NY Knicks 2016-2017: Third Rock from the Sun

Article from fansided.com

The 2009 NBA Draft was supposed to be the beginning of a new era of sorts for the New York Knicks. Gone was head coach/GM/Team President Isiah Thomas — Donnie Walsh and in turn, Mike D’Antoni had arrived, and after purging the roster of Jamal Crawford, Zach Randolph, Tim Thomas, and Stephon Marbury, it was time for the Knicks to begin the long road back to relevance.

With D’Antoni at the helm, many thought the Knicks would use the draft to find his next Steve Nash. The 2009 draft was oddly awash with first-round talent at the point guard position, and with the Knicks picking 8th that year, the Knicks seemed destined to end up with a Steph Curry, Ricky Rubio or Tyreke Evans, or at a minimum a Jrue Holiday, Ty Lawson, Eric Maynor or Jeff Teague, if they found a way to acquire a later pick.

The benefit of hindsight makes Curry the obvious choice here (alas, the Warriors picked him just one spot ahead of the Knicks), with his sweet stroke and the improved distribution skills he showed off in his final year at Davidson on paper, Curry would have been the perfect fit for a Mike D’Antoni offense (plus, under D’Antoni, his defensive shortcomings would never be an issue). But in spirit, no point guard appeared more Knick-ian than Brandon Jennings.

With a game equal parts playground and prep-school, Jennings seemed destined to return the archetype to the vaunted status it once held, giving the city it’s first dominant point guard since Mark Jackson was traded away in 1992. But alas, with Jennings still on the board, the Knicks instead took Jordan Hill (who they would later trade for Tracy McGrady in the next season), and Jennings fell to the 10th pick, where he was selected by the Bucks.

After passing on Jennings, the Knicks were never really able to find their long-term solution at point guard, trotting out both veterans like Chauncey Billups, Mike Bibby and Jason Kidd, and young guys like Toney Douglas, Jeremy Lin and Shane Larkin. But now, five losing seasons, three head coaches, and two general managers later, the Knicks have righted their wrong. The Knicks have finally found their point guard.

Let’s be honest for a second here, save for a 55-point game here, and a triple-double there, Jennings wasn’t always the platonic ideal of a point guard that I’ve made him out to be here. He made the playoffs once in Milwaukee before being quickly shipped out to Detroit, and the first year and a half of his stint with the Pistons was largely forgettable. But then, halfway through the 2014-15 season, the Pistons waived Josh Smith, and over the next 16 games Jennings began to realize his potential as a top-flight floor general.

Smith’s departure allowed the entire Pistons roster to play with a newfound confidence, but no one improved more than Jennings, who finally began to resemble the unstoppable force he was during his senior season at Oak Hill Academy. Jennings lead the Pistons to a 12-4 record over that period, including impressive wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, and Atlanta Hawks, twice. Averaging 20 points and 7 assists during that period, Jennings was well on his way to winning that year’s Most Improved Player award, but then the rug was pulled out from under him. In a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, the franchise that drafted him, he ruptured his achilles tendon, ending his season.

Jumping Jacks

 Shared from online-basketball-drills.com

Drill Type:  Conditioning Drill

Purpose: This two-step conditioning drill, while simple, is a great way to toughen your kids up a little bit, and will also show you who your best rebounders are.

Set Up: Have your players form two lines facing the baseline, each a couple of feet away from the basket.

Rebounding Drill
Execution:
1. Lines will go two at a time
2. Players will throw the ball up high off the backboard, take a step and gather themselves, and jump 
    as high as they can to secure the ball safely with two hands.
3. They should then pass the ball to the next player and go to the back of the line.
4. If you’ve got an older group, this is a good time for them to work on tip ins and put back layups as
     well.
5. Once your players are comfortable with the drill, back the line up a little bit.
6. The player at the front of the line will do the same thing, throw it off the backboard and go get it,
    but now, the 2nd player in the line is going to go over his back and attempt to steal the rebound
    from him.

Caribolakeranjang: Serene Park Basketball Court, Johor Bahru

Serene Park Basketball Court is located at center of the Taman Serene Park Johor Bahru. The easiest route to take if you are travelling from Larkin/Skudai is headed to Johor Bahru. Once you reach the junction with Danga City Mall on your left, take the left exit and headed to Woodland. Keep going about 5km until you find Branch Burger Bakar Abang Burn on you right (the other side of the highway), take a left exit to the Taman Serene Johor Bahru.

 

 

 

 

The court is semi-open outdoor type with the glass backboard. The surface of court might appeared a bit slippery, but with the fully covered roof and grandstand built alongside shall highlighted the elegance of the court. The court can be book for night play with just low charges. The famous group that always organized event at this court is Southern Tiger Basketball Community.

Caribolakeranjang: Setiawangsa Basketball Court, Kuala Lumpur

Setiawangsa Basketball Court is the open air court located at Sports Complex Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur. So how to get there?

Easiest way is through Jalan Setiawangsa, heading to Jelatek from Wangsa Maju. Take a left turn at the crossroad just before LRT Setiawangsa, (you can see on your right side of the crossroad is the entrance to Kediaman Tentara Darat Diraja Malaysia) towards Jalan Keramat Hujung. Go straight until you reach a junction with Petronas Petrol Station on your left, take a left turn. The road you taken will climb a bit slope and past through few junctions, keep going straight. Take a left turn at Jalan Setiawangsa 21, you will found the Sports Complex is on your right.

The surface of the court is very good, subtle enough so you do not slip during running and dribbling. Most of the players here are from the Setiawangsa neighborhood, they play everyday and the peak hours is 6:00 PM. There is no lights available for night balling, the games will only proceed until dawn. The facilities at the complex included tennis court and futsal court, so every evening the atmosphere here was very good and energizing! Perfect place to drop by after the work hours, before you going home.

UMP won MASUM Men's Basketball 2015

Closing Ceremony MASUM Sports Carnival 2015, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has been held at the Sports Hall 1, UTM Johor Bahru at 3.00pm. Closing speech was delivered by the Chairman of the Organising Committee MASUM Sports Carnival 2015, UTM Hon. Prof. Dr. Mohd Ismail bin Abdul Aziz, who is also the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (HEMA) UTM. In his speech, he hopes that this year's edition MASUM is the best sports tournament and leave memories that can not be forgotten by all parties. He also expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the citizens of UTM Sports Excellence for their efforts to lead the planning and implementation of the success of MASUM 2015.

Of course stealing the spotlight of the final day, was the Final Men's Basketball between Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP). UMP won the match with score of 66-31. Meanwhile Gold Medal of Women's Basketball goes to Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for win in the final 52-36 against Universiti Malaya (UM). Third place goes to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

UMP Basketball team showing off their gold medal

The closing ceremony ended with the surrender flag MASUM Championship by Hon. TNC (HEMA) UTM MASUM to the Secretary-General, Mr. Hj. Mohamed Rafee Jusoh. Sports Carnival MASUM this time witnessed the appearance of many great athletes in sport-alet respectively. The athletes who competed for the best commitment to improve and increase the contingent medals respectively. UiTM topped the list of citations by leaving off its rivals with 60 gold, 33 silver and 26 bronze medals. UPM ranked second with 29 gold, 26 silver and 18 bronze followed by UM in 3rd place with 14 gold, 17 silver and 21 bronze medals. UTM was ranked the 5th day before the tournament ended successfully intercept USM on the last day of the tournament and ranked fourth with 12 gold, 10 silver and 16 bronze medals. USM was forced to agree on the steps to the 5th with 11 gold, 13 silver and 24 bronze medals. Full rank of medals as follow;

Events: East Coast Basketball League (ECBL) 2015 Chapter 1 Terengganu Happening Soon!!

The association Persatuan Akar Umbi Terengganu (PAUT) invites the under your supervision to participate in the 1st East Coast Basketball League this coming August. The tournament will be held at Batas Baru Court Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu. 

Over 200 players participating from all over Terengganu and the east coast such as, Kota Bharu, Kelantan and Kuantan, Pahang will join this year’s event. All teams are guaranteed at least 4 games in around robin competition format, which begins at 8:00pm Thursday, August 27th and will conclude late in the day on Saturday, September 12th 2015. 

This year’s tournament will feature two divisions, which is advision for Under 18 teams and advision for Select/Premier teams. The number of divisions in each age group and their respective levels of play will depend upon the number and types of teams applying and accepted into the tournament. 

The 2015 team entry fee is RM500.00 and another RM200.00 for the attendance/ disciplinary deposit, which will be refunded after the closing ceremony. Payment of the entry fee must be received by July1, 2015 and be tendered by cash or a cash check. 

All teams must register for the tournament and send the completed application print out in with their proof of payment. Please visit our Facebook www.facebook.ecbl.com for additional information.

Detail Of the competition as follows;

Competition Name: EAST COAST BASKETBALL LEAGUE (ECBL) 2015 Chapter 1 TRG
Title Sponsor: GOVERNMENT, PRIVATE & ALUMNI
Organizer: P.A.U.T & RICO LOCO SDN BHD
Location: Batas Baru Court, Kuala Terengganu.
Date: 27th August 2015 @ To be confirmed
Group: Mens Open, 10 - 24 teams
Qualification: 

1. Development Plan - Only open for all Non-Chinese Malaysian (Player that has Malaysia Identity Card), except special invited teams from organizer, which consist of Chinese and Foreign players.
2. Player qualification: A) Player must be Malaysian. B) Team can only have 1 state player (MABA and Agong Cup player).
3. One team can only consist of two (2) Chinese players and only one (1) can be on court at a time. The presence of these imports will spice up the game and elevate the game to greater heights.

Rules: Competition will adopt FIBA 2013 rules.
Schedule: Depend on team participation.

First round - grouping, 5 - 6 teams in 1 group. (Round robin)
Each group Top 4 teams advance to second round.

Team Players: Each team only 12 Players, 1 Coach and 1 Team Manager. Players and coach are not allowed to join 2 team at the same time.

Entries Due Date: Before 1st July 2015.
Entry Fees: RM500.00
Deposit: RM300 (*Rules and regulation terms apply)
Contact Mohd Hanif Halim: 016-916 6116
Wan Muhammad Hanafi: 011 1783 5570

Prize: 
Champion: RM900, Trophy and medal
1st Runner Up: RM700 Trophy and medal
2nd Runner Up: RM500 Trophy and medal
4th Place: Trophy and medal
MVP: Throphy
Correspondence email: mohdhanif265@gmail.com

Rules and Regulation

1. Team that unable to comply and follow the rules, resulted in lag of information, unreasonable walk over game, fighting, stop and leave during game running, challenging organizer final decision, may result in deposit forfeit and the team will not be allowed to continue the rest of the game in this championship.
2. Any false information regarding player qualification may result in full deposit forfeit: Example: More than One qualify state player in team, if were found out by the organizer, will forfeit the team qualification)
3. Substitution of team players should notify organizer before first match start, after first match, changing of any players will not be attended.
4. All players must submit photo. (Digital form acceptable.)
5. Entry fees and deposit shall be submitted before due date. Any submitting after due date will not be attend.
6. Any accident or injury that happen throughout the competition, organizer will not take any responsibility and attend any claims.
7. Organizer does not provide any third party insurance for this championship.
8. In the event of not enough team taking part to form a group in competition, all fee that already collected will be return.
9. Organizer remains the right to revise or make any future changers throughout the championship.

Caribolakeranjang: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Outdoor Basketball Court

This outdoor court located inside Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) formerly known as Kolej Universiti Sains dan Teknologi Malaysia (KUSTEM). In 2007, major enlargement of the area was done to put in more hostels for new courses's students. Aside from new hostels, they also upgrade their sports facilities, with new stadium and of course this court been build in.

Okay enough with the history. This court equips with glass backboard, with anti-slip paint surface of the court. Perfect condition for the bounced ball but will result worn out your shoes faster. I love this type of surface, well you might have different opinion. Nothing feel better than grip graps you get, better shooting and better ball handling!

Previously lots of friendly game organized here, with well known east coast basketball clubs from Kemaman and even from Kota Bharu Kelantan. Last time 4-Sides friendly matches were organized here between Eastsider BC (Kuala Terengganu), SESMA Alumni (Kuala Terengganu), Aces BC (Kemaman) and also KB Blades BC (Kota Bahru). This gathering was one of the initiative to develop and promote basketball in east coast Malaysia, indirectly create good bonding in between players and also create healthy communities. The players were very passionate and not stingy to shared each other experiences in basketball. More event like this to be organized more in future!

SESMA Alumni

We ballin We chillin!

Caribolakeranjang: Chendering Basketball Court, Kuala Terengganu

Chendering is well known as Industry area, which mostly comprises with manufacturing factories and workshops. Who can expect there is very good condition of semi-open basketball court within this area? Chendering is located approx around 30 minutes from centre of Kuala Terengganu City. If you are first time to crash this court, you might want to get assist from locals around this area. Or get a friend who had been there before to guide you, since its quite difficult to reach the courts because of many junctions around this area.

The court is built up with grandstand stage and surface finish was good. Area under the backboard (inside the 3-point line) and all perimeter lines were coloured using paint. To ensure your safety please ensure your kicks not worn off because its a bit slippery. Of course you do not spoil your game and worst is your body memory of the drills, with injuries. 

There is time when the area are used for some events, you might want to book the court before invite the teams for friendly or tournament. The players do not visit the court on daily basis (i think) but you will love it here if you come in group. Quite numbers of tournament be held here, include MSST and also others open basketball tournament. Earlier this year the was open tournament organized by Persatuan Pengusaha Bengkel Kuala Terengganu. Was not directly involve with the tournament, but invited by friends to join their game because of some of the original players was not available. Why not right? Always a Yes when come to basketball!

Team sponsored by ATLAS ICE for the PPBKT Open

Jr. NBA Malaysia Rookie Challenge and Selection Camp 2015 at SJK(C) Taman Connaught, Kuala Lumpur

As today (30th May 2015) is tipped off the Jr. NBA selection camp, happen earlier this morning at SJK(C) Taman Connaught. SJK(C) Taman Connaught is a government primary school which situated in Taman Connaught, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event is presented by Dutch Lady, consist of Rookie Challenge and Selection Camp. Detail of the event and location as below;

Date: May 30th - 31st, 2015

Time: 9am - 4pm

Location: SJK(C) Taman Connaught, Jalan Geliga, Taman Connaught, 56000 Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur.

Day One
Rookie Challenge: Open for ages 5 - 9 (year 2006 to 2010).
Selection Camp: Open to all athletes (men and women) aged between 10-14 years old. 100 athletes selected will proceed to second day of the camp.

Day Two
Selection Camp: Training and friendly matches.

The Selection Camp continues tomorrow (31st May 2015) go check it out!
Photo from Jr. NBA Malaysia Facebook page.

Event by Southern Tiger Basketball Community, 3-Sides Basketball Tournament at Serene Park Basketball Court, Johor Bahru

Last night something awesome was happening at Serene Park Basketball Court, located at center of the Taman Serene Park Johor Bahru. Its a 3-Sides friendly tournament between Weekenders BC, UTHM ballers and Guest Team (Team Qayyum). This event was organized by Southern Tiger Basketball, the group which their main aim to promote NC basketball in Johor, as well introduce basketball towards community. The games played with 40 minutes divided into half (10 minutes break in between), with 2 times out given per half.  Results from the match as below, team points in brackets;

1st Game: UTHM (57) vs WKNDRS (32)
2nd Game: WKNDRS (42) vs Guest Team (38)
3rd Game: Guest Team (21) vs UTHM (30)

Even no prizes giveaway for the winner, each team play hard with no compromise and high spirit to win the game. The surface of court might be a bit slippery, but with the fully covered roof and grandstand built alongside shall highlighted the elegance of the court. Here is some of the photos taken last night, credit to Bro Fendi (WKNDRS BC);

Unfortunately I was not there last night sobbs (T_T) the pictures were shared in the whatsapp group. Next event must make sure be there!!

Good event, foster fraternity inbetween Johor ballers, Well done Southern Tiger Basketball Community!!

Caribolakeranjang: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) College 9 Basketball Court, Johor Bahru, Johor

Everything about this court is  incomparable, the best outdoor court I had been so far. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) College 9 Basketball Court. To mention that UTM is one of the top university in Malaysia, also been ranks among top of the universities around the world. It might look I am a bit bias because I am graduated here (HAHA!).

The court had been the main focus not only players from all colleges inside the UTM but also best players from Johor Bahru. Equip with chain net (cool!), but also the surface of the court is very good and give perfect bounce for the ball.  Every Thursday and Friday night, most players will gather and play here with 5 on 5 full court game is preferable. Name as Xcelerators Basketball Club (BC), Weekenders BC, Sembang BC are some of the famous basketball teams played there. Their passion, determination and craving for win makes every games very challenge and tense! Not to mention if your team lost, need to wait outside until the game is finished.

Caribolakeranjang: Multipurpose Indoor Court at Twin Tower Fitness Centre

Who knows there is sports indoor court at the center of Kuala Lumpur? Ahaa guess what, I found one! And the most interesting it is located underground level of prestige KLCC, which known as Twin Tower Fitness Centre. Multipurposes indoor court with different sports activities scheduled everyday such as basketball,badminton and futsal. I usually come on Monday with basketball on schedule from 5PM to 7PM. Court surface is made of pads, you might need to bump a bit stronger if do not want loose your dribble! First class facilities with locker room and shower. Perfect place if you are working around that area, can drop by after working hours. I am not sure about monthly membership fees, but if you are working at KLCC do not worry. Its free! Hehe lucky me ;)

Caribolakeranjang: Piasau Jaya Basketball Court, Miri, Sarawak

This court located at Piasau Jaya, just ofter the Piasau Jaya roundabout (if you coming from the city centre, take 3rd exit) the court is just nearside of the road. This court known as Piasau Court Luar (this court different from Piasau Court Dalam in my previous post). Most of the player come in the late afternoon, as will play until sunset. Surface of the court is a bit rough, and players here prefer to play half court (eventhough have enough player to play fullcourt game). You sure will have fun but make sure you do not take off your guard defense!

A very good thing about basketball is you will easily make friends, everywhere you go. First time I met Ian was few years back, when both of us working in Johor Bahru area. Last year he pursue his career to Miri (He was originally from Kota Kinabalu) also because its much closer to his hometown. When I get task of work to be done in Miri, none other I will think and immediately contact him to call up ball game. He bring me to hoops, and then meet local players here and make friends with them too. Circle of friends got bigger. Feels good when everywhere you go, you still can ballin and release stress from work!

Caribolakeranjang: Batas Baru Basketball Court, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu

Batas Baru Court, located at Bandar Kuala Terengganu just behind the Balai Polis Kuala Terengganu. Major tournament in Kuala Terengganu will be held here as this court has good surface and glass shooting board, plus grandstand seat for the players/supporters along the sideline. Also, for warming up have 2 additional hoops at the side of the court. Most peak time of the day is during late afternoon, as most of the local players come play here. The best thing is 5 on 5 games is preferable with mix everyone as first come first play so you do not have to worry if you come alone. If you come in team or schedule friendly match, can also enjoy play at night, but need to book and fee is only RM40; 7PM until midnight. This court offer everything so what are you waiting for? Check the ball please!

Caribolakeranjang: Piasau Park Basketball Court, Miri, Sarawak

This court located at Piasau, one of the liveliest basketball court in Miri have players almost everytime either day or night, weekend or weekday. If you looking for some challenge you might prefer come at night because thats the time when most experienced players come to court. For me, I enjoyed both either day or night, just enjoy the game. You might have some difficulties to find this court as it located at middle of  Taman Piasau, but you can ask local around. This area called Piasau Garden Court, or local known as Piasau Court Dalam.