Now that John Wall just celebrated his 21st birthday, you knew that Reebok was going to have something special planned for their guy and his new signature shoe, the Reebok Zig Encore. With that said, check out the limited edition “Grown Ass Man” version that will drop in a special pack this Saturday in his hometown of Raleigh, N.C. Read More »

Pau Gasol got revenge. Well, not really. But he did get the better of Dirk Nowitzki and Spain got the better of Germany in the EuroBasket second round, beating them 77-68 behind the two Gasol brothers (Pau: 19 second-half points and Marc: 24 points). Dirk matched the All-Star with 19 of his own, but didn’t make a shot during the last nine minutes of the game. When you’re playing a team like Spain that can bring five or six different guys who have the capability to be their team’s best player on any given night, it’s difficult. Besides Chris Kaman (15 points, 12 rebounds), Nowitzki didn’t get enough help. Read More »

I just got an e-mail and all it said was this: “More info in the coming days…” Get excited.

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Last week, we showed you Danilo Gallinari attempting a free throw line dunk. Now check out the shoes he did it in. Before Reebok launches John Wall‘s signature shoe next month, they kick off their 2011-12 basketball campaign with the Reebok Zig Pro Future. Check out Gallo’s Italian national team exclusives below: Read More »

When we posted last week about Arizona landing a verbal commitment from Brandon Ashley, a top-5 overall prospect in the Class of 2012, people went bananas. The 6-8, 215-pound power forward transferred this summer to Findlay Prep in Nevada following his time at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, but stayed home to dominate the circuit playing with the Oakland Soldiers. See what all the fuss was about…

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For many people who grew up playing basketball, it is hard to get away from the sport they love. Some actually grow up to be in the NBA or cover the sport like us here at Dime, but some find more creative ways to stay in the business. For Brandon Payne, the way he stayed connected to basketball was by founding his own training company, Accelerate Basketball, in Charlotte. I caught up with Brandon to talk about how he got started, his clients, and his goals for the future. Read More »

(8) Thomas Shepherd, Above The Rim vs. (9) Saleh, The Air Up There

THE RULES

“Yoooo, he’s playing ball without a ball!”

No, couldn’t be. But there he is on the other end of the court, warming up without any type of basketball. From right to left, he moves, smoothly faking dribbles around his legs. The night air is stuffy; the sky, completely black. But we all can see him.

“He looks like he’s auditioning for the Twilight Zone, b…” Read More »

With labor talks between the NBA owners and players slated to resume today, there is one topic besides money that’s on the table: the NBA Draft. And while I’m all for looking to the past for new ideas – this coming from a fan of snapbacks – David Stern has apparently hopped in his time machine and set the dial for June 28, 1988. Read More »

I’m not a cheap tipper. I swear. When I bashed American tipping practices last week, the backlash was, well, not fun. It’s funny how e-mails from anonymous people actually affect my day. To the point that I felt it necessary to clarify my stance on tipping in this week’s DimeBag. So let’s clear the air: I’m a firm believer in the “tip ’til they disappoint you” method. Meaning, tipping well from the get-go can only bring satisfaction for all parties. But don’t forget the thank yous with direct eye contact. Gestures of sincerity are always rewarded handsomely. Alright, enough of that. Onto the rest of your varied and thoughtful queries. Read More »

(1) Neon Bodeaux, Blue Chips vs. (16) Kenny Tyler, The 6th Man

THE RULES

We’re all walking, through the swamps, past the railroad, onto the town’s one main road. There are cracks all over the cement, and houses lining the street, some boarded up and some falling apart. You notice a sign to your left. Algiers, Louisiana it reads in red. Where are we? Everyone seems to be thinking.

It takes you back to the meeting you had with a scout three days prior. A dark, rainy night, all you wanted was a drink and a song. It was late. You were tired. But your friend starting talking. Read More »