Sunday, April 28, 2013

Memphis Grizzles - Bad News Bears 2013

Memphis Grizzlies - Bad News Bears 2013
I've updated my Memphis Grizzlies 'Bad News Bears' graphic for the 2013 playoffs. Out goes Gilbert Arenas, O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay and in come Tony Allen, Jerryd Bayless and Tayshaun Prince.

For those unfamiliar, 'Bad News Bears' was a Baseball movie made in 1976 and re envisioned by Richard Linklater in 2005. It was a movie about underdog upstarts which I think typify my Memphis Grizzlies. It was also the name of my last NBA Fantasy Team.

- Find my original Bad News Bears graphic here

After the Grizzlies were disappointingly ousted in the first Rd by the Clippers 2012 I made this:
Memphis Grizzlies: Better news in 2013? I'd like to think so

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Basketball Capitals presented by Turkish Airlines: Athens, Berlin, Istanbul and Madrid

VIDEO: ESPN Basketball Capitals presented by Turkish Airlines
ESPN Basketball Capitals presented by Turkish Airlines
Basketball Capitals is a new ESPN documentary series profiling the passion for basketball within the world's most iconic cities. The four-part series will premiere in May across ESPN in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. 
'Basketball Capitals' is a new show premiering on ESPN in May 2013, presented by Turkish Airlines. It will feature Iconic Cities of the world and their tradition of Basketball. The documentary will feature a spotlight on Istanbul (Turkey), Athens (Greece), Berlin (Germany) and Madrid (Spain).

ESPN Basketball Capitals: Athens, Berlin, Istanbul and Madrid
I had the great pleasure of seeing each of these National teams represented in EuroBasket action in Lithuania. I've had indirect contact with these teams having seen Panathinaikos (Greece) play at Barcelona (Spain) in Euroleague action and Beşiktaş play at Antalya in the Turkish Basketball League. Whilst I never played ball in Berlin I did get to play some full court pickup at Olympiapark in München.

Find the Microsite here - ESPN Basketball Capitals
Go to the Facebook page - Basketball Capitals on Facebook

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Thank you 'Couple of Sports' - Finding sports around Europe

'A Memento Year' - Portugal tribute corner
I'd like to thank 'Couple of Sports' for featuring my story on how I scored personalised sneakers during my time in beautiful Lisboa. What I've dubbed my 'Tudo Boms'.

I've only played organised sports a few times in my life. Its in my nature to dabble with things but rarely do I commit to anything long term. I had a range of sporting experience in Europe from playing Volleyball in London, Ultimate Frisbeeing with pros in Bremen, to joining a Parkour session in Munich. As a spectator I watched Ice Hockey in Latvia, watched Lionel Messi and the stars of Barcelona at Camp Nou and toured Lithuania for the duration of EuroBasket 2011.

I indulged in my twin loves of Basketball and Pro-Wrestling all over Europe. I had the pleasure of going to wrestling shows in Spain, Germany and England. Basketball was something I proudly sought and found in each Country which eventually birthed the  '30 Home Games' project.

Find some of my favorite Sports-themed posts
- The '30 Home Games' mission explained
- Trigger: Day 114 - An NBA day in Portugal
Limerence: Snowboarding, Skating, Christmas and Love
- Coolspotting: Nerding out in England - Comics, CosPlay, Video Games and Wrestling
- Baloncesto: I love this game - Basketball in Europe

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Kobe: Venting and "showing perspective" after 'Torn Achilles' career setback

I've been championing the "Beat it LA" meme for the last few months, I never felt it came from a place of hate. I'm a basketball fan, I have teams that I root for but ultimately what I want is a fair, competitive and interesting NBA. As long as that's delivered I'm happy with any result.

As the NBA regular season wraps up in two games the unheard of possibility that the Purple and Gold won't be represented in the Playoffs is yet to be decided. In a nailbiting game at home to my beloved Warriors there was high drama as Kobe hobbled several times after hyperextending his knee during the game. Shockingly Kobe walked off the floor with the game hanging in the balance after a torn Achilles heel.

There has been a lot of candor from Kobe this year but with this humbling setback Mamba has shown a vulnerable and philosophical side I've never seen before. It's a story befitting Hollywood. All the best for a Champion and all-time great in the twilight of his career.

VIDEO: Kobe interview after game with Warriors

Reacting to the injury setback and preparing a return to the floor
KOBE BRYANT: (2m 07s) I'm not really sure I've never really had to deal with something like this. You know it's a new experience for me. Obviously there have been a bunch of players that have had the same injury so all I can do is look at them and look at what they've done. Who had more success coming back quicker and healthier, see what they did and see if I can improve upon it.
Via Kobe's Facebook 
This is such BS! All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times! The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I'm supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that??
I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe Father Time has defeated me...Then again maybe not! It's 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and I'm wide awake. Forgive my Venting but what's the purpose of social media if I won't bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out. To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in. There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.
One day, the beginning of a new career journey will commence.
Today is NOT that day.
"If you see me in a fight with a bear, prey for the bear". Ive always loved that quote. Thats "mamba mentality" we don't quit, we don't cower, we don't run. We endure and conquer. I know it's a long post but I'm Facebook Venting LOL. Maybe now I can actually get some sleep and be excited for surgery tomorrow. First step of a new challenge. Guess I will be Coach Vino the rest of this season. I have faith in my teammates. They will come thru. Thank you for all your prayers and support.
Much Love Always.
Mamba Out