Even since he went from the U of Washington to the Knicks, Nate Robinson has been killing the competition on the summer basketball scene in New York City. He lit up playground legend Kareem Reid at EBC America a couple summers ago, has been reported to show up at random asphalt courts at various times during the year looking for a run, and more recently, has been a regular at the Nike Pro City tournament at Hunter College.
We found some video of “Naughty Nate,” as he was dubbed at the Nike Hyperdunk Challenge in D.C., dropping 51 points at NYC’s Fireball tournament, whose regulars also include Renaldo Balkman, Smush Parker, Marcus Williams (Warriors) and Corey “Homicide” Williams. Peep the putback dunk at the 30-second mark, and the block 45 seconds in.
Remember when these commercials hit the scene and everyone and their momma were going to the playground, not to play, but to try the tricks on fools? These spots are probably part of the reason players can’t shoot anymore, but can still dribble circles around you. Check out NYC playground legend Molloy “Future” Naismith in the red top and white shorts doing his dancing thing as well as Dime/Bounce fam member Bobbito Garcia. NBA players Rasheed Wallace, Baron Davis, Lamar Odom, Paul Pierce, Vince Carter and Jason “White Chocolate” Williams make appearances, as well as women’s hoop icon Dawn Staley.
I just got back from the Converse Branding event held down by our office at the Sports Museum of America. The good people over at Converse invited us out for some hors d’ oeurves, as well as finger-sized Philly cheese steaks, to go in accordance with the Philadelphia 76ers’ new power forward Elton Brand. Converse presented the EB1’s, their new Elton Brand signature shoes, and they are hot (we’ll drop them on you as soon as Converse gives us the green light). Read More »
A dunk can give a lifeless team momentum. Some of the most memorable moments in NBA history are dunks that make you think, why in the world did that defender jump? Or did he really just do that? We found this YouTube video and some of these dunks are a little old but they are still timeless classics. Check out the look on Knick Hubert Davis’ face at the 1:42 mark when Michael Jordan finishes Patrick Ewing after a sick baseline move. We just wish we could push the mute button on Kenny Smith’s commentary.
Nothing excites fans like an ankle breaking crossover. When executed correctly, a proper cross leaves a defender helpless, looking foolish. You remember when the Glove tried to trip Jason Williams after he hit him with a one-two on the sideline? White Chocolate has some great moves, but for my money, Tim Hardaway had arguably the best crossover to ever hit an NBA court.
Dubbed the UTEP two-step, his crossover has victimized several NBA defenders and single-handedly began the end of the careers of Knick guards Chris Childs and Charlie Ward. In an age where some players carry the ball on just about every dribble, Hardaway had a deadly handle and killed guys with his cross without carrying the ball.
Tim Hardaway had the best crossover ever, write it down.
Who do you think had the best crossover of all time?
Over at ESPN they took a look at the best high school hoops cities in the country and the best players each city has recently produced.
While they put together a formidable list, we had serious differences with their calls. There are some glaring omissions, like former NBA All-Star Ron Artest being left off the New York team … as well as leaving out the entire state of New Jersey. We took the liberty to create our own list. Here is their list, here is OURS:
St. Benedict’s Gray Bees: The Gray Bees have been on a roll since dispatching of national power Oak Hill in a national TV game in December. The backcourt looked to be an area of concern prior to the start of the season, but with the emergence of Tamir Jackson and incoming transfer Mike Machado, those problems appear to be solved. If the Gray Bee guards can handle the intense pressure of the Rice guards and not turn the ball over, they should win the game, however that’s a big if. They have the X-factor in the post in Samardo Samuels; realistically, Rice has no one to match up with him. If they can get him the ball and hit open shots when/if he passes out of possible double- and triple-teams, St. Benedict’s should get the victory.
Rice Raiders: To play in Mo Hicks’ backcourt you have to play chest-to-chest defense for four quarters. Read More »
St. Benedict’s Gray Bees Head Coach: Dan Hurley Overall Record: 10-0
After dispatching of the previously #1 ranked Oak Hill team on national TV, the Gray Bees are on everyone’s radar. The Newark, New Jersey prep school is loaded with talent and has been on a roll in the early season. Including the win over Oak Hill, they also took the championship at the City of Palms Classic in Florida against some tough competition. With the #2 ranked player in the class of 2008, 6’8 Louisville recruit Samardo Samuels, the Gray Bees have the upper hand in the paint just about every game. 6’1 junior guard Tamir Jackson had his coming out party in the game versus Oak Hill and their All-American guard Brandon Jennings with 29 points. He is capable of a big game and won’t be timid playing on a big stage at Madison Square Garden on Jan 13th. Factor in 6’9 junior Greg Echenique, 6’1 transfer guard Mike Machado and a big time high school coach in Dan Hurley and you have the current #1 team in the nation.
Rice Raiders Head Coach: Maurice Hicks Overall Record: 6-0
After the transfer of last season’s starting point guard, Louisville commit Lamont “Momo” Jones, everyone expected Rice to take a step back. Rice has answered any questions critics so far this season. The Raiders have raced out to a 6-0 start, including a 24 point drubbing of Mt. Vernon at the Iolani Classic in Hawaii. Led by a trio of D-1 caliber guards –6’0 senior Kemba Walker (UConn), 6’0 senior Chris Fouch (Drexel), 6’3 junior Durand Scott—the Raiders running and pressing style wears down most teams. Their one weakness is lack of a bonafide post presence, if 6’6 junior forward Dorvell Carter can convert from a perimeter player to a big man; the sky is the limit for the Raiders.
St. Patrick’s Celtics Head Coach: Kevin Boyle Season Record: 6-0
Don’t feel sorry for St. Pat’s because they graduated two high-profile D1 players in Corey Fisher (Villanova) and Jeff Robinson (Memphis). The Celtics return highly regarded 6’3 junior guard Dexter Strickland as well as senior 6’8 Kansas bound forward Quintrell Thomas. The third ranked team in the nation looks to take the momentum of their early season 6-0 start into the World’s Most Famous Arena January 13th against NYC power St. Raymond Ravens. St. Pat’s doesn’t appear to have much depth on the bench which can be a point of concern. But with an energetic coach like Kevin Boyle, be assured that the Celtics are going to be up for this match up.
St. Raymond’s Ravens
Head Coach: Oliver Antigua Season Record: 7-0
St. Ray’s is off to a great start this season, including avenging last season’s city catholic school title loss to rival Christ the King in a 95-90 shootout. Last season’s young team is one year older and some familiar faces are back. Darryl “Truck” Bryant, a 6’1 senior guard is the leader of this team and already committed to play for Bob Huggins at West Virginia in the Big East. Helping Bryant out is 6’3 bouncy junior G/F Omari Lawrence. Lawrence is a flat out ball player and can get it done inside, outside or slashing to the basket. The third option on the Ravens is 6’6 junior forward Kevin Parrom. Parrom does all the dirty work for the Ravens but is more than capable of putting up points when needed, as he demonstrated dropping 22 points against PSAL power Thomas Jefferson high school.
If you’ve followed the ESPN “Streetball” show over the last few years, chances are you’ve seen Pat Da Rock do his thing: he’s the Maryland cat with the crazy handle who does stuff like this. After being voted off the show last season just short of cashing in on the contract, he’s back as a finalist on the Ball 4 Real tour, making his case to be on the traveling squad as B4R heads into its final stretch of the summer. I caught up with Pat following Ball 4 Real’s game in Buffalo.
Dime: How has the tour been for you as a contestant? Pat Da Rock: Pretty good. The crowd’s been hype; I been doing pretty good personally. I’m taking it game-by-game. I think my chances are good, being that this is my second time. Read More »
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