Embedded video from CNN Video

This past weekend, CNN aired a prime-time two-minute piece on me as a prelude to their upcoming Latinos In America documentary (scheduled to premiere 10/21 @ 9pm). While filming, I took them to my homeland Goat Park on 99th St to peep some pick-up games, and it made the final cut as well as my Anytime, Anyday/Bounce shorts by Shirts & Skins that I had on!

Last season, Kobe Bryant dropped 62 on the Knicks in the Garden, and it was all the rave of the league, but who remembers “Pistol” Pete Maravich’s 68 on them back on February 25, 1977 out in New Orleans for the Jazz? We didn’t have ESPN highlights back then, but I remember reading about it in the paper the next day and just buggin’. Check out the clip I just found below. Towards the end Pete goes straight playground with a woopty-woop lay-up and then a signature no-look. Pure joy:

Roman Perez a.k.a. “El Regalo” going to the skillet on me hard at Goat Park on 8/5/09. Kevin Couliau photo.

“Anytime, Anyday” Work-out/Open Run Read More »

Our man DJ Roc Raida, or Anthony to some of us, passed away. Tony Touch told me on the plane Saturday afternoon as we were flying back from Toronto. I came across this photo that I took of him in ‘96 during a battle at Barnard/Columbia U. Thought I’d share it with all of you. He seemed real calm and collected in it.

That’s how I remember him.

Raida and I met around 1989 through DJ Lord Sear who grew up with him in Harlem. They both would come down to 97th St. to chill at the Goat [Park] with our crew, and we’d snap, bug out, talk about kicks, whatever.

When Stretch and I got on WKCR 89.9FM Thursday nights, we put the X-MEN (later named the X-cutioners) turntablists featuring Raida, Read More »

After the 2009 Elite 24 HS All-American practice was over, myself, Cardozo HS coach Ron Naclerio, and other members of the media took to the LA Sports Club floor to shoot around. I hit my first 12 jumpers in a row (Casey Lee my witness) and caught the attention of Oak Hill Academy’s Doron Lamb. He guarded up, I gave him a quick one-two, but unfortunately lost control of my handle and wound up looking like that retired dude on the sideline who can only shoot when no one is guarding him–argh! Hahaha. Luckily, his father Cal Lamb and I played for years against each other down in the Lower East Side’s’ Ham-Fish Tournament, so he can co-sign that I once could knock’em down to his son if he’s still a non-believe. Cal was a standout at LIU in Brooklyn, and one of the best shooters I ever saw in the “6th Borough” a.k.a. the L.E.S. So no surprise to me or anyone else from the Lower that Doron can go.

I nicknamed Doron “Smooth Criminal” at the game in Gauchos Gym the next day. He has the ability to score effortlessly. I believe he’s the top scorer in Elite 24 the last two years in a row, without any highlight dunks or crossover, just smooth sailing, threes, and court sense.

Next time he guards up, I’ll have to show him something better!

Yes, the Boost Mobile Elite 24 HS All-American Game would’ve been fresher if it didn’t rain and the classic went down outside in Rucker Park. More importantly, it would’ve been liver as Gauchos Gym unfortunately couldn’t accomodate all the family, fans, and friends that showed up to watch. For those who couldn’t get in, or perhaps didn’t make at all, peep the below highlights thanks to www.hoopsmixtape.com, particularly Doron Lamb (who I nicknamed “Smooth Criminal”) to Roscoe Smith (a.k.a. “Sco Da Show) at :55, and then Josh Selby (who EJ Da Mayor was calling “The Highlight”) catchin’ one on Kendall Marshall (who I blessed with “The Wonderful Wizard” although it didn’t stick) at 1:20! You won’t be dissappointed!

Check back with us for a more full post about the game from Jon Lopez real soon.

The Boost Mobile Elite 24 HS All-American Game comes to Rucker Park again tonight Friday, August 21, 7pm, and those who witnessed the practice yesterday know full well it’s gonna be ON!

Kevin Couliau Photo

The kids were playing D, which is unusual in all-star contests. They were also having fun. In the four years of announcing the event, I’ve never seen a group joke around with each other and smile after the game as much as this year’s crop. A lot of them were asking me, “You gonna give me a nickname, right?” Only if they deserve one! Cats that super-impressed seeing them for the first time were Kendall Marshall, CJ Leslie, Kyrie Irving, Roscoe Smith and Harrison Barnes. Doron Lamb Read More »

The fourth ever Boost Mobile Elite 24 HS All-American game comes to Rucker Park again this Friday, August 21. Harrison Barnes, Kyrie Irving, Doron Lamb, Tobias Harris, Tristan Thompson, Dion Waiters, on and on will rock out on the court while Brandon Jennings, Rajon Rondo, Tyreke Evans, Ron Naclerio, Tiny Morton and more will man the sidelines. The Dunk Contest will jump off at 5:30pm; game time is 7pm (broadcast on ESPNU Saturday @ 7pm). Entry is free; take the D train to 155th St.

Over ten former Elite 24 participants are now playing in the NBA, so understand the level of comp. I’ve had a lot of fun announcing the game since it’s inaugural year in 2006, and was recently asked by ESPN to list my ten favorite nicknames I’ve come up in the first three years (that I can remember at least!)

Lance Stephenson aka “Born Ready”: Lance was killing at EBC, Kingdome, and other men’s tournaments before he even stepped into the gym at Lincoln HS. Born Ready was the best way I could describe his game, simple as that!

“Make’em Fall” John Wall a.k.a. “Ammo”: Make’em Fall came naturally Read More »