Watching the game today, be it on the amateur level, the blacktop or in the “L,” the word “rivalry” has slowly lost its value. Like the past handful of albums from James Todd Smith, today’s rivalries seem to be a lot more filler (hugs and laughter and media influence) than certified smash hits of yesteryear.  Read More »

It has been eight years since the Grizz packed up and headed south to the sold out crowds (not!) at the FedEx forum in Memphis.  Two years ago, “Sonicgate” went down, and the Emerald City lost out on a forty year relationship with their pro hoops squad.  For fans on northwest corner of the 49th parallel, who have not been able or willing to make the three to five hour drive to the Rose Garden, this was the best opportunity to support BC’s own Steve Nash and his crew from Arizona.  Not surprising, many of the fans were just as supportive of the league’s up and coming Trailblazers, lead by Seattle’s Brandon Roy.

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Once again, Vancouver continues to prove that despite losing the Grizz (yes folks it still hurts!) and their neighbors from the south (seriously what is with Stern and the Northwest?), that basketball is still a major sport and well supported by fans and players. As the concluding chapter to the summer tournament circuit, the 1st Annual West Coast Classic provided a number of surprises over the course of the two-day event. The 24-team tournament, played on four basketball courts, created rumors that there will be an additional four courts added to the facility. Read More »

For the most part once the summer ends in Vancouver, the focus turns to anything hockey related (contracts, rookies, what Luongo had for lunch and what movie the Sedin twins saw).  However this weekend, the crew that is hosting the first annual West Coast Classic is looking to grab some of the shine and funnel it towards the hardcourt if for but just a weekend.  Featuring two mens divisions (competative and recreational) and a womans bracket, the event will host a combination of twenty four teams battling over the course of the two day event on Richmond’s newest and most prolific basketball courts. Check back here on Monday for a full breakdown of what is sure to be another great BC tournament!

Event Date – Sept 26-27, 2009

Location – Richmond Olympic Oval (6111 River Road, Richmond BC)

For more information – www.westcoastclassic.ca

Shortly after helping Team Canada take a huge step towards once again being a presence on the hoops map by qualifying for the 2010 FIBA Worlds, I had the opportunity to interview one of the main contributors for the “Red and White”.  After watching Levon Kendall capture back to back BC High School rings in 01-02, his road led him down south to the University of Pittsburgh.  Following a redshirt year, Kendall saw limited minutes during his first year in uniform.  For the following three seasons his value to the Panthers increased, along with his role as a member of the Canadian National Team.  Jumping up from the Junior squad to join the big boys in 2005, Kendall has provided the team with a solid presence on both ends of the court.  Currently over the pond playing for Maroussi Athens BC in the Greek League, it was a pleasure to catch up with a local boy doing great things for the game.

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In 2006 and 07, Steve Nash brought professional hoops back to Vancouver through his charity game, and this year, although it is probably not the type of ball game that most fans would like to see him bring to Vancouver (although he is returning in October with the Suns for a preseason tilt against the Blazers), on the afternoon of Saturday September 18th, Steve Nash, along with the Clippers Baron Davis and 2009 second overall pick Hasheem Thabeet will team up with a host of players from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Whitecaps FC Residency program to help support Nash’s charity foundation.  Read More »

One game.  Four quarters and a victory……along with a little help from Argentina.  Not since the summer of 2000 has Team Canada taken to the courts at the Olympic Games.  With a victory over the Dominican Republic Friday evening (combined with either a Uruguay loss to Argentina or if Uruguay wins, Canada must drop DR by more than 5…got it?!?!), the Canadian squad will move one step closer to returning to the Games of the XXX Olympiad by qualifying for the 2010 FIBA World Championships.  For a country which is known mostly for skates, sticks and pucks, it would be a huge step in gaining respect in the basketball circles for something other than being home to Steve Nash and the failure to keep the Grizzlies in Vancouver (which was more a lack of quality front office and ownership, rather than fan support).

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As the final stop on the Lower Mainland’s summer tournament circuit, the action headed indoors for the 5th Annual Hoopfest Tournament in Vancouver, Canada. While some of the faces may have changed from 2004, the level of talent and intensity of play continues to impress. Entering the tournament with the previous four titles to their credit, The School looked to continue their dominance with an unprecedented 19-1 record (including round robin and playoff games). However, this year’s version of the defending champions had a Jerry Krause feel to it, as only Malcolm Campbell and Louis Hurd were carry over members from prior events. Squeezing into the playoff round with a victory over the Ravens in their final round robin game, The School was forced to play back to back games with a semi-final battle against the undermanned Rebels squad. On the flip side, Athelite, led by star guard Aman Heran held off a potential upset by Herbalex, who featured a trio of current and former University of Fraser Valley stars, Kyle Grewal, Tristan Smith and grad Dwayne Harrison.

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