Money On Sports - Bloomberg

Tim Tebow EA sports sports Nike Air Trainer 1.2

Nike and EA sports celebrates the launch of EA NCAA FOOTBALL 11, with a limited edition Tim Tebow PE. Will Tebow's star continue to shine in the NFL.

John Wall the new face of Reebok Basketball

by Tzvi Twersky

As of this past Thursday’s NBA Draft, the future of the Washington Wizards rests on the slender shoulders of John Wall. Ted Leonsis, Ernie Grunfeld, Flip Saunders and the Wizards aren’t the only ones counting on the rookie to resurrect a snakebitten franchise—as of last Wednesday, Reebok is, too.

Thirty-six hours before shaking David Stern’s hand, in a hastily arranged but well executed press conference in Times Square, Reebok officially announced that John Wall had agreed to a “multi-year, multimillion-dollar deal” with Reebok.

In addition to adding John Wall to a basketball roster that already includes Jamal Crawford, Jameer Nelson, Danilo Gallinari and Allen Iverson, Reebok also unveiled Wall’s first shoe, the ZigTech Slash.

“After a hugely successful launch of our ZigTech training footwear collection, we wanted to extend our technology into new categories,” said Reebok’s President Uli Becker.

While “recruiting” Wall, Reebok sat him down with Allen Iverson and others who could help the company woo him. Ultimately, though, it was his adolescent connection–for the better part of his teenage years, John Wall played Reebok grassroots ball— that truly helped the company land him.

“Reebok believed in me when no one else did,” said John Wall, referring to his high school days in Reebok camps. “Now, I believe in them and the new technology they have to offer me as a player.”

Reebok’s done very well over the past few business quarters, selling vast quantities of the revolutionary ZigTech running shoes and muscle-toning EasyTones. But since Allen Iverson’s NBA success has waned, Reebok’s effort—and success—pedaling basketball gear has waned, too.

Enter John Wall.

“John is a unique player,” said Todd Krinsky, Reebok’s head of sports and entertainment marketing. “He has a distinct swagger on the court and an inspirational style and flair off the court. John’s individualism and energy make him the perfect fit for the Reebok brand.

“I think he’s grounded,” Krinsky told SLAM. “Like, you’re not gonna see him doing silly thing. He doesn’t go get a tattoo cause the other guys get tattoos. He’s just his own dude. He wants to be his own man. He wants to make his own decisions. That’s why John Wall’s with Reebok.”

There’s a lot of pressure on John Wall—pressure to carry an NBA franchise, help carry a brand—but he’s still only 19, and has never played an NBA game.

“That’s why we’re gonna go slow,” says Krinsky when asked about the high expectations. “We feel like he’s gonna be an explosive player right out of the gate. But we also know that there are adjustments that take place when you go to the next level, and we are willing to grow with him.”

Reebok’s willing to expand their Wall offerings, adding off the court products, when he’s deemed ready. If the Wizards take the same slow and steady approach, John Wall may very well be plastered all over your wall for the next decade.

His first pair of Reebok shoes, the ZigTech Slash, drop on October 15th. His first public action with the Wizards, a summer league game in Vegas, takes place on July 11th against the Golden State Warriors.

Keep your eyes locked—on his game, and his kicks.

NIKE EYBL

The inaugural NIKE EYBL (Elite Youth Basketball League) will he held over four different events during the spring and summer. Featuring NIKE’s forty-two (42) elite 17 & under travel team programs, the league will culminate with the EYBL Finals at the NIKE Peach Jam in North Augusta, SC from July 12-15, 2010.
The EYBL will tip-off at the Boo Williams Sportsplex in Hampton, VA from April 9-11. The final two regular season events will be held at League America in Houston, TX on May 14-16 and in Los Angeles, CA over Memorial Day Weekend (May 29-31) at the Hangar Athletic Xchange.

The King has spoken

The Miami Heat has just become the pulse of the NBA. Miami is already the No. 1 party choice for most and now the Heat’s home games will be crammed with who’s who 41 times (plus playoff games) next season.

The Heat’s floor seats have just become the most valuable tickets in all of sports. I heard season-ticket sales were close to being sold out when Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh committed on Wednesday, but those prices on the street jumped like the stock market when LeBron James announced that he would be leaving Cleveland and joining forces in Miami with those two.

With all respect to Wade and Bosh, LeBron signing there takes the Heat organization to a place no team has experienced since the Chicago Bulls were led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman.

I can imagine what a circus traveling with this team will be because I experienced it when I played with the Houston Rockets in 1997, when Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley and Clyde Drexler. And then again a few years later when Scottie Pippen stepped in for a retiring Drexler.

I foresee crowds of people at every hotel on road trips despite arriving at 2 am most times. All teams will be changing their season-tickets packages to highlight this road show.

I am sure the NBA would rather have all three players leading their own team, but this team will crossover thousands of fans that ordinarily would not be attending a game. This is still a huge boost for the league regardless.

I am not surprised by King James’ decision and I believe that these three stars can coexist. Mainly because I think LeBron is the most unselfish basketball star in the league along with Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Steve Nash. Points have never mattered to him and it’s all based on the belief that he can dominate a game without scoring a bunch of points.

I expect LeBron to mesh with Wade and Bosh just like Magic Johnson did with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy and like Larry Bird did with Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.

I firmly believe he will flirt with averaging a triple-double next season as well.

People, please think before you call him a traitor and selfish. Remember most athletes are maligned for chasing the money… He is leaving 30 million on the table and a city that he owned. This move seems all about him thinking a championship can be won in Miami and that is it. He can be wrong like Cavs owner Dan Gilbert said would occur in the end, but right now he made a career decision and in America that’s why we fought wars – so we can have freedom to make choices.

So now let’s look at past greats of the game.

Bill Russell had John Havlicek, Bob Cousy, Jo-Jo White and Sam Jones; Magic Johnson had Kareem, Worthy and Byron Scott; Larry Bird had Kevin McHale, Robert Parish and Dennis Johnson; Isiah Thomas had Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, Dennis Rodman, Vinnie Johnson and perennial All-Star Mark Aguirre; Michael Jordan had Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman; Tim Duncan had David Robinson, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker for multiple championships. Kobe Bryant now has Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum.

So I ask… What is LeBron is doing differently? I am sure Wade and Bosh would have seriously thought about going to Cleveland as a duo if they had the cap space for all three.

This is about joining forces to win championships and we have to applaud the sacrifice that these great players are trying to execute for the good of winning.

LeBron and Bosh have heard the negative comments about the lack of titles, so it’s fitting they make the sacrifice to join a player in Wade who has experienced winning a title.

Michael Jordan got ripped for being selfish and not living up to expectations his first seven years and I ask… Who are we constantly comparing LeBron to?

When James realized Cleveland would not be able to get him the kind of help past stars had, that made his decision easier. And, quite frankly, I think he made up his mind two years ago.

I thought Danny Ferry did a tremendous job, but he made a fatal mistake in not chasing down spot up shooters like Channing Frye, Eddie House, Kyle Korver, etcetera, to surround James. It forced James to score more than he would like when it was obvious from Day 1 he enjoyed passing the ball. The mistake was thinking he was the second coming of Jordan instead of Magic Johnson. When teams like Boston and Orlando locked in on him come playoff time, he didn’t have the Steve Kerrs, John Paxsons and Derek Fishers of the world to trust when he gave the ball up.

So off to South Beach he goes and I believe that is where he will win multiple championships. It will not be easy the first year and mainly because they will have zero money to pick up some good experienced role players, but the Celtics of 2008 got lucky and found Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis. So Pat Riley will have to search the bottom feeders in the league and come up with some diamonds or convince some veterans around the league to take the minimum salary to have a chance to win a title and reap the rewards of a contract down the line.

I also assume he would say, “Look, if you are going to make less money, why not do it and have fun in South Beach?”

Finally, I agree with most basketball people that Chicago was his best team choice in terms of roster, but the most important feeling is playing with players you are comfortable with on and off the court and so that is why he chose Wade and Bosh.

I personally wanted him to stay in Cleveland, but who am I to judge him on this decision? This is his career and he knows that if he didn’t win a title he would be labeled the biggest failure up to date in basketball history. So although I understand why Cleveland, New York, New Jersey, Clippers and Chicago might feel jilted from the results of last night, they still have to respect his decision because if Miami finds a few components this trio could win multiple championships starting next year.

We are all witnesses and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out in 2011.



Read more: http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/johnson/2010/07/09/the-king-has-spoken/#ixzz0tW6kVWN9

THREE KINGS

Wade back in Miami

MIAMI -- The word went out early Monday morning to Miami Heat fans. Show up at 8 a.m. and welcome Dwyane Wade back to South Florida, they were told. So they did, right time wrong location.

Wade arrived back in Miami, but instead of flying on a private jet into a charter facility -- as the Heat marketing department expected -- he took a commercial flight into one of the airport's main terminals.

So about 50 Heat fans, as well as a handful of team employees, left without a glimpse of Wade, who is expected to decide his playing future in the coming days.

"He'll hear that we were here," said 20-year-old fan David Figueroa. "That's enough, right?"

Sure enough, Wade's representatives confirmed that the six-time All-Star was aware of the gathering, albeit after he left Miami International Airport.

The Heat leaked his travel plans overnight, telling fans to greet Wade at the Signature Air terminal at the airport.

One of the triumvirate of marquee stars in this NBA free-agent megaclass, Wade could decide this week between the Heat, the New Jersey Nets, the New York Knicks and his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls. Wade, LeBron James and Chris Bosh began getting formally wooed on Thursday by several clubs.

The Heat turned to social media, both Facebook and Twitter, around 12:50 a.m. Monday to rally fans. Even at the late hour, buzz grew quickly, and some fans were in place -- the wrong place, unknowingly -- by 7 a.m. An employee at the Signature Air facility said staff is typically told when a high-profile person like Wade is arriving, and that transportation for him is usually arranged ahead of time.

That wasn't the case Monday.

"Bad information," Heat executive vice president and chief marketing officer Michael McCullough told the sign-waving, T-shirt-donning group.

Before arriving Monday -- Miami-Wade County, officially, until July 8 by order of the county's commissioners -- Wade had been in Chicago since the start of free-agent mania.

He took his meetings there, including formal sit-downs with three clubs, plus an informal chat with the Heat. Now back in Miami, Wade will meet with Heat president Pat Riley and owner Micky Arison this week.

Although Wade often has said he would like to remain in Miami, provided the team's roster is upgraded to his liking, tension is clearly high around 601 Biscayne Blvd., the Heat home address.

Forget June 20, 2006, the day Miami won its NBA title, as the defining day for the franchise.

No, July 8, 2010 -- the first day of this free-agent signing period -- could be the day that shapes the Heat for years to come.

"We love him," McCullough said. "We're not the only ones, and we hope that he comes back. ... It's time for him to make a decision, and we want to help him make that decision by showing him all the support he has from fans in South Florida and around the world."

Heat officials were asking fans to reach out to Wade on Facebook at 3:33 p.m. Monday, a nod to "3," his jersey number.

"Got to do what we can," Figueroa said. "I called in sick to work today for this. I guess I can just show up now."

Wade is scheduled to appear at a basketball camp about 30 minutes north of Miami on Tuesday, plus take questions with Alonzo Mourning about their charity weekend later this month. The Heat expect hundreds of well-wishers there, including dozens of children who are working on a "special" presentation for the 2006 NBA Finals MVP.

Plans have been in place for Wade to be at an amusement park with his sons in Orlando, Fla. on Thursday, the first day free agents can sign. Tentatively, Wade is scheduled to be back in Miami on Friday.


Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

LI-NING unveiled a new logo and slogan Wednesday in a relaunch of China's dominant domestic sporting goods apparel brand timed to coincide with its 20th anniversary.

Founder and former Chinese Olympic gymnist Li Ning appeared Wednesday to personally unveil the company's new logo and slogan at Li-Ning's Beijing headquarters. A large group will gather at the LI-NING Centre to celebrate the launch including LI-NING Company executives, investors, representatives from each of LI-NING's five gold medal-winning teams, and many other VIP guests.

The brand relauch follows three years of intense market resarch into the maturity cycle of the market, industry growth drivers, competition landscape analysis and positioning and consumption trends, the LI-NING brand proactively adopted a re-invention approach.
LI-NING's new slogan is "Make The Change." The new logo displays a modern interpretation of the iconic attributes of the original logo in a modern design language that spells out a global perspective. Not only has the new logo narrated the rich visual heritage of the classic "LN" symbol, it has also abstractly outlined the "Li Ning Cross" gymnastic posture invented by Li Ning.

The new logo also resembles the shape of the Chinese character "Ren," which means people, encouraging everybody to express and actualize himself through sports. It features a cleaner cutting to convey a tough, motion- and energy-rich silhouette. The new slogan "Make The Change" is adapted from a new brand manifesto that speaks out the evolution from "dare to think" to "dare to do," encouraging everybody to embrace changes and breakthroughs. It is a calling to a new breed of consumers, the "Generation 1 Creators."
"We believe the Generation 1 Creators have been born," said Mr. Zhang Zhiyong, CEO of the Group. "This is what initiated our urge for a change. These people have global visions. They love innovations. They demand high product quality. They are giving new meanings to sports. To gain their recognition, we need to become more sensitive, more refreshed, more energetic and have stronger personalities. The LI-NING brand and all young people are eager to express and actualize themselves. We are communicating with them in a new language. People will gradually notice that the LI-NING brand is gradually evolving into a young chap with light-hearted wit, who is true to life, curious and inventive!"

Li Ning advertising will now focus on the company's evolution since the 1990s. During that period the company systematically upgraded its sports events planning, geographic planning and product research, development and design.

On Wednesday, the company also unveiled new product collections that carry rich new features: the "Athletic Pro" collection of top-notch sports equipment for professional athletes, the multi-function "Urban Sports" collection for light urban sports, the all-orange-color "Brand Heritage" collection that illustrates the brand equity, and the "Crossover" collection that collaborates local and foreign design talents.
The original logo and the legacy "Anything is Possible" slogan of the LI-NING brand are not retiring. They will become part of the Group's brand assets and be appropriately deployed.

Michael Beasley focussed on getting better

What are your offseason plans?

Michael Beasley: Working out. Get better. I’m going to play the summer league. Pretty much don’t stop. I haven’t had any vacation. I just went straight to working out. I feel I can do a lot to improve my game to help the team and take us further to the playoffs.

Any special routine this summer?

MB: No, I’ll use the regular coaches, assistant coaches.

Did you see draft night?

MB: Not at all. I was flying to Europe. I missed the draft, the U.S. soccer game… I missed everything (laughs).

Do you like soccer?

MB: I don’t follow soccer a lot, but I’m definitely interested about what’s happening in the World Cup.

Right now there’s only two players with guaranteed contracts on the Heat roster: Mario Chalmers and you. Does it feel strange that it’s very possible that you’ll have almost a new entire team next season?

MB: It’s crazy when you think about it. But you won’t see too many seasons like this. Some players might stay at the end, but it’s true that we might have almost a new roster next season. We’ll start over.

How do you feel about Wade’s chances of staying in Miami?

MB: I definitely feel that he’ll stay. He’s accomplished a lot in Miami, he won a championship and a Finals MVP… He already has laid his foundation.

Among the big free agents, who would gell great with you and Dwyane?

MB: Anybody. You know Chris Bosh… Amare Stoudemire would be great. Of course LeBron James would fit in right away. But as of right now we must grow as a team, get better and things will just work out.

After two seasons, do you feel like you have become kind of a lightning rod for criticism during your career?

MB: I do. Honestly, I don’t see why. Everybody makes mistakes and I feel like sometimes mine have been magnified. I feel like I’m expected to act older than what I am. I’m not saying that’s a reason to do some of the things I’ve done. But you know, I’m like everybody else: I make mistakes, learn from them and move on with your life.

And after two seasons, your life has changed. You’re an NBA player. Do you still stick together with your old crew of friends?

MB: Yeah. I don’t have too many friends. Actually I have a crew of two people: me and a buddy from high school.

Ron Artest was often criticized during the season after signing with the Lakers, but after Game 7 of the Finals everybody was talking about how he had redeemed himself. Do you see that as an example or inspiration?

MB: I don’t. You know, everybody has his own past. I’m following my own path, trying to execute my plan as well as possible and grow, not only as a player but as a person. Like I said before, everybody commits mistakes, and that’s how you build your character… What do you do after mistakes.

KD II "Scoring Title"

US Basketball 18 and under

Washington point guard Abdul Gaddy made the 2010 USA Basketball Men's U-18 National Team following a three-day tryout in Colorado Springs, Colo.

Incoming Washington freshman Desmond Simmons, who received a late invitation to the tryout, did not make the team.

Gaddy is one of 12 players that will play for the U.S. in the 2010 FIBA U-18 Championship in San Antonio from June 26-30.

"It felt great," Gaddy said of his selection. "I'm honored. I'm just trying to go out there and play hard and win a gold medal."

The Washington sophomore is one of three players on the team that has previous USA Basketball experience after having played in the annual Nike Hoop Summit. Gaddy was a member of the 2009 USA Junior National Select Team that fell to the World Select Team 97-89.

Gaddy struggled during much of his freshman year at Washington. Strength, defense and jump shooting were challenges for the young point guard. He shot 41.7 percent from the field, 56.4 percent from the free-throw line and 15 percent from behind the three-point line. He averaged 4.4 points per game and 2.2 assists per game.

He also had trouble maintaining his confidence, which Washington coach Lorenzo Romar said was low and that Gaddy may have been surprised by the level of competition in Div. I.

"There's no question he will have much better seasons individually than he had this year," Romar said after the season. "I think he learned a lot about himself."

Playing, and doing well, in this tournament could be a step for a player who has the potential to take a tremendous leap on the floor in his second season for Washington.

To be eligible for the tournament, players must have been born on or after Jan. 1, 1992. Gaddy turned 18 on Jan. 26, 2010.

Also selected to to the team were: Vander Blue (James Madison Memorial H.S. / Madison, Wis.); Trevor Cooney (Sanford H.S. / Wilmington, Del.); Joshua Hairston (Montrose Christian School (Md.) / Fredericksburg, Va.); Kyrie Irving (St. Patrick's H.S. / Elizabeth, N.J.); Quincy Miller (Quality Education Academy / Winston-Salem, N.C.); Tony Mitchell (L.G. Pinkston H.S. / Dallas, Texas); LeBryan Nash (Lincoln H.S. / Dallas, Texas); Jereme Richmond (Waukegan H.S. / Waukegan, Ill.); Austin Rivers (Winter Park H.S. / Winter Park, Fla.); Amir Williams (Detroit Country Day / Detroit, Mich.); and Patric Young (Providence School / Jacksonville, Fla.).

John Wall works out for Wizards and debuts Reebok Zigtech basketball

48 Players withdraw from NBA draft.

Here is the list of players from U.S. colleges and institutions who have withdrawn their names from consideration for the 2010 NBA Draft:

Player School
Lavoy Allen Temple
Kevin Anderson Richmond
Talor Battle Penn State
Keith Benson Oakland
Anatoly Bose Nicholls State
Dee Bost Mississippi State
Carlon Brown Utah
Mike Davis Illinois
Paul Davis Winston-Salem State
Malcolm Delaney Virginia Tech
Kenneth Faried Morehead State
Jimmer Fredette BYU
Anthony Gurley Massachusetts
Jeremy Hazell Seton Hall
Adnan Hodzic Lipscomb
JaJuan Johnson Purdue
Ravern Johnson Mississippi State
Cameron Jones Northern Arizona
Kenny Lawson Creighton
Demetri McCamey Illinois
E'Twaun Moore Purdue
Arnett Moultrie UTEP
Rico Pickett Manhattan
Eniel Polynice Mississippi
Herb Pope Seton Hall
Jeff Robinson Seton Hall
Tracy Smith North Carolina State
Alex Tyus Florida
Quinton Watkins San Diego State
Chris Wright Dayton
Here is the list of international players who have withdrawn their names from consideration for the 2010 NBA Draft:

Player Team/Country*
Pablo Aguilar Granada (Spain)
Andrew Albicy Paris-Levallois (France)
Robin Benzing Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Stefan Bircevic Metalac (Serbia)
Bojan Bogdanovic Cibona (Croatia)
Sarra Camara Le Havre (France)
Antoine Diot Le Mans (France)
Bangaly Fofana Asvel (France)
Miralem Halilovic Sloboda Dita (Bosnia)
Edwin Jackson Rouen (France)
Mindaugas Kuzminskas Siauliai (Lithuania)
Luc Louves Maurienne (France)
Uros Lukovic Radnicki Basket (Serbia)
Donatas Motiejunas Benetton Treviso (Italy)
Tomasz Nowakowski Luka Koper (Slovenia)
Xavier Rabaseda FC Barcelona (Spain)
Fernando Raposo Pau Orthez (France)
Semen Shashkov Ural Ekaterinburg (Russia)
*Country indicates where team plays, not country of nationality.

NIKE BASKETBALL RESPOND TO HYPERIZE BAN IN DETROIT

In February, Detroit Pistons strength and conditioning coach Arnie Kander banned the Pistons from wearing the Nike Hyperize after several Pistons suffered ankle injuries while sporting the shoe. Claiming that the shoe was "way too light" and that Nike had "taken most of the support out of the sides," Kander issued his decree and the Pistons' ankles were fine. End of the story, right?
Not so much, because that would have been a very short post, plus Nike is still making shoes. In fact, just last week, Nike unveiled the Hyperdunk 2010, which is both a refresh of the still-popular Hyperdunk from 2008 and the latest (along with the Hyperfuse) in Nike's Hyper line of basketball shoes.
I was at the unveiling, and so was Tracy Teague, Nike's global creative director. Teague spoke about the features of this year's Hyperdunk, saying that they were able to "remove some of the layers which makes the shoes a little bit lighter and a little more flexible." Ummm, wasn't that the problem with the Hyperize?
According to Teague, not so much. Here's his response when I asked about the Pistons banning Nike's shoe:
For us, the Hyperize was a shoe that we tested extensively, as were the Hyperdunk 2010s as well. That's something I don't think a lot of folks have a lot of visibility to is the amount of testing that goes on. Something like the Hyperize — we didn't see those kind of problems. If you just look at the total number of products that were out there, it was a very small percentage that actually had issues with it. But, I mean, we worry about anytime somebody has some issues. But for us, what we've been able to do, again, is find that fine edge of lightweight but yet still strong enough to perform ... So that's the challenge, and that's the brunt of it, but I think it's good.
Thus far, the new shoes have been getting rave reviews. Sure, it's early, but around the time of the Hyperize's release, stability issues had already been noted. So it seems like this is going to be an improvement over last year's model, and possibly a shoe that we see on NBA feet for a few years to come, just like we have with the original Hyperdunk.
However, if Ben Gordon and Will Bynum have exploding ankles again this year, don't be surprised if Arnie reaches for his trusted ban hammer early. We'll know something happened if everyone on Detroit is playing in Timberlands. Hey, it'd fit that tough image they're so concerned about.

Coach K Academy

Introducing the Nike Zoom HYPERFUSE

For the love of the game pack from Jordan Brand

World Basketball Festival

NEW YORK, N.Y. (June 9, 2010) — This summer, five of the world’s best basketball teams and top musical performers will meet throughout New York City for the inaugural World Basketball Festival, a four-day celebration of the performance and culture of the game created by NIKE, Inc. and USA Basketball, that Nike has committed to reprising every two years.

The World Basketball Festival, August 12-15, features basketball’s leading brands within the NIKE Inc. portfolio - Converse, the Jordan Brand, and Nike Basketball.

The World Basketball Festival is a uniquely dynamic event, from the moment it tips off with a showcase featuring members of the 2010 USA Basketball National Team on an open-air court in Times Square, to an unprecedented Times Square concert by a surprise musical act, to the final games of the weekend between four of the best teams in the world at Madison Square Garden.

“The World Basketball Festival will be an unforgettable event for the people of New York City and basketball fans around the world,” said Charlie Denson, Nike Brand President. “Every two years we plan to connect the global world of basketball to celebrate the sport while leaving a lasting legacy within the community.”

From Times Square on August 12, the action moves uptown to New York City’s legendary basketball courts at Rucker Park in Harlem, Friday and Saturday, August 13 and 14.

Rucker Park will be home to open-air practices and scrimmages by National Teams from Brazil and Puerto Rico, and training by France, mixed with performances by top international music acts, in addition to a grassroots youth tournament serving as the championships for some of New York’s top summer basketball leagues. Fans will also be invited to participate in clinics here designed to improve training and basketball skills. The two days at Rucker Park will culminate with a special celebration on Saturday, August 14. Details will be provided closer to the day.

The World Basketball Festival concludes Sunday, August 15 with an exciting exhibition double-header featuring the United States taking on France (1 p.m. EDT) and China meeting Puerto Rico (3:30 p.m. EDT) at famed Madison Square Garden.

The exhibition games are being utilized as part of the teams’ preparation for the 2010 FIBA World Basketball Championship in Turkey, August 28 to September 12.

“We’re thrilled with the opportunity to bring the energy and excitement of USA Basketball’s Men’s National Team to fans and give them with a way to celebrate their team,” said Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball Chairman. “We are honored to have the opportunity to represent the United States in the FIBA World Championship and I can’t think of a better sendoff for our team than the World Basketball Festival.”

NIKE, Inc. will use the backdrop of the World Basketball Festival to debut the United We Rise initiative as a catalyst to improve communities through basketball. Over the next two years, Nike is partnering with USA Basketball and New York City, in particular the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and the New York City Housing Authority, to support youth programming and the installation and refurbishment of basketball courts at 25 Community Centers throughout New York City.

“Piloting programs with these 25 rec centers in New York City will allow Nike and other partners to create a new and sustainable model that we can bring to other communities in years to come,” added Denson.

Nike is committed to leaving every court it uses throughout the World Basketball Festival in better shape than what it was at the beginning including dedicating the hardwood courts that will be used in Times Square and Rucker Park to locations where courts are still needed in New York City.

John Wall Signs 25Million dollar Deal with Reebok

John Wall, the 19-year-old Kentucky guard and anticipated No. 1 NBA draft pick in late June, has signed a multi-million dollar endorsement deal with Reebok, according to Yahoo Sports and Wall's twitter account.

The package is reportedly worth $25 million over five years and was negotiated by Wall’s reps Dan Fegan of Lagardere Unlimited and Brian Clifton of Pindar Enterprises. Reebok apparently offered a better deal than Nike and Under Armour.

The deal surpasses recent industry standards for athlete endorsements in a downturned economy. Blake Griffin, last year’s No. 1 pick, signed with Nike for $400,000 a year.

The Washington Wizards, who are slated to announce new owner Ted Leonsis this afternoon, won the NBA draft lottery and have the top pick on June 24th and are expected to take Wall.

TV rating up from last year

The Celtics' series-tying win earned the highest preliminary rating for Game 2 of an NBA finals since 2004.

Boston's 103-94 victory Sunday night on ABC drew a 10.9 overnight rating. That's up 10 percent from the 9.9 for last year's Magic-Lakers Game 2.
Ratings measure the percentage of all homes with televisions tuned into a program. Overnight ratings represent the country's largest markets.

Adidas renews with UCLA

Adidas is looking to extend its partnership with UCLA as the school's official supplier of athletic apparel, according to a report in the SportsBusiness Daily.

UCLA and adidas have been partners since 1999, and the extension of the initial deal was set to expire this month. UCLA is the only school in the Pac-10 conference that is not outfitted by Nike Inc.

The Portland Oregonian reports that the new extension could be close to adidas' top collegiate partner, the University of Michigan. The Michigan-adidas deal brings in $7.5 million to the school annually. The current UCLA-adidas deal brings in $4.57 million annually.

Should a UCLA-adidas deal approach the figures of the Michigan deal, it would at least be in the top three in the Pac-10. It would be tops amongst public schools in the conference, a distinction it already holds.

The University of Southern California and Stanford University, both private schools, do not disclose the figures of their apparel deals.

R.I.P John Wooden

Jason Petrie talks about LBJ VII PS

The first basketball sneaker

Colchester Rubber Co. was established in 1888 as a manufacturer of high-end footwear. In 1892 Colchester Rubber Co. owner George Watkinson created the first pair of high top basketball sneakers for Dr. James Naismith – the inventor of basketball. The design would eventually become a classic American fashion statement and is the style that started it all. Today Colchester Rubber Co. is back to claim the rightful place in history as The World’s First Sneaker Brand with an authentic replica of the original pair of sneakers, the Alpha model. “It’s a great sneaker with a great history and will soon be joined by many new styles and colors.

Ray Allen gets ready for the NBA Playoffs

Allen, a long time member of team Jordan has always sported some of the best sneaker in league, look out for some special treats in the playoffs.

Jason Richardson signs with Peak

Jason Richardson becomes the latest NBA athlete to leave Nike for Peak athletics. Terms of the deal are unavailable.

CC Rocks the Jordan 11 while dominating the Rays

Sabathia took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning Saturday, losing the closest call of his career on a sharp single by former batterymate Kelly Shoppach in the Yankees' 10-0 win.

Five Kentucky underclassmen declare for NBA draft

With labor strife threatening to cancel or substantially delay the 2011 NBA season, many underclassmen are expected to "test the waters" in 2010, hoping to lock up a pro contract before a potential strike or lockout.
One problem with that strategy -- while there might be more urgency to go pro now, the number of NBA roster spots hasn't changed. Someone's going to be disappointed.

Of course, some of the players who have declared for the draft will be back in school this fall. Players who declare for the draft but don't hire agents have the option of returning to college, and many will if they don't have assurances they'll be drafted in a certain position or by a certain team. The deadline to declare for the draft is April 25 -- deadline to withdraw is May 8th (June 14th for international players) and the draft itself will be held on June 24th.

That said, players who sign deals with agents immediately lose their NCAA eligibility and cannot return to college.

NBA Draft: 2010 Early Entries

Cole Aldrich - Kansas (C, Jr.)
Al Farouq Aminu - Wake Forest (F, So.)
James Anderson - Oklahoma State (G, Jr.)
Eric Bledsoe - Kentucky (G, Fr.)
Derrick Caracter - UTEP (F, Jr.)
DeMarcus Cousins - Kentucky (F, Fr.)
Jordan Crawford - Xavier (G, So.)
Xavier Henry - Kansas (G, Fr.)
Charles Garcia - Seattle (F. Jr.)
Manny Harris - Michigan (G, Jr.)
Sylven Landesberg - Virginia (G, So.)
Gani Lawal - Georgia Tech (F, Jr.)
Daniel Orton - Kentucky (F, Fr.)
Patrick Patterson - Kentucky (F, Jr.)
Lance Stephenson - Cincinnati (G, Fr.)
Evan Turner - Ohio State (G, So.)
John Wall - Kentucky (G, Fr.)
Hassan Whiteside - Marshall (C, Fr.)

TIGER WOOD NIKE AD FEATURING EARL WOODS

Is this the right move for NIKE and Tiger? I think part of the brilliance of this ad is knowing that you are going to have people that buy in and people that think this a bad job of trying to repair his image. Bottom line we will talk and reflect on mistakes we all have made, and at the end of the day it how you bounce back.

Da'Sean Butler has torn ACL

West Virginia senior Da'Sean Butler was diagnosed Sunday with a torn ACL in his left knee a day after a hard collision in a loss against Duke in the national semifinals.

The Mountaineers announced the injury after the forward underwent an MRI at St. Vincent Sports Performance in Indianapolis.

Sports information director Bryan Messerly said the MRI also revealed a sprain of the medial collateral ligament and two bone bruises.

Butler, West Virginia's leading scorer, drew a foul after driving into Duke's Brian Zoubek under the basket with 8:59 left in the second half of the 78-57 loss.

The senior collapsed to the court and writhed in pain as a trainer tried straighten his leg. Teammate John Flowers stood over him clapping his hands in encouragement.

West Virginia coach Bob Huggins didn't come out at first, but walked over to Butler after a minute or so as his star player lay there in agony.

Huggins barked at an official for a second, arguing that a foul should have been called on Zoubek, then knelt on the court next to his player. He leaned down to put his face nose-to-nose with Butler, cradling his head and stroking his face, trying to get the senior to calm down.

Butler pounded his fist on the court, then was helped up by a teammate and a trainer, unable to put any weight on his leg as it dragged behind him. He was lifted onto a nearby golf cart and rode to locker room facing backward, stone-faced toward the scoreboard as West Virginia's fans chanted "Da'Sean! Da'Sean!"

The senior finishes his career as the third-leading scorer in WVU history with 2,095 points.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Ken Griffey Jr.

Kentucky Derby Festival Basketball Classic

While the McDonald's and Jordan All-American games receive the most hype, the Derby Festival Classic annually held in Louisville (Ky.) always has a strong roster.

This years group of guys consists of 12 prospects currently ranked in Scout.com's top 100. The highest rated prospects participating are Ryan Harrow, Ray McCallum and Justin Coleman.

This year's contest will take place on April 10th at Freedom Hall. The game tips off at 7 p.m.

Black Team
Anthony Brown - Stanford - No. 41
Justin Coleman - Louisville - No. 25
Gorgui Dieng - Undecided
Ryan Harrow - N.C. State - No. 24
Tyler Lamb - UCLA - No. 60
Nate Lubick - Georgetown - No. 37
Russ Smith - Louisville
Trey Zeigler - Undecided - No. 34
Elisha Justice - Louisville (walk-on)
White Team
Moses Abraham - Undecided
Trae Golden - Tennessee - No. 83
Josh Hairston - Duke - No. 42
Justin Martin - Xavier
Ray McCallum - Undecided - No. 23
Jordan McRae - Tennessee - No. 29
Victor Oladipo - Indiana
Stacey Poole Jr. - Kentucky - No. 58
Dwight Powell - Stanford - No. 45
Royce Woolridge - Kansas

Final Four Pack

Highschool star Jeremy Tyler quit Israeli team

Former U.S. high school basketball star Jeremy Tyler quit Israeli team Maccabi Haifa and returned home Friday, cutting short a disappointing first pro season.

The 18-year-old Tyler arrived in Israel on a wave of publicity in August after deciding to skip his senior year at San Diego High School to gain professional experience.

"Due to personal matters, Jeremy chose to leave the team on his own will on March 18 and return home to San Diego," Maccabi Haifa owner Jeffrey Rosen said in a statement. "We wish Jeremy all the best."

In the 10 games Tyler played for Haifa, the 6-foot-11 power forward averaged only 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds in 7.6 minutes. Tyler, who reportedly earned a $140,000 salary, found it hard to adapt to the pro game and couldn't find a place in Maccabi Haifa's starting lineup.

Tyler's agent said he wasn't aware of his client's plans to leave the team.

"I'm as surprised as you are. We had no idea he was coming home," Makhtar Ndiaye of the Wasserman Media Group told ESPN's William Weinbaum. "I'm speechless at this point and look forward to speaking with Jeremy. A contract, a learning process -- things weren't great -- but it was part of growing up. I'm disappointed and frustrated."

Tyler's frustration was evident. Last month, he walked out on the team at halftime to protest not getting more minutes. For the last three games, he sat on the bench not wearing a uniform after being left off the Haifa squad.

Ndiaye said he spoke to Tyler earlier this week and "everything was cool."

"The kid decided on his own," Ndiaye said. "We did everything humanly possible to make it a success story for him and his family."

Sonny Vaccaro, an adviser to Tyler and his family, told ESPN the season in Israel wasn't a negative experience despite how it ended.

OTL: Tyler faces challenge in Israel
Jeremy Tyler left high school early to pursue his pro basketball dreams. And there was a time, as ESPN's William Weinbaum explores, when Tyler seemed undeterred in his quest for the promised land of the NBA draft's first round. Story

"Nothing was lost here -- he went, it was hard, it was eight months," Vaccaro said. "It would've been beautiful, utopia, if he had played and helped his team win a championship."

Vaccaro said Brandon Jennings, a star rookie for the Milwaukee Bucks, didn't show very much in his stint overseas, either.

"Five or six NBA scouts have told me recently to just have Jeremy come home and start practicing, that the experience in Israel is not detrimental to his future," Vaccaro said.

Vaccaro, who said Tyler would be able to sign another deal to play somewhere in August, added there's another year before Tyler would be eligible for the NBA draft, and that he didn't understand "everyone's rush to judge him."

"He's got talent and is not a bad kid," Vaccaro said.

As for the implications of the Tyler episode for the NBA's ban on high schoolers playing in the league, Vaccaro said: "If that option were allowed, he could have gone to the NBA [in tryouts] and seen if he could make it.

"It is a ridiculous system where that can't happen, where a kid can't try, be told he's not good enough and then go back to school, retaining amateur status. This could've been avoided."

Information from The Associated Press and ESPN's William Weinbaum was used in this report.

NIKE Hypermax

Nike basketball has really come up with some cool technology over the last few years, but I wish they would allow the technology to be special and identify with certain models. The stategy to mesh these technologies across different products, creates many like shoes which confuses the average consumer. This edition of the Hypermax has the look of the LBJ 7, but the glossy carbon fiber gives it a new feel, Hypermax has been designed in the past for post players, lets see if the lighter materials can make this a gaurd friendly shoe.

Finley resurfaces in Boston

Austin Jermacans winner of the 2009 Future Sole Design Contest winner had his winning model worn by Carmelo Anthony in an actual game; now Syracuse, Melo’s alma mater and the current #3 ranked team in the nation will wear a special colorway of the Future Sole Melo M6 in the Big East tournament. The Syracuse PE features orange patent leather on the upper ’sandal’ and on the ankle (which showcases fine quilted stitching). Elephant print is also used on the upper trim as well. Congrats Austin on a great design.

Men's Division II College Basketball Rankings | GJSentinel.com

Men's Division II College Basketball Rankings | GJSentinel.com

Brandon Jennings Under Armour Player Edition

Under Armour gives another look at the Brandon Jennings Player Exclusives. But as the 2009-2010 regular season comes to a close did UA make a mistake by delaying this release?

T.O and Donovan McNabb team up again

PHILADELPHIA -- Donovan McNabb will be throwing passes to Terrell Owens again.

McNabb and Owens are teaming up on a basketball court instead of a football field in the new season of Spike TV's "Pros vs. Joes." The episode features NFL players that played college basketball against former NBA stars.

McNabb (Syracuse), Owens (Tennessee-Chattanooga) and Antonio Gates (Kent State) will face Hakeem Olajuwon, Kenny Smith and Rick Fox.

T.O. helped McNabb and the Philadelphia Eagles reach the Super Bowl in 2004, but a feud ended their relationship and Owens was cut midway through the '05 season.

Owens is a free agent after spending last year with Buffalo. He caught 55 passes for 829 yards and five touchdowns in his only season with the Bills. Owens played three seasons with Dallas after he was released by Philadelphia.

McNabb has been the subject of trade rumors since the Eagles lost to the Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs. He's led Philadelphia to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl in 11 seasons.

After the Eagles lost their third straight conference title game in 2003, McNabb lobbied hard to bring Owens to Philadelphia.

The duo combined for an electrifying season. McNabb had a career year and Owens put up prolific numbers before he broke his ankle in late December. Owens returned to play in Philadelphia's loss to New England in the Super Bowl.

Shortly afterward, Owens demanded a new contract, criticized management and ripped McNabb. They've spoken a few times since and have seemingly patched up their differences.

Allen Iverson

Hopefully things turn around for A.I. he at least deserves an appropriate exit from the league.

Rick Pitino wants NBA age limit increased to 20

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino wants the NBA to raise the age limit for the league to at least 20 years old.
The bump, up one year from 19, would require players who go to college to spend at least two years on campus.
The Courier-Journal of Louisville reported that Pitino said he "loves the baseball rule," under which a player can either turn pro immediately after high school or commit to play in college for at least three years.
But Pitino doesn't foresee the rule changing because he doesn't think the NBA Players Association would agree to a higher age.
Copyright 2010 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

D Wade Air Jordan 2010 Debut

WHO's #1 In college basketball

After a crazy weekend of college hoops where you saw the top two teams upset, it leads me to the question who is the nations #1 team. The AP and Coaches Polls will be announced but the parity of this season makes for a great March, from conference tourneys to the BIG DANCE, get ready to enjoy some exciting basketball.

My early top four seeds:

Kentucky
Syracuse
Kansas
Villanova


Bring on March Madness

Jordan to buy controlling stake of Bobcats

Associated Press
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- He has been called the NBA's greatest player and one of the country's top pitchmen.


Jordan
Now Michael Jordan is ready for a new title: NBA owner.

With minutes to go until his exclusive negotiating window was to expire, Jordan struck a deal late Friday night to buy controlling interest of the Charlotte Bobcats, putting the six-time NBA champion in charge of the money-losing team in his home state.

Owner Bob Johnson announced in a statement that he's agreed to sell the Bobcats to Jordan, who has been a part-owner of the team since 2006. Jordan has been running the team's basketball operations.

The purchase price and details of Jordan's ownership group -- called MJ Basketball Holdings LLC -- weren't immediately available. A spokeswoman for Johnson and a spokesman for Jordan said neither was available for comment early Saturday.

The league's owners must approve the purchase.

Jordan was in competition with former Houston Rockets executive George Postolos, who also had an ownership group together to buy the team. But Postolos said Jordan had the exclusive right to buy the club until just before midnight Friday night.

Jordan hit another last-second shot -- reaching a deal minutes before the deadline.

"I remain committed to becoming an NBA owner, and I'm glad that Michael will continue to bring his talent to the sport and the league," Postolos said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. "He's very, very committed."

It will end Johnson's stint as the first black majority owner of a major professional sports team. Jordan becomes another black owner in another milestone for the Hall of Famer, but one that comes with many challenges.

Jordan, a five-time NBA MVP and 14-time All-Star, has made millions selling sneakers, apparel and other items. Now he'll begin a completely different role trying to make the Bobcats a winner, and the franchise and Charlotte's downtown arena profitable.

After paying $300 million for the expansion team that began play in 2004-05, Johnson has accumulated about $150 million in debt and the team is expected to lose tens of millions this season as they struggle to draw fans and find sponsorships.

Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television, shook up management several times before recruiting Jordan to be a minority investor while giving him the final say on all basketball decisions.

Jordan, who turned 47 this month, has had a unique role with the Bobcats. General manager Rod Higgins runs the day-to-day basketball operations and Jordan has rarely attended practices or games, or worked on the marketing side of the operation.

Jordan has had some missteps -- drafting the disappointing Adam Morrison No. 3 overall in 2006 -- but he was also able to lure Hall of Famer Larry Brown to become coach at the beginning of last season.

Jordan and Brown have made seven trades involving 21 players since the start of last season. The November acquisition of Stephen Jackson from Golden State has helped Charlotte get into playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.

But attendance has still lagged, and Jordan has been criticized in Charlotte for rarely being seen -- despite his iconic status in the state.

Jordan grew up in Wilmington, N.C., led North Carolina to the 1982 national championship with a last-second shot, then remained one of the state's favorite sons when he starred with the Bulls.

Jordan's first stint as an NBA executive came with the Washington Wizards, where he was roundly criticized for drafting Kwame Brown with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2001 draft.

He changed roles when he returned briefly as a player, then was fired by owner Abe Pollin in 2003 when he tried to return to his role running the basketball operations.

No one will be able to fire Jordan after he takes control of the Bobcats, and it's likely the team will not change much in the front office.

Jordan's close friend, Fred Whitfield, is team president, and Higgins was Jordan's hire.


Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press

Li-Ning Jose Calderon

With all the excitement around the Baron Davis campaign and rightfully so, Li-Ning has another basketball gem in the Jose Calderon PE. There is room for another creative athletic sneaker brand, and Li- Ning seems posed to attack the market with strong marketing and design. Photos courtesy of SOLECOLLECTOR.

Hasheem Thabeet sent to D-League

The number 2 pick in last years draft has been assigned to to the development league. It had been reported that Thabeet was being shopped around prior to the trade deadline, after no takers the make this move making Thabeet the highest draft pick ever to be relegated to the development league. Thabeet, 23, is averaging just 2.5 points and 2.9 rebounds in 10.3 minutes per game for the Grizzlies.

Antawn Jamison CAVS debut

With the world watching, and all the cameras flashing Adidas missed a great opportunity to highlight both one of it's athletes and the shoes, the shoes man. Media outlets both nationally and internationally got shots of Antawn Jamison during last night's game, his first since the trade bringing him to Cleveland. Why not make sure everyone seeing the pictures and video took notice of the shoes he wore? Jamison wore one of the most subdued pair of Adidas they could find, which was a huge missed opportunity for Adidas.

CP3.III "2010 All Star"

Baron Davis Li Ning interview

NBA Trade action

Rockets trade McGrady to Kings in seven-man deal
High-scoring guard Martin coming to Houston; Landry, Dorsey gone

According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Bulls have "agreed in principle" to trade John Salmons, and his player option, to the Milwaukee Bucks for either Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander or Kurt Thomas and Francisco Elson.
This certainly strengthens the Bulls position to land one of the marquee free agents in 'The Summer of LeBron'.

Cleveland Cavaliers were involved in a three-team, six-player deal that sees them acquire Antawn Jamison from the Wizards.
Deal details:
Cleveland Cavaliers get: Antawn Jamison and Sebastian Telfair
Washington Wizards get: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, rights to Emir Preldzic, Cleveland Cavaliers' 2010 first-round draft pick and Al Thornton
Los Angeles Clippers get: Drew Gooden

The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves were involved in a straight player-for-player deal with the Knicks getting forward Brian Cardinal from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for center Darko Milicic.
Deal details:
New York Knicks get: Brian Cardinal
Minnesota Timberwolves get: Darko Milicic


4-year veteran Marcus Camby joined the Portland Trail Blazers from the Los Angeles Clippers that seesTravis Outlaw and Steve Blake head the other way.
Deal details:
Portland Trail Blazers get: Marcus Camby
Los Angeles Clippers get: Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake

In a seven-player deal, the Dallas Mavericks acquire two-time All-Star Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson from the troubled Washington Wizards, who receive Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton and Quinton Ross as compensation
Deal details:
Dallas Mavericks get: Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson
Washington Wizards get: Josh Howard, Drew Gooden, James Singleton and Quinton Ross

NBA MID SEASON AWARDS

As the start of the second half of the NBA season begins tonight lets take a moment to reflect on was has taken place already with midseason awards.

MVP
Lebron James

Defensive Player of the Year
Dwight Howard

6th Man of the Year
Jamall Crawford

Rookie of the Year
Brandon Jennings

Sprite Dunk Contest

One group of dunkers actually went at it during all star weekend, check out the highlights.

Lebron James" King of the Court"

D. Wade takes home a well deserved MVP trophy from last nights all star game, but as I watched last night it was clear who the "King of the Court" was. In what Kobe accurately described as the worlds greatest pickup game LBJ slashed, diced and dished though the entire western conference squad, and there was little they could do to stop him.