NBA-WHERE TRADING HAPPENS

Trading places.

BY TIM DAVID HARVEY

OK picture the scene, you've just been paid and its the weekend. Last night you could have hit the club but you decided to stay in and save that money for something more. Maybe you pulled an extra shift, worked a double, put in a request for overtime. Maybe this week for a little change you did some jobs for the neighbours, cut a lawn here, washed a car there. You may have even borrowed a little bit, or not taken that girl on that date yet. So your at the store with your hard earned cash and your face to face with your idols jersey, stomach rumbling, no lunch out today. Look to your right there’s the new Air Jordan’s...maybe for your birthday, Right now its about your teams all-star. You carefully count out your $179.99 because you want to be authentic with this purchase, for this player a swingman jersey just isn't enough. You go to the register and even the shop assistants jealous, you make the purchase, flash her a wink and leave the store.

Walking down the block you want to break it out the bag and rock it now… but wait, be patient. So you race home and then you run up stairs and in your room carefully take the jersey out the bag like it was the most fragile thing you’ve ever touched. You try it on, look in the mirror, its a perfect fit. The digital camera comes out because the Facebook profile pictures come next. Your real proud right about now that you almost forget its game time. You flip on the TV to check out the pre-game stats, and your faced with the big NBA news story of the week. You can't believe it… your mans been traded. Oh well that'll make a nice throwback in a couple of years buddy.

”This player make em' scream and scheme/my closet look like I keep getting traded from team to team”. Fabolous-Right Now & Later On

I love this game and you do too. You may just love to watch basketball in any form whether it be the L, European ball or the shirts versus the skins of the streets. Still, however you probably also love a team in the NBA, whether its your hometown ballclub or if you live thousands of miles away from the team you ride with. Your checking the scores and stats everyday, you bleed the teams colours and you treat the roster like extended family members. So even when an underused role player is traded or waived you feel the loss. This is because with you its deeper than just the game, however for the majority of owners and bigwigs alike this game of basketball goes rarely deeper than business. This is why in today’s league there are more trades and player movement then we can keep up with when ‘NBA Daily’ hits our inbox. From the Carmelo's to the Deron's big deals, become big trades and big news, but no matter how great some moves are, where does it all end? When does it stop?

The thing is that trades and player movement aren’t necessarily a bad thing, but when they are done to excess it doesn’t leave much room for long term planning. Some trades are smart, for example if a trade brings in a player that’s younger than the player shipped out and/or will result in some salary cap relief in the future than this is a smart trade. If a veteran player is bought in too stabilize a young unit, or on the flipside if young players are bought in to give an ageing roster fresh legs than this also can also be seen as a smart move. With that being said however, if a player is bought in on a temporary basis, (maybe he’s good for one last playoff run or maybe he’s got an expiring contract) the trade is only smart for limited reasons. Lets look at it this way, good NBA teams that make a lot of moves like the Golden State Warriors may have one or two buzz worthy seasons, great NBA teams that stick with one solid nucleus like the San Antonio Spurs last for years.

Trades may bring headlines, buzz and a new energy to a team but trades can also effect chemistry, continuity and the flow of a team. More and more star players are being shipped around the league like journeymen and role players are and expected to fit in and make an impact straight away and in some cases accept reduced roles. Sometimes it works like in the case of Pau Gasol and the Lakers and Chauncey Billups and the Nuggets and then other times it doesn’t like with Allen Iverson and the Pistons. The thing that makes it worse that in a league where player movement is second only to the coaching carousel (in terms of being in a constant state of flux) instead of trying to take the time to work in harmony with each other, a player gets disgruntled and a team gets impatient. This results in so much player movement that the gamers of the world have to reorder their rosters on ‘NBA Live’ almost daily.

This has made certain star players without a permanent team to call their own and an uncertainty on where they’ll be playing by the end of the season let alone the month. In 2009 for example, former All-Stars became all-business moves as Shawn Marion had barely been in the heat of Miami’s South Beach for one season when he woke up one morning and needed to buy a winter coat for Toronto. The guy he was traded for Jermaine O’Neal has moved so much over the last season that he’s struggling to find his feet, just like the time he threw his infamous punch at the brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills. They are other victim of the business side of the league, even if they have now settled in Dallas and Boston respectively (again different teams).

"Big money in this b**** if you didn't knew/ big business, minus the business suit" Lil' Wayne (Rick Ross-Luxury Tax)

So even with the plague of the recession, in the sports world its still business as usual. In today’s league as well you aren't just vulnerable to trades if your a journeyman or about to approach free agency. Even a legend like Shaquille O'Neal was still bouncing around the league-despite his solid play-right until his retirement. In Shaq’s career he played for six teams. If Shaq was a role player or your run of the mill everyday star player six teams in 20 seasons would be normal, but this guys a legend one of the greatest, most dominant players to every play the game and still in retirement a real force. Players of this calibre should be identifiable with one team like Magic, Larry and Mike. Think of it like this which team is going to retire O’Neal’s jersey? The smart money would be on the Lakers where Shaq spent the bulk eight years of his career and prime in. Shaq clinched a three-peat and an NBA MVP award in 2000. Then again we all know how is tenure in L.A. ended, it was no storybook. There’s still love there but is that the franchise he’s going to be identified with when people look over his Hall of Fame career? There is no doubt that it was the most eventful time of his career however Shaquille's career sandwiches his time in Hollywood with two four year slices of time in Florida.

He started his number one draft choice, rookie of the year career with the Orlando Magic and became one of the youngest, most exciting, up and coming players in the league. He took his team to the playoffs and formed a great one-two punch duo with Penny Hardaway while it lasted. His second visit to Florida featured four years on South Beach with another great sidekick in D-Wade. The diesel got his Kurt Russell on and ‘Escaped From LA’ and got another championship ring to boot too. Shaquille's story in Miami was one of redemption. With all these different stories to his career its hard to identify which team Shaq had the biggest impact on and vice versa. One things for certain though the business side of the NBA has certainly had its impact on his career. Yes its not always the owners and the managers faults. A lot of players demand to be released or traded and Shaquille has. Still, however in this business driven league some owners and managers when presented with a disgruntled member of their team would rather think what they could get for the player as opposed to what they could do for the player.

You know the purists out there will want some statistics but there’s only one figure you need to really consider to see how big the trading machine has got. Less than half of the teams in the NBA as of right now have the same franchise player that they had five years ago. So where has this trend of constant player movement come from? Lets look back to 2003 where the Lakers grabbed Utah’s and Seattle’s franchise players Karl Malone and Gary Payton to join them when they already had two of their own franchise players in Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. These big moves inspired the rest of the league to follow suit and forced them to keep up. In that’s same year Alonzo Mouring went to Miami, Rasheed Wallace went to Detroit and before he needed to feed his family Latrell Sprewell went to the Minnesota Timberwolves along with Sam Cassell.

The league hadn’t seen this much movement of franchise all-star players in this short space of time before. Of course big trades have always been a part of the NBA, legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Clyde Drexler spent their careers with more than one team. Still, it's a different ballgame today. These days players movement is at a higher frequency and top tier ball clubs in the league aren’t shy in stocking their rosters with all-star players who would be the main, go to guy on lesser teams. Although this makes the top teams that greater it makes the lesser teams more and more raw. This can reduce competitiveness in the league. Also think how better top draft picks on lottery teams would fare if they had more strong veteran or all-star influences to mentor them. The stars of the league may be willing to play with the Kobe’s and the Lebron’s (let's not get started on other decisions) for less pay but the possibility of a ring, but with that the Cavaliers and the Sacramento's (or Anaheim, Orange County, or wherever they're going to play) of the league are being left depleted.

One things for sure though the number of trades in the NBA is rising. Whether in the season or the off season and whether it be due to a team wanting immediate results or if there protecting themselves from losing a player to free agency. It can’t be argued that its interesting and at many a time exciting when a three team, seven player, blockbuster deal is done an hour before the trade deadline. Then again you can’t argue that when a All-Star player or a group of players spend the majority, if not all their careers for one team it gives them and the team of their generation a much deeper, richer legacy. Disagree? Think of Tim Duncan and the Spurs, Paul Pierce and the Celtics and Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. That’s when camaraderie is bigger than business. That’s when re-grouping is better than re-tooling. That’s were trades aren’t always necessary and that’s were amazing truly happens.

“And when it comes down to this recording/I must be Lebron James if you Jordan/No I want rings for my performance/I’m a Kobe Bryant of an artist/Same game, same coach, been starting/Same triangle offence.” Lil’ Wayne- Show Me What You Got (Freestyle)

RAISING ARIZA

From a Lake Show starter to finisher.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

"If there’s a ball somewhere and you know its been bobbled around, ama get it". Trevor Ariza-2008.

Trevor Ariza speaks with the confidence that is needed to be the type of role player who steps up and makes clutch plays in the NBA playoffs. Let's take it back to '08 for a second of nostalgia. It is the following morning after Trevor made a critical steal against the Denver Nuggets for the second time in the Western Conference Finals, sealing the victory for his Los Angeles Lakers side. Swarmed by reporters at practice the following morning Ariza is now stealing the spotlight from Kobe and the rest of the Lakers elite. This is no wonder as without those two steals the Lakers might have been heading to the fishing lakes instead of the NBA Finals.

The first steal came in the tightly fought game one where the Lakers prevailed thanks to that clutch steal and some crunch time free throws. Trevor Ariza uses two of the most important facets of his game in these key plays; anticipation and acceleration. Trevor can see the game before it happens like Magic Johnson, telling us; “Just staying locked in defensively, not having any mental lapse on the defensive end, and try to execute often” and he can turn it up like big game James Worthy. Anthony Carter threw an inbounds pass to Chauncey Billups that would ordinarily be routine, but Trevor read the pass perfectly and with gazelle like speed sprinted down court drawing a key foul.

These are the plays that NBA championships are made of. These are the plays that all-stars make. Former NBA MVP Kobe Bryant acknowledged Trevor stealing away for his teams win, “He made a terrific read, he had tremendous speed, great energy and great anticipation, it was a heck of a play”. Real recognizes real and having the best player in the league recognizing your talent speaks volumes for the type of player you are. Trevor looks familiar. For the Lakers playoff picture in 2008 and championship creation in 2009, the former UCLA bruin Ariza was as significant as leading man Kobe’s two co-stars Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom and even 'the man' himself. The director of this piece, Lakers coach Phil Jackson appreciated Trevor upping his performance at the aforementioned game ones final curtain, saying; “Trevor had really a frustrating night but he made two plays that were very instrumental in helping us win.”

Two games, forty seven minutes and twenty five seconds later in the series the Lakers needed someone to stop one last run by the Nuggets. So again Trevor Ariza stepped up defensively. In an almost identical play, Trevor anticipated, accelerated and stole an inbounds pass from Kenyon Martin intended for Carmelo Anthony, game Lakers. Ariza gave his all in this play so the Lakers would prevail, adding; “We’ve come too far in the season to fail, If I do that I’m letting my team down”. Trevor thinks like the type of big playoff contributors the Lakers franchise has been churning out for decades and championships. Trevor comes from the same school of stepping it up that Lakers greats Michael Cooper and Robert Horry and more attended.

Trevor knows that the playoffs are a different game to the rest of the NBA season and that’s why he made and still today-for his new, New Orleans team-makes big plays when the time calls for it, despite often being a background contributor to guys like Kobe or Chris Paul. The important thing Ariza knows is the importance of making the most of every chance he can get. So even if he has a game where he isn’t one of the biggest contributors, or if he is having an off night, every possession is still another opportunity for him and his team to prevail. Trevor Ariza has a great mental capacity for high pressure games, "Just forget about everything that happened the play before and just worry about the next play, can’t cry over spilt milk” he says and believes. This is the attitude of a guy who gets up after being knocked down, no matter how many times. This is the attitude of a winner.

These clutch plays that Trevor made is further reason to why he was given a starting position on a Lakers team littered with big time players as he helped lead his former franchise to an elusive championship in 2009 following their 2008 losing effort against Boston. Trevor earned this blood, by blood, steal by steal, sweat by sweat, dunk by dunk, tear by tear and big-play by big-play. A starting position which resulted in a then career high 26 points against the Dallas Mavericks, coupled with 3 steals, 3 rebounds and 2 assists across the board. Fans, teammates and opponents alike all didn’t expect this much from Ariza. His contributions has Marv Albert repeating one of his famous catchphrases, “How about Ariza?”.

Indeed how about Ariza, who has been coming up as big as any other player throughout the playoff campaigns over the years. Whether it be the defensive plays, hitting big three pointers or the emphatic, rim breaking, opponent confidence shaking, energy of team awakening dunks. Give this guy even a hint of an inch of room and he’ll take it and force the ball to the hoop with authority. Despite the angle, despite the degree of difficulty and despite the players in front of him. He wont be denied and he’ll defy gravity in the way he powers to the basket. From the defensive end to the offensive end, there's few better runners, starters and finishers, whether that be of his teams play or opponents.

Trevor’s moves have been on replay in fans minds and on YouTube collectively since the start of his career when he was taken at a criminally low 43rd overall in the 2004 draft by the Knicks. Still, however if he wasn’t getting the exposure he deserved as an exciting rookie in New York, or his time in Orlando, he’s certainly getting it now following his time in the celebrity capital of the world. Despite playing in an arena full of famous fans like Leonardo DiCaprio, Denzel Washington and of course Jack Nicholson, night-in night-out in 2009, Trevor was the one who drew the crowds gaze.

In late 2007 the Lakers gave up the promising talent of Maurice Evans and Brian Cook for the proven talent of the Orlando Magic’s Trevor. Then just over a month later, on December 25Th, Ariza gave them a great Christmas present. He unwrapped an amazing facial dunk over Grant Hill and the Phoenix Suns, giving the Lakers the enthusiasm and motivation needed to take the victory. This kept bloggers busy but also injected a new sense of excitement to a Lakers squad that was beginning to come together. It was now evolving from a blossoming team into a championship caliber unit in full bloom.

The last time the Lakers where a contender they had Shaquille O’Neal. In 2009 they went back to the top thanks to Kobe and the right compliment pieces that where running a lot more in a fast paced, exciting offense. This offense is reminiscent of the classic ‘Showtime’ era of the Lakers in the 80’s. These 21st century Lakers can run and finish strong whether it be Kobe, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol or Andrew Bynum. Still, however with great first step acceleration and electrifying dunks nobody on the Lakers roster epitomized the Showtime style of play more than Trevor Ariza did in his time (sorry Shannon, your still real close). That’s right, whether it be starting or finishing a fast break when Ariza was involved every seat in the house was vacant. Running as smooth as Jamaal Wilkes and taking it hard to the basket like Byron Scott, when Trevor was on top form it was Showtime baby!

It all seems like yesterday that Ariza was wearing the Lakers three on the teams quest for their own trio but it was two years, two teams (Houston and New Orleans) and two alike replacements in Ron Artest (defensively) and Devin Ebanks (physically) ago. Still despite the filled voids and the valid championships, Trevor Ariza is still missed and was a big part of the Lakers who would be a piece that would help them so much in the playoff puzzle. His speed, steals, hustle, determination and tenacious passion will always be missed by the Lakers and cherished by who he plays for. Even though Trevor may never don purple and gold again, he'll always be certified as an iconic Laker member and one of the prime reasons this team was successful in returning to their glory days. On this court he'll always be a star, thanks to his walk to fame. The championships belong to him as much to anyone as he played his supporting role to a tee on the fairways of Hollywood.

“Everyone has to contribute if we wanna win, everybody has to do their part”Trevor Ariza-2008.

Trevor certainly did his.

LAKERS LEAVERS

Honoring the alumni.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

With last years three-peat hopes finding no feet and a lockout not opening up anybodies chances for next season, Laker fans will be forgiven not to look to the championship past. The team still have their biggest stars intact but the Lakers still miss the players they lost to free agency over this last year. To begin last season on ring night Phil Jackson (a man who is missed the most) and the Staples crowd recognised this when the Zen mentioned and the crowd motioned towards these four. Farmar, Powell, Mbenga and Morrison may nave to wait for their championship rings in the post but they don't have to look too far for the love from Lakerland, as does another part of the Laker machine.

JORDAN FARMAR: Jordan could of been the heir to Derek Fishers starting point job. Still Farmar needed more than heavy rotation guard minutes. That's just how good he is. You better watch Jordan as he breaks out. He could be a star. Sure Steve Blake is a great replacement but it'll always be intriguing to know what could of been with this Los Angeles native and UCLA grad. His speed, tenacity, defence and shooting make him an all round scouts favourite. The Lakers loss is New Jersey's net gain however. Jordan and Devin Harris could give the Brooklyn to be Nets one of the quickest, most potential filled backcourts around, by way of a years experience overseas. Look for the Meadowlands to soon become Farmars boulevard.

ADAM MORRISON: He may have been the butt of many jokes for years, but despite the tears and 'tache Mo is no joke. Despite the highlight reels made by Jimmy Kimmell, Adam Morrison can play. "He can really go", Kobe told Kimmel and take it from me this guys got more sharp shots than suits and more twine than pine. This former lottery ticket is no bust. Adam can score like a starter but with all the options the Lakers had he had to take his ticket and wait in line. Sure a few more years here could of helped both parties but it's the Wizards however that made the real pooper to begin last years campaign. Morrison may have been cut but he's got plenty more tricks up his sleeve. Lets just hope another team can provide the vest.

JOSH POWELL: Josh may be a quiet guy who seldomly played for the Lakers but he will be missed. He will always be remembered like Mark Madsen for coming in and giving the Lake Show everything he had in any minutes he got. He even put up big numbers in Bynums absence. When it was time to step up Josh answered a call that wasn't even meant for him, but he received and connected. A fan and team favourite, Powell's good sounding taste in music provided a playlist for the team and Lakers.com. As a player too J-Peezy sounded a lot better than most people are willing to hear. He clicked in a shuffled Lakers rotation as he helped the team repeat. Josh plays like a tall guard or forward in a big mans body, is raw and seasoned with championship experience. Now this young Hawk is still in the playoff hunt as the necessary cover required to help this running and winning team flow. All Hawk eyes are on him.

D.J. MBENGA: Sure with just a mere mention of the word 'taco' Mbenga may provide more entertainment then when the Lake Show hit 100 on burrito night but D.J. will be missed for more character 'hits' than that. Sure Mbenga may have been posterized more times than Shawn Bradley acting like a camera man in a dunk contest but D.J. could put it down too. Now yes when he died his hair gold with Artest, Mbenga may have looked more like the other NBA wild man, Dennis Rodman was ready to hit a retirement home but when D.J. was requested he manned the boards and helped the Lakers rebound from injuries etc. Baby Mutombo is an ambassador to defence and now he serves for the sensational city of New Orleans where he'll show the nest what a real king looks like.

SASHA VUJACIC: We can't forget about Sasha, who was traded in the middle of last season. Sure this machine gunner at times was in a funk and was wild and erratic but he still served well like Maria Sharapova. Speaking of his beau-like Gasol-we saw him courtside this Summer in London for Wimbledon but we sure do miss him at times on court in STAPLES. Earlier on in 2011 in London after the big trade he hit many big clutch shots or his new, New Jersey Nets as he helped thaw the Toronto Raptors in their international double-header. Even when the Lakers hit England's capital last year the Slovenian still drew cheers and charges despite all eyes on Kob'. A popular character because of his shot, style, defence and passion. Erratic but enigmatic, inconsistent but still a champion. The title and praise speaks for itself. The machine motors on along with Farmar in New Jersey. No sleep 'till Brooklyn.

Bottom line all these guys will be missed as we wish them well. They will all be an asset wherever they play and even if the Lakers rebound to a championship next season, somehow it just won't be the same without them. Take good care guys. All the best.

CANADA DRY

It sure has been one cold Summer up north.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

Lets take a trip down memory lane. It was the fall of 2006 and this writer was living in Toronto for a few months after finishing university in his native England. Now this writer was already exposed to basketball since the door frame, pencil marking age of 11. Basketball was his first love despite living in a nation where soccer, rugby, cricket, tennis and motor sport leave little room for anything else to get a look in. Now even though this hoops lover knew everyone from the Kobe Bryant’s to the Michael Olowakandi's of this league nothing would prepare him for what he saw in Ontario.

This writer would witness a hoops hotbed North of America. A country whose star player/celebrity Steve Nash was a recent back to back MVP and a city whose team rose from being frozen out of the playoff picture to contention in merely a year. Sure Steve Nash may have looked more like a guy who surfs or skates boards rather than one who runs back and forth between them but he was the best. This pasty, shaggy haired little guy was and is one of the L's brightest, polished and biggest stars around. Nash is one of the greatest points of all time palms down. He ran things for his nation’s international team back in the day and today he still leads the way for Canada in his sport.

In 2006 the Toronto Raptors now the sole Canadian franchise in the NBA (since the Grizzlies of Vancouver migrated to Memphis) looked hot in the harsh Ontario Winter. No longer hung-over from Vince Carter's departure they where now revitalised led by Chris Bosh and his post Garnett style play. The Raptors shared more in common with Steve Nash than their Canadian roots. The Raps where quickly becoming the Phoenix Suns of the East. They where rebranded, they where quicker, they where more international than their location, they where more entertaining and most importantly they won more. It sure looked sunny for Basketball in Canada with little chance or rain.

A few years later however and the weather changed forecasting a chilly outlook and today it's so cold in the NBA's second home. The Canadian national side in recent years has failed to qualify for the 2006 World Championships and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Steve Nash has got older and as he has aged his number 7 Canada jersey is now being pulled off discount rails instead of being pulled on in international competition. Last year the Canadian side has crashed out of this months FIBA World championship going all John Starks in the group stages. I guess British Colombia will be the closest this nation gets to England for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Still, this incredible nation is still worthy of carrying their torch with pride. The fire is still burning, even if it is a lighter flame.

As for the Toronto Raptors right now they probably feel like a woman scorned. A woman who learned to love once more after all her friends told her it would be alright but then got cheated on again. Last summer it all went South (South Beach to be specific) for Toronto as their second franchise player/hero to villain left via free agency. Chris Bosh made a determined decision he saw as best but really became a CB4 in the eyes of Raptor fans joining 'Team James' and 'Team Wade' by taking his talents and teams hopes to Miami. Now although this move caused a whole lot of heat (that may even make things cooler for Vince Carter) things have been getting a bit cold up in Toronto for some time now.

It seems like the season of 2006/2007 was an exclamation year for the T-Dot, but now they seem so far gone from the best they ever had. As the years went on cracks appeared like the ice on Toronto streets in April. Personnel left and games dropped. First the Raps iron man Morris Peterson bolted and then their coach Sam Mitchell was given the Terrence Howard treatment. Following that more Toronto heroes would fly, from Hedo Turkoglu to Candace Parker's hot shooting brother Anthony, even the efficient 'garbage man', Jorge Garbajosa was recycled. All this did was leave the desperate franchise in need of more saving like the TD bank, consistently and literally speaking.

Nowadays this team really is looking like a bunch of Dinosaurs. If things don't get better for these Raptors the NBA could make their only remaining franchise outside of the USA extinct. Or they may even look better and feel more at home in the new, developing Canadian Basketball League. Sure Toronto is a big-market and vastly underrated city but an incredible town can't make up for a lacklustre team. Vancouver have already suffered this fate, there are no grizzly bears scaring people in Memphis just overweight Elvis impersonators.

Times have gone all Bob Dylan up north and this change isn't necessary something that these people can believe in. If things don't improve soon for club and country Canada may have no team in the Olympics and no team in the NBA. If Toronto is wiped out it's going to take more than a John Hammond to rebirth and raise these Raptors in another location. This team is lost on an island on their own and need to improve Bosh or no Bosh, Carter or no Carter. Now as far as the Canadian national side are concerned there may only be one Steve Nash but in basketball there are still five players that make a team on the floor. Nash is prepared to pass the torch, so who’s willing to carry it? It's time for these squads to put aside old legends that now just hold them back and look for young prodigies to take them forward.

The Canadian side does have talent however, in the form of guys like Ryan Bell, Andy Rautins, Jermaine Anderson, Carl English and the Miami Heat's Joel Anthony but in front of strong role players they need a poster boy, a Kevin Durant, a star player. In terms of iconic status Steve Nash may be to Canada what Yao Ming is to China but it's now time for Canada to turn over a new leaf and find their next dynasty, just like China are doing. Then Basketball in Canada just may start to run as smooth as syrup again. These 'road warriors' have been through a lot and now it's time for them to battle on without their leader.

The Raptors need to find their next franchise player also. Sure the loss if Chris Bosh was devastating as was the one of Vince Carter but Toronto re-fuelled after their loss of 'Air Canada' and they will rebound after losing their 20 and 10 post man. It's up to general manager Bryan Colangelo to deliver however-much like he has before-and raise this team out of the ashes, truly making them the Phoenix of the East once again. If this is done the right way then (just like the resulting aftermath of Vinsanity) there will be a day that Toronto can also do more than just boo Bosh when he returns downtown.

Developing star and internationally known Andrea Bargnani and dunking dynamo DeMar DeRozan are a great start towards a better finish for the Raps. Although these two guys would normally be second options on other teams, if one or both of these guys step up they could take Toronto up the ladder and out of an Atlantic basement which holds no Eastern promises. This inside/outside tandem could compliment each other very well. This talented range could be to the Raptors advantage, taking them all far. Speaking of which, front-court juggernaut James Johnson and speedy guard Jose Calderon are also two dynamic guards in the backcourt with a wealth of underrated talent. They are fast, they can score, dish and are stars in the making. With these four guys and former Phoenix flame, runner and gunner Leandro Barbosa in the works the Raptors still have a good team. They are just a few pieces away from having a decent line-up that can go deep. The loss of Bosh however is still a big one and the T-Dot would welcome a franchise player with a killer instinct that can take them further than the first NBA hurdle of making the playoffs. Then things could really take off in the Air Canada Centre, before other entertainment takes over and 'Rogers' that.

Now it may not look like it these days when group stage stat lines read 0 for 5, or star players walk away for little in return but Canada is still an important hoops nation. Taking Canada out of the basketball equation would be as amusing as taking John Candy (rest peacefully big man) away from a child. This nation is no joke but the old days are still missed, even if they are seen in a distant view like CN Tower. It just doesn't seem like a half decade ago. You see although he's closed to retirement (not too close, mind you) Canada did birth a player who changed the game in Nash and this revolution was televised on more than just TSN. Canada is still also the sole country outside the U.S. to have a proud and successful NBA team. Those franchises in the U.K. and Asia still haven't taken expansion so right now the NBA's biggest market outside of America shares a home with the Maples Leafs on Bay Street. Still believe it or not this hockey loving nation does give a puck about Basketball. Canada just needs to prove this before more of their courts freeze over and become ice rinks. Time to thaw it out.

BRITISH INTELLIGENCE

Great Britain's Basketball vision is 20-12.

By TIM DAVID HARVEY

This last week has seen the World Championship Athletics held in the sensational city of Seoul, South Korea be the perfect precursor to next years 2012 Olympic Games, but just a fortnight prior, next years host nation Great Britain held an invitational Basketball tournament as part of the 'London Prepares' series. Luol Deng and has squad may have come only second to China's last place, but they played valiantly and along with neighbours France, Australia, Serbia and Croatia helped stimulate hoop heads thoughts about next year. Held in the Olympic Village and the lemon meringue looking Basketball stadium the developing future of Basketball in Britain is looking different, but good.

The English basketball league too is improving by the year and the recent, repeat champions the Mersey Tigers (formerly under the same umbrella as the football team Everton, but now showing signs of unity by bringing together all of the city of Liverpool) even made it into American basketball magazine 'SLAM' a couple of seasons back. The big focus in the U.K. however is the national side 'Team GB' with less than a year to go to sports biggest stage. The team is looking very strong right now with a decent pool of talent. This team has come a long way from the days when their most famous player was John Amaechi, who over recent years has become more infamous for his 'coming out' book rather than the talents he had as a player. Thankfully these days the reason British basketball is getting exposure is due to what is happening on court, not what the tabloids get caught up on. Amaechi's coming out was a brave statement of solidarity with similar athletes living in fear of discrimination but too many media outlets put a negative spin on a barrier-breaking, change-making decision and declaration. This G.B. legend however gave his inspiration and now he's paving the way for future idols.

The talent is leaving fans drooling at the mouth more than Beethoven (the dog from the movies, not the composer, but everything is being conducted well and sounds so good) and Glen Davis combined. The anticipation is so big that the team’s official webpage is named www.gameongb.com. The reason that this anticipation is so high could have something to do with the fact that the team features two prominent NBA stars who have declared that they will play for both club and country, Luol Deng and Ben Gordon.

These are two guys that are not only former teammates (with the Chicago Bulls) and players experienced in winning big games, they are also real, developed talent. They are guys that Team GB doesn’t have to wait on; they are already big time contributors. Gone are the days where British fans would hang on to the little British ties stars had like Steve Nash's family roots or the fact that Ray Allen spent time in Ipswich. British basketball finally has its cover stars.

Luol Deng was born in Wau, Sudan, but is of British nationality after emigrating to Brixton. Luol has been the 'new' poster boy of British basketball for some time now. He has climbed up the Chicago Bulls ranks past players who at first where seen as guys who would leave this dynamic forward languishing on the bench. He has spent year after year in the NBA whilst withstanding consuming injury and international duty to craft himself as one of the top tier talents in this league in scoring and all round play. He even spearheaded the NBA Europe Live exhibition game featuring his then victorious Chicago Bulls against the Utah Jazz held in London in 2009. In this game he displayed his talents and leadership for not only his team but his country. He did this in front of his hometown fans from Brixton and other corners of London and the whole world watching on national and international television.

Ben Gordon, who was born in Britain and has dual citizenship with the U.S. may no longer be playing alongside Luol in Chicago but the experience he garnered doing this will pay off in dividends for him and his former running mate and more importantly his national side. Ben was a big time player in the Chi. He was and still is quick, clutch and savvy. Alongside Deng, Gordon was one of the Bulls premier go to guys leading the stampede. His charges included making dangerously deep shots and forceful aggression at the basket, both leading to points made and proved. Even in his rookie year Gordon was so hot that Chicago was almost declaring that there was a new Benny the Bull in town. Ben's college experience with the University of Connecticut’s NCAA Championship team gave him veteran confidence in his first year. We all remember his teardrop against the Knicks. These days Ben has been given the responsibility as one if the main Pistons motoring forward the new, rebuilt Detroit franchise. The location may have changed but the game hasn't. Ben Gordon is still one of the freshest, developing talents in the league.

So in this Team GB set Luol will be the 'franchise' guy leading the way on the court and in the team’s heart. Ben will be more than 'the other guy' or 'the co-pilot'. He'll be the big time scorer and more importantly the clutch player, which in international competition against talented teams such as Spain and Argentina could be decisive. Team GB's talents don't just begin and end with Deng and Gordon however. The talent derived from the national basketball organisations of England, Scotland and Wales is full of young, hungry ballers. Ballers like Tottenham born, former Toronto Raptors, versatile forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu and swingman/team captain Andrew Sullivan's anchoring talents and leadership. Head Coach Chris Finch and his assistants Tony Garbelotto, Tim Lewis and Nick Nurse also steady the ship and have their sights set on a new beginning for a team who only ever made the Olympics once in 1948.

The interesting thing about this team is that even as the host nation for the 2012 Olympics their place wasn't guaranteed. That was until they showed and proved their improvement and competitiveness to FIBA, the international basketball federation. From the looks of things this team looks ready to get even better and better. Lead by two NBA go to guys with renewed focus and motivation behind them this team looks ready to give the next year and their final destination of the Olympic Games everything they have. Which, by the looks of it appears to be a lot more than most people think.

Game on.

IN DEFENCE

Watching the throne.

By Tim David Harvey

Defense wins championships. Sure it's a boring notion but it's an accurate one as well. That's why the Boston Celtics have so many banners. That's why Ron Artest won Game 7 in the 2010 NBA Finals and that's why Bill Russell remains the real lord of the rings.

The Lakers three-peat run was brought to an abrupt end in Texas this year, but before that they where back to back champions and you can't spell 'double' without 'D'. Historically they are known for their 'Showtime' offence and Kobe Bryant is one of the associations greatest ever players and offensive threats, but the Lakers are much more than prolific scorers. In defending the throne that now crowns the Dallas Mavericks, L.A. will need to step up their defensive play once again. You can't spell 'dominance' or 'dynasty' without a lot of 'D' either, first and foremost. The Lakers have become a great defensive team and have learned from their 2008 Finals loss to Boston and their 2004 heartbreak in Detroit, now ts time to learn from last years disappointment. They have learned that you can score on someone all you like, but if you can't stop them, it's all Dirk and it's all over.

Now the Lake Show is stocked full of great stoppers. Gasol, Bynum and Odom are all good defenders in the post and as for the backcourts ability you can charge that to their warrior Derek Fisher. The Lakers bench may often be overlooked in favour for the Hollywood elite that sits behind them but these players certainly can take offence too, from the points made by experienced veteran Steve Blake or the youthful exuberance of sophomore Devin Ebanks.

To win big games though you need difference makers. The Lakers have that on both ends of the floor but when it comes to defence the Lakers have a three pronged attack that can lock down even the best in the league. Why do they have this? They have this because they've got three of the best perimeter defenders in the league, one of the first lines of defence in Basketball. They've last years acquired free agent Matt Barnes. They've got former 'Defensive Player of the Year' Ron Artest and they've got Kobe Bryant, a Basketball legend on both ends of the floor.

So when you've got three of your best defenders in the L guarding your best player (or best two players for that matter), you've got trouble. The Lakers could play two of these guys at a time, with one guy tagging in off the bench or all three at once. Either way it's about to become real hard for any team to match up with the Lakers as their best athletes wrestle with the competition. Even Dallas' three balls may call shenanigans on a healthy defensive big three, Miami or anybody will find it hard to beat. It doesn't matter who you are. Even if you think you've got the luck of the Boston Irish. Even if your names Tim Duncan or Dwight Howard. Any dream team will suffer a nightmare playing this three headed monster. No player wants to screw with this ménage a trois.

It all begins with Kobe. The franchise player, the' go to guy'. He makes all the big plays, not every time (we see you Pau, Lamar, Derek and Ron) but nine times out of ten. The clutch shots may be remembered and rotated on youtube for decades but his key steals and blocks ice games just as well. See Kobe suffers from the same thing all star players do. People focus on all the exciting things too much that the intangibles get overlooked. Lets take Basketball back to the basics. Kobe is a 'guard' after all, even if he is a 'shooting guard'.

Kobe may have made the NBA All-Defensive team year after year but his work on the 'other' end of the floor is still very much underrated. Put it this way, who do people talk about more, the 'Defensive Player Of The Year' or the league MVP? Sure highlights are highlights but the 'little' things that are done and that don't show up on the stat sheet are just as important. As a matter of fact these aren't 'little' things anyway. Everything in Basketball is a big thing and the difference between achieving the 'W' or being left games behind.

Kobe doesn't just go at the opposing teams best player, he guards them too. Bryant has good wingspan, he's strong, he holds his own and most importantly, he's fearless. Kobe is so competitive and has a killer instinct that is matched by nobody in this league...nobody. Number 24 doesn't just want to beat you...he wants to stop you too. A Black Mamba can kill you in more ways than one and the self dubbed 'Doberman' of the Beijing Olympics doesn't bark, he bites. Just like when he won a gold medal Bryant showed that he is just as dedicated to hounding someone on defence as he is at being chased on offence, even if it was his teammate and friend Pau on the Spanish side. It's all about no mercy. Still, not only do the Lakers have one of the best all-round players guarding their house, they've also let two more hungry dogs off the leash.

The Lakers may have lost some 'Showtime', when they gave up Trevor Ariza in the free agent period of 2009 but they picked up a real 'show stopper' when they acquired Ron Artest back off Houston. Ariza was a big reason the Lakers won in 2009 but Artest was an even bigger reason why the Lakers repeated in 2010. Sure when the Lakers lost Ariza's athleticism they lost a lot of speed but having Ron Artest slow things down on defence isn't exactly a bad thing. Ron can see the game like Magic and blind his opponents outputs with his tricks. See a player who can see the game developing in a much slower way can master the court and therefore the game itself. A player like this sees plays before they happen. A player like this wins championships and becomes legendary. A player like this sees the game like Earvin Johnson. This is no illusion, great minds think alike and great players move in time.

Now Ron, Ron may not move with the quickness but what Artest doesn't have in speed he makes up for 100 times over in strength. He may not look like he could run track but he's built like he could play football. Imagine trying to get round a pick set by this guy. Or imagine exhaustively managing to elude Kobe after being chased around the court only to be hit and bounced by Artest. Now even the strong body of LeBron James couldn't put up with much of this punishment. There's no peace from World, on the war of the court, Metta lays it down with authority like a gavel. When it comes to legendary defence, he's as guilty as charged. Ron is getting his Pat Riley on again and promising another championship like when he took the blame for 2010, Artest is guaranteeing twenty twelve will be the end of the competition like John Cusack films do the world.

Any team in this league can throw anything they want at the Lakers because they have the players to counter. When the Lakers picked up Pau Gasol in 2008 Kobe remarked that he wasn't going to war with 'butter knives' anymore, well now he and his Lakers aren't lying in trenches either. Their standing in a fort. Let's take nothing away from this brilliant Miami team crafted last Summer but with last years the pick up of Barnes, the Lakers can match them, outlast them and even challenge and defeat them. Think about it they match up piece for piece. Chris Bosh has Bynum, Gasol and Odom to deal with in the post while Kobe and LeBron will face off. This leaves Dwyane Wade, not open but closed off by both Barnes and Artest. Checkmate. Denzel sitting courtside knows this. This is chess not checkers.

Barnes can burn his opponents with his play, with his defensive smarts inked in to him like his tattoo's ingrained. Built with a slashers body, sure he can score but he can take more stabs out of his opponents final box score. Plus with the Ariza like replacement of Devin Ebanks in the potential bank, the Lakers perimeter power looks to go forth. Still with all three defenders on the court at the same time the Lakers become arguably the most powerful offensive and the most powerful defensive team in the league. Then, even when Kobe takes five (or more like two) on the bench, the Lakers still have two of the best players in the league disarming the opposing teams primary weapon. When Kobe is back on the court during crunch time he can focus more on the offence when he knows his first and second line of defence has his back.

The reason these guys excel in the lost art of defence is attributed to much more than 'just' their strength, their positioning or their undeniable, proven talent. The reason these guys are three of the top ten defenders in the league is because they share the same three attributes that every player needs to become a premier defender in this league. These attributes are courage, passion and competitiveness. Bryant, Artest and Barnes have the die hard bravery to risk anything and everything to win and they have the passion that goes beyond the 'I Love This Game' slogan. This is because they want to win and rule this game that they love. It's one thing loving something, it's another thing to actually 'want' the thing you love. Now as far as competitiveness is concerned we needn’t get into it...but we will.

How competitive are these guys? Well look at it this way these guys may be team-mates now but before as opponents, there was no love lost. These guys where far from friends. We remember Ron in Kobe's face all series long as Houston and LA sparred in the 2009 Playoffs. Also how can we forget Barnes and Bryant getting into it in 2010 during a Magic, Lakers game? Things got so heated that Barnes even faked throwing an inbounds pass right at Kobe's face! Bryant even one-upped Barnes however by coolly not even flinching at this. Kobe just stared right through the ball and right through Matt owning the moment. Chris Rock knows this kind of humiliation. These friends are anything but when it comes to the competitive nature of the game. Cold as the ice in their veins and cold blooded with a Rick James slap.

Kobe is without a doubt the most competitive player in this league. When Barnes and Artest showed they weren't fazed by this legend they earned more than just Kobe's frustration and attention. They earned his respect. It's almost like it was all written, just like K.B. was testing these two guys, but the fact is Kobe plays like this against everyone. The thing that separates Artest and Barnes from the rest was their willingness to see Kobe's competitiveness and up the ante. Now as team-mates what separates these two from the rest is their willingness to put this old rivalry aside in order to come together with the same passion for the same goal. That's what separates a Ron Artest and a Matt Barnes from a Raja Bell. This is what separates ordinary players from champions.

With three of the most competitive, passionate and aggressive players on the same page defensively the Lakers become as strong as any defensive minded team they've tried to overcome over the last ten years. dding this element to an already championship calibre team gives the Lakers that extra dimension, that Championship x-factor. Los Angeles now on both ends of the floor has a team like no other. A team that is both dominant in the paint and on the perimeter. They may not have a 'Dream' team like in Miami and Dallas may have given them a year off but what they do have is a dynasty in the making. Now that's real. Don't sleep. The giant has woken up. The champ is here. Case in point, the defence rests. Until next season.

TRAINING DAY

You ready?

"Oh yeah! I have been waiting for this release for 2 years. This project involved 80+ mini DV Tapes (60 minutes) and took over 14 full days of shooting. Add the editing, and you have a monster project. We are excited the anticipation has been so high and so many major companies are supporting and getting the word out about the HGT Program." Jeremy Russotti

By TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Looking to improve your game? Well Jeremy Russotti and Alan Stein are really on to something. Accept no imitations, expect no limitations. Internationally known and nationally renowned skill coach Russotti and strength coach Stein have come together to collaborate on their 'Hoop Gains training program, launching this September (www.hoopgainstraining.com). A system consisting of 100+ workouts online for players that work on body enhancement and skill training in order to help develop a players optimum skill-level and talent.

Jeremy and Alan's training program can be downloaded on computer, ipad or iphone as the pair have produced one of the best ways to put this basketball application in to practice. Their workout assignments are sent out every month so it's time all the young aspiring basketball students swot up on their homework before they are taken to school. Jeremy Russotti and Alan Stein are putting on more than a clinic, there writing an education. Time to learn more from them.

24/48/82: "Trains for gains, not to maintain", we know and love the
Motto, tell us more.

Jeremy: That is the motto I strive for everyday I step into the gym with my clients. A lot of players maintain what they currently work with during their workouts. I want my clients to always be overloaded, constantly uncomfortable, which will cause increase adaptations within their minds and body. It is great to see a lot of my big clients tweeting or finishing off all their tweets with this motto. It represents 1% CLUB Basketball and the HGT program perfectly!

24/48/82: The 21st of September is one important date for the calendar right?

Jeremy: Yes it is the first day people will be able to sign up for Hoop Gains Training.com. We will have several emails going out to those that provide their email addresses to the site with free video footage, special clips from clients of ours from 8 years ago when they were in high school and now in the professional ranks. Also will be video messages from Alan Stein as well. We will be doing a global launch but that date is the first date people can purchase this great resource.

24/48/82: What makes your different, new training techniques different to the rest?

Alan: The strength & conditioning portion of Hoop Gains is basketball specific. Basketball players are not Olympic lifters, bodybuilders or football players - so they shouldn't train as such! This program is gearedto meet the specific demands of the game.

Jeremy: I would say the functionality of our drills and how they transfer to the basketball court. Nowadays there are so many trainers doing circus type drills that look cool, however, for the serious player there is zero relevance to their court improvement. Also, we are constantly overloading our players with V-Bands (Wrist Weights) and O-Bands in order get those gains and reinforce our body movements were trying to create.

24/48/82: Can you take us through an overview of the 'Hoops Based Training' and the body enhancement and skill technique features please?

Jeremy: Through the HoopGains Training (HGT) Program, Alan and I wanted to cut through all of the BS we see online and train players to really reach their playing potential. So we boiled everything down and are giving players exactly what they need to improve their games: personal coaching and proven training systems.

Here's a quick breakdown of the HGT Program:
- Basktball skill training program focusing on dibble attack progressions, multi-dimensional scoring moves, and developing an advanced basketball IQ
- Basketball-specific strength & conditioning program to improve your strength, vertical, explosiveness, agility, and conditioning quickly
- Limited spots in the program to give our players the attention they need to be successful.
- All resources are online and available 24/7.
- Progressive and detailed basketball skill and strength workouts for the entire year.
- Private training website for members.
- Private email to Jeremy and Alan with guaranteed responses within 24 hours.
- Results guaranteed: you do the program and improve your skills and athleticism or the program is free.


24/48/82: What are your courses core principles?

Alan: Hoop Gains is a focused, intense, progressive, and purposeful training program. Every drill and every exercise is designed to improve performance on the court.

Jeremy: The core principles of the program are pretty straight-forward: personal coaching and proven training systems. We're all about K.I.S.S. - keep it simple systems. We're only going to give you what you need to take your game to the highest level possible, and cut out everything else that usually just ends up confusing players. Everything that we do with our personal clients, many of whom have gone on to be All League, All State, High School All-Americans, D-1 scholarship players, D-1 All-Americans, International Pros, and some NBA and WNBA players, we'll be doing with members of the HGT program.

24/48/82: Can you tell us the advantages of technology and ipads and iphones? Steve Job's may want to come out of retirement and collaborate.

Alan: Technology is a platform for us to share safe, efficient, and productive training with players and coaches all over the world! It allows us to be a resource to folks we my never have a chance to meet in person. Technology is the great equalizer for players and coaches looking for an advantage.

24/48/82: Can you please tell us more about the '1% Club' and the 'Green Room Training' programs?

Jeremy: 1% CLUB was started in 2003 basically as a joke. I was a varsity coach and 2 of my players and I spent countless hours in the gym. We thought we were the best in the world and felt we trained at that top 1% level. Of course looking back, we were doing some crazy stuff, but we just worked harder than anyone else and created a little group. It wasn't until both players became state players of the year did I realize that I could actually make it into a business. The company has evolved from training, to services, DVDs, inventions, TV, traveling, speaking engagements, and of course online commerce. I am very blessed! As for Green Room Training, that is my baby and my ultimate dream job! It started with one client and in just a few years we are excited to have such an amazing group of PRO athletes and future PRO athletes training all summer. It is an all-inclusive program, where guys live on campus, have their own personal chef, massage therapists, and skill and body enhancement specialists. Were hoping in the near future to also have a session in the summer for high school players. The sky is the limit for the GRT program and excited to see how it grows each year.

24/48/82: How satisfying is it to have invented the J-Glove shooting aid and how important are V-Bands and O-Bands rubber band training in both skill and physical training?

Jeremy: The J-Glove has been a major part of my life. It started as a vision, a training tool I used for clinics, to one of the top basketball products in the world. It is a huge part of my family and has completely changed the way I think. I am a true inventor now, and constantly ponder all day about new ideas. I have so many new products coming out in the next 2-3 years that I cannot wait to see if they are as successful as the J-Glove or not. As for V-Bands and O-Bands they are the foundation to my Hybrid Relevance Training. I came up with the concept of using wrist weights 9 years ago with my players and people thought I was nuts. However, the key to ball skills is hand speed. If you can increase hand speed, it makes dribbling the basketball or controlling the ball so much easier. Fancy dribbling drills cannot replicate the gains from V-Bands. Coming October 7th, 2011, I have took the wrist weight idea and made it to a product that doesn't impede the wrist area and are functional for all sports. Amazing product. As for O-Bands, they increase the intensity and overload 10x more than regular. Anybody that uses them once knows how difficult it is to keep an hour workout involving both V-Bands and O-Bands. Those products are whom 1% CLUB and the HGT program is. Functional, intense, and results.

24/48/82: Both your international experience and longevity is incredible how much can this help young, up and coming ballers?

Jeremy: Proof is in the pudding forth both Alan and I. People love our DVDs, love our products, and migrate to our training. It is fresh, functional, unique, and fun. You cannot fake this with clever marketing. You either have it or you don't.

24/48/82: Can you please share with us some success stories from previous programs and what you expect from this one?

Jeremy: Alan and I are putting this program out because of the recent influx of other online programs that do not come through with what they are saying. They are using ridiculous guarantees of "how to dribble like Chris Paul", or "how to become the next Kobe Bryant", "how to increase your vertical jump by 12" in 12-weeks". These are just Ivy League marketing genius that have clever ideas to make you sign up but then it comes up short. It is just terrible and Alan and I felt we had to quit responding to people about these programs and do something about it.

24/48/82: What do you teach your players in order for them to have a high basketball I.Q.?

Everything we teach is broken down scientifically and "why" they are doing these movements. We have found that our clients have truly never broken down why they do what they do and really studied their craft. This engages their mind and opens them up to learning. Once you get a client to trust your teaching then you can start hitting them with situationals, or x's and o's of the game.

24/48/82: How do you utilise their skills into competent offensive and defensive moves?

Jeremy: We have a certain teaching style that is based on simplicity, physicality, and precise linear and lateral movements. Also, I have a series of triple threat techniques that we use for separation. Also have a series of teaching concepts we use for dribble attack or freeze situations as well. Its all about creating separation for your shot. If we can dominate a defender and create separation, you have a shot at playing at a high level. If you cannot dominate a defender 85% of the time, your basketball career will end after high school. It is hard to put this into writing with showing you or watching our DVDs, but this is the one area I get hired for the most. How to become a scorer and separate from a defender. It is a chess game and can be developed.

24/48/82: How do your techniques increase strength and reduce injury?

Alan: A well designed strength program will reduce the occurrence and/or severity of injury by making the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints stronger and more durable. This program specifically addresses the feet/ankles, knees, hips, and core - common injury prone areas for basketball players of all ages and levels.

24/48/82: How important is it-especially in shooting-that young athletes are better basketball players instead of better 'weight lifters'?

Alan: A properly designed strength program is the foundation of a player's total development program. My increasing strength and power a player will be able to perform their skills at a higher level, perform them with more efficiency, and perform them for longer before fatigue sets in. This is particularly true for shooting!

24/48/82: 'The best players are in the best shape', can you share with our readers and young players just how crucial is please?

Alan: It is impossible to perform your basketball skills to our maximum ability if you are fatigued. When your body becomes fatigued, your mind is soon to follow!

24/48/82: What do you expect you and others will get from this program?

Jeremy: I think people will find this to be the #1 training resource for players, coaches, parents, teams, etc. There is so much information that you will have training ideas and drills for years. Mixed with our DVD teachings, instructional aids, I cannot honestly say there is anything out there like it in the world. Also, Alan and I are extremely accessible to our customers at anytime. There will be opportunities in sending us your training footage, interaction, etc. Where else can you find that with "TRUE" Professional skill trainers with REAL clients.

24/48/82: Thank you for your time and all the best of luck with everything. All your doing looks set to be huge. Anything more you would like to share in closing?

Jeremy: Train for gains, not to maintain. Thats all!!