Respect Yo Elders

Southern Illinois coach Chris Lowery laughed as he recalled a certain clueless 8th-grader accepting the trophy as free throw champion once upon a time at an Isiah Thomas basketball camp.

Presenting that trophy to Lowery was an elderly gentleman who was one of the assistants at the camp.

"He was just 'that old guy' who knew a lot of basketball," Lowery said. "I had no idea who he was, what a pioneer he was."

"He" was Will Robinson, the first African-American head coach in Division I college basketball when Illinois State hired him in 1970.

This week, as America looks to its future with the historic inauguration of President Obama, Illinois State honors its past with a tribute to Robinson at halftime of its game Saturday against Southern Illinois. Robinson died April 28 at 96.

Among the honored guests will be members of Robinson's family and Doug Collins, a former Redbirds guard who played for Robinson before going on to a distinguished NBA career — and Lowery.

"Now I look at the photo of me with him and the [free throw] trophy and think, 'Man, I have a picture of me with Will Robinson,' " Lowery said. "We were all scared of him, too, because he would discipline you if you had your hat on wrong or whatever. And with him it was always, 'Yes, sir,' and 'No, sir.' "

Robinson compiled a 78-51 record before leaving to work for the Detroit Pistons. He never had a losing season in his five at Illinois State and his final game was a victory at West Virginia, his home-state school that once had denied him admission.

But it still was not an easy step for Robinson.

"[Athletic director] Milt Weisbecker told dad, 'If you have the courage, I'm behind you,' " Will Robinson Jr. said.

"People back then thought they were moving too fast. But dad always was moving 'too fast.' "

It wasn't always easy either.

"Milt did take heat from some people, including some on his own staff," former sports information director Roger Cushman said. "And Will lost some [white] friends over it too."

For Lowery, also African-American, to coach in the game set as a tribute to Robinson has special significance.

"I'm in the same state where he coached," Lowery said. "When you're young you find out who did things first and to find out how respected he was, across the board, is unbelievable."

Via: The Chicago Tribune

The League...

The Pistons tacked on another loss Friday, after losing to Dallas 112-91 at The Palace.

With half the season left, you can't call the Iverson-Billups trade a failure for Detroit just yet. But, damn; something is clearly wrong. I'll admit, I was a huge fan of the trade when it went down. In Iverson, Detroit would finally have that feisty player to mix things up and take the initiative on the offensive end - exactly what they had been missing in their empty playoff runs of recent years. 

However, that's clearly not what has happened. Instead, in recent days, Rip Hamilton has become a sixth man for just the second time in his Piston career, while Denver has gone 27-12 since acquiring Billups and sits atop the Northwest Division. The Pistons, on the other hand, have been on a roller coaster ride and are just 20-18 since Iverson's arrival. His era in Detroit started with the Pistons going 5-5, included a 7-game win streak at the end of December, but are 5-7 in the New Year.

Iverson has the lowest scoring average of his career, at 17.6 points per game. In addition he's seeing the fewest minutes os his career, clocking just under 38 minutes per night. (Yet, he's starting in the All-Star Game......hmmm???)

First, the problem was just finding chemistry. Then, the blame was on the bigs. Now, the lineup shuffles are in effect. But now, there aren't many excuses left. I think Joe Dumars pulled the trigger on this trade too early. I mean, they did start the season 4-0 before trading Billups. Detroit became so used to the steady hand that was Billups, that they took him for granted, and are now feeling the effects. 

Other Highlights: 

King James had 32 to go along with 9 boards, 8 assists, and hit a 20 foot game-winner - the first of his career. Timmy D had 30, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 blocks. Devin Harris had 27 and 4 steals. Eric Gordon put up 41. Kevin Durant went for 46, including 24 from the foul line, and 15 rebounds. And my man Danny Granger had 25, 6 boards, 5 dimes, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. Again, he better be playing Feb. 15.

Scores From Around The League...1/24/09

Mavs 112, Pistons 91

Rockets 102, Pacers 107

Suns 76, Bobcats 98

Bucks 87, Hawks 117

Grizzlies 88, Knicks 108

Hornets 108, T'Wolves 116

Raptors 114, Bulls 94

Nets 91, Spurs 94

Cavs 106, Warriors 105

Thunder 104, Clippers 107

Dime Of The Week...Mya

(click to enlarge)

"I had dreams of f****** a R&B b**** like Mya, when I saw that ass on the front of that KING"

Word to Game.

Via: Complex

Peep These Videos...Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, Kobe/LeBron, & Bow Wow

He hits the nail on the head with that laugh.

Busta Gets It In!!!

Leon Rogers put me on this one. Busta is a beast. It's easy to forget he's been puttin it down for damn near 20 years. Much respect.

Game Recognize Game...

Highlight's from 1/19/09 game.

There's nothing better than seeing guys flat-out competing.

Bow Wow On ESPN First Take...

Don't get it twisted, I ain't no Bow Wow fan, lol. But he went on First Take and held his own. I'll give him his props for that.

I love this concept ESPN's using with Hip-Hop artists coming on the show and taking full part in the debate. Lil' Wayne was on earlier this month.

NEW MUSIC...."Blame It" Remix...

Jamie Foxx Feat. Young Jeezy & T-Pain - Blame It (rmx)

Snowman adds his flavor this time, and puts down a solid verse. 

This is one of the hottest songs right now, so I'm not mad at the remixes. As long as Jamie and T-Pain are on it - it'll be straight.

Via: nahright & worldstarhiphop

Dope Nike's Galore!!!

Nike Eggplant Foamposites are now available. For those who are up on their kick game, you know these are a masterpiece and must-have. Others will just sleep on these as do most when it comes to sick, true Nike Basketball shoes. If that's you - stop - because this one of Nike's best releases of the year. Retail price - $200. Steep but, hey - they're Foamposites.

Speaking of Foamposite's...

The Nike Foamposite Lite is already a candidate for Nike shoe of the year in my eyes. It's not that often anymore that Nikes come with a brand new shoe that is an instant classic, but these deviate from that trend. 

On top of that, these are P.E.'s, so that ups the ante even more. These are illest fresh colorways I've seen in a long time. 

David West...

Caron Butler...

Amare Stoudemire...

Some of the best P.E.'s ever? I'd say so...

Nike Air Flight Lite High...

I'm too young to remember this on my own, but I've read that these were Scottie Pippen's shoe of choice in the early 90's - though his were the low top version.

The Nike Air Flight Hi is out now. Retail price is $112.

Low-top VII's possibly on the way???

Pics of the low-top Air Jordan VII have made hit the web. These are merely samples, so all we're left to do is hope for the best as far as an official release for these.

Breaking News: Herm Edwards Out In KC

Kansas City Chiefs coach Herm Edwards was fired Friday. And former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan may be in line to replace him.

Edwards was 15-34 in three seasons with the Chiefs, including 2-14 this season. He had one year remaining on his original four-year, $12 million contract.

"On behalf of my family, I want to thank Herm for his service to the Chiefs," Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt said in a team statement. "After careful deliberation over the last week, Scott and I decided that it was in the best interests of the Chiefs to move forward in a different direction.

"This was not an easy decision. Herm is an outstanding football coach and a man of integrity. We appreciate his leadership over the past three seasons, and we wish him all the best in the future."

The Chiefs have been in negotiations to land Shanahan as their next coach and a deal is near, league sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Via: ESPN

Violence At Basketball Games Could Force CPS To Take New Security Measures

More than a week before the recent incidents at high school basketball games -- the shooting of North Lawndale star Jermaine Winfield in a parking lot after the Phoenix played ACT Charter at Collins on Tuesday, a gym-clearing fight at Bogan, which hosted Simeon the same day, and another brawl Thursday at the North Lawndale-Marshall game -- Calvin Davis, director of sports administration for the Chicago Public Schools, sent a letter to every principal and athletic director about sportsmanship and security.

Davis noted that ''each individual sporting event is required to have a security plan in place.''

Among the points in Davis' sample plan:

• Athletic-event staff members should wear bright-colored jackets or shirts that say ''Security'' or ''Crowd Control.''

• Entrances and exits must be manned and monitored.

• Crowd-control staff must be positioned to cover all four corners around the event.

• Only students of the host school are allowed to attend.

• Uniformed cheerleaders from visiting schools must have an adult chaperone.

•  Parents should be allowed to attend at the principal's discretion.

• Outside students should not be allowed to attend.

• Host school staff must have access to a telephone at the event.

• Washrooms and concession areas must be monitored.

• Limit spectator attendance so it does not exceed the capacity of the facility.

• Restricted areas should be locked and visibly monitored by staff.

• Visiting teams must be escorted to their buses at the end of the contest.

• Make sure students exit the facility in an orderly manner.

• Security gates, metal detectors and hand wands, which are not mandatory, are necessary and should be used at all events if possible.

Read the entire story here.

This is a damn shame. Period.

Via: The Chicago Sun-Times

Fresh Kicks...

Griffey's on the way!!! Nike takes it back to '96 with these Nike Air Griffey Max 1. 

In case you don't recall Ken Griffey, Jr. in his GOAT days, here's a quick reminder:

Griffey's stats from '96...126 hits, 49 homers, 140 RBIs, 16 steals, and a .303 batting average.

Release Date: April 2009

Air Jordan 1 High Retro

Originally, these were Black/Infared, however, they're now Black/Max Orange. 

Release Date: January 31

Out Tomorrow: Air Jordan Six Rings...

 

The black pair are dubbed the "Championship Pack", and contain colors of each of the teams MJ defeated in the NBA Finals - Lakers, Trailblazers, Suns, Sonics, and the Jazz.

The white are the "Lakers" edition of the shoe. Six Rings colorways will release for each of the 5 teams the Bulls defeated to win the championship.

Release Date: January 24

Via: sneakernews & sneakerfiles

Music News...

Lamar Odom aka The Goods speaks on BIG.

I know I know, who cares what L.O. has to say about Biggie, but I'm a NBA fan. So, whatever.

What's with the delay Jigga?

Let's be honest, it doesn't matter how long Jay pushes the album back. Everyone will be checking for it when it does.

Wale Speaks On Upcoming Work...

His newest mix, Back To The Feature, which Wale estimated will be hitting the streets around mid-March, is already halfway completed. The rising rookie, who has already collaborated with Hip Hop heavyweights the likes of Lil Wayne and The Roots, is just waiting on a few more features for Feature to be recorded before putting the finishing touches on the project.

Confirmed cameos on the mix include frequent collaborator Bun B, as well as fellow artists-on-the-rise Curren$y, Drake, and Skyzoo.

And while the tape is a joint effort between Wale and producer 9th Wonder, the young gun told DX that “There might be a couple records that ain’t 9th, maybe Black Milk, and a couple local producers as well. And I got a couple local emcees on there too, like Southeast Slim’s gonna be on it. X.O.’s gonna be on it, and Tre from UCB’s gonna be on it as well.”

The Allido/Interscope Records artist’s long-awaited major label debut is set to follow Back To The Feature and hit store shelves sometime in the Spring.

“We pressing up the [first] single right now,” Wale revealed. “It’s gonna be ‘Chillin,’ the real version.”

Read the entire article here.

New Jim Jones...

Jim Jones - Na Na (We Getting Money Like)

Only Jones.

Via: nahright & hiphopdx

Slept-On Young Gun Of The Week...1/15-1/22

Kevin Durant is this week's Slept-on Young Gun of the Week. Durant led the improving Thunder to a 2-1 record dating back to last Thursday, Jan. 15, logging 45+ minutes in every game. And despite having a bruised shoulder, KD's put up 32, 31, and 27, in games against Detroit, Miami, and Golden State, respectively. In addition, Durant's averaged 8 boards and 4 assists over that same time span. Most importantly, though, Durant has the Thunder playing far better than they earlier in the season. Granted, their just 9-34, 6 of those wins have come in the past 30 days. Big ups to KD.

NBA Basketball...

Again, the marquee NBA matchup disappointed. Two "Beast In the East" contenders faced off Thursday night, as Boston went to visit Orlando. However, the Magic seemed lethargic and out of it for the entire game -  their first in 4 days, after going 4-0 on a West Coast swing. Even when the Magic, came within 7 in the fourth quarter, the Celtics always seemed to be in complete control, winning 90-80. The Celtics looked like the better, more seasoned team, as they extended their winning streak to 7 games. Dwight Howard who arrived at the game 30 minutes late due to traffic, was a step slow all night, and fouled out, finishing with just 11 points and 11 rebounds. Paul Pierce had 27 and 10 boards to lead Boston. The Celtics defense was in Championship form, as they held the Magic to just 38% shooting, and 7-22 from beyond the arc - where Orlando lives and dies.

Despite tonight's result, I don't believe the Magic were as bad as indicated tonight, and, if the two teams were to play again, I'd expect a far more exciting, competitive game.

The other game on Thursday night was a joke. The Lakers beat Washington 117-97.

ALL-STAR GAME STARTERS ANNOUNCED!!!

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

G- Dwayne Wade, Mia.

G- Allen Iverson, Det.

F- LeBron James, Cle.

F- Dwight Howard, Orl.

C- Kevin Garnett, Bos.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

G- Chris Paul

G- Kobe Bryant

F- Tim Duncan

F- Amare Soudemire

C- Yao Ming

Stephen A gives his take on the All-Star selections...

Via: ESPN

NCAA Basketball

You can add Another Big East team to the mix, as West Virginia upset #14 Georgetown, 75-58. The Mountaineers forced 19 turnovers and got 29 from Da'Sean Butler to lead them to victory. The Mountaineers are now 14-4.

Scores From Around The Nation...

#11 UCLA 61, Washington St. 59

West Virginia 75, #14 Georgetown 58

UW-Green Bay 59, #17 Butler

#18 Purdue 70, #20 Minnesota 68

#22 St. Mary's 65, San Diego 42

New Music....T.I. & Bump J

TIP adds his two-cents to Keri Hilson's banger. Ms. Hilson's verses are the same.

(this is about T.I., but I prefer a Keri Hilson pic)

Keri Hilson Feat. T.I. - Turnin' Me On (rmx)

T.I.>Lil Wayne's verse. 

One from "The Vaults"...

Bump J Feat. John Legend -Nobody Eats But Me 

And ya say Chi-City.

Produced by Kanye. The title was enough for me. 

More from the Louis Vuitton Don...

Kanye x Louis Vuitton...

These are the BANANAS. They're the second of five shoes Kanye is designing in collaboration with Louis V.  Pics of the first made their way around earlier this month. I'm afraid to even  think about the price tag on these.

Release date: June 2009

Other music news...

The Jim Jones Experience: Part 1...Capo discusses his upcoming album and more...

 

Is it me, or is he doing the Max B laugh?

Via: hiphopdx & sneakernews.

New Video from Skull Gang

Skull Gang - Drama Fold...

Street Kids Unified By Loyalty and Loot. Goon and Niggas Gettin It.

Via: worldstarhiphop

Breaking News: Alonzo Mourning To Retire

Alonzo Mourning has decided to retire rather than mount another NBA comeback at age 38.

The seven-time All-Star center said Thursday he won't return from a devastating leg injury in 2007. He's not under contract but had been working out at the Miami Heat's complex and still had a spot in the team's locker room.

Mourning hasn't played since tearing the patella tendon and quadriceps muscle in his right leg on Dec. 19, 2007, the fourth anniversary of his lifesaving kidney transplant. He said he feared another return would put his health in jeopardy.

"I truly feel it's best that I retire," Mourning said at a news conference. "When you've got something you love and you're passionate about, it's hard to let that go. But at 38 I feel I've physically done all I can for this game. It has been an amazing ride." 

Last week Tony Dungy, this week Zo. Another guy I hate to see go. In his 15 seasons, Mourning's played for the Charlotte Hornets, New Jersey Nets, and Miami Heat (twice). He was the 2nd pick in the 1992 NBA Draft, and averaged 21 points, 10 boards, and 3 blocks in his rookie season. Twice he was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Mourning even more notoriety after his battle with a kidney disease that caused him to miss a plethora of games from 2000 to 2004, including the entire '02-'03 season. 

Mourning was one of the hardest working, most intense players in the NBA. That, along with his battle back from his kidney disease, which incldued undergoing a successful kidney transplant, made him one of the most respect players in The League among his peers, and fans, too. 

Over his career, Mourning averaged 17.1 points, and 8.5 rebounds per game. His desire to contest every shot  also made him one of the most dunked-on players in the NBA. Lol. Much respect to Zo.

Every hoops fan should remember this...

Via: ESPN

Fresh Kicks...

Nike Air Force Hi Supreme "Elephant Print"...

With tucked and seamless edges, attention is drawn to the use of super-supple neutral grey nubuck - no durabuck here folks, supreme all the way! A charcoal grey tongue with anthracite nylon piping and tongue tag set off the contrast as a white outsole and full grain leather swoosh round out the shoe for perfect balance. But wait, it gets better! Laser etched elephant print drapes the shoe in a descending matrix-code-like fashion; a first in AF1 history when it comes to the use of elephant print. As if all these goodies weren’t enough, Nike adorns this masterpiece  with a set of grey supreme laces, adds a set of regular white laces, and greets your feet with leather insoles.

Released only at select Nike Sportswear Retailers.

Somehow, someway, I'm getting a pair of these.

Nike Zoom LeBron VI...

And another one... This has got to be like the tenth colorway of the VI's and you know there's more to come. As with the rest, these are sick.

Release Date: February 21

Via: sneakernews & sneakerfiles

R&B Joint Of The Week

BLACKstreet - No Diggity

If that ain't the s***, I don't know what is. 

NCAA Basketball...Top 25 Shake-ups On The Way

It was upset city for some Wednesday night, as Va. Tech beat #1 Wake Forest - the nation's last team lose a game - 78-71, at Wake Forest. 

And, Northwestern did the deed to Michigan St. - IN LANSING - just days after beating Minnesota. They beat the Spartans 70-63. 

On the other hand, three teams played Wednesay that could make arguments for the current "Best Team In The Country" title, though: Louisville, UCONN, North Carolina.

After getting off to a rough 8-3 start, the #12 Cardinals are now taking the form that many expected coming into the season. They smashed Rutgers, 78-59, behind 23 points and 11 boards from Terrence Williams en route to their sixth straight victory. During this streak, the Cards have beaten 3 ranked Big East foes - Villanova, Notre Dame, and then-#1 Pittsburgh. I'm looking forward to Sunday's showdown against Syracuse. It'll be a battle to see who plays a better 2-3 zone.

#3 UCONN beat #21 Villanova, 89-83, and got 29 points from senior guard A.J. Price. UCONN only has one loss thus far, which came against Georgetown - certainly nothing to be ashamed of. That being said, other than tonight's victory, and wins against Gonzaga, West Virginia, and - surprisingly - Buffalo, the Huskies haven't faced many challenges. They'll get their fair share of opportunities to change that with the meat of their Big East schedule still ahead of them, which will show how good this UCONN team really is. Still, it's a known fact that the Huskies boast one of the deepest, most talented and experienced teams in the country.

#6 North Carolina was the other big winner tonight, as they crushed #9 Clemson, 94-70. Wayne Ellington supplied the Tar Heels with 25, and it marked the 54th straight time North Carolina has beaten Clemson at home. The Heels started out as the #1 team in the country, and held that position until losing to Boston College earlier this month. Then, just a week later, they suffered yet another loss at the hands of Wake Forest. However, since then they've bounced back to early season form, and have won 3 in a row. Although, they're ranked 6th, many believe that they are the #1 team in the country, and rightly so. The Tar Heels are the consensus most talented team in the nation and have looked as sharp as ever since rebounding from in their first 2 ACC games.

Also, Steph Curry had 30, and Black Griffin had 27 and 18 - what a beast.

Scores From Around The Nation...1/21/09

Va. Tech 71, #1 Wake Forest 78

#21 Villanova 83, #3 UCONN 89

Nebraska 61, #5 Oklahoma 72

#9 Clemson 70, #6 North Carolina 94

Northwestern 70, #7 Mich. St. 63

#12 Louisville 78, Rutgers 59

#13 Xavier 83, St. Bona 63

#16 Arizona St. 53, Arizona 47

#23 Baylor 83, Kansas St. 65

Rice 52, #24 Memphis 80

Via: ESPN