SPORTS


9Five X Jordan Brand- Russell Westbrook Player Exclusive Eyewear


Having done signature designs for its pro-skating team, eyewear label 9FIVE recently received a rare opportunity when Jordan Brand came calling. The request was straight forward yet nonetheless interesting – to create a line of player exclusive eyewear for Russell Westbrook. As a welcoming gift for the OKC‘s point guard in becoming the newest member of Team Jordan, the eyewear also highlights Westbrook’s key fashion trait in bring “geek chic” to the NBA. No decision thus far on whether the collection will be available as general release.

Source: FRESHNESS



 Cornelius 'K9' Bundrage signs with Golden Boy, offered fights with Kirkland and Angulo




Cornelius "K9" Bundrage, who holds the IBF junior middleweight title, has signed with Golden Boy Promotions, and word is he's been offered fights with James Kirkland and Alfredo Angulo already.
Bundrage said - "Christmas came early this year! No Berto, no worries! I've been offered fights with Kirkland and Angulo. Somebody in trouble (bark bark)!"
Bundrage was in talks, of course, to face Andre Berto on November 24 on HBO, but that fell through, and has led to Berto signing to face Robert Guerrero at welterweight instead.
RingTV.com's Lem Satterfield confirmed with Golden Boy that the deal with Bundrage is done, speaking with Richard Schaefer:
"It is correct. We signed an agreement with K-9. He was in our offices yesterday, and it's a multi-fight deal with him. He is one of recognized names there in the 154-pound weight class. He's a world champion, and I think there are a series of good fights out there for him. We are looking forward to working with him."
Bundrage's last fight, a rematch win over Cory Spinks on June 30, was promoted by Golden Boy after they won a purse bid for the fight, and televised by Showtime. Now, the 39-year-old Bundrage (32-4, 19 KO) is in a position to really make some money with a major promoter, who have plenty of interesting options in-house for him.
One fight that will have to come up at some point, though, is a fight against Gabriel Rosado, who is the IBF mandatory challenger. That probably isn't foremost on Bundrage's mind, or Golden Boy's, but if he wants to keep his belt (which is his main leverage), he'll have to fight Rosado sooner or later. The good news is that it's a good fight on paper if it can get done.
Schaefer also mentioned Erislandy Lara and Vanes Martirosyan, who will fight on November 10 to determine a mandatory challenger to Canelo Alvarez's WBC title, as well as Canelo himself.
Source: SB NATION



Pacquiao vs Marquez IV: Fight poster for December 8 showdown


Here's the official fight poster for the fourth fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, which will be held on December 8, 2012, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, on HBO pay-per-view:

 Source: SB NATION




2012-13 X-Factors Western Conference
The season is fast-approaching and most previews will mention Kobe Bryant, Derrick Favors and Kevin Durant as being the pinnacle of NBA players that will help shape their respective teams’ destinies. OK, strike that. Most won’t mention Favors, but I certainly will.
I’ll hit up Western Conference players in this post that will be just as vital as the stars for how well or bad their team fares. Remember, the term “success” here is all relative. *cough*Kings*cough*.
Dallas Mavericks: Darren Collison
Jason Kidd is gone. Deron Williams never came. So, it’ll be up to Collison to prove that the point guard position for the Mavs is still a strong element in their game. It wasn’t long ago that Collison averaged 18.8 points and 9.1 dimes in 37 games as a starter during the 2009-10 season. If he can come close to those numbers, Mark Cuban and other Mavs fans will be ecstatic. A good pick-and-roll player, Collison will have to wait a bit before he does his thing with Dirk Nowitzki, but when it goes down, it’s going to be nice.
Denver Nuggets: Kenneth Faried
Can the Manimal do it again and show why he’s so good? After averaging 11.0 points and 8.2 boards in only 25 minutes per contest in 39 games as a starter last season, Faried will once again start at the four, but with a little more experience and expectations behind him. If given true starter minutes, which he should get with Anthony Randolph backing him up, Faried can easily beast out a double-double and do well defensively on hustle alone. JaVale McGee comes in a close second here.
Golden State Warriors: Andrew Bogut
OK, really the answer here is Stephen Curry’s ankle, but enough has been written about that. The oft-injured Bogut is justifiably the pick here too since the Warriors essentially traded Monta Ellis for him, hoping that they finally have that impact big on both sides of the court. The Ws are hoping for a return to double-double numbers to go along with a couple of blocks for Bogut, while also being that post presence on offense that will create a lot of open looks for Curry, Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes.
Houston Rockets: Jeremy Lin
Everyone around the world, particularly the New York Knicks and their fans, want to know if Lin can re-create the magic that was Linsanity. I don’t think so, but I think he’ll be very good and the Knicks will regret letting him go. In any case, as seemingly passive as Lin is, there has to be a fire within him that will want to prove the Knicks and his critics wrong. Right?
Los Angeles Clippers: Lamar Odom
Dallas didn’t work out so much for Odom, but he returns to Los Angeles where he certainly feels more comfortable — only he won’t be doing his thing with the Lakers, but the up-and-coming Clippers. The only problem? Odom came into camp fatter than Kim Kardashian’s booty. Yeah, I know, easy joke. Nonetheless, it wasn’t too long ago that Odom was the NBA Sixth Man of the Year and an important component to the Lakers getting rings. If he can get back in shape and focus solely on basketball, the Clippers will reap a lot of reward. They still probably won’t get past the Lakers, but they’ll have a better shot of it.
Los Angeles Lakers: Dwight Howard
It’s kind of silly to pick a superstar here, but Howard’s back and the media nightmare that happened the past year is pretty hard to ignore. Plus, that back really is an issue to consider, especially since he’ll be facing a lot of defenders in the post giving him elbows trying to deny him the block and the ball. It should be interesting as D12’s health will be an important factor in the Forum Blue and Gold getting another ring before Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are another year older.
Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Randolph   
Randolph missed 38 games at the beginning of last season. When he came back he was a shadow of his former self, dipping from 20.1 points and 12.2 rebounds to last season’s 11.6 points and 8.0 rebounds. A lot of that had to do with coming back from a knee injury and not being in top shape. Or at least top Z-Bo shape. If he can return to 20/10 form and stay healthy, the Grizzlies will make some real noise in the West if the other players such as Mike Conley, Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol continue to do well.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Brandon Roy
Roy didn’t play at all last season and most thought he would never play again, which was a shame because of how great he was his first five seasons. However, he dedicated himself to coming back and the T-Wolves are giving him that shot. He’s the likely starting shooting guard, but it’ll be interesting to see how healthy he stays and how productive. If he can produce even 80 percent of his career numbers (19.0 points, 4.7 assists, 4.3 rebounds) in limited minutes, many will be claiming success and redemption for B-Roy.
New Orleans Hornets: Eric Gordon
Many will speak enough about Anthony Davis, so we go with EJ and his full comeback from injury here. Also, there’s a question about his desire to play with the team after telling the franchise he really wanted to go to the Phoenix Suns during the free agency period. He’s a solid foundation to build upon with Davis and should succeed, health willing.
Oklahoma City Thunder: James Harden
The Beard Watch is officially on! How will Harden come back this season, knowing that there are really only two possibilities: 1) re-sign with the team long-term or 2) get traded at the deadline. I highly doubt the latter happens and the franchise and Harden work it out somehow during next offseason, but you have to wonder if the team re-upping with Serge Ibaka and lessening the chances of re-signing Harden hurt his feelings to some degree. It had to at least been a blow to his ego, and if so, how much does that affect him on the court?
Phoenix Suns: Goran Dragic
Can it really be anyone else? Steve Nash gets traded to the Lakers and Dragic is signed as a free agent to take his spot. How will Dragic do in his return to the Suns? They’re hoping that it’s much the same as when Nash returned after some time with the Mavs.
Portland Trail Blazers: Nicolas Batum
When he’s not punching opponents in the junk, Batum shows flashes of brilliance on the court and the Blazers are now paying him as such after the Timberwolves tried to sign him away during the offseason. With Gerald Wallace, Brandon Roy and Jamal Crawford no longer around to keep him down, Batum is given the starting three position with no one to take his minutes. Can he still produce with higher expectations and reliance on him?
Sacramento Kings: Tyreke Evans
Once upon a time, the Kings were Reke’s team without any question. Then something happened and just like Kevin Johnson hearing the Maloofs back out from a deal to keep the team in Sactown, I’m not entirely sure what. However, the ambiguity aside, Evans seems to be taking the hit and rolling with the punches, especially with the Kings reportedly not likely to offer him an extension. How the mighty have fallen. It’s up to Evans to pick himself up and play hard, if not for the sake of the Kings, for the sake of a big contract somewhere else.
San Antonio Spurs: Kawhi Leonard
Gregg Popovich said that Leonard would be the future of the franchise and whatever Pop says is as credible as The Dude abiding. That’s a lot of pressure to put on a second-year player, but Leonard has the skills, physicality and most importantly, the veteran leadership around him to make it happen. Can he rise up to the challenge? If he does, look for another strong Spurs run during the season and perhaps pulling off a surprise during the postseason.
Utah Jazz: Derrick Favors
Coming into the league, Favors was all upside. Some were saying he’d be the next Karl Malone, which is crazy to say, especially since a John Stockton clone doesn’t exist and hasn’t since he left the NBA. However, he has the body, explosion and work ethic to be something like the Mailman. A clerk at your local postal office at the least. However, Paul Millsap, a free agent-to-be is in the way from Favors delivering on his potential that saw him average 12.2 points and 9.3 rebounds in nine games as a starter in only 29 minutes. If he continues to show production over potential, the Jazz could very well send Millsap somewhere else.
Source: THE BASKETBALL JONES
Nike Georgetown- Officially Opens Washington D.C








Nike has just opened its concept store in the nation’s capital, cutting the ribbons on a massive three-story, 31,000 square-foot space in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington D.C. Warmly lit with exposed beams and polished hardwood floors, the store features a premium assortment of athletic programs, including Nike Running, Training, Basketball, Football, Soccer and Sportswear, highlighted by a full range of footwear, apparel and equipment. John Thompson Jr., the legendary former Georgetown men’s basketball head coach, honored with his own display inside the store, was on hand to celebrate the grand opening. Additional local elements are found at the cash wraps, which incorporate designs from local high school mascots, as well as photographs showcasing area running landscapes, plus a NIKEiD table crafted from a local college scoreboard. Make sure to drop in for a visit if you’re in the area.
Nike Georgetown
3040 M Street NW | Map
Washington, D.C. 20007
TEL #: 202-471-5870
Source:FRESHNESS




Oscar De La Hoya hinting again at possible boxing comeback
Last night on Twitter, Oscar De La Hoya once again hinted that he's considering a boxing comeback, not long after saying he'd given up that thought:
I'm really confident I can do some damage to any 54 pounder in the world, except "Saul Canelo Alvarez".
Personally, I believe that De La Hoya (39-6, 30 KO) should stay retired. He's 38 years old, he doesn't need the money, he hasn't fought in four years and looked awful last time he did, and he hasn't really been a full-time fighter since 2004. That's a long time.
But I think it's pretty obvious he's got the itch, just like Ricky Hatton had. And I think Hatton's own comeback might be inspiring De La Hoya. Oscar is by all accounts still in good shape, and while he's put on some retirement weight -- as I feel all retired boxers should -- he's never been grossly out of shape or anything.
Could a comeback work for him? I don't know. I don't know what he has to gain beyond personal stuff, and I don't know how much that personal stuff would mean to him, because I'm not him. I guess what I can say is that if he does do it, good luck to him. I'll watch, obviously. And I don't think it's crazy to think he could get in shape, come back, and beat some top 154-pound guys.
Also, this could also just be a way for him to hype Canelo some more. And I don't know why Canelo's entire name was in quotes, but that's the magic of Oscar's Twitter.
Source:BADLEFTHOOK


Rasheed Wallace explains his new 3 point celebration


 “It’s three points. Take that to the head.” — Rasheed Wallace, all-time best

 Source:THE BASKETBALL JONES 


The Return of Derrick Rose: Episode 6- All In


What makes basketball so beautiful are the success stories that make it up. To see someone transcend odds in the name of their city, to give hope to those for whom none exists– this is a core foundation of what makes basketball stories so engaging. Derrick Rose is a prime example – born and raised in inner-city Chicago, he fulfilled his dreams of becoming a star for the Bulls, leading them to some of their most successful seasons since the Jordan era. adidas has documented Rose’s long road to return from a torn ACL, an injury that seemed to put a hushing finger to the future dreams of a once dominant sports legacy. Over the course of the past couple of months, adidas has released visual check-ins in the form of “The Return of Derrick Rose.” The final installment of the series was released, which sees Rose’s progression back on his feet, shooting on the court, and explaining his motivation – in his own words. Emotionally charged and directed by Rose himself, one is reminded by the video that “you can take the dog out of the fight, but you can’t take the fight out of the dog.”

Source:HYPEBEAST 




burn Presents:Visions-The Very Best in Free Running and Parkour
  

The team over at burn has put together a daring video featuring the world’s very best in free running and parkour. The film, shot in Bucharest, Romania, includes 4 freerunners -Kie Willis, Phil Doyle and Tim Shieff of Storm Freerun, and Chima Akenzua. Over the course of the film the freerunners hone in on their creative energy and, guided by their imagination, enter the “Free State of Creativity”.
burn is dedicated to the fire within and designed for people with true ambition. It fuels the creative energy of those in pursuit of greatness, making their strengths visible and their force unstoppable.

Source:HIGHSNOBIETY


Floyd Mayweather reportedly aiming for February return, Canelo still wants May 4 fight



Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez may not be able to work out a fight date, as Alvarez wants to fight on May 4, while he says Mayweather is targeting a February return.

 Canelo Alvarez says that Floyd Mayweather is trying to secure a February return to the ring, while Alvarez wants to negotiate a May 4 deal with the pound-for-pound superstar, meaning that it may not be possible to get the two together for the fight that Alvarez wants.
From BoxingScene.com:
"The problem with Mayweather is that he wants to make a fight in February and then [wait] until September, and I want to fight in May. Hopefully he will want to fight in May, and we'll [come into the fight with] almost the same amount of time of inactivity."
Those four months between May and September for their last fight dates don't really make for "almost the same amount of time of inactivity, and one would think that if this is the fight that Alvarez truly, really, greatly wants, as he says it is, then he might be open to returning in February. That's just two months from now, so I'm not sure how serious a Mayweather February return is, but you might recall that last year, Mayweather also considered a February bout before choosing to fight Miguel Cotto on May 5 instead.
If Mayweather and Canelo don't fight, there are a few options for them both. Mayweather would, it would seem, almost surely fight Robert Guerrero, which Golden Boy says they're pursuing. And Canelo could fight Austin Trout, or he could just face Miguel Cotto on May 4 as was the plan before Trout beat Cotto on Saturday.

Source:BADLEFTHOOK/SBNATION 

Nigel Sylvester Finds His Perfect Moment
  
The daring and dexterous Nigel Sylvester stars in a new commercial ‘fueled by Gatorade.’ Beautifully shot in his New York hometown on RED cameras, this artistic clip captures the professional BMX street rider in his element. The ad was directed by Harrison Boyce and, if you pay attention, you can catch glimpses of his cameo appearance subliminally tucked away in the leafy Queens borough as Sylvester presses in to create that “Perfect Moment”. This video is pretty epic as far as commercials go.

Source: HYPEBEAST