hold it down."

Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images - NBA

Homecoming King

Rookie Year

Freshman Year

Strength

Respect

"I got it sewn, I'm so authentic...and you're not official like a ref at a scrimmage..."

Wale - Daytona Squared

Yesterday I drove to DC to cover the Wizards versus Heat game. I picked up my good friend Michael and we were on our way. Once we got on I-95 near the Chester exit, we were greeted with some traffic and a host of snow flurries. It's been really cold lately, just how I like it, nevertheless it would take more than some precipitation to deter me from a trip home.

Freshman 15

My uncle graduated from Temple University about 20-years ago, and upon receiving his degree he moved to the nation's capital, and began working for the government. My family is from West Philadelphia, so when my uncle moved below the Mason-Dixon Line, it provided the rest of us with a new place to visit, and for my brother and I...it gave us somewhere to spend the summer months.

The DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia), is a great place, as it has been a hotbed for politics, sports, and other things both good and bad, however for my intents and purposes, its the athletes and fervor for sports that I love the most about the area...well that and the beautiful women, but that is another story.

I used to coach youth basketball, and one of my BEST players was an 8th-grader at Gwynn Park Middle School, named BreAnna. To make a long story short, Gwynn Park Middle is known for their basketball talent, so when Bre went to high school she went to another powerhouse, Riverdale Baptist. I attended a few practices and one of her games, and it was from those encounters, that I first heard and met a young man named Michael Beasley.

He was a highly touted sophomore at the time, having transfered there from National Christian Academy. I was impressed by his natural ability, and by the fact he was such an agile person for his size. He was simply a shooting guard in a power forward's body, and most importantly, he is left-handed, which is like having a platinum engagement ring verses white gold. Yes being left-handed in basketball has its advantages.

Watching Beasley play with the Miami Heat was surreal. The main reason why, is because it seems like yesterday when he was in high school...but he's in the League now, and he and I had time to catch up after the game.

I interviewed Dwyane Wade first, because I really needed to talk to him for an assignment from HOOP Magazine. When I walked over Flash already had a crowd of reporters around him, so I waited until they dissipated to ask my questions. Before I could say a word, Wade greeted me saying..."what's up A? How are your mother and sister?" To which I replied..."hey Flash, they're good. I just have a few questions...cool?" "Yeah sure man", he answered but I usually see you in Philly, what are you doing down here?"..."Well I had to interview you, so I asked my friend if he wanted a ride...and we got in the Batmobile." I retorted, and he looked at me surprisingly saying..."the Batmobile?"

I'll go more in depth about that in another post, but for now, below is the final score on my conversation with Beasley:

Can you define what it means for you to be a basketball player from DC?

"It's unbelievable...I can name 3-million people that doubted me growing up, talking about I wouldn't be this and I wouldn't be that. So just to be here and be in my hometown now, and know that everybody loves me and supports what I do...it's breath taking."

Now that the NCAA season has started, are you able to follow the college game?

"[Pauses] Not as much as I want to, but I catch a couple of games...my brother [Nolan Smith] plays for Duke, so I caught their last 2 games.

Speaking of Nolan Smith, he is the starting point guard...your thoughts?

"[Smiles] He's doing what he has to do!"

What have you learned thus far being a rookie in this league?

"The league ain't no joke! I can tell you that...I mean, in high school and college you have your star players, and then you have players that shouldn't necessarily be on the court. Not in the NBA...you have your star players, and players that you think shouldn't be on the court, until you guard them man...and they are just as good as the star player you know? The league ain't no joke, you have to bring it everyday! I'm learning a lot about myself...on the defensive side, on the offensive side, but it's more so off the court."

Tale of two Cities

Success

Can and AG. in DC

Teacher and student

"Friends, how many of us have them...friends, before we go any further, let's be friends..."

Whodini - Friends

The Philadelphia Phillies are back in the World Series for the first time since 1993. The City of Philadelphia is drunk with excitement, as the Phillies are on the verge of bringing a major championship to this famished blue-collar town.

Sunday, October 19, 2008. Today is the first day of the week, and within this week the Phillies will play 3 World Series games, and the landscape of this city can change forever with the swings of a bat, and the pitch of a baseball. I was hopeful that the rest of the week can be as good as Sunday. I was not only on BET in the morning, talking sports on Bring that week back...but I was also mentioned in the Philadelphia Inquirer, in a column written by Annette John-Hall, Black and White are red all over.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008. Game 1. I'd been driving around a lot today and from North Philly to West, everyone is wearing Phillies, jackets, and caps. Even the SEPTA buses have a GO PHILLIES message on the route display sign, which is something I have never seen this late in October. Around 4:30pm, I received a call from the hospital saying that my grandmother had been addmitted for shortness of breath. That was a damper on what had turned out to be a good day leading up to the first game of the World Series.

Grandmom, got the attention she needed and was held over night. I later went to Modell's and purchased a Phillies World Series cap. On my drive home, I had an idea to text a good friend and Tampa native, Candice Dupree about her thoughts and feelings on the national pastime.

6:02:19 PM. I text Candice.

"Hey Can. Hope you are well. I wanted to ask you what your thoughts are on Philly playing Tampa in the World Series? Do you have a team that you are cheering 4?"

9:28:22 PM. Candice writes back.

"Now u should already know that I don't get down with baseball like that."

9:29:23 PM. I retort.

"I do know that, but its both of your cities in the World Series. Hometown and college town. Your thoughts?"

9:45:54 PM. Candice says:

"Well the fact that Tampa has a bunch of youngsters and no "famous" players says a lot abt their team. I know absolutely nothing abt the Phillies."

9:46:39 PM. I reply:

"Okay Can, that's a great answer. Thank you."

The Phillies won 3-2 behind the great pitching of Cole Hamels, Brad Lidge, and 2-run homer by Chase Utley.

The Rays however won Game 2 on Thursday night, 4-2 as Ryan Howard was able to finally get involved, but it wasn't enough as Big Game James Shields pitched a gem, and BJ Upton played well with 2 hits and 1 RBI, sending the series to Philadelphia knotted up at 1 game each. By the way, Phillies also had 2 errors, and that didn't help either...and last but not least, the home plate umpire called a terrible game, but I digress, I don't want to turn this into my own personal soap box for poor officiating.

Game 3 is set for 8:00 PM, October 25, 2008, in South Philly. This is the real test not only for the Rays, but also for the Phillies.

Playing at home for this town is both the gift and the curse.

By Any Means Necessary...

Honor Strength Class Allan Houston and AG. in South Philly

"Study to show thyself approved unto GOD..."

2 Timothy 2:15

Basketball is my favorite sport to play. Whereas baseball is the game that I prefer to watch on television...however if I had to pick one sport, then it would have to be basketball. Sports are such a metaphor for life and nothing speaks to my lifetime like basketball...the holy game.

GOD’S SON

During my junior year at Temple University, the Office of Student Activities had a trip to Madison Square Garden for a NBA preseason game. It was a day of shopping and exploring in New York City, with the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks in the nightcap.

I love the NBA. It’s the epitome of the game I love, so instead of being satisfied with my super affordable $10 ticket which included travel and admission to the game, I wanted more...I wanted a job with the New York Knicks.

I’ve never been complacent, I have always looked for opportunities that I could succeed and excel in. That said, I began studying the Knicks, and their organization. Upon further review I found a contact and I began to ask her questions about her job. She was both friendly and helpful, as it had never dawned on me that a position with an actual NBA team was something that was not only attainable, but it was also within my reach.

She and I agreed to meet upon my arrival to the game, so while my friends walked in and looked around for girls, hot dogs, and sodas, I was looking for the media press entrance on 33rd and 8th Avenue. I walked in, and I must have looked like a deer in headlights, because I was immediately greeted with “Hi, you must be Anthony. I’m Jeannette.”

That game, and that meeting with Jeannette, was the building block for my career in professional basketball. With her help, and my focus and desire, I enjoyed an internship with the New York Knicks and New York Liberty the following semester, beginning in May 2000, ending in September of the same year. What I learned, and who I met in that time, has shaped, and molded me into the journalist that I am today. The saying in New York City is, if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere, and I am proof of how true that really is.

Working for the Knickerbockers was a dream come true, as I have long been a fan of Allan Houston. Aside from his text-book jump shot, GQ fashion look and style off the court, he is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. I too am a member, so in this capacity he has become a brother, role model, and example of what a family man could and should be. When I started working, the team was in the midst of the NBA Playoffs, so not only is it an exciting time, here I was front and center for every home game. In the ensuing weeks, Allan Houston and I became friends, and while I patterned my game after his, and became extremely flattered anytime the girls would say that I looked like him, I always tried to fight my sheer emotions of joy whenever I was around him, because I didn’t want to look like a groupie or the like. I don’t think he would care, because he is a very genuine person, but where I’m from, that’s not cool, and would be considered bad behavior.

Over the summer I had heard that Houston was going to come out of retirement and give the NBA another go. Once I heard that, I’ve looked forward to last Friday’s pre season game, pitting the Philadelphia 76ers against the New York Knicks...I guess some things never change.

One of my good friends and fraternity brothers, Jeff Young covered the game with me. He too is a fan of Allan Houston, so it was only right that I introduced him. Coincidentally, Chris Broussard from ESPN, was there too, as he is also a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. It really is a small world, and in this case...membership has great privileges.

Jeff and I ventured into the visitor’s locker room. After the introductions and secret handshake, I asked Allan a few questions, while trying to remain as cool, calm, and collected as possible. I don’t know why, but he is one of 2 people that I’m always excited to see, and interview...anyone else, its just business, never personal.

Here is the score on our conversation:

Will you be with the organization in one way on the court, or in the front office in another?
“I mean, I really haven’t gotten to that point yet. Eventually when I finish playing, I think that is something I would love to think about or consider, but I’ve worked so hard to be on the court, so I don’t want to get ahead of myself. I think yeah, eventually down the line.”

Where did you play to get ready for the season?
“I played at [Nike] Pro City...a little bit of everywhere this summer, but it’s been a rough process, but it taught me a lot of patience, a lot of trust. Sometimes you want something bad enough and you think you are walking the way of where God wants you to be...you just gotta keep going. You can’t doubt it, you have to keep going, that’s all I’ve done, and I’m just looking forward to seeing what’s going to happen.”

Was it a matter of coming back to New York...could you have gone somewhere else?
“The reality is, I don’t even know? The way the conversation with Donnie Walsh and the organization went...it just made sense. You stay here, be home with family, and remain with the Knicks organization, that I’ve been identified with and it’s been so good to me...and it’s New York. I look at it like, the economy is going to turn around, so why not jump in when it’s on its on the way up? It’s the same thing with this organization; hopefully I can be here when it starts to climb back up. Everybody is excited about the direction.”

Talk about your time on ESPN as an analyst:
“It was a good experience for me. I learned a lot about the other side of the game in terms of analyzing and the presentation of the game. It was hard because I always looked at it from a player’s eye, and I think that’s what people wanted and respected, but it was hard for me to be really critical, because I’m still looking at it from a player’s perspective, I was still seeing myself as a player out there, which worked in some ways and some ways it might not have. All in all it was a great experience. I liked it, but I wasn’t sure if it was a long term passionate goal for me. Because when I do something, I go all out and I commit to it, and I was thinking if I could do this in 5 to10 years...and I couldn’t give myself a definitive yes to that. Sometimes you just know that your heart is in the locker room with the players, and being able to play, be around the game, whether it’s coaching or some other way, and that’s the way I felt.”

Tell me about you changing your number from 20 to 14 and how that speaks to the relationship with your father:
[Pauses] "Man, that’s a very good question, I’m glad you asked me that. My dad, our relationship has so many dynamics to it. He was my coach in college, I admired him as a role model growing up, I just looked up to him, and I wanted to be just like him. I saw how people respected him, how he treated people, how he worked, but the biggest thing the reason it means a lot to me is because of who he is as a man. As a person of character and integrity and that’s the one thing I’ve tried to carry in the legacy that he left me. As I look at the stage of career that I’m in now, it’s about legacy, it’s about what is it that I can pass on? Whatever he gave to me, that’s what I want to pass on. Whether it’s here or off the court, or my son, so to me it’s about legacy. So even on my website, www.allanhouston.com we talk about a father-son basketball retreat for a week. We talk about that importance of a man’s role in his house and we use basketball and sports to do it. So it was just really fitting, everything works together for the right time at the right reason and me being able to wear that number kind of capped it all off, everything that we had already been doing.”