I'm Proud To Say That It's An Honor And A Pleasure To Re-Introduce You To The OT Magazine, courtesy of the HooPKing. Here in 2010, we will continue with what has made this blog exclusive and apart from the rest. That's simply giving you a fresh in-depth perspective from a Midwest P.O.V. on sports, business and fashion. We look to grow and expound in these topics to create opportunities and entertainment. We look on the field and office through the eyes of the 21st century athlete and companies as they create new waves of ideas and culture to impart. We delve strictly in that Midwest but will show love to the East Coast, Left Coast, and surely that Southern Hospitality.

State of the WNBA .....

First off, we going pink for this post for the 25th anniversary of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Second, allow me to say congratz to the Pheonix Mercury, for winning their second chip in three seasons as they beat the Indiana Fever in 5. Diana Taurasi grabbed the MVP that does counts and look like the female version of King James. Dirty Diana got next right now....Respect the UCONN!



HoopKing was pondering his thoughts as he was entertain and embraced watching the WNBA Finals and came away encouraged that the Ladies Association would thrive in the midst of doubt for years to come. First off, the WNBA is stacked with a generation of players who just athletically, can take the league to new heights. The woman's game by far, is the best fundamentally sound hoop game on the planet Earth...Yes I Said It. As I watched this Finals, I begin to think of the college game and what talent it will produce and already has produced over the last few years. Their is a level of maturity at a different level than the men, most notably staying 4 years in college notably helps, but their respect for team oriented play gets lost in the process. HoopKing appreciates this more than ever.



It's not all about YouTube dunks and handles or Sportscenter Top 10, that has corrupted the minds of many people out their, but love and appreciation for the greatest team sport in the world, the Roundball. The woman's game does it the finest level. And I believe they fall victim in this process.

Their is a strong foundation for the WNBA to build upon and gain notoriety. They got the players...(Candace Parker(CP3), Diana Taurasi(Dirty Diana...Games Nasty), Tamika Catchings(The Lady Goods), Sue Bird(Lady Nash), Katie Douglas( The Ultimate Team Player), Cappie Pondexter(Hit The Youtube Clips......).

They got the markets to thrive....NYC, The Windy City, City of Angels, Valley of the Sun.
The notable endorsers ring from the NBA game....you see them about everywhere in the arenas during the summer.



To me, if I was the Ladies Association, I would continue pushing my product with the superstars that carry your league and embrace the woman's college game with the current players. Also, use the NBA venues as a positive, ala NBA All-Star weekend. Then market the season in every which way possible through the tube, and sponsor events, even online.
The WNBA will continue to have its success and make it through and put the HoopGame at another level unseen for the future. Real Hoops Fan feel me....All it takes is one.
Appreciate the Game!

Diry D...Taking Home The Best Baller Award In The Finals

Khloe Dont Ruin Brother Lamar....Dynasty

Much love and respect to Lamar Odom, but if he get off 2 a slow start we blaming Khloe....Sorry Bro! But, the Lakeshow needs that focus 4 the repeat and future dynasty....Support the cause.

Get one at: http://gomerch.com/khloe/

Source:http://dimemag.com
http://gomerch.com/khloe/

Throwing Dueces In The Twin Cities...

Over the early week, the focus was squarely on the Twin Cities as they hosted two of the the most memorable games in there beloved sports their. On Monday night in the "Triple H" Dome, the Brett Favre Vikings....I mean Minnesota Vikings, took down the Green Bay Packers in a memorable game in the Brett Favre lore as they won 30-23 behind the old wily vet. DE Jared Allen wrecked havoc of the edge, CB Antoine Winfield played man amongst boys and the Vikings took home a win against their arch rivals and a 4-0 record. The game registered a 13.2 Nielsen ratings on the World Wide Leader(ESPN). Highest rated sports broadcast in tube history....Man, Brettland is the man.



Also, 2night the Minnesota Twins got all dramatic on kids as they won a huge AL Central tiebreaker game against the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers became the first team in major league history to blow a three-game lead with four games left. The game was 12 innings of high intense playoff atmosphere baseball in the Homer Dome as the Twins won 6-5. Alexi Casilla singled home the winning run with one out. The Twins now have their fifth division title in eight years.
“This is the most unbelievable game I’ve ever played or seen,” Twinkies shortstop Orlando Cabrera said.



They extend the Homer Dome one more week at least, before they close the doors for a new ballpark next year. Up next....the Evil Empire(NY Yankees) 2morrow night in the Bronx. And for stat buffs...New York is 7-0 against Minnesota this season.

Who Got Next

The two best in the WNBA take their place on the games biggest stage as they square of in the WNBA Finals. The Pheonix Mercury and Indiana Fever begin their five-game series 2night in Pheonix to be seen on the "Deuce"(ESPN2). Both teams came off of 3 games set as the Mercury defeated the LA Sparks and the Fever defeated the Detroit Shock. This is Pheonix's second trip to the Finals(07') and its the first ever for Indiana.
Both teams boasts two of the games best tandems:

Pheonix has two of the best in WNBA MVP Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter (Lady can light it up) former Finals MVP.



Indiana has Defensive Player of the Year Tamika Catchings(The Goods) and Katie Douglas who brings that winner's mentality.



HoopKing's Thoughts....The Series boasts Pheonix's high-octane offense to Indiana's physicality and defensive prowess. Can Pheonix get off on a Indiana's D and who will step up for the Mercury opposite the Big 2. Can Indiana supply enough D to hold off Pheonix and make this a half court series....Mercury in 5.

Schedule:

Gm 1: at Phoenix, Tue., 9/29, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Gm 2: at Phoenix, Thu., 10/1, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Gm 3: at Indiana, Sun., 10/4, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Gm 4*: at Indiana, Wed., 10/7, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2

Gm 5*: at Phoenix, Fri., 10/9, 9 p.m. ET, ESPN2

For a more in depth preview:
http://www.wnba.com/playoffs2009/breakdown_wnba_finals.html

The Dream Drops Knowledge....

Was scrolling the OT Roster and seen this video. Hakeem Olajuwon, who in my opinion is the best "skilled" post player outside Kareem and Timothy, drops some post knowledge to Hasheem Thabeet, the Grizzlies rookie center and the Black Mamba.... Kobe "Bean" in a session in Houston this month. Man, the best gets better and Hasheem goes back 2 school in a much needed lesson...Take a look.

Source:MyFoxHouston.com
dimemag.com

Key Signings Before Training Camp....

Man I can literally hear the fresh sneaks squealing on the hardwood and those two orange hoops rattling after a Lister Blisters(Big Ups Kemp circa 92') and kids turning ankles at a historic rate....Well no really but you get the hint. Basketball season is slowly approaching and in the Association some "key moves" were made this week to ensure some veterans security at least through next year.
The New York Knicks made some noise bringing back the heart and soul of their team in PF David Lee(A walking double double) and Mr. Kryptonite himself G Nate Robinson. Lee , has secured a deal of around 7 million, possibly eight million, if the Knicks make noise next year and secure a playoff spot. Nate Rob, is close 2 signing a deal over the 2.9 mil qualifying offer that was offer earlier this summer.
That gives the Knicks an opportunity to put pieces in the right place for a move upward this year. But we all know that their in a New York State of Mind... Lebron Status next year.



Ray Felton has also signed one-year, $5.5 million qualifying offer, remaining as the starting PG of the Charlotte Bobcats, and Flip Murray has signed a deal to rock the BET Cats jersey next year. Charlotte has a solid backcourt and should make some noise for a playoff spot.

Source:www.espn.com

WNBA Playoffs....Expect Great

It's Playoff Time in the Association For The Ladies.....And OT Shows Love Always To The WNBA. The 2009 Playoffs gives some interesting series to begin with.
The Western Conference boasts 3 teams who have won "chips" this decade including last years WC Champ, The San Antonio Silverstars. Pheonix Mercury can score like their NBA brethren, as they led the league in scoring and also boasts the league's best record. Seattle Storm has a loaded squad headed by Lauren Jackson, Sue Bird and Swin Cash. And the LA Sparks gives you Candace" Lady CP3" Parker, with Future H.O.F.'s Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson.
In the East, you got familiar faces in new places taking aim at the title. Defending WNBA champ, the Detroit Shock come into this thing as the hottest team in the League and is no doubt a favorite as they are led by Deanna Nolan and Katie Smith. The Atlanta Dream, making it first playoff appearance, bring in a young nucleus headed by Iziane Castro Marques and Angel McCoughtry, one best young talents in the woman's game.
No.1 seed Indiana Fever has the East best record and possibly best player in Tamika Catchings and All Star Katie Douglas. The Washington Mystics have a talented core of Alana Beard, Monique Currie and Crystal Langhorne.
Just a little quick preview of the Playoffs...Real Hoop Fans...Enjoy!

More playoff coverage and schedule...
http://www.wnba.com/playoffs2009/series.html

Playoff Matchups: West/East

Phoenix Mercury (1) vs San Antonio Silverstars (4)
Seattle Storm (2) vs Los Angeles Sparks (3)

Indiana Fever (1) vs Washington Mystics (4)
Atlanta Dream (2) vs Detroit Shock (3)

Honoring The Ol Skool- George Gervin

Flat Out.....Cold As Ice! OT loves the Ol Skool and no one better than George Gervin. To me, one of the smoothest players to grace the hardwood. Coming straight out the 313, the "D", Gervin's flair combined with his skill, and athleticism on a 6-7 frame, made this man unguardable. His signature "finger role" was to me the greatest perform shot outside the sky hook.



But this man offensive arsenal is undeniably one of the best the hoop game has ever graced and seen. Coming out of Eastern Michigan and Long Beach State, "Ice" flourished in the ABA with the Virginia Squires and San Antonio Spurs. He has the most scoring titles for a 2 Guard other than that man named Jordan. Averaging 25pts, 5rbs, 2asst per game, Gervin put his imprint on the game and had significant impact on the players that came after. He was like something before it's time. Sort of unseen....But it was simply a man cold as ice. One last thing...This Is Just The way The Lord Planned It", "Ice be cool"....


List of Accomplishments
ABA All-Rookie Team, 3× ABA All-Star, ABA All-Time Top 30 Team, 7× All-NBA Team,
9× NBA All-Star, NBA All-Star MVP (1980), NBA Top 50 Greatest Players
San Antonio Spurs #44 retired, SLAM Magazine's Top 50

Iverson's Impact On Memphis.....

As you know by now, Allen Iverson is headed to the Memphis Grizzlies. AI's decision came after last week's meeting with Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley, general manager Chris Wallace and head coach Lionel Hollins. Iverson, 34, will play for a contract that pays $3.5 million (what the Griz have left under the salary cap) and the deal will be laden with incentives.
On court, this changes the dynamics at least from the outside looking in at the Grizzlies from a roster standpoint. Memphis is key by a young back-court with O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley and already have a frontline with All-Star to be Rudy Gay who strength is his ability to score the ball and Zach Randolph, a free agent who brings baggage but is talented as anyone on the block. They just drafted Hashim Thabeet and Sam Young and have a promising big in Darrell Arthur. What I'm saying, this team is loaded with young talent and is this the right move to make?
Is Iverson going to play on the ball opposite O.J. Mayo to start? That's the most realistic move in this deal it seems, but their stock with young PG's who are more distributor than scorer. Mike Conley and Marcus Williams. Iverson can facilitate but needs the rocks and this team needs free flowing ball movement more than his scoring. They got scorers in Mayo, Gay, Marko Jaric plus the addition of Zach Randolph gives them a post presence they need.



If Iverson comes of the bench, it's his best move. Hollins can keep a solid starting five and bring a dominate scorer off the bench with his second unit and someone to finish games. In reality either way Iverson plays starter minutes, no matter the situation. This Memphis team is loaded with young fellas and they will make noise. Just how soon and is Iverson that answer?

Touchdown Jesus Invades The Big House...

This Is Blasphemy for a kid reppin the 614, but it's all about the Midwest and putting the Forth Coast on the map. Today, Charlie Weis and his Fighting Irish of Notre Dame invade the Big House to face Rich Rodriguez and his Michigan Wolverines in a match-up of not only a rivalry statement but national respect as both these programs been down lately. Both teams cruised to easy vic's in their openers as UM took down Western Mich. and Notre Dame destroy a WAC Nevada team with Touchdown Jesus looking over the Golden Dome. Not sure what today brings as far as an evaluation of how good these teams are but, honestly, College Football NEEDS THESE TWO PROGRAMS to be legit Top 25 teams. They are two of 4 midwest programs that are tradtional powers (OSU and Nebraska others) and hold prestige in college football lore. The Midwest will be on display heavy from the Big House.... Prediction......Meteor showers at kick-off(highly unlikely)....Just want to be entertain!
PLAYERS 2 WATCH...

Jimmy Clausen QB Notre Dame


Tate Forcier QB Michigan

Commish On That Politick

NBA Commisioner David Stern visits with columnist William C. Rhoden at Mosaic Cuts in Harlem last month and "politicked" with the locals in Harlem. Just scrolling through the archives and found this video. Thought is was very intriguing to see the Best commish in sports in the heart of the basketball epicenter talking with the truest of fans. Commish held it down for the league!
P.S. He Know Who Gonna Win The 2010 Chip......



Source:video.nytimes.com

The Statement...?

The answer to this question is, you better make a statement. Simply put. The #8 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes will host the #3 ranked USC Trojans in the Columbus, Ohio from the HORSESHOE.
Much has been heralded about the Buckeyes recent struggles against top 10 teams. This is ample opportunity for the Silver Bullets to makes some noise. Uncle Pete brings another sickly talented Trojans team into a season with expectations only at the highest premium.
Not really going to dabble in pre-game analysis, but the keys to this game in my mind are both teams line play and who can run the ball effectively to set up the pass. Both teams run variations of a Pro-Style offense. Also can if the Buckeyes can put pressure on Frosh Matt Barkley....It could get interesting. And one more...TP. Young fella is a flat-out stud, and if he can make plays, Much respect to USC, I'm supremely confident in Ohio State. I Rep the O-H-I-O!
Tune in this Saturday...8:00pm(ESPN)

Also Two of The Best Safeties/DB's in America on display...


OHIO STATE S KURT COLEMAN


USC S TAYLOR MAYS

Happy Holidays From Lebron...

Already previewing the Nike Air Max LeBron VII, the kicks drop officially in October. More news though, with releases occuring through the 09'-10 season. Here some pics from The holiday lineup..... Nike Air Max LeBron VIIs will feature a White/Red NFW Woven, the Red Carpet Nike Air Max LeBron VII, a Black/Gold/White colorway, a Black/Neon Green colorway. Happy Holidays from Nike And King James....



Source:www.kixandthecity.com

The Answer To This Question....

The Answer to this question is the answer we're all trying to know.....Does Allen Iverson still have it?
A.I. is no doubt one of best to ever lace the kicks on the hardwood. I always tell people that Iverson is a living icon in America 2day, whether you embrace it or not. His impact on young America still stands even 2day after many years.
On court, A.I. can still score at an unbelievable clip and flashes that brilliance from early 2000's.
Iverson, 34, though, it's questions whether he can defend still at a good level( great help defender in prime), and be a distributor rather than shoot-first lead guard. He doesn't have much leverage after sitting out the end of last year with injury and refuse to come off the bench with Detroit. He can still produce with the ball in hand, but has trouble according to the "experts", making his teammates better. That's why I believe that he is still unsigned with a NBA team. And I know, there is teams that need his services.
But as the possible suitors, the Memphis Grizzlies probably give him the best deal in terms of dollars but I truly believe if the Charlotte Bobcats muster up a deal it could be best for A.I. in terms of this....Charlotte needs a true no.1 scorer and shooting guard and he gives a veteran presence to young team. He doesn't have to worry about distributing and could play off the ball defensively against smaller guards and last...Larry Brown.
When with Larry Brown, Iverson had his most successful years and flourished under him.
Man, I love this dude, he's great 4 the game, and I hope he gets signed quickly before training camp, whether in Memphis, Charlotte, Miami or anywhere.
The Answer....The Answer still has some game left.

Reflection On Bolt's WR Performance

It took me about seven times to rewind the DVR and capture the greatness of Usain Bolt. As he ran those 100m in 9.58 sec, I simply was awe, watching dude perform at the highest level of any human to step on a track. One thing I overheard was that this man may not have been at his best. He may be faster and more explosive as he re-gains form from a year of injury and such and fully gets embedded back in track. This kid might run an 8 sec race before it's all set and done. I'm out like Bolt off the blocks...
Long version of World Record at Berlin World Championships...

The State of The T-Wolves

The State of The Timberwolves......Man, much uncertainty but crazy potential embedded in this team. Obviously adding for the future by subtraction in salary and has some young pieces to work with in the near years. First, Big Ups 2 adding Kurt Rambis(my dude in the purple and gold), former Laker great and assistant/head coach. He will bring a winning pedigree and a presence that these young kids need in the Twin Cities. Winning 4 "Chips" with the in the LakeShow 80's as a key member, and titles as an assistant coach.

(Love The Specs!)

The T-Wolves cleaned house like "Scrubble Bubble" on your toilet. Moving, their Head coach/GM Kevin McHale as well as numerous impact players on roster, most notably Randy Foye and Mike Miller. Still, with All-Star caliber Al Jefferson and rebound machine Kevin Love , you begin your build with the post game needed for success in the NBA. Big Al posted serious number with 23 ppg and 11 boards through 50 games(shoulda been an All-Star) before going down with an ACL injury. It'll be interesting to view as he progress and get back after a tough injury.
With Love amongst a group of young talent which includes, Corey Brewer, Jonny Flynn and "Little Ricky" Rubio (Kid needs to sign asap) , this team is headed within the right direction...a true 2 guard wouldn't hurt with depth across that front line...but I like the way this team is going....but only time will tell. Big job For Big Al to lead this rebuild. But kid boasts that workmanlike, get it done game, so I'm confident in the Twin Cities.

The Flu Game

Remember The Infamous Flu Game in the 1997 NBA Finals...Well the kicks that laced Michael Jordan's feet, drop this fall in a slightly different fashion, but posses the same look. The Flu Game Air Jordan Retro XII is a remake of sorts similar to its predecessor the Black/Red Air Jordan XII. The Flu Game Air Jordan Retro XII will feature a Black nubuck upper, instead of the original Black leather upper, as well as features that pay homage to the Flu Game. A "sick face" on the tongue and heel and "97" "38" for the year of the Finals and Jordan's point total.


The Flu Game Air Jordan Retro XII is set to release this Fall for a retail of $150.



Source: www.kixandthecity.com

We Hyperizing....Yall Just Be Criticizing Everday

My New Favorite Joint! Big Ups 2 Nike for delivering that "Juice" On The Daily With It Hoops commercials. This one is going into the archives as a great one. Hope they release more!
My dudes (The Hyperizers) Fog Raw (Mo Williams), Velvet Hoop (Kevin Durant), Chief Blocka (Andre Iguodala) and Ice-O (Rashard Lewis) - came with that "Fire" delivered by DJ Quik...Boy nasty on the board. Check It Out! Dont Criticize....

The Impact Of Shard's News

By now, Rashard Lewis news of the banned substance, was embedded into our conscious, or at least that of hoop fans. As, you may know or not, Shard Lewis was suspended for his first 10 games of the 2009-10 season for an elevated testosterone level. Lewis has since come out and gave apology through statement. I pray that Rashard will thoroughly work this out with the Orlando Magic and the NBA. It could possibly take a hit to the NBA through "PR" but I doubt the effect will stick. The NBA is least through all major sports to have these types of instances. But this is definately left open for discussion.
The the rest of the association will no doubt go full throttle though, in preparing it's team personnel, front office, training/medical staff and players, that it needs to be profound in its understanding to what substances are banned by the League.