Hard Work: What you don’t see during the game

Popularity: 21%

Top 100: Best Dunks Ever

Popularity: 31%

Adidas TS Commander LT Dwight Howard

Adidas created a new silhouette for Orlando Magic star, Dwight Howard which he will wear in the upcoming season. The Adidas TS Commander LT comes in Grey/Blue colorway inspired by Magic’s color. The sneaker’s perforated Grey base has Blue wrap ups on the side forming the 3-Stripes, with Blue ankle and inner liner.

Popularity: 27%

More Than a Game – the LBJ Documentary – Review Release Date Oct.2, 2009

The title More Than a Game is more than a little cliché, and the most basic summary of this documentary’s premise does little to refute that initial impression: the story of five inner city youths who forge something beyond friendship while pursuing their high school hoop dreams. But the journey of the “Fab Five” who made up the core of the St. Vincent-St. Mary basketball team in Akron, Ohio earlier in the decade is not exactly your average sports saga, filled with extraordinary characters and equally extraordinary circumstances that Hollywood could craft no better in any feature script. Any filmmaker blessed with such serendipitous narrative riches would be content to simply recount the not-so-tall tale, but director Kristopher Belman takes it an added step: bringing the larger-than-life back down to a universally relatable scale.

Figures hardly come more larger-than-life than LeBron James, the Fighting Irish alum who (as the world over has come to know) first caught national sports media attention during his high school stint and has since become one of most celebrated and recognizable stars in all of sports, let alone in basketball. With the knowledge of James’s ultimate NBA fairy tale fate, the temptation would be to focus the film solely on his rise, but his story is duly treated as but one of the threads borne out of what was originally the “Fab Four”–James, “Little” Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, and Sian Cotton, whom we see in some rare home video honing their individual skills and team chemistry from way back when they were pre-teens. Playing in the Amateur Athletic Union, the quartet lived up to the “Shooting Stars” team name, building on their local Ohio successes to shock observers in a national tournament down in Florida; however, the four’s first taste of national success will turn out to be just shy of complete victory.

And, like most lives, that bittersweet experience reflects the greater journeys followed in More Than a Game. Given the presence of James, one expects this to be a film full of triumphs, but what make those resonate even more strongly in the end are the relatable setbacks, obstacles, and shake-ups that occur along the way. In fact, falling into that last category are two people who will come to complete the “fab” family and help lift the entire unit to new heights, Romeo Travis and “Little Dru”’s father, Dru Joyce II. But long before those heights, each initially enters the basketball picture under less than ideal circumstances: Travis in sophomore year at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s, where his surly demeanor quickly clashes with the core quartet, who had just led the school to a championship the previous season; Joyce II in junior year, who takes over the head coaching position from a decorated predecessor despite minimal experience. How the four manage to evolve into a “Fab Five” and, above all else, a family of six headed by Coach Dru proves not so much a result of their hard work on the hardwood than of the growth they each must undergo as people.

The film’s structure reinforces that latter point. Instead of going the standard route of going through each person’s background at the top, Belman gives the individual histories at appropriate, organic moments within the overall narrative. While this approach does mean that some events early in the film unfold without a complete familiarity with or understanding of all of the players, spreading the stories out pays off in a couple of respects. Instead of blurring into a muddle, it allows each person to have their time to shine and their respective stories breathe and remain clear to the viewer. But even more effectively, the backstories are used beyond mere exposition to illuminate certain key events that affect the group as a whole–further underscoring the greater idea of how various circumstances seemingly centered on one person can cause repercussions for the collective. Chief among these developments, of course, is the hysteria and hype that arises around James after he is featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, suddenly catapulting midwestern high school hoops into a nationally televised arena. The film admirably does not downplay any of the well-documented dramas and tensions that then sprung forth from James’s literally overnight fame, but instead of wallowing in sensational celebrity scandal, Belman keeps these developments in their proper perspective in regards to the bigger picture: how they affected the entire group and what they all aimed to accomplish.

That is an example of how and why More Than a Game works–showing the grounded, real-life terms and consequences of an increasingly surreal chain of events. Only a select few people can completely relate to being blessed with natural athletic ability and talent at such a young age; even fewer still would relate to being suddenly thrust into the media spotlight and scrutiny. But underneath that gloss and glamour is the classic tale of boys growing into men, of people learning the importance of the greater group glory over the individual shine, with the distinctly drawn personalities of each of the five offering a fairly diverse set of entry points for the viewer to understand and relate. Ironically enough, in balancing his attention between everyone on the team, Belman offers deeper, uncommonly intimate insight into the film’s marquee name; one is a witness what is perhaps James’s most critical, formative period through the eyes of those who not only knew him best, but had a huge hand in shaping the superstar “King James” so familiar to sports fans today. But if lifting-oneself-from-a-hard-knock-childhood-through-big-dreams is fairly commonplace film fodder, More Than a Game’s trump card comes in an arc that is not as commonly told and even more empowering: the story of Coach Joyce, as the film is just as much about him coming into his own. If James’s story confirms the prevailing contemporary notion that one’s opportunity for success comes–and then passes–only while one is young, that of the elder Dru counters that, rather poignantly proving that one does not have to settle for comfort and complacency, for one’s true calling and self-actualization may not arrive until later in life.

That statement may make More Than a Game sound pretentious, but such weightier ideas are delivered in a very accessible and entertaining package. The Fab Five make an affable and appealing, funny and fun group, and Belman accordingly has fun, fighting the trap of talking head-and-news-clip documentary monotony and keeping the film visually dynamic. Beyond some snazzy (but not overdone) graphic work that gives the documentary staples of old photos and newspaper headlines some motion and flair, Belman also manages to lend some variety to the basketball footage, with each pivotal game edited and presented in their own subtly distinct way; for instance, some visual repetitiveness is avoided by simply not shooting scoreboards in the same way. Belman even has a little fun with the standard closing “where are they now” text cards without resorting to overwrought editorializing or labored stabs at profundity.

While it certainly helps to be familiar with the game of basketball and a fan of the sport to enjoy More Than a Game, it is far from necessary. Basketball is what brought the Fab Five and Coach Dru together and was and remains a shared passion, but the game is almost incidental to the larger idea: not only that those from not exactly the most privileged of backgrounds can indeed dream and succeed, but that one doesn’t necessarily do it by oneself. Not looking out for number one but instead always looking out for each other is what made Coach Joyce and the Fab Five what they were as a team, who they have become as people today–and why their story and this film are so richly moving and inspirational.

Source: mrbrownmovies.com

Popularity: 46%

R.J. Slawson | PF

Evaluation

May, 2009: This long and active forward from Charleston, South Carolina has great length when he finishes around the basket. Whether it’s a dump off pass, offensive rebound put back or a post move this young man impressed us with his inside scoring. He also displays a strong set of skills as he can put the ball on the floor, get into the lane and score as he shows good body control on the finish. He is comfortable on the perimeter as he hit open 3’s coming off screens feet set in a catch/shoot style. With his size he easily gets a great look at the basket on his long range jumper. Defensively he utilizes his length to change and block some shots. He needs to get stronger, develop a middle game and rebound more on both backboards. As he continues to practice and compete in games, with his ability to score from the perimeter he can develop into a small forward in time. In order to do that he must show he can defend out at the 3 point line and chase his man off screens. He reminds me of Khris Middleton from South Carolina who is a terrific prospect going to Texas A&M.

Source: “insider.espn.go.com” 9/18/09

Popularity: 28%

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Delonte West Arrested On Weapons Charges in Maryland

Cleveland Cavaliers guard, Delonte West, was arrested on Thursday (September 17) in Maryland, after police found two loaded handguns following a traffic stop.
According to the Associated Press, the 26-year-old NBA player was pulled over for speeding on motorcycle after cutting off an officer in Upper Marlboro at around 10 p.m.
When he was stopped, police found a handgun in his pocket, one in his pant leg, and a shotgun in a guitar case strapped to his back.
Prince George’s County police Sgt. Michelle Reedy told the AP that West “was very cooperative, there were no issues” during the incident.
West was charged with speeding and weapons counts. He was released on his own recognizance early Friday (September 18).
His team, the Cavaliers, are said to be monitoring the situation.
“We have been in communication with Delonte and his family,” general manager, Danny Ferry, said in a statement. “We are gathering more information and will not have further comment until the appropriate time.”
Online court records did not list an attorney for West.

Source: “BallerStatus.com By Randall Stevens” 9/18/09

Popularity: 18%

James McAdoo Give Verbal Commitment to Tar Heels

James McAdoo said Sunday evening he’ll play basketball at North Carolina.

The 6-foot-8, 210-pound McAdoo, who is just beginning his junior year at Norfolk Christian, told Tar Heels coach Roy Williams of his intentions over the weekend, ending what had become a three-way race.

McAdoo, who had narrowed his choices to UNC, Duke and Virginia, was in Chapel Hill, N.C., over the weekend to attend a charity pro alumni game at sold-out Dean Smith Center. The game kicked off North Carolina’s celebration of its 100th season of basketball.

McAdoo and Williams met while he was on campus. Their conversation sealed the deal.

But all along, UNC had been the front-runner.

“Even if you take basketball away from the equation, I’d still love to go to that school,” said the 16-year-old McAdoo, who starred on the USA Basketball Men’s Developmental Team that won the FIBA Americas U16 championships this past summer. “At North Carolina, basketball is a brotherhood.”

McAdoo’s summer has been a quiet one: He tore the labrum in his left shoulder during the FIBA Americas tournament and the injury required surgery. McAdoo’s mother Janet said he suffered a “45 percent tear of the labrum, not a full tear, and he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery.”

He expects a full recovery by December. The Men’s Developmental Team has scheduled a mini-camp the second weekend of October and McAdoo will likely attend, although any participation will be limited.

A first-team All-Tidewater selection as a sophomore,

McAdoo averaged 25.2 points and 11 rebounds this past season and has been rated a top-five recruit in the class of 2011 by a variety of national scouting publications.

“We told James that if he was sure about where he wanted to play, then go for it and make the commitment,” Janet McAdoo said. “This should relieve a lot of recruiting pressure.

“He couldn’t go wrong with any of his final three choices. But now, he can relax.”

Source: Rich Radford. The Virginian-Pilot” Sept. 7, 2009” Sept. 15, 2009

Popularity: 89%

Nike Air Max LeBron VII London

Here is the newest addition to the Lebron VII line, this is the new Nike Air Max LeBron VII London. Following in the footsteps of many of his previous shoes these will take on a white, green and gold colorway inspired by his high school, St. Vincent St. Mary.

Source: Posted by Heir Jordan on September 8th, 2009 “Soleredemption.com”

Popularity: 34%

C.J. Leslie | PF

C.J. is a bouncy athlete that has the tools to dominate on both ends of the floor. He can block and alter shots on the defensive end and can finish above the rim on offense or score with a nice jump hook. He’s got great natural athletic ability. He’s very active and is always moving. Gets great post position despite his thin frame; wiry strong. He has worked hard over the last year to develop some effective low post moves including a quick spin dribble along the baseline. Currently plays best as a face-up 4 man but should one day become a big time wing. Leslie has always been a highlight reel dunker but his overall game has gone to a higher level now that he’s playing with more passion, energy, and focus. His ball skills are developing but still need work as he continues to transition to the 3 man position. He can hit the mid range jumper to 12 feet consistently, but it’s his outside shot that is biggest area of improvement needed.

Source: Scouts Inc. “C.J. Leslie” July 2009. Sept.14, 2009

Popularity: 25%

John Wall | PG

There isn’t a more gifted point guard in the country than Raleigh, NC native John Wall. His length, speed, quickness, handle and overall athleticism are peerless, at least on this level. He is a one-man fast break and goes through opposing defenses similar to Memphis standout Derrick Rose. In a classic matchup with fellow superstar Abdul Gaddy (NW Panthers), each accentuated their respective strengths. Wall was unstoppable in the open court and had very little trouble getting to the rim or delivering a spectacular assist. Gaddy, on the other hand, utilized his high basketball IQ, savvy and clever playmaking ability to bring his team back from a 13-point second half deficit to pull out the victory. Hall has the higher upside than Gaddy due to his athletic prowess, but he must become a better jump shooter and develop more savvy because at the next level and beyond defenses will adapt to his up-tempo style, he should put on a great show at Kentucky.

Source: Scouts Inc. “John Wall Evaluation” May2008. Sept.11, 2009

Popularity: 13%