FadeAway Magazine Issue 05 by Response London

I N ISSUE 05

The Original & Only

The UK’s ORIGINAL & ONLY BASKETBALL MAGAZINE

MAMBA NUMBER 5 Kobe gets his fistful of rings

Stefan Gill BBL Playoffs Euroleague Final Four Jo Leedham Tinchy Stryder £3.50 ISSUE 05 SUMMER 2010 ISSUE#05 SUMMER 2010

FA 03 Adverts.indd 11

23/6/10 15:11:20

EDITORIAL

Fadeaway Magazine Response Studios 369B High Road Leyton London E10 5NA E: info@fadeawaymag.co.uk W: fadeawaymag.co.uk T: 020 8558 3501

Editor: Greg Tanner greg@fadeawaymag.co.uk Creative Director: Jake Green jake@nothingbutnet.co.uk Art Director: Harry Adams harry@fadeawaymag.co.uk Commercial Director: Mike Baptiste mike@nothingbutnet.co.uk Contributing Writers: Danielle Aumord, Simon Burr, Will Clapton, Sam Hart, Joe Hewinson, Jacob Hiller, Sam Neter, Danny Walker, Mark Woods, Contributing Design, Photographers/ Illustrators: Jake Green, Ian Jacobs, Kevin Joseph, Adrian Nettleship, Tom Roberts, Stuart YorkDavid O’Shaughnessy.

LUCKY NUMB E R S E VE N

ow...what a Finals! The most famous rivalry in basketball history was always going to make for a good series... and, if you check my blog on basketball247. co.uk, you’ll see that I actually predicted Lakers winning in 7 (/smug) ...but it was still amazing to see it go right down to the wire. The momentum shifted so many times - making the series extremely hard to call - and when L.A. evened it at three apiece, forcing a rare Finals Game 7, every hoops head (whether a Laker fan, a Celtics fan or neither) was hyped. Game 7 was an event you had to share with others - something those clever marketing folk at Indigo at The O2 clearly picked up on. They did a mailout the day before, letting people know they were staying open all night to show the game - with free admission. Me and my boys were there in a heartbeat, along with around 200 other basket cases. It was a great vibe. Lakers fans outnumbered Celtics supporters around 2-to-1...so, for most of the game, the minority were the ones running their mouths.

But as Ron Artest played the game of his life, the Lakers faithful started getting rowdy...and when he drilled that trey with a minute left, there was a full on celebration. So, Kobe gets another ring, moves one chip closer to MJ and STILL massively polarises opinion. I guess some people will never be convinced. But what’s next? This summer is going to change EVERYTHING. Where will LeBron, D-Wade, Chris Bosh and those other guys end up? Will the Zenmeister be back at the Lakers, or take retirement? There are so many questions which, at time of going to press, we simply don’t know the answers to. Throw into the mix the World Championships in Turkey, Team GB’s Eurobasket qualifiers and a bunch of other stuff, and it going to be an extremely interesting few months...I can’t wait to see what happens.

Keep ballin’ Greg Tanner

Special Thanks: Tom @ Pitch -

“So, Kobe gets another ring, moves one chip closer to MJ and STILL massively polarises opinion. I guess some people will never be convinced”

Printers: Printed by Cambrian using vegetable based inks. Published by: Nothingbutnet 2010 © Est: 2009. ISSN: 2041-2134 Printed on Recycled Paper. Distribution by:

W.W.M.D. & Comag distribute & can be bought at all major basketball events. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, in whole or part, without the express written permission of the publishers. Disclaimer: No part of Fade Away Magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

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CONTENTS REGULARS 08 | OVERTIME

Our news page is worth checking out just for the picture of Matthew Bryan-Amaning holding a Husky pup!

50 | FASHION

We dig deep to bring you the ripest kicks and clothes on road this summer

60 | WORKOUT

Jacob Hiller reveals how to get instant increases in your vertical leap

FEATURES 10 | STERN WARNING

Find out why our man got a ticking off from the NBA Commissioner

18 | THE FORGOTTEN LEAGUE

Rafe Abrook on the often overlooked EBL

24 | BBL PLAYOFFS

All the action from Birmingham as the playoffs come to a climax

28 | EUROSTARS

Paris gets taken over by some of the craziest bball fans on earth as the Euroleague Final Four hits town

36 | TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A.

The Lakers repeat in an epic 7 game Finals series

42 | SLUMDOG STREETBALL

A facinating look at India’s playground basketball scene

58 | STAR IN THE HOOD

Tinchy Stryder tells us how music sidelined a potential football career

62 | SHARP SHOOTING

Become a gun with our expert guide

BALLER 12 | JO LEEDHAM

The Brit baller talks about being drafted by the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun

14 | JOSH JOHNSON

How a strong performance at the Nike International Junior Tournament made him east London’s hottest property

16 | STEFAN GILL

The Matrix proves he’s more than a streetballer as he’s named EBL D1 Player Of The Year

20 | ROB YANDERS

The Rocks’ point guard gives lessons in life to some of Scotland’s troubled teens PHOTOS BY: NBAE/GETTY IMAGES, DAVID O’SHAUGHNESSY & JAKE GREEN

FADEAWAYMAG.CO.UK

FADEAWAY FEEDBACK + CONTRIBUTORS LETTER FROM AMERICA

I just ran across the FadeAway website for the first time today, and just wanted to say I like the look of the magazine and respect what you’re doing. I’m writing a feature in Dime Magazine about British pro ball and found you guys to be a good source of information. That said, I was wondering where I could get my hands on a copy over here in the States? Austin Burton, Dime Magazine Thanks for the love, Austin. We will, of course, hook you up as Dime is dope. But other overseas ballers can place an international order at swishbasketball.co.uk

HIP HOP HOOPS

LOVE US? HATE US? Holla at us letters@fadeaway.co.uk TOUCHING STUFF

Just wanted to say the Mike Martin article in your last ish was DEEP. Sometimes you forget that ballers have real life dramas like the rest of us. So to hear about how the death of his mum messed him up was very interesting and sad. I’ve been watching Mike for years down at Guildford and he’s the man. Aaron, Guildford

JOEL JEALOUSY

It’s official - Joel Freeland is the luckiest **** in the world. How you gonna go from not playing at all to the NBA in two years? Nah, on the real, good luck to him. Great article. B

SPREAD THE LOVE

Kanye West - Brand New “I’m leaving you haters Like when Shaq left the Lakers just to Heat it up. I state the stats to stunt, I don’t need to front I make history every day, I don’t need a month. The survey says - by the streets according Kanye’s just important as Michael Jordan Was to the NBA when he was scorin’”

We only had two pages, but yeah - these were probably worthy of making it! Good look.

WOBBLY WADE

Yo...issue 4 was sick and all...but what is up with Dwayne Wade? He looks crazy fat in that cover shot! Look at his cheeks - my man looks like a beaver or something! lol In fact, there’s a few NBA ballers out there who look kinda on the chubby side still. I thought these dudes was meant to be elite athletes like? Fizz, East You know what, Fizz...you’re kinda right about the chubbyness. But I bet money D-Wade can jump higher and run faster than you. Sorry fam!

STREETBALL.CO.UK

We must be mind readers, Grant - we’ve got an EBL feature in this issue and an interview with Division One player of the year Stefan Gill!

Harry - way too long to explain here. I basically got too old to be running around filming 3-on-3s every weekend! They were good times though man...good times.

Just wanted to get in touch to say well done on the mag. I ordered a couple of copies (the Rose and the D-Wade issues) from Swish and I was blown away. Took me back to the good old days of XXL...and I now feel really old! Ben Taylor I too remember XXL...damn we’re ancient!

ISSUE#05

Rafe has been playing competitive ball for 20 years, winning the EBL2 title in ‘05-’06 with the now defunct West Herts Warriors. A keen amateur writer and photographer, he attempts to juggle all of the above with family life, a job working for ‘the man’, and the occasional pint. He describes himself as a big man with a soft touch.

SIMON BURR

Simon Burr is a die-hard basketball fan who began writing about basketball for his own website, Basketball Britain, a couple of years ago. Originally from the b-ball Mecca of Oxford (or should that be ‘rowing Mecca’?) he’s currently studying journalism in London.

Saw you missed these in the new FadeAway. M Butterly

I’ve been a fan since your first issue, which I got given at an event last summer. I saw you have a letters page now and wanted to drop you a line to say keep up the good work. One thing though - you should give some coverage to lower / local leagues and teams, not just the BBL. Grant Thompson

BACK TO THE OLD SCHOOL

RAFE ABROOK

Greg - I see you mentioned the 10th anniversary of you setting up Streetball.co.uk in the last copy of FadeAway. Why did you stop doing it? That site was the sickest shit ever. Harry, Northumbria

BEGGING LETTER

See how you guys get bare free stuff, like the AllStar LeBrons? I beg you send me some free kicks. We’re not gonna print this dude’s name or address...he’s already embarrassed himself enough!

JOE HEWISON

Joe has been an avid follower of basketball since those late nights watching Michael Jordan lead the Chicago Bulls to a second three-peat on Channel 4’s NBA 24/7. Now, as a sports journalist, he covers the sport for a number of outlets including Basketball 24/7, Mirror Sport and of course FadeAway.

STUART YORK

Stuart York has been shooting hoops and photographs since the age of 12. He has been working in London for over 10 years as a photographer, producer, journalist and picture editor for clients such as Nike, Puma, Hertz, and the Museum of London. For more info stuartyork.com

ISSUE 6 ON SALE OCT 8TH 2010

FOR MORE FOLLOW US ON: FACEBOOK.COM/FADEAWAYMAG

OvertimE NEWS

MBA

z In issue two we featured an article on south

London baller Matthew Bryan-Amaning, looking at how the pressure was going to be on him to step his game up at the University of Washington this year. Well, after a disappointing first half of the season (bar one or two big games) MBA went ballistic. Over the final 13 games, he averaged 11.8 points on 59.8% shooting (!!!), 7.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks - helping the Huskies win the PAC-10 for the second straight year and advance to Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. “Playing in that type of environment is priceless,” he told FadeAway. “With the whole country looking...and playing in front of tens of thousands of fans is ridiculous. Now I just want to have a good off season with GB U23s and Mens - and come back next year with the confidence to prove I’m better than a lot of people already think”.

ISSUE#05

NASH: “COME ON, ENGLAND!! z Steve Nash is rooting for England at this summer’s World Cup. The

point-guard supremo - whose father was born in Tottenham - is a footy fanatic who counts Thierry Henry and Owen Hargreaves amongst his friends. Even if the boys don’t do the business in South Africa, Hair Canada already has reason to celebrate after Spurs qualified for next season’s Champions League. It’s prompted much praise for manager Harry Redknapp from the pass-master. “What can you say about Harry?” says Nash. “He’s come in when the club are at the bottom of the table and doubt is entrenched and 18 months later we’re in the Champions League! I’ve dreamed of this type of team and outcome my whole life but was never sure I’d see the day.”

BG FOR GB!

z Detroit Pistons star Ben Gordon has committed to Team GB this summer. The sharp-shooting guard, who was born in London, is set to make his Great Britain debut in the European qualifying campaign in August. “It’s an opportunity to represent the country where I was born,” he says. “That was what drew me to it and this summer just happens to be the right time. Everything has just lined up for me to make that commitment and I’ve been able to actually focus on it. I have heard a lot from Luol about the team and where we are going, so I am excited about the prospect of pulling on the GB vest.” If you want to see BG reppin’ GB live in the flesh, head to gameongb.com for tickets.

GRANDE S E AS O N THE RETURN OF NBA JAM!

z For ballers of a certain age, the phrases “BOOM-SHAKA-LAKA!!” and “HE’S ON FIRE!!” will no doubt conjure up memories of the legendary NBA Jam video game. Well, a new generation of hoop heads is set to experience the 30-foot-high-jumping, somersault-dunking madness after EA Games announced they’re re-making it for the Nintendo Wii (and there are rumours of PS3 and X-Box versions). Wanna know the best bit though? The dude who did the original voiceover, Tim Kitzrow, will be doing it once again.....and EA are running a competition on Facebook encouraging people to submit their own catchphrases for the game! “SLAM-A-JAMMA!!”).

FOR F I NCH z Team GB Head Coach Chris Finch is celebrating a dream start to his

NBA D-League career. In his debut season he led the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to their best ever record AND the D-League Championship. To cap it off, he was awarded Coach Of The Year honours. The former Sheffield Shark reckons he’s learnt a thing or two as well: “This year has been about expanding my basketball knowledge,” he says. “Me and my staff in the D-League have a had the chance to have several NBA players on our team, and being able to integrate their experience into the European game I’m used to coaching has given me great perspective.”

FADEAWAYMAG.CO.UK

N BA E U R O P E L I V E

ST E R N WA R N I N G

Words By: Michael Romyn Photo By: NBAE/Getty Images

DON’T DISS THE COMMISH! The big show returns to London later this year, when the L.A. Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves meet at the O2 for NBA Europe Live. Just don’t suggest to the NBA boss that the game doesn’t mean anything! 10

ISSUE#05

t was a little scary, to be honest. Kind of like being told off on your first day at big school. But I guess that’s what you can expect if you cross the Commissioner on a conference call. After listening patiently for half an hour (and racking up a hefty phone bill, I fear) it was finally my turn to throw a question David Stern’s way. I asked him whether he was still committed to staging a meaningful, regular season game in London prior to the 2012 Olympics -

“ I waited for the good-humoured chuckle, the neutralising laugh I believed would follow such a terse answer, but received nothing but silence” a salivating prospect compared to the “NBA Lite” we have experienced at the 02 for the last few years. In hindsight, it probably wasn’t the best worded question. “Only if you’ll take out the word meaningful,” Stern said, matter-of-factly. I waited for the good-humoured chuckle, the neutralising laugh I believed would follow such a terse answer, but received nothing but silence. A deathly awkward silence that endured for those drawn-out One Mississippi, Two Mississippi seconds. “Okay,” I muttered weakly, blood burning my cheeks. “I’ve taken it out.” Stern continued: “So, rephrased, the answer is that in addition to the meaningful friendlies that we will be playing in 2011 and 2010, it is my expectation that prior to the Olympics, as I said, that we will play regular season games in London. “I’m sticking with my projection. Don’t ask me for any more details, but I make that statement fully expecting to deliver on it.” “You got a problem with that?” he did not necessarily add. The dressing down aside, it was good to hear confirmation that London will see a game in the near future which won’t feature extensive court time from D.J. Mbenga and Oleksiy Pecherov. Not that I’m disinterested in this year’s pre-season game. While it may not generate the hype and excitement we witnessed during Luol Deng’s homecoming last October, having Kobe Bryant in the house is never a bad thing. As Stern said: “It is hard to follow Luol, but bringing the world’s best-known basketball team to the O2 is a good idea. It’s a great follow-up step.” It will be the Lakers first trip to Europe since playing in Paris in 1991, when legend Magic Johnson starred in a win over Spain’s Joventut Badalona. And it will be Minnesota’s first time back since 2007, when Corey Brewer hit the side of the backboard on a corner jump shot and Randy Foye committed three turnovers in seven minutes at the 02. Yes, the T-Wolves - who are still languishing in the NBA’s cellar three years on - are more of a questionable selection, one which Stern said was made for “no special reason.” “We had a good turnout last time for the Timberwolves. The Celtics may have had something to do with that, as well,” he said. “We have the Lakers and the Knicks (who are scheduled to play in Milan and Paris as part of the Europe Live tour) for their reasons, and the Timberwolves were a good trio to round it out. No special reason one way or the other.” Even if it is just another lacklustre preseason affair - and the big names like Kobe and Gasol play only sparingly - I’m sure we’ll still enjoy the exhibition...particularly as we can relax in the knowledge that the real thing is not far off.

B R IT S AB R OA D

JOHANNAH LEEDHAM

SISTER ACT

The future’s looking bright for Team GB’s Jo Leedham.

Words By: Joe Hewison Photo By: Fast Track

ohannah Leedham has come a long way since her older sister, Jen, took her to basketball tryouts for the Youth Games ten years ago. But even after a record-breaking college career with Franklin Pierce University, the former Ellesmere Port Panther was still surprised when she was drafted by the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun this Spring. “I had talked to a few people and heard things about being drafted but I honestly wasn’t expecting it at all, it was all quite a shock for me,” the 22 year-old told FadeAway. The move followed a college stint which saw her scoop three National Player Of The Year Awards and leave as NCAA Division II’s all-time leading scorer (and fifth on the all-time scorers list across ALL divisions). But for the 5’ 11” guard / forward, getting drafted ranks above all her achievements. “The draft has definitely been the highlight of my career so far. It is a great milestone for me to mark down, but it shows me how much harder I have to work to be able to play at the next level,” she says. “But my college career has been really special for me, not only because we had a lot of success, but because I got to play with my sister and achieving what we did together will be unforgettable.” Sister Jen, now an assistant coach at Franklin Pierce, clearly played a major role in Jo’s development both on and off the court, as did their first coach Jimmy McGinn. “I first arrived in the States when I was 16 and Jen was there with me. It definitely made the experience that much easier as I always had her there for me. “But I would never forgive myself if I didn’t mention Jimmy. He is one of the best coaches in English basketball. What he did with us, and what we achieved as a club, really helped develop and change the sport for young females.” Unfortunately, The Sun waived Jo before the season started. But she’s looking forward to a busy few months, helping Team GB qualify for London 2012. “This summer is really, really important for the national team with the Olympics coming up and stuff like that. It’s actually really crucial for us to have a great summer as a team.” Johannah has been on quite a journey since the Youth Games and the Ellesmere Port Panthers, but it’s clear she feels there is still some way to go. “I cannot say what the future holds for Team GB or myself, all I can say is that I am looking forward to taking my game to the next level, working hard day in and day out, and giving everything I’ve got to improve my game and do my part to help GB be successful.”

“ I had talked to a few people and heard things about being drafted but I honestly wasn’t expecting it at all, it was all quite a shock for me” 12

ISSUE#05

I M P O SSIB L E I S N O T H I N G

JOSH JOHNSON

OVERNIGHT CELEBRITY Words By: Greg Tanner Photo By: Kevin Joseph

The East London kid who went from below-the-radar baller to hot property in a matter of days.

he Euroleague came to London earlier this year, as one of their Nike International Junior tournament qualifiers was held at the Barking Abbey Basketball Academy. With the likes of Maccabi Tel Aviv, Gran Canaria and Union Olimpija taking part, no one expected anything other an ass-whooping for the BA squad. But 17-year-old guard Josh Johnson wanted to make sure he was fully prepared. “I took it upon myself to do a little extra work, so I’d be ready,” he told FadeAway. “I’d get up early in the morning and jog, put up some jumpers before and after lessons...I just wanted to see if I could at least fit in and say ‘you know what, I can play with these guys’.” He did more than fit in - Johnson averaged 18.5 points (shooting 52% from the field and 47% from downtown) and 7.5 rebounds per game, helping the Academy to the semi-finals, and himself to the All-Tournament team. “For me to do as well as I did was an amazing feeling,” he says. “The European guys were not as fast or aggressive as me, and I think that helped”. With countless scouts and coaches looking on, Josh’s stock went through the roof. “It really put me out there. Before, I never had any offers. Afterwards, I was getting emails from coaches every day. “I’ve already been to France for workouts. There was a guy at the Euroleague tournament who flew me out to his team - they’re in Pro B, the second highest level in France. He actually wanted me to come in and play for them in the playoffs [this year], but he didn’t offer the right money so I didn’t take it. “The University of South California called up my coach and made an offer. I had St John’s University recruiting me as well. I’ve also had a couple of opportunities from Russia.” So with all these teams throwing themselves at him, what does the former East London Royal see himself doing next season? “I’m looking for a team that will let me be professional - but, at the same time, let me finish my schoolwork. I wanna play ball for a living but then, maybe instead of coaching, I can do lessons. “I was talking to the Essex Pirates and they might let me do that. [Coach] Tim [Lewis] told me I would start, so I think that would be a great experience for me to let that be my starting gig, while I finish off my education.”.

“ For me to do as well as I did was an amazing feeling. The European guys were not as fast or aggressive as me” 14

ISSUE#05

B R IT BA L L E R :

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

Stefan Gill has gone from high-flying circus act to mainstream recognition. But he won’t be turning his back on the streetball scene any time soon.

was at summer basketball tournaments across the UK that Stefan Gill made a name for himself. The 5’ 8” guard wowed crowds from Brixton to Birmingham as he literally jumped over people’s heads en route to thunderous dunks. His hops even had him touring Europe with the infamous Slam Nation crew for a while. But those who thought he’d be “just a streetballer” for the rest of his life are eating their words after the Manchester Magic baller was named England Basketball Division One Player Of The Year. The high-flying little man averaged 24 points, 4 boards and 4 assists a game this season. And just days after scooping EB’s top individual accolade, he helped the Magic win the playoffs - their first victory in six straight finals games appearances. “You only get to be in so many finals in your career - and to be in so many and always be the bridesmaid is very, very frustrating,” he told FadeAway. “But I finally, finally got there. I’d been working hard for that all summer, so it’s been good to actually get that.” As well as the work he put in before the season started, Stefan credits a stint playing in Denmark in 2008 with honing his offensive skills. “That fuelled me to become more of a scoring guard,” he says. “When I went over there, I was replacing an American they had who’d got injured - and he was their leading scorer. So when they asked me to come, they asked if I could average 25 a game. So it really did help my game, because all the offenses were run for me.” Denmark was Stefan’s first experience of playing overseas - and one he fully enjoyed. “I loved it out there. I loved the lifestyle of being a professional - doing something that you love for a living. It’s something people dream about.” But, alas, it couldn’t last. “My contract started out for just two weeks but they kept extending it. But I was at university at the time, and only deferred for one semester, so I had to come back and finish my studies.” Stefan graduates in July - but he’s already working for Manchester City Council and the Magic, coaching school kids in the area, as well as putting his physiotherapy degree to good use at a local clinic. But he’s still got his eye on taking his game to a higher level - though he reckons he needs to do it quickly. “I’m 26 and it feels like I need to hurry up. I’d like to see myself taking it further - past Division One to a BBL or European side - and trying to aim for a GB situation at some point.” So now he’s all “fundamental”, is the man they call “Matrix” going to stop doing his thing at the summer streetball events? “No way!” he insists. “The summer events are what made me in the first place. I didn’t get my reputation from being a fundamental player, so that’s always going to be in me.”

ISSUE#05

Words By: Greg Tanner Photo By: JAKE GREEN

“I’d like to see myself taking it further - past division one to a BBL or European side”

ST E FA N G I L L

BRI T BA LLE R S – E N G L I S H B A S K E T B A L L L E A G U E

ISSUE#05

the

FORGOTTEN

LEAGUE IN

It may not get any media exposure - but the EBL is where the die-hard ballers can be found.

Words By: Rafe Abrook PHOTOs By: Ismini

its first year, FadeAway gave a lot of love to the NBA, the BBL and the streetball scene. Heck, even the ACB and Pro-A got a mention. But what about the EBL (English Basketball League)? With over 500 teams and 7,000 registered players, it absolutely dwarfs the BBL in terms of numbers. Age groups range from Under 13 to Seniors for both men and women, with teams from Northumbria and Cornwall (and everywhere in-between) sometimes travelling hundreds of miles to compete in fixtures with more officials than spectators. It’s a set up comprising wildly varied teams, playing in facilities that range from school gyms to army barracks and large indoor arenas. At one end you have the slickly run professional clubs such as the Reading Rockets and Manchester Magic - who entertain up to 500 loyal fans on a weekly basis. At the other you have any one of several London teams playing in the lower divisions in a school gym with the basketball equivalent of one man and his dog watching. For many basketball players, the chance of being a key part of a lower league team is preferable to rotting on the end of a BBL bench. So while the infrastructure suggests otherwise, a surprising amount of talent passes through divisions 2 to 4. As a veteran who has played in each of the lower 3 tiers, I can safely say that every season there is at least one team in every division who, on the right night, could put the frighteners on an all pro BBL team. The EBL Trophy tournament is an opportunity for some of them to at least challenge the big boys in EBL1, if they can progress far enough. Inevitably, every season you’ll see one such EBL1 team take the floor as if it’s a casual scrimmage, and fight tooth and nail to overcome a third quarter deficit to spare themselves the blushes. Occasionally they come up short, which almost inevitably leads a lot of running ‘suicide sprints’ at the next practice session. One of the best aspects of senior lower league EBL play is the camaraderie between team mates. With players generally being from the local area (often competing together in local leagues), bonds form and grow quickly. Also, with long road trips (especially in the non-regionalised EBL2), and without pro contracts outlawing late night antics, the temptation to sample the nightlife of the away team’s home town, post-game, is always there! This generally works best if the game is a Saturday night fixture

as opposed to Sunday lunchtime (as was occasionally the case for us), but what the coach doesn’t know, won’t hurt him. We once warmed up for a Sunday fixture in Liverpool in jeans without a kit, while smelling like the drip trays from a Wetherspoons pub, yet somehow pulled out the W. On the negative side, most senior teams from EBL2 downwards are self-funding through lack of sponsorship. In many cases, players will have to pay to play, and these costs go up with each division as league entry, player registration, match official and facility costs go up accordingly. In the middle of an economic downturn, this puts massive pressure on teams to scrape as much cash as they can from local businesses that often barely cover the court costs alone. It’s a sad fact that the simple withdrawal of a sponsor can cost a club its existence in a flash. An example is my old club, West Herts Warriors who entered the (then bottom) EBL3 South division in 2003/2004 and worked their way up to EBL1 for the 2006/2007 season, where they made the playoffs, before having to fold a handful of games into the 2007/2008 season due to their major sponsor pulling out. Americans were sent home, and the remaining players went on to hook on to other clubs in the London area, and the county of Herts lost a presence in the senior National League. The fragility of clubs in the lower divisions is evident by the large number of new clubs popping up every year to replace those who cannot afford to re-enter for the new season. To survive in Divisions 1 and 2 requires a lot of voluntary, behind the scenes work (setting up venues, arranging road trips, managing the club budget), as the associated costs are that much higher. Attracting quality players when you don’t have a sponsor to cover the basic running costs of the club is often difficult, and those players who pay their own way often expect decent minutes in return for their investment. Basketball as a sport received a boost with the funding it was allocated back in 2007, and the emergence of the GB national men’s team as a force on the world scene can only help boost the game’s image. However many ‘grass roots’ clubs will see little gain from this. The struggling economy will continue to bite into sponsorship opportunities for many teams, however the desire to compete at the highest possible level will continue to encourage 5 six foot plus men to spend half of their weekend squeezed into a Ford Fiesta bound for Teesside.

“For many basketball players, the chance of being a key part of a lower league team is preferable to rotting on the end of a BBL bench. So while the infrastructure suggests otherwise, a surprising amount of talent passes through divisions 2 to 4” FADEAWAYMAG.CO.UK 19

ROB YANDERS

GOING INSIDE The American-born guard may be Great Britain’s newest recruit, but Rob Yanders is also engaged as a role model as he shares the lessons of a life gone good.

IT’S

a warm summer’s morning, but Rob Yanders isn’t in the gym preparing for his forthcoming Great Britain debut. Instead, the Glasgow Rocks captain is behind the concrete walls of Her Majesty’s Young Offenders Institution in Falkirk, home to around 400 of Scotland’s under-age criminals. Imprisoned for a range of offences that runs all the way from theft to murder, all have paid the price - but only some have learnt the lessons. Standing in front of a group of inmates who are naturally suspicious of The System, the message that there is another way is not the easiest of sells. Yanders makes his pitch. “Doing wrong to other people is wrong,” he explains. “Secondly, being involved on the streets carrying weapons, whether it’s guns, knives, baseball bats or whatever, is unacceptable. And I don’t think young people should be involved in that kind of act or activity. “I came up, surrounded with an atmosphere of poverty and gang violence, a lot of killing and drive-by shootings. They don’t suffer from that here as much, if at all. But it’s for them to take from what I’ve been through and put it into their own perspectives. And to come to their own conclusions. They need to know that if I can do it, they can too.” The American-born guard isn’t just throwing words around. He’s lived on the wrong side and survived to tell the tale. The scar on his shoulder, where a bullet grazed his skin, illustrates how close he came to being another grim statistic. And why his code of self-improvement carries the credibility that the prison system so often lacks within. Yanders saw many of his friends end up behind bars. One of his best friends, aged just 17, was gunned down on his doorstep in a senseless attack. “I love Reggie to death to this day,” he reﬂects. “And I wear the number 11 because it was his number.” By his early teens, he had already decided that his day in court would come with a ball in hand rather than cuffs on his wrists. The neighbourhood protected him and encouraged him to excel. “They made sure nobody touched me. I was their investment and their pride and joy. They wanted one of ours to make it.” Ultimately, it was a simple choice. “I was always scared of how I might die. I watched other friends die and I saw the agony and the pain they were in. That’s something I didn’t just see once. I saw it three, four, five times.

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WORDS BY: MARK WOODS PHOTOS BY: IAN JACOBS

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ROB YANDERS

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And I thought I should get the hell out of here.” Missouri State University came calling with a scholarship offer. Then Chris Finch handed him a ticket to the UK, where he became a perennial BBL All Star. And the more time he spent away, the more the bonds were loosened from the corners where he once hung out. “Now, some of the things those guys talk about, I don’t even feel comfortable addressing,” he admits. “When they go ‘last night, I was in a club and so-and-so got shot’, I’m like ‘last night, I was out with some friends and my wife, and we had a nice dinner and went for drinks.’ I can’t relate to what they’re doing because I’ve been out of it for 15 years.” Yet here he is, behind bars, hanging with the tough guys, talking trash and listening to the stories of mayhem and misery. Glasgow, where Yanders has spent the past five years, is a rough city where knife crime has become a growing menace. Asked by both the city’s Communities department and by the Scottish Government to help stem the tide, his insights, he hopes, might just make an impression on these troubled kids. “I think that if I go into the prison and speak to them genuinely, and I’m myself, there is nothing to be afraid of. They can smell fear and they can smell when someone’s not being straight up. That’s what bothers them. For so many years, they’ve probably been lied to or mis-treated or told that something would happen that hasn’t come off. They’ve been let down, day after day after day. So it’s about being straight up and honest.” The truth isn’t always easy to hear. But as long as there are listeners, Yanders will be here, stuck between the rock and a hard place. Follow Mark at Twitter.com/MarkBritball

“I was always scared of how I might die. I watched other friends die and I saw the agony and the pain they were in...I thought I should get the hell out of here”

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BRI T BA LLE R S - B B L P L AYO F F S

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Words By: Joe Hewison PHOTOs By: BB24/7

TONYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S TIGERS

TAKE

TITLE After the Newcastle Eagles edged out the Sheffield Sharks in one of the tightest BBL Championship battles in years, few expected anything other than a repeat two-horse race in the play-offs. But the Glasgow Rocks and Everton Tigers had other ideas.

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BRI T BA LLE R S - B B L P L AYO F F S

Big

things had been expected of the Tigers heading into their third BBL campaign, following a play-off final appearance and winning the BBL Cup last season. But high-profile departures, a string of injuries and problems off the court led to inconsistent performances on it, resulting in a fifth-place finish and a difficult route to the finals. However, the Tigers found form at just the right time, producing magnificent displays to see off the Cheshire Jets in the quarter-finals (94-79) and the Newcastle Eagles in the semis (recording a 190-158 aggregate win). The Rocks had a smoother regular season, finishing third, but came through some real battles to reach the league’s showpiece event for the first time since 2007. Sterling Davis’ men scraped past the sixthseed Leicester (88-86) in their quarter final, before overcoming a first-leg deficit to claim a 165-157 aggregate win over Sheffield and set up an unexpected, but hotly anticipated final. Everton continued their impressive postseason form in the opening stages of the final, racing into 23-9 lead by the end of the first quarter, to the disappointment of those expecting a tight affair. Midway through the second period, the lead had stretched to 22 as the Rocks continued to struggle. They had no answer for the Tigers’ one-two punch of Kevin Bell and Trey Moore, and shot 0/15 from three-point range. But as the second half got underway, it was clear that Davis’ words during the interval had made an impact. His team were full of belief and began to scrap for every ball. This disrupted the Tigers’ rhythm and - led by Great Britain prospect Robert Yanders - the Rocks began to chip away at the lead. When Jessie Sapp converted back-to-back threes after good ball movement from Yanders, the deficit was trimmed to just three, where it would remain going into the final stanza. The Rocks’ surge appeared to knock the Tigers’ confidence, and they continued to falter until a three from Michael Crowell pushed the Scottish side ahead for the first time. This gave the Tigers and coach Tony Garbelotto the jolt they needed. Drawing on the experience of last year’s final (when they faced a similar situation to the Rocks, coming from way back to make a late charge) they switched to man-to-man defense and regained the initiative, forcing turnovers and making big shots. Crucial three-pointers from Moore and Andrew Thompson either side of an and1 from James Jones then opened up a ten point lead from which the Rocks never recovered, allowing the Tigers to end a difficult season on a high, winning 80-72.“That is the real story here, this club was in turmoil the week before the season started,” explained Garbelotto. “We’ve had some real low points and to come back from that and produce this run over the past three weeks has been fantastic.” “We didn’t lie down and die last year, we came back from a 20-point deficit and neither did these guys.” Not only did this win end a tough season in style - it also provided a fitting climax to the fantastic, 13-year career of former GB international Chris Haslam, who accepted a special award alongside MVP Kevin Bell. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better than to finish my career on a high like this, winning a trophy,” said the 35-year-old. “It’s unbelievable, the perfect way to wrap up the long career I’ve had.” 26

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EUROLEAGUE FINAL FOUR

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WORDS BY: GREG TANNER PHOTOS BY: BB24/7

EURO STARS PASSIONS RUN HIGH IN PARIS AS THE EUROLEAGUE DRAWS TO A THRILLING CLIMAX.

“you’ve got ImpendIng doom wIth the olympIacos fans. there’s already a fIre In the stands, there’s smoke... I’m leavIng at half tIme!” - John amaechI”

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EUROLEAGUE FINAL FOUR

here are a few events on the basketball calendar that I genuinely really look forward to - and the Euroleague Final Four is most definitely one of them. Every year, thousands of the most passionate basketball fans on earth take over a major city for a few days and show the world how you REALLY support a basketball team! This summer it was Paris’ turn, with the Palais Omnisport in Bercy playing host to Regal FC Barcelona, Partizan Belgrade, CSKA Moscow and Olympiacos. For Team GB and CSKA forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu, it was all rather overwhelming. “In my short professional career, I’ve never really experienced anything like this,” the north Londoner told FadeAway. “To be a part of the Euroleague Final Four is, I’ve come to find out, a pretty big deal. I’m just soaking everything up. It’s my first one, I’m like a rookie here. I have team mates who have been here seven or eight times, so it’s like a walk in the park for them. But me, I’ve got my camera, I’m taking pictures, it’s pretty exciting!” As the crowds swarmed into the arena an hour before the first semi-final, the atmosphere was intense - and one unlike any other basketball experience, according to Euroleague boss Jordi Bertomeu. “It’s very unique - only European basketball has this kind of passion,” he told FadeAway. “I think that’s one of the best things we have, compared to other basketball leagues around the world.” But the first game of the weekend was actually something of a let down after all the hype. Barcelona (who’d gone 18-2 during the Euroleague) beat CSKA Moscow (16-4), avenging their defeat at the hands of the Russian club in last year’s semi-final. Barca’s star point guard, Ricky Rubio, scored 10 points and tied a Final Four record with 8 assists, in an ultra-low-scoring 64 - 54 win. Sadly, Pops saw extremely limited court time. But that didn’t dampen his appreciation of the event...particularly the moment late in the game when the Olympiacos fans - waiting for their team to take to the court next - burst into song. “All of a sudden, we heard four or five thousand Olympiacos fans going crazy. It kinda caught us off guard, because we were playing in the game. I had to turn around and look to see what was going on! It’s pretty exciting and gets you pumped as a player. “Fans in Europe are a lot more passionate about the game. I’m sure that come playoff time in the NBA the fans are just like that. But here, every single game guys have got their shirt off, they’re letting flares off, they’ve got their face painted and they’re screaming.” Fortunately, Olympiacos v Partizan was an absolute cracker.

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As you can see from the pictures, the Euroleague (in particular the Final Four weekend) is a big deal. But just how much of a pipe dream is the idea of a British team taking part in the competition? FadeAway asked those in the know: JORDI BERTOMEU - CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EUROLEAGUE -

“We would like to have a British team [in the tournament]. But the problem is that basketball in the UK has to be more developed, more professional, and today we don’t have teams which are prepared. What they have to do is try to get some experience through the minor leagues in Europe and then I hope that in the close future - probably four or five years we’ll be ready to have a team. We would love to do that”.

KIRSTEN HAACK - COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, EUROLEAGUE - “I think it’s hard to say why [basketball is not

popular in Britain]. In the UK you’ve got football, you’ve also got rugby and cricket - there’s more national identification with those sports. I also think there’s a need for a very strong grassroots programme. One of the things the sport needs is establishing the right parameters for it to grow - and it starts with the youth, junior tournaments and creating that kind of atmosphere and talent”.

JOHN AMAECHI - FORMER NBA AND EUROLEAGUE PLAYER & ENGLAND INTERNATIONAL - “It’s impossible. They say that a

sign of madness is doing the same things and expecting a different result - and that’s what Britain does in basketball. We keep on doing the same things thinking that somehow we’ll get a crop of four 7-footers - one of who can play point guard - and we’ll then somehow be thrust into the limelight. It’s not going to happen that way. We’ve got to develop players. Right now it’s a middle class sport, it’s too expensive for kids to play, most teams practice less than twice a week - it can’t work this way. And top level basketball is just pitiful - it’s just bad basketball which couldn’t compete - not just in terms of skill level, but in terms of style - with what goes on in Europe”.

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EUROLEAGUE FINAL FOUR

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Despite the best possible encouragement from the Greek fans, the team from Athens found themselves down 10-2 early on. But after clawing their way back, things stayed tight for the rest of the game. When Partizan’s speedy point guard, Bo McCalebb, scored a fast break layup to put his team up by two with just 6.8 seconds left, it looked like it was all over - especially as Olympiacos’ Milos Teodosic launched a wild three-pointer following the ensuing timeout. But former Atlanta Hawks star Josh Childress saved the day - snatching the airball out of the sky and jamming it home to send the game into overtime. “You’ll have to ask Milos if the last play in the fourth quarter was a pass or a shot,” said the man with the craziest Afro in the Euroleague, “but I think he tried to shoot and the ball was a little short, so I was just there to catch and dunk it.” “I think I owe Josh my life for saving me,” said Teodosic! “I tried to win the game, but I saw the shot was going to the left, and I didn’t know what to think. But all of a sudden Josh came out of nowhere and dunked it!” In the extra period, Childress and team mate Linas Kleiza (winner of this season’s Euroleague top scorer award) put important points on the board.

“I think I owe Josh my life for saving me!” - Milos Teodosic, Olympiacos”

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EUROLEAGUE FINAL FOUR

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But it was Olympiacos big man Ioannis Bourousis who effectively sealed Partizan’s fate, as he secured three straight offensive rebounds during the final minute of the game, helping his team to a 83 - 80 victory. Cue yet more Greek fan mentalness! The following day (the Saturday) there were no games - so the crew and I were out and about filming interviews and other bits and pieces for a couple of Final Four TV programmes we were making for Sky Sports. I have to give a massive shout out to Rob Tucker and Gareth Joseph at Three Feet High, who convinced Sky to put Euroleague basketball on the box! Anyway...Sunday was grand final day, and following the 3rd / 4th place playoff game (Partizan lost to CSKA Moscow) I caught up with British basketball legend John Amaechi, who was slightly nervous about the Greek crowd. “You see the Belgrade fans after their tough loss and they’re there literally serenading their team, who are there singing back at them,” he said. “But you’ve also got impending doom with Olympiacos! There’s already a fire in the stands, there’s smoke...I’m leaving at half time!” That certainly sounded like a very sensible idea as Barcelona bashed Olympiacos 28-19 in the first period, then extended their lead to 11 at the half. The Reds were clearly frustrated by Barca’s tough defence throughout. Then, towards the end of the game, it literally seemed like the Spanish team couldn’t miss (they actually finished an impressive 58% from the floor and 42.8% from three-point range). As the final moments ticked away, Ricky Rubio stood on the bench waving his shirt above his head...before jumping on a team mate’s shoulders to cut down the net as the final buzzer sounded. Even the hot-headed Greek fans apparently accepted that they’d been beaten by the better team (and didn’t really kick off!!) as Barcelona took the title with a 86-68 victory. Juan Carlos Navarro was named MVP following his 21 point, 5 rebound and 3 assist performance. “All our hard work has paid off,” he said. “We stepped on court ready to play such an important game. We controlled the game rhythm all 40 minutes long and that was the biggest key to this game.” Rubio (9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists) said: “This is a great feeling. It is incredible to be the Euroleague champion. Defense was the key to this game. We played a very good game in defense, just as we did all season. I think we really deserved to win the Euroleague title.”

“Fans in Europe are a lot

more passionate about the game. Every single game guys have got their shirt off, they’re letting flares off, they’ve got their face painted and they’re screaming” - Pops Mensah-Bonsu, CSKA Moscow” FADEAWAYMAG.CO.UK

J I M WEST NBA FI NALS 2 010 Carmelo Anthony

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TO LIVE Words By: Greg Tanner PHOTOS By: NBAE/Getty Images

AND DIE IN L.A.

Lakers v Celtics - the most legendary rivalry in basketball...this year, with plenty of added sub-plots: Kobe looking for revenge. The Celtics trying to prove they’re not over the hill. Maybe Phil Jackson’s last season coaching. So much to look forward to in this series. Here’s how it went down...

GAME 1: CELTICS 89 - 102 LAKERS One word - FOULS! Right from the get go, the refs were calling this tighter than Gok Wan’s trousers. Ray Allen, Kobe and Ron Artest each had two fouls within the opening minutes as the refs called 18 (EIGHTEEN!!!) personal fouls in the first quarter. Wow. And so it continued. Foul trouble for Odom in the second quarter meant P-Jax had to put Gasol back into the rotation far earlier than he usually would. But it proved to be a smart move, as the skilled Spaniard blocked shots, pulled down boards and put the ball in the basket. It was clear to see that this was NOT the Pau Gasol who’d been manhandled by Kevin Garnett during the ‘08 Finals. PG-2K10 was a monster! The Lakers began to extend their lead in the second and looked to be in command. Only a long twopointer at the half-time buzzer from Rajon Rondo could slightly dampen the L.A. crowd’s spirits. Those hoping the refs would pocket their whistles in the second half were disappointed as Ray-Ray was slapped with two EXTREMELY harsh calls (a very weak blocking call as he slightly bodied Kobe, who was trying to drive baseline...and a completely nonexistent foul on Mamba on a jumper from 16 feet). Doc Rivers looked like he was about to explode - and I for one can’t say I blamed him. But the third quarter was Kobe time. Number 24 had the Staples Centre going nuts as he jumped straight up to block Tony Allen on a dunk attempt - and 30 seconds later forced a Boston time-out as he slammed home an alley-oop. Despite the regroup, the Celtics seemed rattled - and Rasheed Wallace let his anger boil over (now there’s a surprise) as he

hip-checked Derek Fisher and was then slapped with a T moments later. As the third stanza finished, the Lakers held a 20 point lead. With the game already done, L.A. simply drove nails into the coffin in the final period - and when Artest hit a trey with two minutes left, you could hear the fat lady singing. Kobe put the icing on the cake as he banged one from almost thirty feet with three clicks left on the clock. It was hard to judge too much off this one game, to be honest. The refs calling so many fouls (54!!!) really disrupted the flow and worked massively against the Celtics, who are the more physical team. What was clear, however, was that Paul Gasol had come to play. “He’s more aggressive,” said Doc Rivers, comparing the centre to his 2008 performance. “I thought he was the best player on the floor.” After the game, the phrase “3 Mo” was seen scribbled on a white board directly across from Kobe Bryant’s locker. “We’re counting down,” said Odom of his team, who moved to 9-0 at home in the post-season. The omens weren’t looking good for Boston - Phil Jackson was, at the time, 47-0 in playoff series in which he’d won game 1. Bryant: Gasol: Pierce: Rondo:

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NBA FI NALS 2 010

“The best part about getting a triple-double is getting a win. It would be pointless to get a triple-double and lose the game” - RAJON RONDO, BOSTON CELTICS”

GAME 2: CELTICS 103 - 94 LAKERS Three hours before Game 2 tipped off, Ray Allen was on the floor of the Staples Centre getting shots up. It paid off. In the second period, Jesus Shuttlesworth entered a zone unknown to most mortals, making seven...count ‘em....SEVEN three-pointers without a miss, tying a Finals record. It was like a repeat of the Bulls v Blazers final of 1992 - when Jordan caught fire and gave Marv Albert that “what can I say? It’s not me, it’s the moment” shrug. Some lapses in the Lakers’ defence meant Allen got better looks that he should have. But he still had to work his ass off to get open. “I didn’t think it was easy, getting the 3’s up in the air,” he said. “You look up and everybody is probably thinking, ‘How did this guy get open?’ But there’s so much going on there -- big screens, misdirection plays. I thought they did everything they could to keep me from shooting 3’s, [but we] worked tirelessly.” As dazzling as his performance was, Allen alone was not going to win this game for the C’s. Someone else was going to have to step up. Rajon Rondo 38

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duly accepted the challenge. The floor general took over as Ray Ray cooled off, racking up a triple double, with most of the stats coming in the second half. L.A. got production from Kobe, Gasol and Bynum - and going into the final quarter it was still fairly tight (the Celtics led by 5). But that was when Boston’s third hero of the night stepped up. Nate Robinson (playing his first minutes of the Finals) dropped 7 points in a hurry to help the Greens to the victory. “The best part about getting a tripledouble is getting a win,” Rondo said afterwards. “That’s pretty much it. It would be pointless to get a triple-double and lose the game.” Bryant, meanwhile, was philosophical: “It’s a series,” he said. “You’re trying to stay even-keel. You don’t get too high, don’t get too low after a win or a loss. You just go into the next one and take care of business.” Allen: Rondo: Gasol: Bryant:

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GAME 3: LAKERS 91 - 84 CELTICS Just as Ray Allen had been the big story of Game 2, so he was once again the talking point of Game 3. However, it was for VERY different reasons. Within just 48 hours of his record-breaking shooting performance, he’d gone from hero to zero....literally...going 0-13 in Game 3. “It’s a hell of a swing,” said Celtics coach Doc Rivers after the game. “I thought all of his shots looked flat tonight. I didn’t think he had any legs. I don’t know if the knee and the thigh had anything to do with it, but I just thought he was short on most of his jump shots. “Of the 13, I think eight of them were great looks, and all of them were short, all of them were flat. It happens to the best of us.” It was exactly the sort of performance the Celtics didn’t need. After they stole home court advantage from the Lakers, many were labelling this Game 3 as the most crucial contest of the series. Win it and the Celtics have full control of the series. Lose it and they have to win another in L.A. Kobe Bryant certainly knew this, and came to play - racking up an impressive stat line. But it was another veteran - Derek Fisher - who really stepped up when it counted. Fish had 11 of his 16 points in the final quarter - making a number of contested shots, including a coastto-coast layup for a three-point play in the final minute that gave L.A. a seven-point lead and the game. “Derek Fisher was the difference in the game,” Rivers said, following his team’s loss. “He’s just a gutty, gritty player. Fisher basically took the game over.” “We didn’t doubt our ability to win here,” said D-Fish. “We understand that in order to be the best, you have to win wherever, whenever.” The game finished 91 - 84, as the Lakers moved to 8-0 in the postseason when allowing less than 100 points. Bryant: Gasol: Garnett: Pierce:

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GAME 4: LAKERS 89 - 96 CELTICS Having lost control of the series in Game 3, the Celtics were looking to fix up for this fourth clash. But whilst the “Big 3” certainly did contribute, it was “Big Baby” and the Celtics bench who saved the day - scoring 36 crucial points, including 21 in the fourth quarter. Following a fairly evenlymatched bruise-fest, just two points separated the teams going into the final period. But with Andrew Bynum sidelined with a dodgy knee, Glen Davis (the NBA’s most-blocked player this season) went off - scoring half of his 18 points in the final quarter. Davis, alongside fellow bench players Nate Robinson and Rasheed Wallace, played key minutes down the stretch...extending the lead to 12 points, as the Celtic’s starters cheered them on. “Rondo and the rest of them, they were begging me to keep guys in,” said Doc Rivers. “’Don’t take them out! Don’t take them out!’ It was great. That’s the loudest I’ve seen our bench, and it was the starters cheering from the bench.” Boston’s starters eventually did check back into the game, with just under three minutes left. Kobe did his best to save the game - scoring 10 of the Lakers’ last 12 points - but it wasn’t enough.“I just felt like a beast. I just felt like I couldn’t be denied,” Davis said after the game of his life. “All I’m thinking about is, ‘Let’s win’...I’m not thinking about anything else. I’m not even thinking about Kobe making all these shots, worried about this or worried about that. I’m just worried about winning, whatever it takes to win, and just making sure that I give my teammates positive energy to finish out the game.” Indeed, Davis bought energy to this encounter by the truck-load. One of the defining images of this series, when we look back on it in years to come, will be the sight of Big Baby drooling on himself, roaring with emotion, as Nate Robinson jumps onto his back following an and-one play. But could they carry that momentum into Game 5? Pierce: Davis: Bryant: Gasol:

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GAME 5: LAKERS 86 - 92 CELTICS Before Game 5, Doc Rivers reminded his players that, up until this point, no team had won two games straight. He implored them to do something to change that. He wasn’t disappointed. The Celtics played with incredible intensity – shutting L.A. down defensively (holding them to 39.7% on field goals) whilst making plenty of their own shots (56.3%). But all bets appeared to be off as Kobe went OFF in the third – scoring 19 straight Lakers points from some of the most ridiculously difficult shots you’ll ever see. “In that scenario you put your hand up and play the best D that you can,” said Garnett about Kobe’s scoring outburst. However, behind strong performances from KG and The Truth, Boston took the game – putting the Lakers in the uncomfortable position of having to win two straight themselves. “Just man up and play,” Bryant said after the game. “What the hell is the big deal? I don’t see it as a big deal. We’re down 3-2, go home, win one game, go into the next one. Simple as that.” Pierce: Garnett: Bryant: Gasol:

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GAME 6: CELTICS 67 - 89 LAKERS Facing elimination, in their own arena no less, the team from Hollywood needed an Oscar-winning performance. They got one - defensively. This tough, physical game saw the Lake Show hold the C’s to their lowest ever Finals score, on a pitiful 33% from the field. Boston weren’t helped by the fact that they lost Kendrick Perkins to a knee injury halfway through the first period...nor by the fact that, for the first time in this series, Ron Artest actually managed to find his jumpshot! The Lakers led by 10 at the quarter, 20 at the half, and never looked back. They didn’t even appear to miss Andrew Bynum, who went back to the locker room with his own knee troubles just a few minutes into the second half. Shannon Brown made the highlight reel as

he caught an absolutely ridiculous alley-oop, head at ring level...whilst Paul Gasol came within one assist of a triple double. Kobe labelled his performance “sensational” The Lakers cruised to a 22 point win, and an all-deciding Game 7. Asked about Perkins’ knee after the game, Doc Rivers said it “didn’t look great”. Indeed he was right - just 24 hours later it was confirmed that Perk would miss the decider - a huge blow for the Celtics. Meanwhile, Phil Jackson described the prospect of his first ever Finals Game 7 as “a really high-tension situation”. No shit. Bryant: Gasol: Allen: Garnett:

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GAME 7: CELTICS 79 - 83 LAKERS

As the teams took to the court for the last stanza just 12 minutes standing between each of them and the Championship - the Los Angeles crowd rose to So, for just the third time in 16 years, the NBA its feet. It was goosebumps time! Finals was going the whole distance. The hoops Gasol struck first, hitting a turnaround shot world was mad for this decider - and tensions were to move to 12 points personal and cut the lead to high everywhere...even in the heart of the Black 2. But Garnett responded with a layup. Moments Mamba. The usually ice-cold Kobe seemed flustered later, Ray Allen fouled Bryant on a three-point shot early on. He forced shots, chucking up some and Kobe iced all three free-throws. One point ball absolute garbage and hitting virtually nothing (he game. It remained neck and neck for the next few was 1 for 7 in the first period). Offensive rebounds minutes - but when Derek Fisher nailed a three to were the only thing that kept the Lakers in the tie the game with 6 minutes left, you could feel the game as Gasol and Bynum crashed the glass for momentum change. From there, Kobe and Gasol all-important second-chance shots. Despite allowing scored the L.A.’s next 12 points, taking the Lakethe boards, Big Baby did a good job filling in for show into a 6 point lead. Perkins on the offensive end (he had 6 points in the With a minute and a half left, it became a longfirst quarter), and the Celtics led by 9 at the first range shoot-out - with Wallace, Artest and Allen all break. In the second period, an unlikely hero began gunning threes within 32 seconds of play! to emerge for the Lakers - Ron Artest. QueensBut, in the end, Bryant and Vujacic free-throws bridge’s finest rattled off 12 points in the quarter (as put the game away. Kobe’s shooting woes continued), helping to trim As the purple and gold confetti rained down on Boston’s lead to 6 points at the half, despite a strong the court, Bryant jumped onto the score table (Jorquarter from Paul Pierce. dan-style) and held up five fingers. It was a sweet After the break, Artest picked up right where he moment for the man named Finals MVP. left off, scoring the Lakers’ first points of the half off “I wanted it so, so bad,” he said, following his yet another offensive rebound. But Kevin Garnett postseason-worst 6-for-24 shooting performance. and Rajon Rondo started heating up - connect“The more I tried to push, the more it kept getting ing on an alley-oop play after just 12 seconds and away from me. I’m just glad that my teammates combining for 13 points in the period. Boston led really got us back in the game.” by four going into the final quarter.

When asked what this championship meant individually, he simply answered: “I just got one more than Shaq...you can take that to the bank! You know how I am, I don’t forget anything.” Ron Artest gave the greatest post-game interview ever, as he repeatedly thanked his psychiatrist and plugged his up-coming music single (called “Champion” apparently!) Meanwhile, Phil Jackson mused “Well, it’s done. It wasn’t well done, but it was done. And we did it with perseverance.” The Zenmeister didn’t give any clues about whether he’d be back for another season...but Kobe made it clear he’d love to have the NBA’s most successful ever coach back with the organisation for a run at another three-peat. “Let’s go for it again,” he said, before hoisting the Finals MVP trophy above his head for the second straight year. Artest: Bryant: Gasol: Pierce: Rondo:

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SLUMD OG S T R E E T BA L L

ISSUE#05

SLUMDOG

STREET WORDS BY: STUART YORK PHOTOS BY: STUART YORK

BALL

From Madras to Mumbai, India’s streetball scene is hotter than a Vindaloo!

he fact that basketball was popular in India at all was a surprise to me. You think of India and “cricket” springs to mind - with fans as passionate as those found in any football stadium in the world. So when I found myself on a two day train journey from Mumbai to the 50th All-India Tournament in Coimbatore, I really didn’t know what to expect. Basketball teams in India are travellers, their giant frames forever crammed onto buses and trains moving from one tournament to the next, searching for a trophy. Victory is key, as all teams compete to add a sparkle of athletic prestige to their organisation - be it the Indian Army, the Railways, even a team full of friendly Customs Officers. And then there’s the IOB. The IOB team are all employees of the Indian Overseas Bank - accountants, clerks, tellers - and all ferocious ballers. Every year they spend their summers counting points not rupees on the courts of Southern India, dominating the opposition along the way. In 2007 they won 21 out of 22 tournaments entered. I travelled to cover just one tournament, but met a great team and ended up on the IOB mini-bus, coach, train and occasional motorbike - watching them win in three different states. I never saw them lose, even at 5am practice. If you’ve been to India, you’ll know it’s hectic - and that’s echoed in the style of play...with constant movement, up and down fast breaks, shouting, anger and frustration...but all with a unique sense of style. Their roster consisted of several India Internationals, players poached for their skills, and the most famous of all, Nathan Robinson the ‘Jordan of India’. They also boasted the reigning Asia All Star Slam Dunk Champion - a dead ringer for Drogba - and the most dominant player by far. In a slightly gruesome demonstration of this, I saw him break a guy’s arm by dunking through his block, mid-game. I travelled with the team and didn’t just shoot them winning again and again, it was everything in between...a family away from home, working and playing together, all accompanied by world class banter. They are almost definitely playing, practising, or travelling to a tournament to win again, as you read this. And that gives me heart. To see a film about the IOB, please visit: www.stuartyork.com.

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“If you’ve been to India, you’ll know it’s hectic a n d t h a t ’ s echoed in the style of play ...with constant movement, up and d o w n f a s t b r e a k s , s h o u t i n g , a n g e r a n d f r u s t r a t i o n . . . b u t a l l with a unique sense of style”

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Basketball teams in India are travellers, their giant frames forever crammed onto buses and trains moving from one tournament to the next, searching for a trophyâ&#x20AC;?

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TI NCH Y ST Y D E R

”EVERY TIME I’D SAY ‘I’M GOING TO TRAINING’ I’D RING UP MY PEOPLE AND END UP GOING TO PIRATE RADIO. SO THE MUSIC SORT OF SIDETRACKED ME” WORDS BY: DANNY WALKER PHOTO BY: JAKE GREEN

ISSUE#05

STAR OF THE HOOD Instead of being MVP of the grime scene, Kwasi Danquah aka Tinchy Stryder could’ve been a Premier League contender. Danny Walker finds out why music was always Number 1…

t’s always a pleasure to meet up with Tinchy. Although not in the comfort of Bow, East London, the soon to be 24 year-old was packing an abundance of enthusiasm, energy and lack of enflamed ego (which is all too common with artists these days). “What’s happening!” blurts out from behind his trademark sunglasses as we discuss how he nearly became the Star On The Pitch. “Yeah I know, it was crazy like when I was younger and football was my main thing,” he informs whilst sitting back in the chair. “I wanted to be a footballer like everyone does when they’re growing up. I played at Leyton Orient and then for Wimbledon when I was around maybe 16.” At the time, East London was a hotbed of talent with Dizzee Rascal and Wiley showing kids that the there were other ways to get out of the ends. Tinchy – then a pirate radio regular – was torn between the mic and the pitch. “Every time I’d say ‘I’m going to training’ I’d ring up my people and end up going to pirate radio. So the music sort of sidetracked me. It was the right mix though cos every time I was at football I was excited to be there, but music kept me going.” But was the Prince of Grime also footballing royalty? “Of course,” he laughs. “I was a striker. They called me hat-trick Strydes. [I’d get] a hat-trick a game. Three is the key number.” So with the forever long Manchester United fan (“I’ve been a United fan since they’ve been winning because they’ve been

winning forever”) turning up to Rinse and Déjà Vu more than he turned up to training, Tinchy is one of grime’s biggest signings. “When you’re in year 11 and all the GCSE’s get on top of you – I think training became like three times a week, it was far away and you had to eat all the right stuff so I just wasn’t really trying to live like that. “It was crazy because music was what was driving me after school say in the youth club and on pirate radio - everything was music related. Football is something which I can never get out of - even at a young age it’s hard to decide but I guess I just naturally sort of fell off of that. I just ended up putting more time on music than football.” So did music come easily? “Yeah, definitely,” he grins. “It was something like where I just didn’t feel no pressure…football felt as if – at that stage anyway – like you had to be training this many times a week and eating the right stuff. I just felt like I wanted to eat what I wanted to eat man.” There you have it, Tinchy could have been playing alongside Rooney in South Africa this summer or at least grafting for £500 a week in the lower leagues… but instead chose the life of grime and the UK charts. We’re glad you chose music Tinch. Tinchy Stryder is on the cover of the May issue of RWDmag. com for more check MySpace.com/tinchystryder

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ver ti CAl JU m P W o r Ko U t

FORM

FOR

FLIGHT

WORDS BY: JACOB HILLER PHOTO BY: DOMINIC

Is it possible to gain instant inches on your vertical jump? The answer will shock you!

“PLAYERS ARE ALWAYS AMAZED WHEN, AFTER WORKING FOR 30 MINUTES ON THEIR JUMPING FORM, THEY ARE ABLE TO JUMP INCHES HIGHER” 60

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You see stupendous promises of improvement on your vertical leap everywhere, but is it really possible to gain inches on your vertical “instantly?” The answer is actually YES. But wait! Before you pass this off as pure hype, let me explain exactly how it’s done... Strength training, plyometric training and stretching should all be a part of your vertical jump training regime. But they cannot product instant results. Gains in strength, plyometric ability, flexibility and even central nervous system enhancement all rely on “super compensation” and therefore cannot yield “instant gains”. Super compensation is the body’s adaptive response to stress. Stress on the muscles creates stronger muscles. Stress on your tendons creates stiffer and more reactive tendons etc. This necessary cycle of placing stress on the body, providing a proper recovery, and allowing the body to super-compensate must be properly respected in order to make steady gains. But it does take time.

Don’t believe me? Try this… 1. Try to jump from your off foot (left or right) and see how much higher your “strong” foot jumps. Why is it that you jump so much higher from your strong foot? You have developed much more efficient form and are able to use your power and transfer your momentum much better. You will likely find that your “off” leg is just as strong as your good leg, but much more awkward. 2. Throw the basketball as hard as you can at the wall using your strong arm. Now try with your off arm. Once again, you will notice a great decrease in power because of the form. Your arms are actually very similar in strength. Players are always amazed when, after working for 30 minutes on their jumping form, they are able to jump inches higher. I’ve had many athletes even get their first dunk after a session of form training and countless others grab or touch rim for the first time in less than an hour.

JUMPING FORM EXERCISES:

But there is one technique that allows you to make proper adjustments and reap the immediate benefits - JUMPING FORM.

First of all, warm up and properly stretch before you begin the exercises. Warm and flexible muscles will operate much more efficiently and are much less prone to injury.

It’s nearly unknown to basketball players, but it has always been one of the most important focuses of Olympic level leapers (long, triple, and high jumpers). Some studies have even cited gains of up to 80% by improving jumping form.

1. Penultimate step: Penultimate means second to last, and is the technique of lengthening your second to last step and slightly shortening your last step in order to gain lift on your one-leg jump.

FACT: You can add 2 - 6 inches to your vertical by altering the way you jump, and using your muscles and momentum more efficiently.

2. Increase your approach speed: The more speed you gather on your approach, the more potential momentum you have to transfer upwards. Improve the speed at which you approach your jump, but be careful not to go faster than you are able to control. 3. Transfer horizontal momentum to vertical momentum: Do not kill your speed by coming to a stop before your jump, but allow the momentum to propel you forwards and slightly upwards - as if you were going off a ramp. 4. Movement synchronization: The take-off portion of the vertical jump involves extension at the ankle, knee and hip, as well as additional thrust from the shoulders and spine. Proper timing of these movements is key to orchestrating unified upward momentum. 5. CNS efficiency - synaptic facilitation Greater control over your muscles will allow you to fire your muscles with greater neural amplitude, as well as with greater agility and efficiency. This comes through proper repetition of good form. Performing repetitions of a maximum vertical jump, with a focus on proper form, will allow it to quickly become second nature and you will have greater power and control over the movement. This type of practice is known as “synaptic facilitation.” For more information, check out the video series I created about vertical jumping form and how to train it properly at youtube.com/freejumptraining I can promise you that as you practice, you will notice the increased lift and power that your improved form provides. To your success, Jacob Hiller Creator of The Jump Manual

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TH E W O R KO U T

S H O OT I N G C A M P

”A GOOD IDEA WHEN REVIEWING YOUR SHOOTING TECHNIQUE IS THE USE OF A MIRROR. WATCH YOURSELF SHOOT AND DO A SELF-EVALUATION CHECKLIST”

BUILDING A SHOOTER The first step in developing a player into a consistent shooter is to teach correct technique. Practice right and you will see improvement on a daily basis. Practice wrong and you will develop bad habits that some day will have to be fixed. TECHNIQUE KEY POINTS: BALANCE: Feet shoulder width apart, toes pointing towards the target, shoulders squared to the basket, knees slightly bent. HAND POSITION: Shooting hand behind the ball, fingers spread comfortably on it and non-shooting hand on the side of the ball, again with fingers comfortably spread. (The fingers control the ball - at no time should the palm of the hand make contact with the ball.) The shooting arm forms an L-shape with the forearm in line with the basket. RELEASE: Extend the arm up to the sky, snap the wrist forward so that the fingertips end up pointing to the floor. (The guide / non-shooting hand does not move, it is there only to help move the ball into the shooting position and to balance it. If the shooter has released the ball correctly, you should see back-spin on it). Now that you understand the correct technique you can begin to work. First of all you must start no more than 5 feet from the basket. Shooting the ball from too far out causes the shooter to

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compensate for lack of strength in the shooting muscles. As in any other muscle development, you must use principle of progression. For the first month - start by shooting from within three to five feet from the basket for 1 hour per day. You must at all times review your technique and make sure you maintain the key points discussed earlier. Try choosing 6 spots, all within the 5 feet area, and taking 25 shots from each. This will help you develop the shooter’s balance and let you feel confident from all areas of the floor. Each month you can add 2 feet to your shooting spots - reaching the foul line area (15 feet away from the basket) in 6 months. Once you’ve reached this distance, you are ready to become a very dangerous player. Think of this - if your defender has to play you tight at 15 - 17 feet, how much easier will it be to set the defender up for a drive to the basket? TIPS - To move forward as a shooter, you should work on both shooting off the dribble AND the catch-and-shoot technique. Develop your balance by arrange three chairs into a “shooting pocket” triangle. Enter the shoot-

ing pocket either by the pass or off the dribble. Shoot from within 6 inches of each chair. Your body must go straight up and down...contact with the chairs means your balance is off. A good idea when reviewing your shooting technique is the use of a mirror. Watch yourself shoot and do a self-evaluation checklist. If you have the ability to use video equipment this is also a very good way to review your technique and make corrections. It may be a good idea to keep track of shots made and missed in your workout from the various spots. If you practice correctly you will see your scores improve on a regular basis. If your scores do not improve, this is a good indication that there are faults in your technique. Finally, I would advise all aspiring players to attend a well-run shooting camp. As I said at the beginning of the article, correct practice is essential to the development of a great shooter. Seek out advice from known experts and watch great shooters shoot. Be hungry - and work on your shooting daily! Bob Martin -The Workout Shooting Camp.

WORDS BY: SAM HART PHOTOS BY: BOB MARTIN

PHOTO BY: JAKE GREEN WORDS BY: JULIE ADENUGA

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