The official players publication for
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ALSO: Baller’s Garage: swaggy p nbpa’s new executive director plus nba, college & pro top 20 Stuart Scott Tribute JANUARY 2015 | 3RD EDITION
Photos Powered by NBA Entertainment
Stuart Scott added an urban timbre to the broadcasting of the game of basketball, which made an emotional connection with a generation of fans and players. Turning on ESPN’s SportsCenter and hearing Stuart riff “As cool as the other side of the pillow”, “BooYah” and other clever urbanisms, enhanced
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our enjoyment of the games and brought out the best of us in players. There were many nights while on the court, after a spectacular play, a powerful dunk or even a mishap, we would wonder (sometimes out loud) what Stuart was going to do with it. It was with great sadness that we learned of Stu’s passing. He is
Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
irreplaceable in our sport and he will be greatly missed. As we were going to press with this edition, we learned that the Scott family along with the V-Foundation were announcing a new cancer research fund to honor the memory of Stuart Scott. The Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund will
Travis Bell ESPN Images
help continue Stuart’s fight against cancer and assist some of the most vulnerable and disproportionately impacted communities battling this horrible disease. Even near the end of his life, Stuart was a champion for cancer research and was involved in a clinical trial himself. He was a passionate
voice for improving outcomes for African Americans and other minorities with cancer. Those wishing to contribute to the fund should visit this link: www.jimmyv.org/ballin Stuart’s sister, Susan Scott, shared, “It was not lost on Stuart that his diligence and education about
cancer research helped extend his life. Stuart’s passion for education was unmatched. He researched every aspect of his treatment to live with and beat cancer. His research revealed cancer’s disparities and the inequities faced in the African American and Hispanic cancerfighting communities. ”
Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
Rich Arden ESPN Images
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Remembering Stuart Scott
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Letter from Chapter President Jerome Williams
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NBPA: Touching Lives
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Letter from Adam Silver
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Letter from Michelle Roberts
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Baller’s Garage: Swaggy P’s
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Who’s Top Shooter?
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Rankings: 13 Top 20 NBA Players The Future of Orthopedic Medicine Is Here Now Regenexx
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Point of Contention Russell Westbrook
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WNBA: What’s New Skylar Diggins
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Rankings: 20 Top 20 High School Players Rankings: 21 Top 20 College Players NBRPA: Touching Lives
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Coaches Corner Doc Rivers
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New York’s Chapter: Tom Hoover
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NBRPA Legends Las Vegas Chapter Community Building
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Business Building 31 Player Brand Building 32 Production Provider 33
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Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
Letter from Chapter President
Greetings and welcome to the inaugural edition of Ballin’ Magazine. Please allow me to introduce Las Vegas Chapter & The Basketball Channel a destination for basketball fans of all ages and from all over the world. We are proud to be a part of this 3rd edition magazine and look forward to communicating with you in the days and months to come. The Las Vegas Chapter has over 350 members of retired players who aim to make a difference each and everyday. Our unique programs are the driving force behind a collective group of driven men and women with a passion for the game. The Basketball Channel will be the first sports network dedicated to “Everything Basketball” available 24-hours a day, 7 day a week, 365 days a year via Television, the Internet, and mobile devices. Coverage of live games including College, High School and Professional Player events using a variety of new and different technologies for broadband and digital streaming as well as live television broadcasts. Additionally, the company creates original basketball focused content including news, documentaries and interview shows at our full service television studio in Culver City, CA. We look forward to bringing basketball fans everywhere, the real stories of what’s happening in the world of basketball through NBRPA LV Programs, Ballin’ Magazine and the many digital platforms and outlets that make up The Basketball Channel! We welcome and invite you to be part of NBRPA LV & The Basketball Channel family in the future.
Jerome “JYD” Williams
President/ Co-Owner NBRPA LV/The Basketball Channel
@junkyarddogjw
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NBPA: touching lives
It is with great pride and purpose that the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) & Las Vegas Chapter of the National Basketball Retired Players Association makes community outreach a top priority. Through numerous initiatives aimed at positively impacting families throughout the globe, the NBPA, NBRPA LV and its more than 400 players & over 350 members embody the spirit of giving, leading by example and selflessly contributing
to the betterment of society. As part of the NBPA’s mission to address critical social issues and exhibit a yearround commitment to philanthropy, the Union has teamed up with several partners to reach its community goals. The NBRPA LV also travels overseas to improve lives and impact communities. In addition to distributing toys and food to the residents of Las Vegas
during the holidays, the NBRPA LV also has plans to visit China, India and Puerto Rico, as well as other international locations, hosting basketball clinics for local children at each stop. The NBPA and NBRPA LV encourages all of its Members to take an active role in their communities and provides a host of resources to assist players and retired players in such efforts.
To learn more about what the NBPA/ NBRPA LV and its players are doing in the community, visit the “News” section on
NBPA.com or Legendsofbasketballlv.com
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Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
NBPA: touching lives
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LETTER FROM ADAM SILVER To Members of the NBA Family, Welcome to New York for NBA All-Star 2015. We are excited to have all of you with us as the league returns to the Big Apple for basketball’s marquee midseason event. At the halfway point of the 2014-15 season, the NBA is prospering. Our game has never been stronger. With hundreds of millions of fans around the world and growing, basketball has the potential to become the most popular sport on the planet. To provide all of our fans with an authentic NBA experience — even those who can’t make it to the arena — we are leveraging state of the art technology through mobile apps and digital broadband to bring the game to more fans than ever before. NBA fans around the world now have the ability to consume games on the go. Our commitment to bringing fans closer to the game reaches from the hardwood to the blacktop. By the end of this June, we expect our seasonlong NBA Cares All-Star efforts to have reached more than one million children and their families across New York City with fun, fitnessrelated basketball activities. Thank you to all of the players, active and retired, who have helped make the NBA and the WNBA the successful leagues they are today. We’re thrilled to have you at this year’s All-Star festivities. Sincerely,
Adam Silver
NBA Commissioner
@NBA I #NBAALLSTAR 8
Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
Letter from Michele Roberts It is my privilege, on behalf of the NBPA Executive Committee and the NBPA player representatives, to welcome all segments of the player population both active and retired, to New York City for the 2015 All-Star Weekend. The annual celebration of the game returns this year to a city with an unlimited passion for the rich history and the dynamic future of basketball. The NBPA salutes all the great players contributing to this year’s festivities and all those that have made All-Star Weekend the incredible showcase that our fans have come to expect year after year. At the midway point of the 2014-15 season we are mindful of the tremendous growth and upward trajectory of our sport and those primarily responsible for it’s success; the players. Our responsibility as a union is to protect and promote the game and our players. That mandate comes from our members and dictates everything about the new direction and agenda of the NBPA. I look forward to sharing the weekends events and celebrations and meeting as many of you as possible. Sincerely,
Michele Roberts
@TheNBPA I #NBAALLSTARNYC Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
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BALLER’S GARAGE: SWAGGY P
Nick Young aka “Swaggy P” plays for the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers. A 6’5” Shooting guard who is also capable of playing small forward, Swaggy P was drafted by Washington Wizards out of USC in 2007. After signing with the Lakers in 2013, he began dating Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. Also in 2013, Mr. Young became the main subject of a documentary titled Second Chance Season, in which his exploits, short comings, and success are reviewed by the biopic’s director, Daniel H. Forer. When Swaggy P is not filming documentaries, he is ever increasing his swag as a shoe collector and avid car buff. All the rides in his
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garage come with a unique swagger and attitude. So his girlfriend Iggy hooked him up with this 1963 Chevorlet Impala Super Sport Convertible. From first glance you are in jaw drop mode as your eyes are drawn by the royal blue high gloss paint, nice rims and white leather interior that propels this vehicle straight out of a Snoop Dog/ Ice Cube music video. One can only admire Swaggy’s stylish restoration throwback design. Just like his documentary, he is not afraid to pull rags to riches game and go gangsta old school in the customizing world.
This Ride earns 4.75 out of 5 Stars.
@NickSwagyPYoung
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player profile: who’s top shooter?
1. James Harden 2. Klay Thompson 3. Kyle Korver 4. Jimmy Butler 5. Kobe Bryant The race for top billing as the king of the point guards is a crowded pack. Stephen Curry, John Wall, Russell Westbrook, Damian Lilliard, Derrick Rose, Kyrie Irving & Chris Paul all have valid cases of why they deserve the throne. In the NBA, the race for MVP has been dominated by bigs over the last decade. At NBA All Star weekend future point guard Hall of Famers will go head to head to battle mono-e-mono.
The NBA Legends vote is too close to call!
15%
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Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
RANKINGS
1. Lebron James 2. Kevin Durant 3. Stephon Curry 4. James Harden 5. Carmelo Anthony 6. Damian Lilliard 7. Anthony Davis 8. Derrick Rose 9. Kyle Lowry 10. Marc Gasol 11. Kobe Bryant 12. John Wall 13. Al Horford 14. Blake Griffin 15. Klay Thompson 16. Lamarcus Aldridge 17. Russell Westbrook 18. Kyrie Irving 19. Jimmy Butler 20. Chris Paul
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HEALTH: ORTHOPEDIC MEDICINE
Health Link Medical Centers is pleased to offer a
25% discount for all NBA, NBRPA & WNBA members at all of our locations:
Oceanside, Beverly Hills & San Rafael, CA
Call 1- 800-281-3757 & Mention Code: ESP-25 • Knee Injuries & Degenerative Conditions
• Back & Neck Injuries
• Hip Injuries & Degenerative Conditions
• Ankle & Foot Injuries
• Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Hand & Wrist Injuries • Elbow Injuries
“I still can’t believe how good my knee feels in weeks. The stem cells repaired my Meniscus, ACL with a needle injection without surgery...ev player needs this!” - Jerome “JYD” W 14
Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
HEALTH: ORTHOPEDIC MEDICINE
Orthopedic surgery will be largely replaced with needle based procedures that will replace the surgical methods of cutting away damaged tissue, replacing damaged parts with cadaveric or synthetic materials and using screws and other hardware. The new methods will be accomplished by Biologic Platelet and Stem Cell therapy. The worlds most advanced Stem Cell and Blood Platelet (PRP) procedures are here now. Health Link Medical Centers have partnered with Regenexx since 2011 bringing the future of medicine here now. Regenexx is world renowned as the global leader in biologic cell based therapies treating
patients since 2005. Their research center has produced more than 30% of the worlds published studies on the topic and has developed the most advanced techniques in the world. Our advanced in office laboratory procedures are producing the highest concentration of platelets and growth factors and our 3rd generation of Stem Cell harvest which produces the highest concentration in the world. Having treated hundreds of elite and professional athletes as well as thousands of weekend warriors and couch potatoes with outstanding outcomes, you cannot make a better choice of specialists and technology than Health Link Medical Center.
a few short MCL and very NBA
Williams Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
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Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
POINT OF CONTENTION: RUSSEL WESTBROOK
Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook has become one of the most explosive point guards in the NBA. Teamed up with league MVP Kevin Durant, the sky is the limit to where they can go. Off the court Russ has another passion, he is one of the most unique dressers in the NBA. He showed his knack for business
@russwest44
when he teamed up with Barneys New York to release a new clothing line to add some flair to your oncourt look. The Russell Westbrook XO Barneys New York collection, which works in cooperation with Jordan Brand, features elephant-print Dri-FIT athletic shirts and matching basketball
shorts, along with a few other accessories you can wear on or off the court. As you may expect from Barneys, the products are more expensive than your typical workout gear, with tops ranging from $155 to $195. This exclusive wear is definetly a high end buy for the high end baller.
photo by: XO Barneys New York
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WNBA: WHAT’S NEW
Skylar Diggins Named Meesseman, Shock Diggins lifted her field Most Improved Player center Courtney Paris, goal percentage from NEW YORK, Aug. 27, and Chicago Sky .328 a year ago to .423 2014 - Tulsa Shock guard Allie Quigley this season (232-ofguard Skylar Diggins is tied for second in the 548) and raised her the winner of the 2014 voting with two votes three-point shooting WNBA Most Improved apiece. Rounding accuracy from .244 as Player of the Year out the vote-getters a rookie to .282 (33-ofpresented by Samsung, were Connecticut Sun 117) in 2014. the WNBA announced guard Alex Bentley, today. Diggins received Sky forward Jessica In her second season Presented by State Farm® | Official Release NBA.com 29 of 38 votes from a Breland and Phoenix in the league, Diggins, panel of national and Mercury center Brittney the No. 3 overall draft local sportswriters and Griner, with each pick in 2013, started broadcasters. receiving one vote. all 34 games for the Shock and led Tulsa in This year marks the Diggins more than scoring, assists, steals first season that doubled her scoring (1.5 spg) and minutes Samsung, an official average in 2014 (35.1 mpg). Among all WNBA marketing (20.1 ppg) from 2013 WNBA players, Diggins partner, is serving (8.5 ppg), and also led the league in as the presenting improved in terms of minutes, placed second partner of the WNBA’s assists (5.0 apg, up in scoring and ranked highest individual from 3.8 apg in 2013) fourth in assists. honors. Washington and rebounds (2.5 rpg, Mystics center Emma up from 1.9 rpg).
@skydigg4 Please visit wnba.com for more information. 18
Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
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RANKINGS
1. Ben Simmons 2. Malik Newman 3. Josh Jackson 4. Steven Zimmerman 5. Alonzo Trier 6. Harry Giles 7. Skal Labissiere 8. Chase Jeter 9. Thon Maker 10. Cheick Diallo 11. Jalen Brown 12. Jarred Vanderbilt 13. Ivan Rabb 14. Isaiah Briscoe 15. Ray Smith 16. Jalen Brunson 17. Jayson Tatum 18. VJ King 19. Antonio Blakeney 20. Justin Jackson 20
6’9” PF LSU 6’5 SG Und 6’6 SG Und 7’0 C Und 6’4 SG Ariz 6’9 PF Und 6’11 PF Kent 6’11 C DUK 7’1 C Und 6’9 C Und 6’6 SG Und 6’7 SF Und 6’10 PF Und 6’4 PG Kent 6’6 SF Ariz 6’0 PG Villa 6’7 SF Und 6’7 PF Und 6’4 SG Und 6’7 PF Unlv
Ballin’ Ballin’ Magazine Magazine | January | January 2015 2015 | 3rd | 3rd Edition Edition
2015 2015 2016 2015 2015 2016 2015 2015 2016 2015 2015 2017 2015 2015 2015 2015 2016 2016 2015 2016
RANKINGS
1. Jahil Okafor C DUKE 2. Karl Towns C Kentucky 3. Emmanuel Mudiay PG Guangdong 4. Kelly Oubre SF Kansas 5. Willie Cauley-Stein C Kentucky 6. Kristaps Porzingis PF Sevilla 7. Stanley Johnson SF Arizona 8. Justice Winslow SF DUKE 9. D’Angelo Russell SG Ohio State 10. Kevon Looney PF UCLA 11. Myles Turner C TEXAS 12. Caris LeVert SG Michigan 13. Montrezl Harrel PF Louisville 14. Mario Hezonja SG Barcelona 15. Cliff Alexander PF Kansas 16. R.J. Hunter SG Georgia State 17. Tyus Jones PG DUKE 18. Frank Kaminsky C Wisconsin 19. Rashad Vaughn SG UNLV 20. Sam Dekker PF Wisconsin
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NBRPA: touching lives
The Las Vegas Chapter of the NBRPA is the largest chapter of the retired players association. It has Chapter affiliates in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Phoenix, Orlando & Miami all brining positive programs to the community. With over 350 members and growing, the NBRPA LV has had
members travel to Europe, China, India, Israel, Haiti and Africa performing goodwill games and basketball clinics for kids. As we look to expand our reach across the globe, more and more players will add their individual expertise to this already impressive group. Our Chapter goals for 2015 include more Basketball Channel Legends programming,
more global Legends clinics and more Legend mentoring today’s youth. We plan to expand our Dallas Chapter’s Legends African Art Museum by Willie Davis throughout the world. Also our New York Chapter has plans to partner with the Boys & Girls club to better Police relations with the community.
Las Vegas Chapter NBRPA
2831 St. Rose Pkwy. Suite 231 I Henderson, NV 89052 702.589.4657 www.legendsofbasketballlv.com 22
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NBRPA: touching lives
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@LAClippers
@IAMDocRivers
All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission.
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Ballin’ Ballin’ Magazine Magazine | January | January 2015 2015 | 3rd | 3rd Edition Edition
COACHES CORNER
Glenn “Doc” Rivers is one of four coaches in the NBA with a championship ring. He is also one of three AfricanAmerican coaches to lead a NBA team to a championship. But he is the first African-American coach to publicly deal with racism within his locker room during the Playoffs. In May of this year while his team was battling the Golden State Warriors in the Playoffs, Donald Sterling’s girlfriend dropped a bombshell on
the NBA and its players. One of the toughest issues that he has ever faced has been a racist owner. Donald Sterling shocked the nation when he spoke about how the players loved him and that he might sue the NBA for banning him for life. With todays headline of “I Can’t Breathe” having players supporting the community with silent protest, there are many reasons why Coach Rivers had all eyes on him.
Life has a unique way of preparing you for battles you might face. Doc Rivers has dealt with race issues his whole life from as early as college when he chose a Caucasian girlfriend who later became his wife. Whatever the challenge, Doc will always have a level head and a calm approach because he wasn’t made to do this. He was built to do this! Good Luck Coach Rivers!!
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NEW YORK CHAPTER
The Metro chapter is proud of its holiday community outreach as it fed over 1500 people through dinners and gave out over 6000 Turkeys with all the trimmings for this Thanksgiving. At Christmas, the chapter played Santa at five Domestic Violence Houses, one home with a youth born with the HIV virus and one home where the youths parents had been incarcerated. They all shared with us the joy of a Christmas party with gifts and food for everyone. The 2015 All Star Weekend is here and the NYC CHAPTER is happy to play host to this years event. has a great week planned. The week starts off:
Wednesday Feb. 11th 6pm- 9:30pm Dukes of the Dunk Fundraiser at Walt Clyde Fraziers Restaurant 485 10th ave. Thursday Feb. 12th 4pm The Our Children Foundation 527 west 125th str. Photo opps & Check presentation to The Our Children Foundation Friday Feb. 13th: Noon- 3pm NBA/ NBRPA New York Chapter Day of Service Location TBA 9pm - 2am Chapter party at The Our Children Foundation Saturday Feb. 14th: 8am Honoring Dolph Schayes and Nate “Tiny” Archibald sponsored by Benjamin Moore Paint at De Witt Clinton High school 2pm - 6pm NYC Chapter Mentoring Life skills Basketball program at Riverbank State Park Partnered with Community Police Sunday Feb. 15th: 10am Legends Brunch at Jacob Jabitt Center 8am Chapel Service at Marriot 24 26
Ballin’ Ballin’ Magazine Magazine | January | January 2015 2015 | 3rd | 3rd Edition Edition
Nate Archibald Hall of Famer
Tom Hoover Chapter President Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
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THE BASKETBALL CHANNEL
Legends Care LV
Community based initiatives that take place in the USA and abroad. Some programs can be partnered with national brands such as Wells Fargo and UPS that allow members to be global ambassadors, enhance domestic and international branding. Also includes educational based programs where members will be partnered with NHSBA, Read60 and Dallas Chapter President who is an expert on African Art. Headed by: Sports Power, Bill Alexson; NBRPA BOD, LaRue Martin, Willie Davis & Bryan Burrell
Education Initiatives
In-school mentoring program powered by Read60 that is partnered with organizations such as financial institutions and sports and health organizations to aid children of all ages. Headed By: JYD Project, Johnnie Williams; Bryan Burrell
Dallas Chapter 30
Ballin’ Ballin’ Magazine Magazine | January | January 2015 2015 | 3rd | 3rd Edition Edition
THE BASKETBALL CHANNEL
Creative Thinker Training
Fundraising based training initiatives that can allow members to have a storefront driven by websites and/or social media. In addition, members exploring branding opportunities can gain resources through an assortment of products. Headed by: ProSource, Doug Lee; 94 Fifty, Mike Crowley Ballin’/Rebound Mag/ Sports Blog A public relations training initiative that consist of magazines and websites/ blogs of the NBRPA chapters. The publications are for the players and by the players. The magazines reach an affluent audience of current and former players, team executives, team owners and fans. Social Media, Blogging and websites can be unified to aid the group. Headed by: LV Chapter President, J. Williams; Phoenix Chapter President, Matt Fish; Sports Blog, Natalia
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THE BASKETBALL CHANNEL
Camps, Clinics, AAU, Exhibitions & Health
An after school program that takes place domestically and abroad that consist of teaching the game of basketball through sport and health. In addition, there is an initiative that allows members to appear and play in exhibition games throughout the world. The programs are an opportunity for members to make appearances, enhance international/domestic branding, and grow business opportunities abroad. Headed by: All-Star Basketball International Group, James Donaldson; Legendary BallStars, Joshua Williams; Secrets of Sports, Scott Savor
Health Initiatives
Medical cost reductions that pertain to stem cell and blood platelet procedures in addition to other topical products that offer a viable alternative for individuals suffering from joint pain. This is for individuals who may be considering elective surgery or joint replacement due to injury, arthritis or any cause of pain in the body. Headed by: Regenexx, Dr Norman Deitch (CEO); VC Athletic, Sean Bledsoe
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Ballin’ Ballin’ Magazine Magazine | January | January 2015 2015 | 3rd | 3rd Edition Edition
THE BASKETBALL CHANNEL
Media Training/Broadcast Distribution/Branding Development An initiative where members have the opportunity to be trained by a former NBA producer with USA Today and/or have media content syndicated on a platform where their content can possibly be distributed globally in multiple countries. The MBA Media Group & Basketball Channel will be involved in assisting players developing shows, documentaries as well as written and recorded content to leverage that content for distribution thru a rights agreement that allows for that product to be branded by the player on The Basketball Channel as well as the other various Media Outlets available for distribution thru TBC. Headed by: MBA Media Group, USA Today’s Larry Berger & The Basketball Channel, Dan Gross (COO)
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Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition
PLAY HARDER.
AVALABLE AT:
www.kttape.com Ballin’ Magazine | January 2015 | 3rd Edition