Nike Zoom Rookie: Black/Antracite

This new color way of the Nike Zoom Rookie is subtle but sweet. It still compliments the style of the shoe, out of space-ish! You can get creative on what you wear these with, but I definitely wouldn't put this color way to work on the court. There will be updates on the release dates of this color way, stay tuned.

Jordan Madness: The Release of the Jordan 11 Concord

Definitely in my top three favorite Jordan of all times, the Jordan 11 was released last week and brought the animal in the sneaker heads! People across the country lined up before the sun rose to get their paws on the white/black patten leather classic Jordan shoe and at the second the doors opened, it was craziness!!! The  crowd pushed forward, people were trampled, fights broke out and some mall and store doors were taken of of the hinges. National news even covered the frenzy, showing actual footage of some of the store openings. Check out how the this beautiful piece of work sent consumers coo coo!!

Calm Down People....I'm into bball kicks too but it is JUST a shoe.....
http://youtu.be/Uqwg1KE2-xQ


Mike made them look good though!

Kobe, L.A. Lakers Stop The Bleeding

After loosing to the Chicago Bulls by a bucket on Christmas and to the Sacramento Kings the following night, Laker nation was in full panic mode. The Lakers haven't started 0-3 since the 70's! Thanks to the energy that the Lake show came out with last night against the Utah Jazz, that's still the last 0-3 start. Kobe and friends came out as if this wasn't their third game in as many nights.  A lot of factors may have played a part in the 0-2 start such as, the trade rumors, Lamar leaving, Bynum serving a 4 game suspension, Kobe playing with injured shooting wrist, the new coach and his new system but despite all of that, the Lakers shook of all that plus the back to back to back schedule and came out scrappy enough to blow out the younger Utah Jazz!  ........u can take a deep breath Laker heads!

The Big Payback! The Heat Romp Mavs On Christmas

The world was watching to see this Christmas day match-up..............................
Of course when Dwayne Wade was asked if the game he had just finished playing in, the Heat's pounding of the Mavs who had beat them in last years NBA finals and had just raised their banner and received their rings before the tip, if this game was payback, he responded no. UH,YEAH RIGHT! If you don't think that the Heat had that day marked on that calendar, your psycho. The definitely spoiled the party Sunday as they beat the Mavs as if they were a D-League team. From three pointers, alley-oops and everything in between, the Heat looked like the 1991 Running Rebels in how they ran through Dirk and the gang.  Lebron posted 37 points, 37 aggressive points at that. Yeah, it was the first game of the season and yeah, it wasn't a playoff game but the Heat were definitely out to send a message and did.....all messages can be replied to though. Let's see how the Mavs reply!

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Melo Madness on Christmas!

Carmelo Anthony and the new look Knicks debuted on Christmas against the Boston Celtics and Melo answered the MSG crowds wish list. In a tightly matched game down the stretch, Carmelo went for 17....in the 4rth qtr alone! The Garden was rocking as the Knicks played scrappy on defense and  showed up big on defense. Kevin Garnett had a chance to send the game into overtime on a jump shot attempt @ the buzzer, but fell a little short. Then of course the place erupts, but while players congratulate each other the Knick's Walker and Kevin Garnett had some unpleasant words which resulted in a shove by KG to the neck area of Walker and the two having to be separated. Sounds like a new heated rivalry brewing to me.

                     
Good W Melo. Careful with the bows though!!

Will Kobe Be A Go For The Christmas Opener?

In monday night's pre-season opener for the L.A. Lakers vs. The Clippers, Kobe Bryant suffered a injury to a ligament in his wrist on a drive to the basket.  He was examined by Dr. Steven Shin that said this injury could sideline Kobe for two to three weeks. That would put him on the sidelines for the highly anticipated season opener on Christmas day vs. the Bulls. It pretty much will come down to Kobe and coach Mike Brown, if Kobe plays or not. The best thing for this type of injury is rest for the wrist but knowing Kobe and the "warrior" mentality, he'll be suited up on Sunday. The flip side to that is, this is a nagging, lingering type of injury and if not rested properly it could plague him all season long. Remember Kobe fans, its his shooting wrist, so he might want to go ahead and get that rest in now! That would take away from the allure of that Christmas Day match-up though! Oh well, we'll see!!!!

Hard Work Pay$ Off..D.Roses Inks New Deal With Bulls

   

There hace been many #1 draft picks to not quite live up to expectations and never get a max deal in their career. Some plagued by injury, some just over rated at the top, either way its hard to live up to those expectations. Who ever hits that lottery? Well when the Chicago Bulls took Derrick Rose #1 in the 2008 NBA Draft, that was the definition of hitting the lotto! This guy came in and improved the franchise from day1. Improving his game and his team each year, D. Rose averaged 25 pts, 7.7 assist, and 4.1 rebounds last season while leading the Bulls to their best record since Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan. Unstoppable off the dribble, very close to mastering the drive-draw-dish concept, and improving his long range shot, D. Rose just might be the most un-guardable player. Well Wednesday the Chicago Bulls showed their gratitude, giving him a 5yr $94million contract. Yeah, thats about $18.8 million a year for the 23 yr old Chicago native. As always, Derrick was as humble as 5 yr old waiting on Santa on Christmas Eve saying "no one from Englewood has ever been in my position so sometimes I think, why me?"
Maybe because you are humble enough to handle it D.Rose. Keep up the good work, stay hungry and stay humble!!!!

Press Conference Footage:
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/nba_tv/2011/12/21/20111221_chi_thibs_drose.nba


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First Look..... L.A. Clippers Look Good In Pre-Season Debut

I don't want to put too much into a preseason game but WHOA, the Clippers looked like they were posing as the western conference all-star team last night. Seriously, for them to be a week old team in their first game, that was a pretty scary preview for the rest of the league. They showed the fast pace style of play that we all expected, the high flying finishes, Caron Butler looked healthy and showed his well known ability, Chauncey looked comfortable at the 2 position on offense and defense, with Blake and De'Andre flying around dunking and blocking shots in the paint. I wouldn't deem them the team to beat quite yet but I will predict that, if they keep that line-up, they will be in the conversation very, very soon.

Check Out The Highlights:
http://youtu.be/pNX29QteaaE

Lakers Trade Artest for "Metta World Peace"

Last night in the Lakers season opener we saw a new name in the line up, with the familiar, Ron Artest missing from the Laker roster. The Laker #15 jersey checked into the game and the back of the jersey read.... "Metta World Peace" who is the player formerly known as Ron Artest. That's right, Ron Artest has officially changed his name to "Metta"(first name) "World Peace"(last name).  Of course, Ron Artest is always up to something but this may top all that he's done to date, but in a good way. Mr. World Peace changed his name to this to this in an effort to inspire and bring youth together around the world and platforming it through a professional sport with a franchise as massive as the Lakers is a pretty big stage to execute such. The word Metta means, loving kindness and friendliness toward others. What a wonderful gesture, despite what stigma has been put on NBA players. Its actually one of many things that NBA players do thats positive in our communities and sometimes world wide but don't make headlines. In fact Ron Artest himself has done plenty to give back and inspire in a positive manner such as auctioning off his Lakers championship ring to give to a children's charity. THose are the things that get little or no coverage but if he were to get into a fight, which is allowed in hockey by the way, or make a belligerent comment in a press conference, it would be blown up to be a bigger than life story. That's the reality of our culture though, to project the worst in a person or group of people and push the good things under the rug. Metta didn't do this for publicity for his names sake but that his name may spin off positivity! Reflective of 70's baller "World B Free", who also changed his birth name to a slogan of inspiration for that currently war stricken culture, Metta World Peace will do what Ron set out for it to do.......GOOD!

NOW RUN and TELL THAT!!!

Upset City! Davidson Stuns Kansas

Monday night Davidson traveled up to Kansas and put a damper on things by shocking the #11 Jayhawks on their home floor,  80-74. The Davidson Wildcats haven't been in the national headlines that much since the Steph Curry stint a few years back but they sure did grab everyone's attention last night. Davidson head coach Bob McKillop, used boxing analogies to motivate his team in the pre-game and they followed up with a "champ like" performance. Their offense looked like a well oiled machine last night as they knocked down 11 three point field goals. They offset Kansas's superior athleticism with its scrappy play on defense and dropping in big buckets. "And down goes the Jayhawks" is what I can imagine Coach McKillop shouted out in his mind as he saw Nik Cochran's 3-pointer drop in during the closing minutes pushing the the then 3 point lead to 6 with a minute left. This wasn't just a one hit wonder team back in 07-08 with Steph but a culture being instilled by McKillop....keep swinging!!! They gave Duke a tough bout earlier this year at Cameron Indoor Stadium. I believe this team could upset a few more "powers" in the NCAA landscape this year. Remember I told ya!
                                        

....What the heck did we run into tonight?!!!




HIGHLIGHTS:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:7371222

Jimmer Fredette "Don't Sleep!"

Saturday night, Jimmer and the Sacramento Kings hit the court for the first time this season in a preseason match-up with the Golden State Warriors and he didn't fail to impress at all. Despite critics making jokes in reference to Jimmer not being NBA standout material Jimmer started the party right by posting 21 points on  7-11 from the field and 4-6 from beyond the arc and making it look easy at the same time. The fact of the matter is, this kid can score, hands down. He's not a weak guard and has a very quick release. He may not be great on defense yet but I've seen worse defenders as rookies on defense that turned out to be pretty good defenders. I'm not saying he's gonna be an instant superstar but he has a knack for scoring enough to where he will stick and may succeed beyond what many may think!!! Jimster can fill it up! Check him out.....

VIDEO:
http://www.nba.com/video/games/warriors/2011/12/17/0011100008_sac_gsw_play1.nba

Lakers Miss Out Again?

Question? If you are a GM of a ball club and feel like you need help at a certain position, why not address it? I'm well aware that its easier said than done because of the many different variables, but in the last week the Lakers have watched Rodney Stuckey and Baron Davis blow by, despite needing some defensive speed at the point guard spot. Much love to D. Fisher but the PG match-ups last year didn't go in his favor as far as him matching up defensively. He's just a step slower now but is still a clutch player and the leadership qualities are priceless. Rodney Stuckey is a quick, penetrating, point guard who can knock down the jump shot and play tough on the ball defense. While he was available, the Lakers made no known moves toward picking him up but there's one thing about Kobe, he loves when the odds are stacked against him. Everybody received early Christmas gifts with new additions, Chicago with Richard Hamilton, Clippers picked up Chris Paul, Caron Butler, and Chauncey Billups, Mavs with Lamar, Knicks with Tyson Chandler, on and on and the Lakers stand with nothing. I wouldn't bet against Kobe though.

Sullinger Injured Again, Already?

Ohio State's star big man Jared Sullinger bruised a bone in his foot yesterday in a 74-66 win over South Carolina. This is coming off of the heels of him missing the big match-up against Kentucky, in which they lost a few games back. The Buckeyes had one a player step up big in Sullingers deparure from this game though. Sophomore De'Shaun Thomas poured in a career high 30 points in the game, lifting Ohio State to the win after they trailed 33-29 at halftime. Sullinger is not expected to miss much time, their next game against Lamar if any games at all. I hope this isn't the ghost of Greg Oden trying to creep in on J. Sullinger!

The Battle For L.A..... Clippers or Lakers

This is the question of the day, (for some people anyway). For years California's basketball culture has been colored purple and gold despite the state having 4 teams. In So Cal sports the Lake show reigns supreme by far!! In fact in parts of L.A., you could be in danger speaking anti- Laker talk. The Clippers on the other hand have made only 3 or 4 appearances in the playoffs in 30 years!! Since the Paul deal, people have instantly assumed the LA Clippers are instantly the the NEW POWER OF LA. Lakers fans are furious at the assumption. Let's weight it though. Chris Paul is a proven, leader, floor general, distributor and defender who will be teaming up with one of the most explosive, young front court players in the league, Blake Griffin, with a super solid supporting cast that also includes championship experience in Chauncey "Mr. Big Shot" Billups. That's a lot. That's a a lot running at you at one time.........BUT let's not jump to any crazy conclusions here people. How easily we forget. No, LA didn't win it all last year and yeah they were swept in the playoffs but it was by the team that went on to beat the Miami Heat for the NBA title. Other than the loss of Lamar Odom they're bringing the main core back. A healthy and rested Pau Gasol, Ron Artest, Andrew Bynum, Matt Barnes or yeah and some guy named Kobe Bryant that always has something to prove. This specific team has won 2 recent Championships and its two leaders have 5 as Lakers since 2000. Kobe is as healthy as he's been since 2007-2008. He won the back to back ailing, with multiple injuries including a fractured pointer on his shooting hand. Yeah they have a new coach with a new system but lets be real, KB24 and Fish run that show and if you think the BLACK MAMBA is gonna let someone come in and take the town, you've got the wrong sheriff. Kobe lives to be underestimated and doubted. Its more to changing a city's heart in basketball than picking up Chris Paul, no slight to CP3. This is where dominance of the CELTICS  was challenged and won, where the NBA logo himself engraved his legacy, where Wilt Chamberlain changed the big man landscape of the league, where Kareem gave guys nightmare of the sky hook while running beside the greatest PG ever in Magic Johnson, and BIG GAME James Worthy finished fast breaks like whipped cream finishes off a banana split. To be frank, Laker nation has a run that is too long and too strong for a single trade to a franchise ,that has to figure out how to get there, to come in and RUN THIS TOWN!

FInally, CP3 Goes to The L.A. Clippers

After playing "ring around the rosy" for the past week and a half, the Hornets finally, officially deal Chris Paul to the L.A. Clippers for G Eric Bledsoe, C Chris Kaman, F Al-Farouq Aminu and a 2012 first round draft pick. What does this mean for Clippers fans?? A four time all-star point guard running with Blake Griffin, while Caron Butler is slashing, De'Andre Jordan is swatting shots and catching lobs with Mr. big shot,Chauncey Billups, knocking down daggers in crunch time. This gives a very athletic, talented and now champion veteran lead squad, a highly skilled PG at the helm. I still feel like they gave up a bit too much to make this happen, but even after the fact, they could be a serious problem. Should Lakers fans be a little salty? No question. As bad as the Lakers need a point guard, their arena mates receive Billups and Paul on consecutive days, right in front of them. All the Lakers have done is lost a very important piece to their recent back to back championship squad. Why did Stern block the Lakers deal with Paul but approve the Clippers deal with Paul? Are the Hornets that much better after this trade than they would have been after the Laker trade? I don't think so. Kobe is probably getting a little disturbed. It probably doesn't help that he is dealing with a new coach who is inserting a new system and he just loss Lamar. The Lakers better do something and fast. Congrats to the Clippers!! All eyes on the Clipps now....

Syracuse ...The New #1

After a heartbreaking lost at the buzzer for Kentucky this past Saturday, there would definitely be a new number 1 at the top of the week and it was. Syracuse, the big orange and white. Yes, despite the drama surrounding the former assistant, Bernie Fine, these boys are playing great basketball. Its almost like an older Kentucky, in the aspect of their pace and athleticism. Maybe, just maybe they're using the drama as fuel or at least they're playing like it. They're playing as if they have a chip on their shoulder. They deserve a little credit for playing well enough to be #1 and not being distracted. Lets see how long they sustain, Great job orangemen.

The Clippers Bracing for Greatness

The L.A. Clippers are looking to surround Blake the Great with the right group to pursue greatness as a team. The rumors of getting Chris Paul, possibly giving up Chris Kaman, Aminu, a first round draft pick and maybe even G Eric Gordon were absolutely crazy to me. Why would you give up a young, explosive guard like Eric Gordon?? Gordon put up very good #'s last year and is really good as a combo guard. He has shown that he can play at the all-star level consistency. What transpired today makes a lot more sense and you keep your talented youth at the same time. Today the Clippers picked up Chauncey Billups off waivers today. A veteran point guard with championship experience is priceless. Especially along side a veteran warrior like Caron Butler, explosive athlete like De'andre Jordan and franchise promise, Blake Griffin......yall better watch outfor those Clipps!!!


MR. BIG SHOT

Kick Game Proper........Nike's Kevin Durant Signature Make Ups

                                                     (.....what can I do to top these????)

KD is killing the sneaker game this year. These are the new Nike Zoom KD IV "Weather Man". These kicks are fresh like a billion bucks for real! It basically has a storm radar showing areas of activity in orange and red, over top of a hyper green back drop with all of the radar markings you might find on any weather report. So serious as they have "The Forecast  Calls For A Thunder Storm" on the inner sole of the shoe. Just look at this work of art, it speaks for itself!!!!! Lol

And The Drama Continues.... NBA Trade Hoopla!

What a weekend in the NBA trade scenario! Some huge names landing a new home in the last 2 days. Lamar Odom landed with the very team that swept his Lakers last year in the playoffs the Dallas Mavericks. Say it ain't so!!! How and why? Well after having his neck on the chopping block with the Chris Paul trade "gone bad", a bad taste was left in his mouth so after that potential deal fell through, Odom felt as if he wasn't wanted and asked to be dealt, and the Mavs took advantage of his availability. The Lakers better do something quick, Kobe's not happy at all. So with Chandler gone and Lamar added, are the Mavs a better team? I think not. Now it looks like Chris Paul will be headed to LA after all....as a Clipper! In receiving Paul, the Clippers would be giving up Eric Gordon and Chris Kaman...is it just me or is that way too much to give up for Chris Paul? I mean he's a great PG but Eric Gordon is more than solid himself. CHris Paul lost a little explosiveness after the injury but is still able to run a team but its not like you're getting a young D. Rose or something. Not a good move for the Clippers. My main man David West is headed to the Indiana Pacers. D. West is a great pick up for any team looking to improve because he bring consistency to your post game on both ends. A very solid player all the way through. There's a lot more moving that will take place today and tomorrow, lets stay tuned!

The NBA Trade Shake Down

Man, where do we start? Its been so much movement and drama  with the NBA this week, it puts the soap opera t.v. lineups to shame! I'll began with the team that was the biggest bust in NBA history as far as I'm concerned, the Miami Heat. The Heat killed two birds with one stone in picking up Shane Battier! With him they get a really good defender and a player who can knock down the open shot from different spots on the floor. The Knicks got their share of  Christmas by picking up Tyson Chandler from the reigning champion, Dallas Mavericks. That immediately gives them defensive credibility that they definitely needed,  as well as his ability to finish at the rim. One pick-up that hasn't quite materialized yet but is very likely, is Rip Hamilton to Chicago. Can you say CONTENDER? The Bulls didn't need much, just some knock down shooters  and another playmaker who can demand some attention on the perimeter.....Rip is that plus championship experience.  As for the CP3 deal, Lakers fans shouldn't lose hope quite so fast because the deal has been slightly altered and resubmitted. Laker nation, keep your fingers crossed! There are some big names yet to settle into a new home such as, Dwight Howard, David West, Chauncey Billups and more. Stay tuned!!!!

Talk About A Pump Fake!

Since when can't two NBA agree to a del that they feel is fair to both parties and push the "complete transaction" button? Well I guess since yesterday, when it was all set and agreed that Chris Paul would be dealt to the L.A. Lakers but then NBA commissioner David Stern rejected/ blocked the deal. How crazy is that? Very. But why? I believe its a combo of a few things. As he made quite visible, Chris Paul played a very involved role in the players associations stand in the new agreement negotiations from beginning to end. As we saw, David Stern was very bothered by some of the players associations stand during deal negotiations, as one meeting even erupted with tempers to the point where the particular meeting had to break. ????? Makes you wonder. Reason #2 is that over sized, whining babies, that call themselves small market, owners, cried about the potential deal to the NBA's office, saying that its not fair to the smaller markets......no one cares about that in anything else in this country, why care on this 1. This is competition, on and off of the court grow up. I can only imagine how CP3 feels. Black balled, hoodwinked, and cheated. The three teams involved in the deal are already appealing and Paul refuses to attend Hornets camp until something is done. I'm with ya CP3. We'll keep a close eye on this 1.

Jim Boeheim and The Friend He Thought He Knew

Jim Boeheim first began coaching Syracuse back in 1976 and began putting his staff together. Presently a high school head coach (which sounds scary), Bernie Fine was hired as Boeheim's assistant. For a while the two were close but from sources close to the two, over the years, not so much. Bernie Fine was basically "demoted" at one point from Boeheim's "right hand man" and replaced by someone else, do to lack of certain basketball contribution ability. Though at won point during this relationship they were close enough to where they were next door neighbors, to Boeheim's wife's delight, Jim moved his family due to the, not so warm, relationship between the two house holds. With all of that being said, Jim Boeheim has always run a hands off, "pro style" type of program anyway, meaning that he never was the "micro manager" dude. He expected people to show up to work ready to do their jobs without him having to baby sit them, just as most professional clubs functions. All of this considered, Penn State's situation in comparison to Syracuse's, its completely night and day. It was such of a, on top of each other, family type situation where in "he had to know". Once truths started coming out, Boeheim completely re-evaluated his stand, taking a "I can't vouch for any one 100%" type of approach. To me, as he apologized for initially discrediting the allegation of sexual misconduct of minors by his, then, assistant, I felt that he was being sincere. Maybe, maybe not but after firing Bernie Fine shortly after the allegations blew up, a public apology to the alleged victim and Boeheim's history of running his program from a distance somewhat all point towards him genuinely not KNOWING. That all we can judge Boeheim through, his awareness.

Jim is a great coach and sometimes the people around you can cause problems for you but the truth prevails  in the end. What did we learn today class? Be careful of who you say you know......

Lights, Camera, Action! NBA #1 Draft Pick Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving came in to Duke in a very unusual manner for a incoming freshman PG under coach K, expected to play and make a huge impact from day 1. Hearing the confidence in which Coach K spoke of his PG prior to Kyrie's freshman season wasn't a confidence that he usually speaks of a freshman with, definitely not a guard. That was how you knew. You knew that he wasn't just hype or just a skill and athletic player with no bball I.Q. but you knew this kid must be the truth, for real. From game one at Duke, Kyrie played with a confidence and resolve to where it looked as if he had been there before, as if it was year 8 or 9 with the squad. He took on the big games with patience yet aggressively. To put it simply, by the time he reached his 8th game @ Duke, where in he tore a ligament in his toe, we all pretty much had him as a lock for the NBA Draft's #1 pick.....and we were all right as the Cleveland Cavaliers took him first @ the draft!
     Now its all "lights, cameras, action" for Kyrie Irving again and the questions are floating out there as we approach his rookie season. Will he be able to handle the speed and power of the game? Is he athletic enough? Will he be able to impact a distraught Cleveland squad?? If you've ever payed attention to Kyrie's disposition and facial expression, it seems as if he hasn't ever had a care in the world you know, no pressure. After meeting him the other night, it seems like his natural demeanor. So based on what he has shown up till this point, as far as handling pressure and living up to expectation, he'll probably do so, smoothly, sleepy eyed, and in a effortlessly looking manner. So everyone relax, Kyrie has "got it all under control"!!!

Video Tribute to his shorter than desired Duke days CLICK BELOW:
http://youtu.be/P3pbLyHCOCo

He doesn't look stressed to me....

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Court Named in Dick Vitale's Name...The Voice Of College Hoopz

What does college basketball sound like? Think about it..... The student section's madness, the band,  d-fence chants, arena announcers, squeaking sneakers and DICK VITALE'S VOICE! Its forever imbedded into all hoops fans. The enthusiasm and excitement, the insight, the timing, and the charisma sets Dickie V apart from the rest. For years he has amped up the delivery of the most classic college games for us all to enjoy and last night he received a little, just due acknowledgement.  On Monday night at Detroit's home game vs. St. John's, their new state of the art court was named as Dick Vitale's court in a ceremony attended by former Detroit players and coaches in honor of the former Detroit coach. He took it in class and humility as expected. Dickie V is  the man and we appreciate all that he has contributed to the game for so many years. Thanks a million Dickie V!!!

The REAL Big Three...Dwight Howard and Chris Paul to LA?

Say it ain't so!!! Rumors started late yesterday of Chris Paul and Dwight howard going to L.A. for a combination of whoever except Kobe. Massive news for any Lakers fan or NBA fans as a whole, as it would add to the power house squads that look to mount themselves as the new force of the league. You would add the mix of what Miami, New York and Boston have done recently. Lakers-Heat Finals with those two line-ups? Imagine that story line. Well that could all come in to being if this deal gets done. LA has the money and assets to get it done, Dwight wants to be play for a contender in a warm city and Chris Paul just flat out wants a ring. Sounds like something very, very likely. Let's keep a close eye on it.

Hey Miami, let's see if  Kobe can show you how to deliver on that big three thing!!!!(He did pretty well with the big 2 of him and Shaq, 3 rings)

Video On Howard and Paul Trade Rumors
http://youtu.be/Gg2GmClb_bk

Not Much Room For Hating!

Well, well, well, I just left from watching something special. Me and the fam just went and checked out Damon Harge, a sixth grader from Cali that moved here to N.C. and is playing varsity basketball at Christian Faith Center in Creedmor. THis kid is about 5'4/ 5'5 playing with 16,17 and 18 yr olds. Of course driving through the lane its a lil more challenging to finish at the rim against 6'5 plus, big men in high school....I mean duh, he's 5'4 and 12 but the thing about it is he knows when he has it and when he doesn't. He has a flow and feel for the game beyond his years. He's a little light of course, but he is FAST enough to where he plays at a high school pace. He handle him self very well, made some very court savvy passes and scored with in the flow of the game. He doesn't play super heavy minutes, but is a great contributor to his varsity high school team and he's 12! Say whatever you want, its remarkable that he's out there competing and is a legitimate threat because lets think, if he was playing against his age, it wouldn't be pretty for them at all!!!

Check him out yall!
Adidas Phenom Camp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyo3OsBk7So
Him Working Out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHYzhXjj9kc
AAU Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH39dsSBBvs

Me and the boys were with my dude, Kyrie Irving @ Damon's game......yeah he's that good that the NBA's #1 draft pick was in the building taking it in as well.

Hoopz Nation brings it to direct from the source!!!!
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Damon Harge, Hope or Hype? I'm Going To See 2night!

As I had written, about a month ago, there is a kid hoops stand out that may be end up being far beyond the dribbling exhibition kids that you might see from time to time on youtube. He is definitely a very talented 6th grader that has game time skill/ability. There are plenty of skeptics out here in reference to Damon Harge though. Let me break down their argument for you. Because of past overly hyped kids that are largely hyped but fade to black once they match-up against other talented kids, people tend to doubt Damon just the same from the start. Just like those same kids, Damon is small guard. They say he has trouble getting in the lane and finishing. They say he over dribbles and only shoots jumpers. They predict that in the next few years, his lack of size will phase him out. They say a lot, but lets look at it from all directions. Size hasn't stopped a lot of players who have made it to a D1 and professionally, though that takes a great deal of heart. Secondly, from what I've seen, the kid has a good feel for the floor for a 12yr old which allows him to distribute very well. Also, HE'S 12 PEOPLE!!! The fact of the matter is right now, as a 12 yr old, he's better than most of his peers who play competitive basketball. Will he be the next LeBron phenom? Who knows. Will he reach 6ft? Who can predict. For me, I'm putting the speculation to rest by viewing his game for myself tonight at East Wake Academy in Zebulon N.C. @ 7:30!! I will be side line with the macbook pro, taking notes and you better believe, I'll update everyone in the A.M. on his game!!!!
Look up his game film on youtube:

P.S. for those hating on his height, remember, SPEED KILLS......ask all of A.I.'s victims

Kentucky and Ohio State Top AP Poll.....and Deservingly So

Saturday, #1 Kentucky and #5 North Carolina faced off in an early season battle of blue. Despite Kentucky's youth, they were able to out dual UNC in the "down to the wire" affair. Kentucky showed resolve and patience as a young squad and hung on 73-72. Ohio State looked like a NBA squad in there match-up with Duke, as they seemingly could not miss anything at all. They have have a balanced attack lead by Sullinger, their celebrated big man in the middle. Its gonna be interesting which one of these two undefeated squads suffers their first loss of the season and to who. Coach Cal has to feel good about the gelling process with in his team though. Is this his year???

Adidas adiZero Rose 2 "Windy City"

This is the D. Rose's new kicks that are going with the "Windy City" Chicago theme. These are heavy RED accented with black and a white around the bottom base. Adidas laced the shoe with a blue L on the back of the kicks and a subway map on the inner soles, both paying tribute to Chicago's main source of transportation system, The L Transit.  In fact the very finish of the shoe is based on the finish on the subway cars in Chi-Town. My favorite feature on the shoe is on the vertical lace tab that's on the tounge which reads, "ALL FLIGHTS CANCELLED", which isn't unheard of in Chicago's international airports due to the winter storms that slide through the city in winter. Freakin Hot!!!! Check em out!