Entertainment

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbook holding 2015 NBA All-Star Game MVP trophy

2015 NBA All-Star Game: West Wins 163-158

Russell Westbrook, an Unsuspecting NBA All-Star Game MVP Winner

The 2015 All-Star game is now a page in the history books of the NBA's All-Star weekend, and this year in New York City, there were many story-lines to follow regarding this year's exhibition game.

First, similar to last year's NFL Super Bowl, there was much chatter about getting around for NBA All-Star activities split between two boroughs within New York City in the winter.

The 2015 NBA All-Star logo with its New York City Transit symbolism helped to quell any transportation concerns.

There were your first-time All-Stars in Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors), Jimmy Butler (Chicago Bulls), Kyle Korver (Atlanta Hawks), DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings) and Jeff Teague (Hawks).

There was the Atlanta Hawks featuring four All-Stars representing the east in Teague, Korver, Paul Millsap and Al Horford.

Then all the injuries to the first selections of Kobe Bryant, Anthony Davis, Blake Griffin and Dwyane Wade, replaced by Cousins, Dirk Nowitzki, Damian Lillard and Korver, respectively.

And Thompson joining his teammate, Stephen Curry as the Splash Brothers made their first joint appearance in an All-Star game.

Of course, you can't have an elite selection without complaints about the selection process.

Many believed that Cousins should have been an All-Star, to begin with instead of Spurs Tim Duncan.

Others thought that either Lillard should have made the roster over the likes of Clippers Chris Paul.

And, you could make the case that Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant did not deserve to make the NBA All-Star game final cut due to the amount of games that both players missed, prior to February, compared to other guards in the West.

However, if there was any inclination that Westbrook should not have made this year's team, on Sunday, Westbrook alleviated that thought.

In an exhibition game designed for highlights and zero defense, Westbrook took advantage and carved up the Eastern All-Stars for 41 points in 25 minutes, further distancing himself as the best point guard on the floor, as the West won, in a high-scoring affair, 163-158.

On Sunday, Westbrook was goal oriented, not even Lebron James could have outperformed Westbrook.

Cleveland Cavaliers forward, Lebron James at the 2015 NBA All-Star game

In case you're wondering, Lebron James scored 30 and James Harden scored 29.

Even Korver shut down his critics chipping in 19 points, shooting 7-12 from three-point range.

Westbrook showed the entire arsenal with easy dunks, steals, five three's and just the mentality of not taking no for an answer, even in an exhibition game of no meaning towards the regular season and playoff seeding.

And who thought the players didn't care about the All-Star game?

An MVP award is the only attainable honor offered to the player who provided the best performance and Westbrook took his first All-Star game MVP award back to OKC, like Durant who won his first in 2012.

Sooner or later, we have to start recognizing that Westbrook, might not just be better than Durant, but could be the best player in the league.

I know Lebron still plays in this league, but fact is fact and there is no defense structured to defend what Westbrook is capable of doing on a game-by-game basis, and that's why you can consider Westbrook for that distinction.

Like NCAA's famed basketball sportscaster, Dick Vitale says, "He's a PTP BABY!!", and Westbrook is every bit of a prime-time-player.

He brings it every night.

And, he doesn't just only score, but finds his teammates for an impressive 8.1 assists per game, 6.8 rebounds and 2 steals.

Basically what I'm saying is, if Durant isn't playing, there is a very good reason why you should still watch the Thunder play.

The reason is; there's another NBA All-Star Game MVP on that roster, effective February 15, 2015.

February 15, 2015
Written by Gregory Alcala

Minnesota Timberwolves Zach LaVine hoisting the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest trophy

NBA ALL-STAR SATURDAY NIGHT: The Sprite Slam Dunk Contest Rises Again

Zach LaVine Wins Sprite Slam Dunk Contest and Revitalizes Its Image

With all due respect to the first three events that make-up NBA All-Star Saturday, there's a reason why the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest is slated to end the evening.

It's the event that generates the most demand from the public because of its history.

There was a time when the Slam Dunk Contest mattered.

Players took it seriously and actually cared about putting on a show with the hopes of doing something that hasn't been done before.

Go into the archives and you'll understand why this event was so coveted.

You had his "air-ness," Michael Jordan, in 1985 dunking from the free-throw line, the birth of the jump-man logo.

You had The Human Highlight Film, Dominique Wilkins, punishing the rim with an aerial assault in the late 1980s.

Kobe Bryant channeled his inner MJ in 1997, Vince Carter raised the limitations in 2000, Jason Richardson brought flashes of Dominique and MJ in 2002 and 2003 and Dwight Howard and a few others have made impressive contributions to the contest over the years.

In this current decade, the Dunk Contest has lost its steam, just ask Gerald Wallace from 2010's crop and Jeremy Evans of 2012.

There have been some unforgivable years, and through the tough times we figured that the excitement of the past and the jubilation that the dunk contest once provided, would somehow reinvent itself and reveal itself in the near future.

And it has.

Because Minnesota guard Zack LaVine made it his business to do so, and even though Orlando guard Victor Oladipo did not win, he left a lasting impression, which is more than I can say about the other two participants, Brooklyn's own Mason Plumlee and the "Greek Freak," Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

And that's what the 2015 Sprite Slam Dunk Contest boiled down to, a two-man race between LaVine and Oladipo, judged by New York basketball legends, Bernard King, Nate "Tiny" Archibald, Chris Mullin, Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Julius "Dr. J" Erving.

The best thing about the performances between Zach and Victor was the fact that they didn't save their best dunks for last.

They weren't conservative.

They didn't tease the crowd or shy away from the spotlight.

Oladipo followed Giannis, in the dunk order (Plumlee, Giannis, Oladipo, LaVine) and before he revealed whatever he had planned, he gave us a taste of his personality.

As he stepped onto the court, Oladipo sported a suit-shirt, accompanied by a top-hat and sang his own rendition of Frank Sinatra's- "New York, New York".

Singing is the other talent that Oladipo possesses other than obviously basketball, and once he finished his audition tape for American Idol, Oladipo went to work.

It took him three attempts, but Oladipo was able to complete a reverse 540, two-hand slam, starting from the right corner of the three point line, which immediately warranted a standing ovation.

victor-oladipo orlando-magic-540-degree-man nba-slam-dunk-contest Orlando Magic guard, Victor Oladipo, holding a Mr. 540 sign commemorating his 540 degree dunk in the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest during 2015 NBA All-Star weekend

Now, the two-man was on, as Plumlee and Giannis quickly became non-issues!

LaVine entered the court to the main theme of the 1996 movie debut of Michael Jordan's Space Jam.

He dismissed his jersey and underneath, the Tune-Squad jersey that Jordan wore to beat the "Monstars" to retrieve the talent back for the NBA's greatest at the time, in the movie stood.

Just moments before LaVine's dunk, entitled "The Space Jam Dunk", Kenny Smith, of TNT's Game-Time crew expressed, through his mike: "You got Jordan on your back, this has to be special."

And that's exactly what it was, special.

Beginning from the right corner of the three-point line, LaVine lobbed the ball into the air, gathered himself, caught the ball at the apex of its bounce in the air with his left hand, pushed it between his legs to his right hand and reversed it, dunking the ball on the other side of the basket.

And the crowd rejoiced in unison.

I've seen different variations of the between the legs dunk throughout the years of this event in Jason Richardson, Gerald Green and even Desmond Mason, but not like this.

From the side camera in slow motion, LaVine looked like he was walking in the air as Jordan once did, which made the jersey the perfect garment for this particular dunk.

With his first dunk, LaVine commenced the 1st round, gaining a score of 50.

In the second round, more of the same would continue.

What Plumlee and Giannis lacked in style and creativity was delivered by Oladipo and LaVine's exploits.

Oladipo's second dunk would've received a higher score if it was executed cleaner with more velocity, in a 360 slam via a pass off of the right side of the backboard from teammate, Elfrid Payton.

And LaVine once again, got the crowd on their feet, this time catching the ball off of a lob and passing the ball behind his back to his right, all in one motion for another dunk.

Oladipo and LaVine would make it to the final round as the top two scorers (LaVine 106, Oladipo 89), where LaVine would do just enough to accumulate a final score of 94 to Oladipo's 72, becoming the second youngest player to win the contest since Kobe Bryant in 1997.

"I'm still on cloud nine," said LaVine during his press-conference. "I feel like I'm dreaming; seeing all the dunk contests and people hoisting the trophy. I just saw myself do it and lived it. So it's a dream come true. I'm glad my family is here to witness it and go through it."

In winning this event, LaVine has been able to enjoy a moment in a season where there hasn't been much to celebrate for his Timberwolves.

The T-wolves are 13-43 currently, headed towards the lottery for their third straight year, and with LaVine's most recent accolade and Wiggins MVP honor via the World vs USA game, LaVine believes that there is a light at the end of the tunnel for the Twin-Cities squad.

"It shows were on the rise," said LaVine. "We all want to be great. Just be on the lookout for that. We have the right type of mindset. We're all good kids. We really just want to be the best we can."

It will take some time before the T-Wolves can challenge the top teams in the Western Conference due to its young roster, but for one night, the Timberwolves and the cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul saw a glimpse of their future do exactly what they would like to see at the Target Center.

Win.

February 15, 2015
Written by Gregory Alcala

Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors guard, playing for the West at the 2015 NBA All-Star Foot Locker Three-Point Contest

NBA All-Star Saturday Night: Foot Locker Three-Point Contest

Kyrie Irving Tries to Repeat Previous Win; but Stephen Curry Takes Home the Prize

The NBA (National Basketball Association) as a brand is one of the best marketing machines in the world.

Few organizations know how to market their key assets as well as the NBA. It's greatest players are mostly known for their prowess as scorers, and the greatest player to ever play in the NBA had no trouble finding his shot, in Michael Jordan.

And because points sell tickets, it's only fitting that the NBA would offer a contest, detailed around who can score at a high-level, particularly from behind the arc.

The Three-Point contest is that event, and Saturday night provided one of the best field of players (shooting the three) to compete in the three-point contest for quite some time.

And what's intriguing about this year's collection of players is the fact that, stars were present.

Kyrie Irving, now a three-time All-Star and former three-point shoot-out champion (2013), suited up.

Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers guard at the 2015 NBA All-Star Media Day

The "Splash Brothers" in Golden State Warriors sniper duo, Klay Thompson, now a first-time All-Star and Stephen Curry, made an appearance.

You know they had to be there.

And completing the rest of the field featured: Marco Belinelli (San Antonio Spurs & reigning Three-Point Shoot-Out Champion), James Harden (Houston Rockets), Kyle Korver (Atlanta Hawks), Wesley Matthews (Portland Trailblazers) and J.J. Redick (Los Angeles Clippers).

There is star power here because this contest highlighted four-All-Stars surrounded by a number of individuals, known for what they happen to do best.

In terms of three-point percentage, seven of the eight contestants (Matthews-39.5 percent, Redick-43.7 percent, Harden-38.5 percent, Irving-41.3 percent, Curry-40.0 percent, Thompson-44.0 percent and Korver-50.0 percent) are all ranked among the top-50 in the league.

With the talent available, a competition was imminent, and everyone available delivered, with very few disappointments.

Matthews, scheduled to fire first, set the bar high for the first round.

The Trailblazers guard went 4-5 from the money-ball rack, connected on three more and successfully shot 8-16, 50% in one-point shots for a total score of 22.

This is the type of contest that can generate excitement and encore's from the audience if something is brewing and Matthews was able to make that happen, bringing the crowd to its feet, sinking eight of his last 10 shots, in the final two racks.

Following Matthews was Redick, who struggled at first, but ended up producing a solid first round score of 18.

Redick shot 4-10 from the first two racks, including one-made money-ball shot and then erupted for nine-straight made shots, connecting on his last three money-ball shots.

As expected, a high-number of consecutive made shots is an excuse for the crowd to get involved, and after Redick's seventh made three, you could hear the volume of the crowd rising.

After Redick, Harden stepped up to the plate, and he honestly under-performed.

I don't view Harden as a shooter, but more as a scorer.

I think Harden is most comfortable in a competitive atmosphere (NBA regular season, post-season, pick-up) in scoring where ever he chooses rather than having to deal with the pressure of doing your best out of 25 three-point shot attempts.

All in all, Harden finished with 15 total points, making five one-point shots and three money-ball shots.

Now, welcome someone who has performed on this stage before and what stage hasn't he been able to perform on?

Irving, more than capable of hitting threes at a significant rate (41.3%) was slated to shoot next, and displayed why he once held the three-point shootout trophy, once before.

He scoffed at Matthews 22 and contributed 23.

Out of 25 total shots, Irving successfully drained 17, including four of five from the money-ball rack and 11 1-point shots.

Irving's play as a guard, at some point will amaze you and this was no different.

After Irving, the last four shooters, as a group presented a competition in itself.

During Curry's course, the next shooter, TNT's Kenny Smith's voice echoed across the arena, as he asked: "Who is the best shooter in Golden State?".

This was a viable question especially when Curry would score 23 and Thompson 24, back-to-back.

And the final two contestants in Korver and Belinelli would both score 18 each, still solid shooting scores.

Unfortunately, solid numbers like 18 from Korver and Belinelli and 17 from Redick were not enough to advance to the championship round.

Even Matthews who set the bar early with an impressive 22 points was left without the opportunity.

Instead, we would get a final round featuring Curry, Thompson and Irving, pitting the teammates from Golden State against each other, for one night.

Irving began the second round on fire, sinking 8-10 from the first two racks for a score of 9, including one money-ball.

And in the next rack, from the top of the key, Irving would miss all five shots.

He rebounded on the next rack, connecting on five and went 2-5 on the money-ball, completing his championship round with a score of 17.

The championship round warrants a performance that could pressure the other two finalist, and 17 only sparked Curry to provide a shooting show for the ages.

How does a score of 27 sound?

You would think that would be enough to seal the deal because that's the performance Curry exhibited in his fourth three-point shoot-out contest.

He had never won the contest in previous years and for arguably the best shooter in the league, Curry made his case with the crowd in the palm of his hands by the second rack.

In Curry would only miss five shots, going 4-5 from the money-ball rack in addition to 13, 1-point shots.

It would be a tough task for anyone to follow up Curry's performance even for Thompson, who failed to match his teammate, or mirror his first round exploits.

With the exception of his first rack, starting out strong hitting four of his first five shots, Thompson would go 6-20 in the last four racks, solidifying Curry's win. In a contest where each participant could have walked away with the crown, Curry validated why he is the number one marksman in the league.

"I'm very happy right now," said Curry during his post-three point contest interview. "I've obviously been in it four times. So I wanted to win it and get it down. And thankfully tonight I got it, was able to accomplish that."

When asked if this contest shows who is the best three-point shooter in the NBA, Curry replied: "I want to be. There are obviously different criteria you can look at to judge that. Just being in that competitive spirit and having fun out there, I love to shoot the basketball. So that's a great place to kind of showcase that. And I have fun doing it. So I get to take this home with me."

Coming from a basketball family of shooters in father Dell Curry, a former NBA player and his brother, Seth who is currently playing in the D-league, I think it's pretty clear who the bragging rights belong to as of All-Star Saturday night.

February 15, 2015
Written by Gregory Alcala

Chasing Playoff Spot, Brooklyn Nets Making Moves

Trade Kevin Garnett to Minnesota in Exchange for Thaddeus Young; Right Now Holding on to 8th Playoff Spot

In their last 10-games, the Brooklyn Nets are 5-5, holding on to the last spot in the Eastern Conference standings, with the 8th seed.

As far as February 27th, 2015, is concerned, the Nets are 23-32, in a 4-team race for the 8th spot, alongside: The Charlotte Hornets, Indiana Pacers, Detroit Pistons, and the Boston Celtics.

If the Nets are to contend in the Eastern Conference, let alone make the playoffs, the roster as it stands, has to make some sort of improvement right?

Last week, at the NBA trade deadline, the Nets made a move towards securing a playoff spot.

That meant sending future Hall-Of-Famer, Kevin Garnett back to the place where it all began: the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 1-for-1 swap for Thaddeus Young.

Thaddeus-Young Minnesota-Timberwolves Thaddeus Young, formerly of the Minnesota Timberwolves on his way to the Brooklyn Nets

With Garnett's days numbered as a pro, you would think that he would want to go to a contender with the hopes of one last title-run, but instead, waived his no-trade clause to return to the team that traded him away 8-years ago.

"I did not know the city missed me like this," Garnett told NBA.com.

"I don't think you can ever wish or ever think the city loves you like this. But to see it is reality and I'm very appreciative."

And why wouldn't they.

Garnett was the player that the Wolves drafted out of Farragut Career Academy (Chicago Illinois), in 1995, who immediately gave the north-western team a reason to rejoice.

Under the watch of Head Coach Flip Saunders, Garnett became a perennial All-Star (12 selections with Minnesota, 15 career selections), an MVP and helped lead the Wolves to the Western Conference Finals in 02, against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Unfortunately the Wolves lost that series, 4-2 and following the disappointment of the playoffs and a couple of down years, Garnett wanted out of Minnesota, looking for opportunities to win elsewhere.

He became a champion in 2008 with the Boston Celtics, and that experience along with his impeccable resume as one of the NBA's greatest players, is something the Timberwolves wanted to influence their young core and mentor them until he decides to call it a career.

"With the opportunity of coming here and helping young guys in this transition of being better and bettering this team for the city, I saw this as a great opportunity for me, so I'm just happy to be here," said Garnett to Timberwolves media, nba.com

The Timberwolves feature a core of five young and talented players all under the age of 25 in, last-year's no.1 overall pick in Andrew Wiggins, 2015 Slam Dunk Champ Zack LaVine, Anthony Bennett, Shabazz Muhammad, and Glenn Robinson.

Garnett, who also has the aspirations of owning the Timberwolves one day is in the perfect spot to end his career and in the meantime aid the growth spurt of a young-core expected to turn a franchise around like he once did, 17 years ago.

For Brooklyn, unlike Garnett who is playing mentor and instructor for a team hoping for a better tomorrow, Young was acquired to help today.

It almost seems like Young has been in the league for a decade, but the former McDonalds All-American and Georgia Tech alum is in his 8th NBA season, still young, no pun intended, at 26 years-of-age.

With the exception of Philly where he spent the first seven years of his career, Young is suiting up for his third-team in two-years, now with a realistic chance of actually playing for something.

A day after the trade, Young scored eight points and helped the Nets defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in his first game with the team.

"He didn't play extended minutes. But for not knowing any of the plays and not having a shoot-around or a meeting with us, I thought he played really well," Deron Williams told NBA.com following the game.

Deron-Williams Media-Day-Photo Brooklyn Nets point guard, Deron Williams

"He looked good for us and he's going to be great for us as he gets more acclimated to the team."

Joe Johnson also seems to be a fan.

"I think he's going to be great," said Johnson about Young to NBA.com. "He just has to get familiar with the system, but he's definitely the kind of player that fits our mode. So he's definitely going to help us."

Joe-Johnson Brooklyn Nets shooting guard, Joe Johnson

Young's career 13.8 points per game is something the Nets can either exploit as a reserve or as a starter.

And in talking about new weapons for the Nets, rookie Markel Brown has also surfaced recently.

The periodically used guard, buried onto the bench due to the depth chart, recalled from Maine Red Claws of the D-League alongside fellow rookie Cory Jefferson, has played in the Nets last three games (Lakers, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans) contributing on both ends of the floor, scoring a career-high 10 points against the Nuggets on Monday.

Even Williams is getting into the act, showing flashes of his All-Star self, when healthy, producing a double-double against the Lakers, last week in 12 points and 15 assists.

Yet and still, the Nets are still nine games under .500 at 23-32, entering a tough three-game stretch in which they will visit the Houston Rockets tonight, meet Houston's neighbor in the Dallas Mavericks and their new weapon in Amar'e Stoudemire and then host the Golden State Warriors on Monday, to begin the month of March.

No one ever said it would be easy, but the Nets did this to themselves.

Last month on January 2nd, the Nets were 16-16.

As soon as February 1st, the Nets were 19-28, due to a seven-game losing streak in January where the Nets lost to potential lottery teams in Boston, Detroit, and Philadelphia.

For a team that currently has the only hope of the city, they have to be better than that.

The acquisition of Young for Garnett, Deron Williams’ recent play, and featuring young players like Brown may be the recipe for the Brooklyn Nets to finish big.

There are only two months left in the season, and it is time for the Nets to make their push for a playoff spot, now.

February 26, 2015
Written by Gregory Alcala

American poet, novelist, and playwirght, Langston Hughes at work on his typewriter

A New Discovery of Langston Hughes: Finding Rivers of Soulful Inspiration

Images of Books & Authors in Unexpected Places

Every time I visit the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, in Harlem, I make certain to walk into the center of the African cosmogram, at the entryway to the Langston Hughes Auditorium.

African-Cosmogram Honoring-LangstonHughes-and-Arturo-A-Schomburg Photo-Credit Luvon-Roberson 650x487 The African Cosmogram, in honor of Langston Hughes and Arturo A. Schomburg, located at the entryway to the Langston Hughes Auditorium. Photo Credit: Luvon Roberson, Book Editor, What's The 411 Networks

Long flowing sapphire-blue lines weave their way from the rust-brown innermost circle of the cosmogram, spilling outward only to stop at the walls of the Schomburg itself. The cosmogram represents Langston Hughes's poem, The Negro Speaks of Rivers:

I've known rivers:
I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the
flow of human blood in human veins.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.
I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young.
I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep.
I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it.
I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln
went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy
bosom turn all golden in the sunset.
I've known rivers:
Ancient, dusky rivers.
My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

While I've long loved the brilliant flow of both the poem's rhythm and the rivers depicted in the cosmogram, it is only recently that I made a new discovery about that space I've so often stood at the center of: Beneath it, Hughes's remains are interred in a stainless steel vessel.

I did not know.

I only knew that I was drawn to that center-space, which is inscribed with this verse from his poem:

"My soul has grown deep like the rivers."

Another Reflection on the Image:

"The circle is an awesome and active trail, a continuing cycle of connections, in the lives of Schomburg, Hughes, and all others who come to the Schomburg Center. To those who believe there is simply too much bad mojo in the world, this circle holds the cure."

— Christopher P. Moore, Curator and Special Projects Coordinator, Schomburg Center.

LANGSTON HUGHES: Inspires Writers of Today

It seems fitting to think of Langston Hughes in this space at this time. He was born on February 1, 1902 and died on May 22, 1967, and now, nearly 50 years later, continues to inspire.

LangstonHughes Poster Created-by-Ruth 495x700

On February 19, 2015, The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College directed by Dr. Brenda Greene, celebrates his life and voice in Langston Hughes, Personal and in the World, a program with readings and conversation on the influence of his work on contemporary literature and writers. Professor Gordon Thompson, director of the Langston Hughes Festival at CCNY, and Professor Robert Reid-Pharr, director of the Institute for Research on the African Diaspora in the Americas and the Caribbean, at CUNY's Graduate Center, among others, lead the program's homage to Hughes.

February 18, 2015
Written by Luvon Roberson @LuvonRwriter

NBA All-Star Saturday: Skills Challenge

Patrick Beverley Shows He Has Skills

With the conclusion of the Degree Shooting Stars, the Taco Bell Skills Challenge began shortly after.

I know, just two more events until we can watch the Slam Dunk Contest.

As far as the skills challenge is concerned, this event is all about the point guard.

Since its debut in 2003, some of the best guards in NBA history, from the 2000's to the present, have been selected to showcase their PG skills and most importantly win.

Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach, Jason Kidd won this event in its first year of existence.

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is a two-time champion (06, 07) as well as future Hall-of-Famer, Steve Nash in (05,10).

The best up and coming guards in the NBA have contributed to this event and this year presented a new wave of the NBA's youngest new stars at the PG position.

And here are your gladiators: Patrick Beverley (Houston Rockets), Brandon Knight (Bucks, Now Phoenix Suns), Dennis Schroeder (Atlanta Hawks), Kyle Lowry (Toronto Raptors), Trey Burke (Utah Jazz) Isaiah Thomas (Suns, Now Boston Celtics), Jeff Teague (Atlanta Hawks) and Elfrid Payton (Orlando Magic).

In previous years, the course required the participants to first convert a layup, dribble between three obstacles, complete a pass into a net, shoot a mid-range jump-shot and proceed through a couple more obstacles, finishing the course with a layup, which stops the clock and serves as that players time.

This year, the course required those involved to dribble between a series of obstacles, complete a chest pass, convert a layup on the opposite basket and then return to the original basket, where a made three-point shot will stop the clock, signaling that players time.

Instead of the individual exhibitions we have seen in recent years where one player alone progresses through this obstacle course, the NBA has modified the competition where two players will compete against each other to determine who can finish the course before the other, tournament style.

The NBA is thinking smarter, thinking NOW, and its changes in the format of this event made for entertaining TV.

Just based off of the eye-test, I figured Teague would have the best chance to win or even Thomas, factoring their speed as my lone argument, and I was sadly mistaken.

This wasn't just about who was the fastest of the pool of players but who could be the most efficient guard for a couple of minutes. The conclusion of this event did not disappoint the viewers, especially if you favor the underdog.

In the first round, both sporting generous smirks, Beverley advanced to the next round against Thomas, who struggled to execute his first chest pass.

Thomas, due to his speed eventually caught up to Beverley at the three-point shot station, and several failed attempts by both players forced a layup challenge, as both players relied on their inside play, which Beverley outlasted Thomas and sealed his trip to the next round.

Next up, Teague, a member of the Eastern Conference division leading Hawks, showed that dominance on the floor and flew by Magic rookie Payton who, despite his enjoyable experience didn't look as though he was interested in winning.

Although Payton was able to keep up with the speedy veteran, Teague knocked down his first attempt from three, which eliminated Payton, as he was moments away.

In the final two match-ups of the first round, Knight de-throned the former Skills Challenge Champion, Burke on his third three-point attempt and Lowry represented "We The North" well, ending Schroeder's threat, wasting no time as he sped through the obstacles and connected on his first three-point attempt, with Schroeder in pursuit.

With the final four set, Beverley would continue his Cinderella story against Teague, a first-time All-Star, while Knight and Lowry would provide the other finalist.

While the grins remained on the exterior of our heroes, you could tell that their blood was boiling and that the competitive fire that we observe from these star athletes, throughout the NBA season, was present on Saturday night.

Of course in the smallest dosage possible.

And so it began, and Teague found himself exactly where he wanted to be.

He eased through the obstacles and successfully executed his first chest pass through the net, which took Beverley several tries, almost tying together his own shoes in securing his fate.

Teague converted his layup and jogged up the court, passing Beverley on his way, feeling comfortable about his chancing of having to only knock down one trifecta to compete for his first skills challenge championship, and somehow he came up short.

Atlanta, so far this season has won their share of games in an extensive fashion, but Teague, unfortunately, failed to bring home more good news.

Instead, Beverley's performance, this round, mirrored his NBA game.

He doesn't give up and he never backs down.

Although he was behind with Teague attempting his first three-point shot to advance, Beverley took advantage of Teague's first two-misses and connected on his first attempt, earning a spot in the final round.

Shortly after his shot, Beverley taunted the bench a little, all in fun and celebrated with teammate James Harden who was in attendance, as if this was Beverley's sole purpose for All-Star Saturday night.

Who says the Skills Challenge doesn't mean anything?

In the other finalist, Knight prevailed, knocking down his first three-point shot before Lowry could even challenge.

And with that result, Knight would battle it out with Beverley for the crown.

Maybe the writing was on the wall and I was unaware, because it seemed as if, on this night, everything went Beverley's way in this competition and the good vibes would follow the Rocket into the final round.

Yet again, Beverley found himself recovering from miscues.

Beverley's struggles with the chest pass almost cost him the title, but Knights initial misses to seal the deal from three, allowed Beverley to close the gap, and like the second round against Teague, Beverley sank his first three point attempt and entered the winner's circle.

"Definitely blessed to be here," said Beverley during his interview as he was awarded the honor.

"Blessed to be in this position. Blessed to even be in the NBA, coming from a humble beginnings."

Beverley, known for his defensive prowess and role on the Rockets as a perimeter lock-down defender, was given the stage to show the other facets of his game, and in doing so shattered the odds and early predictions.

"I hope Coach McHale is watching, and maybe I can get some plays now," Beverley said through laughter.

Hey if you can win the Skills Challenge and uplift yourself as well as your teams notoriety even though there was no final score except entertainment, then maybe he should have a couple X's and O's dedicated to his performance.

Even with the win, Beverley appreciated his exposure and did so with class.

"Getting to the NBA now, replacing someone and getting a chance to display my talents out here and winning it; helping a young kid like this for school and everything, it's, you know, a big testimony-- a bit humbled about it and definitely appreciate it."

I think Beverley made some news fans Saturday night.

February 14, 2015
Written by Gregory Alcala

NBA All-Star Saturday: Degree Shooting Stars Challenge

Team Bosh Earns Bragging Rights with its Third Straight Title

The NBA All-Star Weekend is similar to meals at your favorite restaurant.

All-Star Friday is the bread you consume while you mull over the choices on the menu.

All-Star Saturday is the appetizer, nourishing your body, moderately.

And then All-Star Sunday is not only the main course, but it is your favorite entrée.

In a restaurant, you can choose to go straight for the main course, but with the NBA All-Star Weekend, you don't want to skip the appetizer.

First and foremost, the Barclays Center and the NBA presented a visual show. The basketball court became a viewing screen of moving images with intros to each event creating an atmosphere that just screamed entertainment.

In two words, sheer beauty.

Beautiful as it might have been, the fans did not come to Barclays on a brisk Saturday night to watch fireworks.

It was all about the individuals participating in the best ticket in town, four events in one.

Saturday night, billed as the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, featured: the Degree Shooting Stars Challenge; Taco Bell Skills Challenge; Footlocker Three-Point Contest; and the event of the night, the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest.

The Degree Shooting Stars was not the most highly anticipated event, but it registered high on the excitement meter. It involved four teams connecting on shots with varying degrees of difficulty at different parts on the floor. The team taking the least amount of time to advance to the championship round wins.

Team Curry (Sue Bird, Stephen Curry, Dell Curry), Team Westbrook (Russell Westbrook, Penny Hardaway, Tamika Catchings), Team Millsap (Paul Millsap, Scottie Pippen, Elena Delle Donne) and the two-time reigning champs in Team Bosh (Chris Bosh, Dominique Wilkins and Swin Cash) all competed for the bragging rights.

It's a good thing I am not a betting man. I would have lost by betting on Team Curry.

In the first round, Catchings, a nine-time WNBA All-Star, almost cost her team a trip to the championship round missing her first seven field goals (19.0 seconds). But, Westbrook and Hardaway, bailed out Catchings by sinking their first attempts from the top of the key and the elbow three (5.0 seconds).

And on the 4th shot, Hardaway reminded everyone why he was selected to be on Team Westbrook sinking his attempt from half-court. Team Westbrook completed their shot-circuit in 35.2 seconds.

But Team Bosh would have their say.

They've been here before, they knew what to do.

And so they did it.

Team Bosh bested Team Westbrook by connecting on all of their shots in eight attempts to Team Westbrook's 10 in only 30.8 seconds.

Next up, the championship round, and the favorite prevailed once more.

Team Westbrook was on a roll in the championship round during its first three shots.

Catchings learned her lesson and used the backboard, knocking down the first required shot; smart.

Hardaway executed his first attempt successfully and Westbrook missed his first and made his second. Team Westbrook completed its first three shots of the championship round in 13 seconds.

All was well until Team Westbrook ran into the half-court shot, the toughest of all four shots. The team missed 26 consecutive attempts as time expired, which put them in position for an upset.

As for Team Bosh, there was no rush.

Team Bosh took its time and at the 57.6 seconds mark, the legend, Wilkins clinched Team Bosh's third straight title on their seventh attempt from half-court.

"Chemistry," said Wilikins when asked how Team Bosh has been able to defend its title. "We just wanted to repeat what we did last year. We did the same thing last year. We didn't want to change it, for luck."

"I think we don't take it so serious," said Cash answering the same question following the event. "Over the last three years we've seen a lot of just everybody; we're so competitive as athletes. When we come out here, it's really simple. We have a good time. We joke around. We miss the shot; all right, we'll get the half-court shot. We just keep it loose. It's fun. And we strategize."

All records are meant to be broken, even championship streaks. But, Team Bosh has a system that works and next year, at the 2016 NBA All-Star Weekend hosted by our neighbors up North in Toronto, Team Bosh may be tough to de-throne.

February 14, 2015
Written by Gregory Alcala

Super Bowl XLIX: New England Beats Seattle 28-24

Referees Missed Crucial Call Giving Game to New England

What can be said that hasn't already been said??!

Well I'll tell you, Patriots miracle play-making CB Malcolm Butler could be considered a cheater, just like the head Cheater in coach Bill Belichick and his supermodel QB Tom "Stop Playing with My Balls" Brady!!

Few people noticed it was Butler who committed a major penalty of pass interference during a critical Seattle possession in the fourth quarter. Butler, who coincidentally was covering Seattle WR Ricardo Lockette again, when he fell down and intentionally grabbed the wideout's foot and tripped him, opting to take the penalty instead of a huge gain and possibly a point scoring play for Seattle...but no flag!

Apparently everyone in the University of Phoenix Stadium saw it but the refs. The game announcers saw it, Chris Collingsworth wondered how it was missed and said Pats got away with one and Lockette, who still almost caught the pass got up signaling the foul and demonstrably looking for the flag...but none was coming.

As a lifelong JETS fan I can say this objectively, New England, for a team who cheats and plays dirty most of the time, has never been whistled for a penalty on a crucial play. The tuck rule for which Tom Brady is infamous for, BS! Time and time again there's no call or the wrong call and if you want to know how to get away with murder, play for "Witch-Kraft'" and his Patriots, sorry couldn't resist, hey Viola!

Seriously, the last impossible to understand play of the game, had former LOB now Pats CB Browner, with his hands full of WR Kearse's jersey, a holding call against anyone else!... And any talk of conspiracy that Coach Pete Carroll wanted his QB Russell Wilson to make the game-winning play as opposed to Marshawn "I'm just here so I won't get fined" Money Lynch, didn't see the previous play when Marshawn Lynch ran for four yards instead of five! Ridiculous!

As the loquacious and supremely brilliant former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, Denny Green once decried, "they are who we thought they were and we let 'em off the hook!"...with a little help from the refs, just sayin'.

February 6, 2015
Written by Glenn Gilliam

Cardale Jones: Ohio State’s Unexpected Champion

Ohio State's 3rd String Quarterback Cardale Jones Wows the World of College Football

This was the first year for the highly anticipated College Football Playoffs and they didn't disappoint. While there are plenty of supporters and haters who will debate how many teams should or may ultimately be included and the more subjective preseason and weekly ranking of the top 25, most feel that with few hiccups, the final four and championship game was a resounding success.

The 2014 story of the first CFP National Champion Ohio State Buckeyes is one Hollywood couldn't have scripted. With the BIG 10 Conference, as a whole, being downgraded to a supporting actor role, the Buckeyes were nobody's pick to be in contention come December. When it was clear that their two-time Conference MVP and Heisman Trophy prospect, QB Braxton Miller, would be lost for the season, it was a foregone conclusion that this was a rebuilding year. And even with the promise backup QB J.T. Barrett showed, an early loss to unranked Virginia Tech, seemed to validate fears of a mediocre season. But with each passing week came a win and J.T. Barrett quickly opened eyes and received praise even positing that he may be a more complete QB than his predecessor.

Ohio-State-Quarterback-Braxton-Miller Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller. Photo Credit; USAToday.com

With a closely ranked and defensively stout Michigan State team looking like the class of their division, everyone circled that clash as the make or break game for head coach Urban Meyer and his underdogs. That game at Michigan State was a coming out party for J.T. Barrett, who had his best game and cemented him as a top contender for the Heisman. Then the roof caved in. J.T. suffered a season-ending broken ankle in the final minutes of their victory over longtime rival Michigan and with it, seemingly their hopes of a possible playoff berth and Heisman glory for the outstanding 2nd stringer.

Ohio-State-back-up-Quarterback-J-T-Barrett Ohio State back-up quarterback J.T. Barrett. Photo Credit: cbssports.com

Now they faced their biggest challenge sending their third string QB Cardale Jones, into the BIG 10 Conference Championship against the Wisconsin Badgers and running back sensation Melvin Gordon. It was the sophomore's 1st start and it would determine if Ohio State could finally crack the CFP top four. At 6'5" and 250 lbs., Jones looked the part and played like a third year veteran with ice water in his veins, they stomped them 59-0 and it wasn't even that close!

With that win, Ohio State catapulted into the fourth and final CFP playoff slot and went on to beat top-ranked SEC powerhouse, Alabama. In the semifinals and in his third start ever, Cardale Jones led his team to victory over undeserved Heisman Award winner (sorry), Marcos Mariotta, and his Oregon Ducks for the National Championship.

In an instant, Cardale Jones became a QB phenom. Jones' other-worldy gameplay on college football's biggest stages, and his projection as a raw NFL talent with crazy upside, had three days to decide if he would declare for the NFL Draft. But the big winners were the fans and college football. Without the subjective decisions by the CFP Committee to put Ohio State in the 4th slot, the computers would have missed them and we would have missed this amazing Cinderella dream of a journey...but what a nightmare for Coach Meyer, who's your starter next year??! Oh yeah, by the way, did I mention that all three outstanding Heisman worthy Ohio State QBs are BLACK!...just FYI

February 6, 2015
Written by Glenn Gilliam

Minnesota Timberwolves Andrew Wiggins taking the ball to the hole at the 2015 NBA BBVA Compass Rising Star Challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend

2015 NBA Rising Stars Challenge; World Defeats USA, 121-112

Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins Reps the World; Scores 22 Points and Shows Why He is an NBA Rising Star

It's Friday night. The 2015 NBA Sprint Celebrity All-Star game with all of its wackiness is over. Now we're on to a real game, with real players, the 2015 BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge, aka the Rookie Challenge.

The BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge is an exhibition game featuring the youngest and brightest stars the NBA has to offer, with its participants revolving around 1st and 2nd year players making an immediate impact in the association.

The NBA Rookie Challenge's Ever Changing Format

The year 1994 was the NBA Rookie Challenge's inaugural year. The format changed in 1996 where the rookies of both the east and west conferences matched up against each other. Due to the lockout of 1999, the rookie challenge saw another modification to its structure, as the rookies (first-year players) would challenge the sophomores (second-year players) for bragging rights.

From 2012-14, TNT game-time analysts and former NBA superstars, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley played the General Manager role. They selected players for each of their respective teams of first and second year players, playing a college style of two halves, modifying the format once again.

For 2015, the format was tweaked a little. The NBA rookies and sophomores, by selection, were split up based on their nationality, creating a USA vs. World matchup.

The World Conquers The NBA Rising Stars Challenge

On display, was the best of the U.S. against the best the World has to offer, and unfortunately for the red, white and blue, the World prevailed.

Andrew Wiggins, a Toronto native and representing Canada, was awarded the MVP, leading his fellow foreigners to a 121-112 win.

The United States usually dominates everyone else in basketball, but on Friday, Wiggins and Co. changed that.

Wiggins scored a team-high 22 points doing most of his damage from inside, using his size and athleticism to execute a series of breakaway dunks without any challengers. Wiggins' Minnesota Timberwolves teammate, Zach LaVine, who represented the U.S., also scored 22 points.

Defense isn't a priority in an exhibition of the players deemed as the "Next" in the NBA. So, Wiggins wasn't the only player from the World squad to show off.

Rudy Gobert of France, a player with the Utah Jazz, showed why he can be a dominant front-court player in the Western conference for years to come. He contributed a double-double in 18 points and 12 rebounds.

And, Brooklyn's own, Bojan Bogdanovic, hailing from Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, also played well on a court he knows all too well, connecting on 3 of 7 three's, finishing with 16 points.

For the U.S., LaVine, Trey Burke (Utah Jazz) and Victor Oladipo (Orlando Magic) are the names to remember, scoring 22, 17, and 22, respectively.

And the other player representing Brooklyn like Bogdanovic, Mason Plumlee, chipped in with 13 points.

The NBA Rising Stars Showcase Their Skills

Mason along with, LaVine, Oladipo and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who all suited up for the U.S. vs. World game, also competed in Saturday's dunk contest. Between the four players, LaVine gave New York and all the celebrities in town a taste of what was to come on Saturday night.

Aside from his perimeter game, LaVine executed three dunks that defined why he was selected to compete in the final event of the Saturday night festivities.

In the first half with 9:26 remaining, LaVine went the length of the floor avoiding the defense and penetrated the lane, and finished with authority, drifting to his left.

And you know what followed; the crowd voiced its appreciation in "OOOOHS" and "AHHHHHS".

That's what this game is for, the highlight reel.

It's also meant for the NBA to showcase a collection of talent that could possess the next great group of stars to carry the NBA in the near future.

And in the result, although you can't read too much into the pick-up game, it shows how far the world has come, as far as basketball talent is concerned.

The last two first overall picks are not U.S. citizens, as both call Canada home, and one in particular received MVP honors for his performance Friday night.

"We competed, we entertained the people watching and the most important thing is we all had fun doing it," said Wiggins during his post-game press-conference.

The NBA is banking that Wiggins can entertain as a member of the NBA for the next 10 years and he along with quite a few others that played alongside him Friday are expected to do so.

If Milwaukee Bucks F Jabari Parker, the no.2 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft was healthy, he would have guarded Wiggins tonight.

The Future is Bright for NBA Rising Stars

The public believes Antetokounmpo (Bucks) is destined for stardom.

Oladipo, Elfrid Payton (Orlando Magic), Dante Exum (Utah Jazz) and LaVine all have talent too, which is what makes this game so intriguing.

No one can project the careers of the players who suited up for this exhibition game. But for now, their immediate career success in the NBA is what got them this far.

Over time, they will have to take it to the next level.

"I think it was the best move for me," said Wiggins post-game referring to being moved as a no.1 pick from a contender to a rebuilding organization.

"It gave me more room, and put me in a position where I would have to grow up faster. There I would've been more of a role player, here I'm getting more time to shine and do what I was put in this league to do, and I am enjoying the process," Wiggins continued.

At least he is aware.

February 13, 2015
Written by Gregory Alcala