New Derrick Rose Adidas Commercial 2011

Derek Fisher NBA lockout update

Blake Griffin: Funny or Die Video

Flight of the Griffin from Blake Griffin

Canadian Ballers

In this video:
Myck Kabongo (University of Texas)
Tristan Thompson (University of Texas / Cleveland Cavaliers)
Corey Joseph (University of Texas / San Antonio Spurs)

Blake Griffin: Funny or Die Internship

24/7 Blake Griffin: NBA Star Turned Intern from Blake Griffin

NBA 2K12 Demo Preview

 

Ever since the NBA lockout began on July 1, 2011, hardcore NBA fans have had 2 things to look forward to, the end of the lockout and the NBA 2K12 video game.  While fans, friends and forums traded information, rumors and opinions on whether the owners and players were close to a deal that would have the season start on time, 2K Sports knew they would have to deliver much more than they did last year because live action could not help build the hype this time around.

Among the new features are "NBA's Greatest", which allows you to use the legends of the NBA including everyone from Wilt Chamberland to John Stockton and Julius Erving to Bill Russell and Jerry West.  Some of the legends included in NBA 2K12 were available as playable characters in last years version of the game.  The difference is that you can now replay classic games in these players careers.  Last years version only offered this option for Michael Jordan's career moments.  Another great concept to playing as these legends is that depending on the era in which they played, the quality of the on screen images, be it black and white or "80's fuzzy/grainy" will be accompanied by commentators from that time as well.

The "My Player" features an opportunity to create a player from the ground up, starting from rookie showcases and pre-draft interviews all the way through advertising deals, post game news conferences (in which you can chose how to answer questions affecting your reputation) and ending with a Hall of Fame induction.  Almost all sports games have this feature, but it will be interesting to see to what extent they take it and how detailed and authentic the experience is.

There are also many other changes and tweaks made to the controls and play calling systems, but describing them does little compared to the experience of playing both NBA 2K11 and NBA 2K12 and seeing the difference for yourself.  Based on some of the details released, 2K sports listened to a lot of praise and complaints from fans of the franchise and took them all into consideration while working on this game.  The biggest downside to this years version is that no rookies drafted in the 2011 NBA draft will be playable.  This is unfortunate, but due to the lockout certain restrictions apply.  I also expect the real game promos to be gone as well, especially if there are no actual games going on in the NBA.  Other than that all systems are a go.

The demo will be released for both PS3 and Xbox360 on September 20, 2011 and the actual game will be released on October 4.

I will be sure to try out the demo and give my honest opinions about it.  There will be no shortage of people dropping the controller to run and blog, comment and post their thoughts, but I will take a little more time with it before I decide whether I like it or not.

Happy Gaming!

NBA 2K12 - 8 Minute Demo

Bosh vs Bayless on ESPN

Chris Bosh and ESPN commentator Skip Bayless on ESPN’s First Take. Bosh came on the show to talk about Bayless' constant hammering of Bosh's performance with the Miami Heat and the nickname "Bosh Spice".

NBA 2K12 Jordan Invitation

Canada will not compete in 2012 Olympics for Basketball

Leo Rautins, Team Canada Head Coach

I write this with mixed feelings of frustration, embarrassment and relief when accepting the current state of basketball in Canada. 

My frustration stems from the limited corporate support encouraging youngsters and building excitement about basketball in this country which is a major problem, resulting in a lack of programs and opportunities sending our best talent south of the border to the the NCAA, NBA or even overseas.  Add to that a list of NBA talent not willing to play for Team Canada, for whatever the reason, only showing future prospects that it may not be a big deal if they don't play for their country during international competition.

Embarrassed that Canada will not be present at the 2012 Olympics in London for basketball after coming up short at the FIBA Americas, adding to a history of poor performances and building a culture of losing against international talent.  

And finally, a sigh of relief that current Team Canada coach, Leo Rautins has decided to step down and allow someone else lead this country out from the bottom of the world rankings after 6 years at the helm.  It's important to mention that I don't mean to imply that the failures of this country, when it comes to basketball, lies solely on Rautins' shoulders.  It doesn't.

In all honesty, talent and development of talent in Canada is really to blame.  If Canada took care of its basketball programs half as well as the United States did, there would probably be no need for concern.  The elephant in the room is obviously the priority given to the development of hockey players, and why not? Canada is one of, if not the best in the world at the sport.  But putting all the focus on one single sport does not do justice to the image of the country and it's diverse population. The fact that the United States can develop great athletes in football, basketball and baseball, leaves me scratching a bald spot into my head about why this country is content with being known for one thing and one thing only.

Outside of Toronto, the only team in Canada to have both a NBA and MLB team with rumors of a possible NFL franchise, the rest of the country has simply fallen asleep or gotten comfortable with the way things are.  And some Canadians, like myself, who are glad we are dominant at hockey, would like to be competitive in other sports as well. 

The future however, does seem to be getting  brighter.  Young Canadians entering the NCAA and NBA have become household names, and more and more Canadians are taking an interest in their home grown basketball talent.  Websites, forums and Facebook groups are helping fans of basketball meet, interact and network all in an effort to build what has been missing for so many years, a strong foundation.  With the National Basketball League of Canada (NBL) set to tip of in about a months time, the hope is that it can reach the level of the CFL's popularity, which would be a success in the eyes of most.

So while some place the blame on Leo Rautins and rejoice at his removal from the team, know that it is the failure of the entire country and not Leo's alone that has resulted in poor competition when it comes to basketball.  Canada has hockey down to a science, no one can dispute that.  Now it's time to give young people a 2nd or 3rd option to make a living, develop as Canadian athletes and have their chance to make this country proud.

The Nike MAG (Back to the Future Shoe)

NBA 2K12 Trailer