Nike Basketball News

Wesley Matthews Basketball Never Stops Story

tonyhellberg1 — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:34:16 GMT

Wesley Matthews started playing basketball when he was three years old, but his connection to the game runs deeper than that. If you ask him, his passion for the game is undeniable. "It was in my DNA," He says. "My dad was a hooper, mom was a hooper, but my mom put the ball in my hands."
Flash forward to 2011. Marquette Golden Eagles and Portland fans alike are thankful for the gift that Matthews’ mother gave her son.

After completing four-years at Marquette University, Matthews went undrafted in the 2009 NBA Draft. Think that was going to stop him? Absolutely not. As a result of hard work and a solid reputation for his professionalism, Matthews earned himself a one-year deal with the Utah Jazz. From there, that hard work and determination led him to the Blazers where he inked a five-year deal and proved he wasn't planning on going anywhere.

While he fell in love with the game early like most of his fellow NBAers, his path to becoming a pro was a little different. That path also proves the passion that Matthews has for basketball and all that it has given him.
"It's given me everything.” Matthews says earnestly. "Life lessons. You've got to sacrifice. You've got to devote yourself. You've got to grind, you've got to work, you've got to give everything you have to get something out of it. It's opened doors for me and the biggest thing in my life is that it has enabled me to retire my mom."

Matthews doesn't just look after his family, though. Watch him play and you'll see a teammate who does whatever is needed to help his team win. Whether it's playing tough defense against one of the NBA's best scorers, or scoring the ball himself, Matthews is focused on trying to give back to the game that has given him so much.

Ask him about it and he'll tell you that he always will, saying, "I'm never going to stop. I'm going to be involved with basketball as long as I can."

For Wesley Matthews #BasketballNeverStops is a way of life.

Danny Granger's Basketball Never Stops Story

tonyhellberg1 — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 01:51:24 GMT

Danny Granger has spent the past six seasons in Indiana after being drafted by the Pacers in 2005, but his basketball roots go back much further than that. Born in Louisiana, Granger's earliest memories involving a basketball date all the way back to when he was a toddler. “I was two years old,” Granger fondly shares. “There’s a picture of me learning to walk while holding a basketball.”

One must first walk before running, but it wasn't long before Granger was racing around the backyard, basketball in hand, playing on the court built for him by his father. From the carefree days of his youth, through today, Granger says basketball has always been there for him, serving as a release.

“Regardless of the situations that arise, basketball will always be there,” the All-Star said." It has taken up about 90 percent of my life to this point. It’s a special thing. A machine that keeps on going.”

A “machine” that requires a hoop, lots of heart and some kicks. With the hoop in his backyard and his heart devoted to the game, it didn’t take long for Granger to also develop a passion for shoes. Today, he boasts an impressive collection of Nikes.

Ask the shoe fiend about his favorite shoe and he will respond “Air Max 95” without hesitation. In addition to shoes, when Granger isn’t on the court playing or getting a workout in, he can often be found on the couch, playing video games. Basketball video games, of course.

“I play NBA2K12,” Granger revealed, when asked of how he spent the extra long offseason this summer. “I also love to watch college basketball. I went to the University of New Mexico, Go Lobos!”

In addition to keeping himself busy through those passions, he also does his part to pass the game forward. With an AAU team named “The Danny Granger Hurricanes”, Granger wasn’t joking about basketball being 90 percent of his life. That’s the way he likes it, though.

Crediting the game for teaching him dedication, commitment, perseverance and resilience, Granger is thrilled he is able to give back to his AAU team. He is also grateful for all the game has given him and he knows regardless of how long he goes between regular season games, in his life, Basketball Never Stops.

Nate Robinson's Basketball Never Stops Story

tonyhellberg1 — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:43:17 GMT

Throughout his career, Nate Robinson has made a habit of defying expectations. Despite standing just 5’9, Robinson has made a niche for himself in the NBA as an explosive scorer and one of the leagues most vicious dunkers. The former UW star followed in the footsteps of Spud Webb and proved that size doesn’t matter, winning not one, but three slam dunk contests.

While Robinson has become known for his elite athleticism, he acknowledges that he wouldn’t be in the NBA if it weren’t for the hard work and focus on the fundamentals that he put in at a young age.

“I was 10 years old when I first played organized basketball. I played for a team called the Mean Machines,” explained Robinson. “ My father introduced me to the game. I had a cousin who taught me the fundamentals of basketball, what it takes to really be great, really be successful. She worked out everyday at 6 o’clock in the morning in Oakland, California and she took me with her and really got me going.”

Since being introduced to basketball at a young age, the OKC guard has developed a respect and appreciation for the sport.

“It (basketball) means everything. For me it’s life,” Robinson revealed. “The passion I have for the game, when I’m out there playing, it speaks for itself. Basketball is poetry in motion.”

Throughout his career, Robinson has brought a spark to his team both on and off the court. This emotion stems from the former University of Washington star’s desire to make the most of his ability.

“I just play with my heart on my sleeve,” said Robinson. “I just let the world know that this is the talent that God gave me and I’m going to use it to the best of my abilities.”

When it comes to the Basketball Never Stops movement, Robinson points to the impact that the sport has made around the world as proof that those who love basketball can unify around the sport, no matter where they might live.

“Everywhere in the world, if there is somebody sleeping, there is somebody playing basketball,” Robinson explained. “Wherever you look, it could be in New York, it could be North Dakota, it could be Seattle, it could be anywhere; there is somebody playing basketball. That is the beauty of this sport. We play the best sport in the world.”

James Harden's Basketball Never Stops Story

tonyhellberg1 — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:22:45 GMT

Since being introduced to the sport of basketball at a young age, Oklahoma City Thunder SG James Harden has been dedicated to making the most of his abilities. Whether it was starring at Artesia High School in Lakewood, California, leading Arizona St. to two postseason berths or being a key piece to the Thunder’s success, the 3rd overall pick of the 2009 draft has made an impact at every level he has played.

All it took was a little a push from his mother to introduce Harden to the game he loves.

“I was like seven years old and playing in the park,” explained the OKC guard about his introduction to basketball. “My mom, she signed me up.”

From his days of playing in the local park, to now playing in sold-out arenas, Harden knows how important all the hard work he has put in has been to his career.

“Basketball means Everything. I’ve been playing since I was seven.” Harden explained. “Just playing every single day, a couple of hours a day, it means a lot to me.”

Although the NBA season has been delayed due to the lockout, that hasn’t stopped the Thunder SG from looking for ways to improve. Along with reviewing some of his games from last season, Harden is also looking to improve by watching highlights of two of the NBA’s greatest players.

“Just watching it,” the OKC star explained about how he is staying connected to the game. “Watching old clips of myself, watching old ESPN games, watching Jordan and Magic.”

Despite only playing in the NBA for two seasons, the former Arizona St. star recognizes the opportunities that basketball has given him both on and off the court.

“The unbelievable things you can get out of the game,” said Harden when discussing what makes basketball great. “Not just from basketball, but after the game, the different relationships that you can build through basketball. So, it’s just overall a great environment.”

It’s this passion for both the game and the fans that makes Harden a true embodiment of the Basketball Never Stops movement.

“No matter what you do, no matter how you try to stop us, we still want to play,” the OKC guard explained. “Whether it’s the park, whether it’s charity games, we are still going to play.”

Jamal Crawford's Basketball Never Stops Story

tonyhellberg1 — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 22:03:14 GMT

Jamal Crawford can't remember life before basketball. This is what happens when you are introduced to the game as a toddler.

"I first started playing basketball when I was two years old and I've had a ball in my hands ever since," Crawford recalls. "My mom and dad always tease me about it, saying I was shooting on my Dr. J hoop back then and I think that's where it started."

His basketball journey may have started on a hoop in his backyard, but it has since taken him around the NBA with stops in Chicago, New York, Golden State and Atlanta where he has thrilled audiences with his killer crossover and knack for completing four-point plays. In 2008, Crawford joined Wilt Chamberlain, Bernard King and Moses Malone as the only players to score 50 or more points for three different teams. In 2010, he set the NBA record for most career four-point plays. These stats are nice, but not what matters most for Crawford.

Crawford's game has plenty of flash, but his mindset is all about the team. Getting better and achieving a bigger goal with his teammates has always been his primary focus. "The life lessons that I've learned from basketball is that you're only as strong as your weakest link," Crawford shares. The lessons he has learned through basketball are gifts he's forever thankful for.

"What makes the game of basketball so great is that you have to have a team," He explains. "It's just the camaraderie. It's just something, it basketball breaks all kinds of language barriers, color barriers."

Crawford's basketball roots go deep, growing up in a hoops-saturated environment in Seattle with a father who is also a basketball fanatic and former university player himself.

The first person to introduce me to the game of basketball was my dad," Crawford said. "He actually played at the University of Oregon and had a really good career there."

While he credits his dad with introducing him to the game that owns his heart, today Crawford is often the one introducing others to the game. Regularly training and scrimmaging in Seattle during the offseason, you're apt to find him wherever there's a gym working out with whoever wants to get a run in. "Even now, I'm not playing and I'm in the gym four or five hours," He said. "I'm just watching people and love being in the gym."

Watching Crawford play, that much is clear. He plays with his heart on his sleeve, his love evident in each bounce of the basketball on the hardwood. With every drive to the hoop and shook defender left behind in the dust, the 11-year-NBA veteran still plays with the exuberance and passion of that little boy shooting hoops on that Dr. J hoop in his driveway.

"The game of basketball means everything to me," Crawford said earnestly. "Everything I do, everything I am, basketball is where it all started. That's my first love. I think I love basketball before I love everything else. It's always been with me. Basketball means everything to me."

There's no denying that the game is a part of who Jamal Crawford is. Luckily for him, Basketball Never Stops.

John “The Franchise” Strickland - Air Force 1

tonyhellberg1 — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:33:37 GMT

John “The Franchise” Strickland was more than just a player who ran the courts that have made New York City famous; he helped to define New York City Basketball. For 20 years, he was a fixture on the asphalt, putting on one spectacular performance after another while showing younger players what New York City Basketball was all about.

Strickland had game, but he also had the personality to match. He allowed everyone watching him to feel like they were a part of his jubilation. He made basketball fun for everyone but his opponents, and he will forever be a part of New York City basketball history.

When John Strickland passed away in October 2010, Nike Basketball and Nike Sportswear decided to pay homage to one of NYC’s Finest with the John Strickland Air Force 1. These white AF1's with gum sole have "FRANCHISE" stamped on the heel, and feature a custom tongue tab telling owners to "FINISH YOUR BREAKFAST", the line that Strick made famous on the court. “He was the greatest show on earth,” NYC streetball player Darren “DP” Phillip said. “He taught me how to enjoy streetball, how to work.”

This limited edition AF1 will be released this week at Niketown New York, 21 Mercer, House of Hoops Harlem, and House of Hoops 34th Street. Lace up a pair to show your appreciation for the show Strick put on every time he laced up his own.

Watch John “The Franchise” Strickland in action

BASKETBALL NEVER STOPS - MIDNIGHT MADNESS

tonyhellberg1 — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:44:15 GMT

Last Friday night, Midnight Madness officially marked the beginning of the 2011-2012 NCAA Basketball season. Fans everywhere from Tobacco Road, to the Bluegrass State, to the heart of Big East country celebrated the game that they love and showed the world that Basketball Never Stops.

Beginning on November 11th, when College Basketball hits the Pacific Ocean aboard the USS Carl Vinson, college basketball fans from all schools in the Swoosh will have a chance to Rise up and Roar for their team. Fans will be able to impact the Nike products representing their schools that show up in stores and on court in March. Check back on 11/11/11 to find out how you can show the world how your team Roars.

THE LEBRON 9 "KENTUCKY"

tonyhellberg1 — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:53:37 GMT

Kentucky, it's Big Blue Madness time! Along with the excitement that accompanies the first official NCAA basketball event of the season comes the Kentucky Wildcat inspired LEBRON 9. Why the LEBRON 9? Because a team as versatile as Coach Calipari's Wildcats needs a shoe that's built to keep up. Designed for one of the most versatile players to ever play the game, the LEBRON 9 combines Flywire and Hyperfuse technology to give LeBron James the stability and flexibility that he needs to dominate. The Wildcats will unveil the shoes tomorrow night when they hit the court for the first time this season. With royal blue taking center stage, the Kentucky colorway of the LEBRON 9 is as sleek as the Wildcats are smooth.

The Kentucky Wildcat inspired LEBRON 9 will be released at select locations on Saturday, October 15th.

The LEBRON 9 "Cannon"

tonyhellberg1 — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 16:13:17 GMT

The first shoe to combine Flywire and Hyperfuse technology, The LEBRON 9 Cannon
focuses on functionality without sacrificing style. With sleek orange and vibrant volt
accents to make the military-green and slate shoes pop, LeBron's 9th signature shoe
packs a lot of punch. Max Air 180 in the heel combines with Nike Zoom in the forefoot
to give LeBron the cushioning he needs for quick response time. A midfoot harness and
textile wings provide the stability, durability, and flexibility needed to lock LeBron in.
The LEBRON 9 is strong but light, enabling him to be quick, powerful and explosive on
the court.

Like last year's LEBRON 8 "South Beach" colorway, the LEBRON 9 Cannon will first
be released exclusively in Miami as a sign of appreciation and respect for LeBron's South
Florida fans and community. The Cannon will be available at select retail locations tonight.

IT'S ABOUT TIME.

tonyhellberg1 — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 15:07:03 GMT

The 2011 Nike MAG has arrived.
THE AUCTION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 8.

This is your chance to own a piece of history.
And this is your chance to help: all net proceeds from the auction sales of the 2011 Nike MAG shoes will go directly to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
For 10 days, 150 pairs of the 2011 Nike MAG shoes will be auctioned every day, starting on September 8 at 8:30 p.m. PT.
Good Luck.

Shop Now:
http://nikemag.ebay.com.

Rucker 66

tonyhellberg1 — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 22:45:26 GMT

Heart. Hustle. Pride.

For years, all roads to legendary have gone through one court, Rucker Park. The soul of the game is found on 155th Street in Harlem, New York on the ultimate blacktop stage. What you do while on that stage creates your place in history.

Kevin Durant showed up on the iconic court and dominated, creating a memory that is now known as “Rucker 66." It was an electrifying performance under the lights on an August night in New York, in which DC’s finest visited the mecca of basketball and left a legend.

No player’s resume is complete without a great performance at Rucker. What KD proved on his visit uptown is that whether it’s in the arena or in the cage, his game is coming with him.

Basketball never stops.

Watch the video here:
Kevin Durant - Rucker 66

The Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011. The Advantage of Quickness.

tonyhellberg1 — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:08:24 GMT

Lightweight and breathability have joined forces to create the next level of
exceptional quickness. The Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011 has arrived.

The Hyperfuse construction uses a fused seamless upper to create the
ultimate in breathability, so Rajon Rondo is comfortable as he blows past a
defender.

Nike Zoom technology provides the responsive cushioning that Russell
Westbrook needs to get from baseline to baseline quicker than his opponent.

The evolution of quick is here. Your game depends on it.

The Nike Zoom Hyperfuse 2011. Take Every Advantage.

The Collection: Shawn Marion Finals Edition Nike Air Shox Hyperballer

tonyhellberg1 — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:39:38 GMT

The shooting form is unorthodox. The contribution was clutch. A champion has been crowned. Enter the Matrix.

Much like the player, the Nike Air Shox Hyperballer is versatile and explosive.

Light Hyperfuse technology in the upper for the effortless floater to the rim. Shox innovation in the midsole with the bounce to get up higher and stable enough to get set for the dagger corner jump shot.

The Nike Air Shox Hyperballer enhances the ability to take every advantage. Quickness. Bounce. Execution.

A versatile player has the gift to contribute anywhere on the floor. 20 points? Sure. Timely assist? That too. Last second rebound? Got that one.

The crowning moment awaits. Be prepared for greatness.

Dirk Nowitzki: Loyalty Rewarded

tonyhellberg1 — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 14:46:43 GMT

His coach called him a Top-10 player. Not just right now, mind you.

Of all-time.

The media wanted to shrug. They’d heard such praise tossed around before. Yes, he’d been a perennial All-Star. An All-NBAer. Maybe the best non-sports car export ever created in Germany. Perhaps even: the best shooter in the league’s modern era.

But Miami had the biggest of Big 3s. And they were finally on their championship verge, ready to deliver on nearly a year’s worth of hype.

For more than a decade, Dirk Nowitzki had amazed the masses with his shooting skills. And in this championship series, that did not change. In fact, several @nikebasketball followers remarked that his NBA 2k12 free throw rating will be a perfect 100.

The self-proclaimed “Tall Baller from the G!” seemed like he would never miss.

But the basketball universe got something else in between the endless parade of free throw line makes, rainbow jumpers and one-footed fadeaways. Fans hardcore and casual, opponents brute and gritty and fast and long, even fellow Mavericks in his own locker room watched the big German ascend to a level beyond even the one reached during the 2006-07 regular season - the one that ended with Dirk being named league MVP.

A level where numbers refuse to tell the whole story. Where greatness cannot be measured - not even by historic shooting precedent. When judgement passed on a player becomes a feeling, clutch bleeding into superiority. And fans sitting courtside, in the nosebleeds or in their own living rooms watching on big screen TVs not only know who’s getting the ball when the game’s on the line, they believe the outcome has already been decided - before the ball is even in flight.

On the opening night of the 2011-12 season, a banner will be unveiled at American Airlines Center and the Dallas players will receive their championship rings.

As the 2011 Finals MVP, Dirk will be the last name called. He will undoubtedly receive eardrum-busting cheers. And forever forward, no one will ever be able to shrug when Dirk Nowitzki’s name is mentioned among the all-time greats.

The Collection: LeBron 8 PS Finals Edition

tonyhellberg1 — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 14:35:50 GMT

Hyperfuse construction lightens the load, so each foot is 2.5 ounces lighter than it was on the regular season’s opening night.

180 Max Air and Nike Zoom Air work together on LeBron’s championship rise. That’s two different kinds of air paired for The King of the Court who locks it down at both ends of the floor.

Unpredictability, meet control.

The fury of the Finals is no match for the LeBron 8 PS Finals Edition - the ultimate ride designed for every part of his lion-on-the-title-hunt role.

Every gravity-defying action demands an impact protection reaction that you’ll Witness in the signature details stylized around all that comfort, support and stability.

It’s simple physics, really:

This is how a king steps toward the ring.