I’ve been photographing Basketball for the last 5 years. I think the first photograph that got me any work was a shot of Rafer Alston playing “D” against Stephon Marbury in the Garden. Big Up to AG for the press pass that lit a fire. I sent the photo to my homey Rashaun Smith who was running And1 marketing at the time, and for the next two years I spent my summers traveling the country shooting the And1 Mixtape Tour. The next thing I know, I’m photographing the legendary “City is Watching” Campaign for Nike with the likes of Bobbito. Who would have thought a skinny African kid with no left hand and mad hops would make it to the Garden?
In this day and age, the love of the game is like a classic Wu Banga. You remember the first time you heard “Protect Ya Neck”, or “Method Man”. And come on, the infamous “Purple Tape” might as well said “Come Fly With Me” with a picture of Mike on the cover. For me ball and hip hop are like peanut butter and jelly. I plan to use this blog as my ode to the love that exist in me for the two things that made life worth living as a kid. By being able to capture the spirit of this great city they call the Rotten Apple, I hope to keep your attention long enough to read my words and experience my vision through photos.
I remember being in elementary school where all I had on the weekend during the day was Green Brook Park Playground and a boom box in the kitchen listening to Red Alert at night. Hangin out with kids older then me meant that I usually sat on the sidelines watching cats go at it on the court. Headphones on, playing with my graphic equalizer so I could hear more bass in KRS ONE’s voice as he sang about “Breath Control”. This was pretty much the scenario pretty much until 9th grade when a crazy Bobby Knight wannabe that preached defense taught me how to combine my athleticism with fundamentals. Oh it was nasty after that. You know how it is when you beat that one cat that always did you dirty? I felt like Charles Bronson in Vigilante or some ish. “Comin back like I’m revengin’ my brother’s death”. I’ll spare you my Al Bundy flashbacks of greatness, but let’s just say, in the words of MC Search, I made more than a mark, I made a dent…
Most players have a memory like this. When it was so much more than a game of 21. It was your reputation, your respect and your recognition. I was never an All-American and the closest I ever came to college ball was me and my homey Jeron Green playing Rick Brunson and Rasheed Brokenborough at McGonigle Hall during my days at Temple, but something kept me waking up at 6 am putting on my Olaf’s and getting it in.
Much Respect to the countless players that make me look like a great photographer with their effortless talent. You keep my love alive.
Check Out My Ode to NYC Hoops
June 7th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Kainon says:
I really liked it Stan. I almost got a little lost in the middle when you said the love of the game was like a classic Wu Banga. I’m a little older than you remember. But you brought me back with the KRS-1. But I see where you going with it. You know I love her too.
June 7th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
G. Waite says:
Ha ha! Talk about taking it back… “Shaoline’s finest, whaddup boo, peace your highness, Yo I’m loungin, big dick style, yall niggaz is the flyest…” Can’t think about early 90’s hip without mentioning b-ball. To the days of shoveling snow off my boy’s court to ball, the excitement felt the first time I “tapped” with w hands. “All-American”??? The closest I came to college ball was creepin with baller’s chics while they were at away games.
Keep shootin’! You may get me to quit day job after all!
G
June 7th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Justin says:
Flavor post Stan. Definitely looking forward to more. How nice is Corey Fisher by the way?
June 8th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
AG. says:
No doubt Stan! Your memories (photography) is both respected and adored by many.
Keep up the good work fam.
Peace.
AG.
June 8th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Fremstar says:
This excerpt reminded me of the first time I ever YOKED it. Only 5′2 at the time at the playground playing “21″ I was going up for a layup on the baseline and it seemed like I kept on going up, anyway the entry was tight, however, like your left hand it needs a little polishing but that’s what blogs r 4 right? Thoughts of Hawking it…
June 8th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Chuck says:
Great article Stan. I think hip hop and basketabll are two sides of the same coin. Sadly, when my love for hip hop started dying, I ended up hanging up the sneakers. Coincidenceor not…..I can’t call it.
June 8th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Clutch17 says:
Hey Stan, loved your ode to basketball. My good friend Larry aka Young Global (lol) put me on to you and your work. I def feel the love for basketball and hip hop as one and the same. I still remember all the songs that were out during my summer league days playing at W 4th, 145th’s Rucker Park, at the actual Rucker, and other spots. If hip hop is my soundtrack then ball is my movie. As a female, I have an even deeper connection to ball because as females we always had to make sure our game was on point when we hit the courts with the dudes. You cross one dude out on 145th and you’re now the crescendo, we lived for that.
Keep up the good work and I’ll be looking out for the “City is Watching” campaign. Did you happen to do the photoshoot @ the Nike Rose Classic Tournament in BK?
June 14th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
Aimee says:
LUV IT STAN! Keep doing your thang and I’ll see you at the Dome or the Cage this year.
Peace!
June 19th, 2007 at 7:31 pm
jerry says:
The ironic thing about this picture of Rafer guarding Stephon is this was supposed to happen in highschool but it never did. I would like a copy of this picture.
March 13th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
obligati apstas says:
http://tobebest.com/lv/3676.html
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:13 pm
Sherley Cooper says:
Thank you very much for your help, this has been a great respite from the books,