Michael Jordan to the Max
July 20, 2009 by NFL Stats · Leave a Comment
The greatest basketball player of all time gets an appropriate clip reel in this 45-minute documentary, which was originally released in the IMAX format. While you can’t simulate IMAX’s 80-foot-high screen in your living room, you can still get the thrills and awe-inspiring footage of this tribute to one man’s talent and endurance. Much of the original footage was shot during the 1997 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz. With great behind-the-scenes footage and terrific game material, the film gets close to Jordan in practice and on the court. And the film includes a number of greatest hits, including his commercials and most memorable dunks. Still, while there are intriguing interviews with everyone from former Bulls coach Phil Jackson to professional Jordan hanger-on Bob Greene, this film seems a little self-serving at times (Jordan’s company coproduced it). Also, some key voices from that team are conspicuously absent, including Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, and Ron Harper. In the end, however, it’s all about the highlights–and Jordan’s career (and his NBA finale) was one long one. –Marshall Fine
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars JORDAN “NEED I SAY MORE”
I would buy this video, a thousand times over again for this price, see the GREATEST BASKETBALL PLAYER WHO HAS EVER LIVED, in the IMAX format. Need I say more!!!!
5 Stars GREAT MOVIE!!!
Awesome movie. Perfect for any Jordan fan! I was a little worried that this movie would not play full screen on my flat screen t.v. but to my enjoyment it did. It plays covering the entire screen and it has a very clear picture! don’t let this one pass you by.
1 Star Dissapoiting Don’t Buy this
Many people brought this probably thought might has some great MJ play clip but that;s totally wrong u getting a few histoy of his carrerr but 90% is focus at the last game when he;s in bull, that’s all, so not worthly unless u die hard MJ fan and ignore review from others ! There;s better one out there.
5 Stars Powerful
Very informative about the MVP. Great inspiration to those who are getting into basketball.
5 Stars Excelente
Tiene un excelente contenido, sobre todo las remembranzas sobre la vida profesional de MJ, recomendable.
Mad Game The NBA Education of Kobe Bryant
July 5, 2009 by NFL Stats · Leave a Comment
Mad Game The NBA Education of Kobe Bryant
“…the writing is sharp, and it’s clear Lazenby knows his stuff. “Mad Game” creates an image of a young player whose determination leaves him aloof, whose lack of a college experience deprives him of some necessary team skills and whose playground style frustrates his teammates.” — Washington Times
“Subtitled The NBA Education of Kobe Bryant, the 313-page biography is proof that there is no such thing as a charmed life…Lazenby’s book makes startlingly clear Bryant, 21, also is like you and me, tiptoeing around hostile co-workers and getting blamed for every little thing that goes wrong on the job and knowing at least one of the smiling faces he sees every day is trashing him behind his back.” — LA Daily News
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Solid Book
Kobe Bryant is all Ready a Important Player but wait until a few years down the line His Best shall come.the Guy is a Good Balance of Talent&Flaw.He is gonna be Scary in years to Come.this Book brings all those Elements&More out.He has had to deal with alot of things On&Off the COurt but He is Headed for Something Special with His Career.the Sky is the Limit for Him.
5 Stars Mad Game, now Mad NBA CHAMPION!
I read the book a little while back, and I thought it was a great read on the most electrifying basketball player today. At that time, Kobe was going through a lot of growing pains, a lot of failures, crticisms, bad chemistry with teammates. And now, this season, I’ve seen Kobe’s maturation and improvement in the league, playing more under control, playing in Phil Jackson’s triangle offense, having better rapport with Shaq and his teammates. His incredible performance in Game 4 of the NBA Finals in overtime was unforgettable and it is only the beginning. Now he is finally an NBA champion with the Lakers, and hopefully, this will be the beginning of another great Laker dynasty, the first of the 21st century!
5 Stars #1
welcom to the world of kobe bryant this book is nomber 1 out of2,865 books i have read (still counting) this book doesnt just tellyou about kobe it tells you about the whol lakers history and abot how other players reflect on kobe bryant like m.j. & magic Johnson I’ve read this book 3 times and i never get tierd of it i could tell you at least 5 things kobe has remarked of the top of my head I’m 11 years old & for me to type this much I’d have to love this book! & allso the author r. lazenby is supurb!
Phantom Calls Race and the Globalization of the NBA
June 23, 2009 by NFL Stats · Leave a Comment
Phantom Calls Race and the Globalization of the NBA
User Ratings and Reviews
4 Stars Very pertinent book
A very pertinent book on a rarely discussed issue: Yao Ming as not just a basketball player, but a marker for a new kind of race relation in the NBA that falls outside the usual black-white paradigm, as well as a marker for the new global economy, in which even former communist countries like China export their talents to America. Farred’s argument is at times very subtle but he is at his best in bringing to the fore issues of race, economics, and globalization that most of us who watch the NBA ignore.
I question whether the first reviewer even read the book. It just came out, and the idea that its already in his university library is a little far-fetched…
1 Star An embarassment to Duke University.
I picked this book up at my University Library after reading some of its bizzare excerpts. It couldn’t be as bad the reviewer held out. Wrong.
Its specious arguments, shaky facts, obscurant prose and unsupported conclusions should embarass Duke and Farred.
Lenny Wilkens Legacy Basketball Clinic Series The Basics
June 14, 2009 by NFL Stats · Leave a Comment
Lenny Wilkens Legacy Basketball Clinic Series The Basics
Get in the game with Lenny Wilkens enhanced edition DVD of his classic basketball clinic series. Lenny and Dick Helm show you all you need to know to get your team to the playoffs! Legendary coach Lenny Wilkens teams up with Dick Helm to lay out the fundamentals of one of America’s most dynamic and challenging sporting events: basketball. Wilkens, who holds the title as the most successful coach in the NBA (based on his impressive tally of wins), teaches beginner coaches and players how to run and read the floor, handle the ball, drive to the basket, work with teammates and more. Includes the coach’s video chalkboard. Running Time: 100 minutes. Release Date: 10/28/2003.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Excellent instructional video
Excellent instructional video. Before each lesson Lenny provides bullet points on the points to remember. They then show highly skilled player demonstrate. Lenny freeze frames and uses chalk to show the most important points. I’ve bought several books and DVDs on basketball and so far, this is the best. Highly recommended.
5 Stars Excellent Resource for Fans as Well as Players and Coaches
As someone who never played competitive basketball, I purchased “The Basics” hoping to gain a better appreciation of what it means to be a solid, fundamentally-sound basketball player. This DVD offers an outstanding look at tools that must be developed in order to be successful on any level, including youth leagues, high school, college, or in the pros. Coaches Wilkens and Helm do an excellent job of instructing viewers on how to handle the ball properly, make passes that won’t be picked-off, get away from defenders, and box-out in order to rebound.
“The Basics” offers comprehensive overviews of the nuanced aspects of ball handling, passing, shooting, offensive rebounding, and playing defense. On dribbling and passing, emphasis is placed on using proper technique based on where the defender is located. For example, players are taught when to throw chest passes, bounce passes, or overhead passes in different situations to minimize risks of turnovers. They are taught specific movements to get open on offense to create space between themselves and defenders. When rebounding, the coaches demonstrate how to neutralize the opponent’s ability to go after the ball before attempting to grab it.
Wilkens and Helm have assembled an excellent product that can help casual fans better understand the game. Viewers will be better able to appreciate players who go the extra mile to help their teams win. “The Basics” isn’t just great for players and coaches, it is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn what it takes to be fundamentally-sound on the court.
5 Stars Outstanding video for the right age group
This is an outstanding video. The pace is right and the voice over is the right speed. I bought it for my 7 and 8 year old daughters, but realized that they would only be able to digest the large amount of information in small bites. So we watch and then break to practice. You may wish to sit thru each video in one sitting, but spread it out for your kids. Like the Chinese say (my kids are half Chinese) Hear and forget, see and remember, do and understand. Excellent pair of videos.
5 Stars Excellent for starters!
I recommend this book for beginner to intermediate basketball player who wants to improve skills. Contains everything from defense stance to basketball shooting.
5 Stars For my daughters aged 13, 12 and 9…
We watched the first tape tonight (offensive basics) and we were delighted with it. As some reviewers have noted, it is not entertaining; but, that’s not why I got the tape. We have many tapes and DVDs that ARE entertaining. This one does one thing and does it well: it teaches kids the fundamentals of roundball and gives them great drills. I had to stop the tape so they could go to bed–they loved it. Highly recommended.
Michael Jordan Come Fly with Me NBA Hardwood Classics
May 19, 2009 by NFL Stats · Leave a Comment
Michael Jordan Come Fly with Me NBA Hardwood Classics
It’s showtime! Come Fly with Me packs in 50 minutes of breathtaking basketball highlights of the man considered the greatest basketball player of all time: Michael Jordan. Produced in 1989, before Jordan’s first championship with the Chicago Bulls, Come Fly covers Michael’s middle-class childhood in North Carolina, his rise in the NCAA ranks with the University of North Carolina, and the first few professional seasons with the Bulls. But if it’s athletic wonders you seek as opposed to lots of factual details, you’ll be well satisfied. This video clearly was designed to celebrate, not necessarily sketch out, the man and his history.
Early footage of Michael will delight longtime Bulls fans. Included are interviews with family members, school mentors (we meet the coach who made the now-famous cut of Michael from his high-school junior varsity team), and 1980s Bulls coach Doug Collins (complete with frizzy ‘fro), and plenty of slam dunks, athletic ballet, and “Wanna Be Like Mike” charisma. Missing is mention of fellow University of North Carolina teammates James Worthy and Sam Perkins, as well as a decent hip-hop soundtrack (the music is early sports documentary cheezola), but these are small flaws compared to the man’s jaw-dropping aerobics. Footage of the slam-dunk contest alone–where Jordan captured his own goal of taking off at the free-throw line and dunking at the hoop (complete with legs bent back in Air flight)–will leave viewers grinning and shaking their heads. His energy is endless, his creativity self-renewing, and his athleticism graceful and magical. This video is a fun peek into the youthful Michael now so far behind us. –Karen Karleski
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Great Classic NBA Video!
BOTTOM LINE:
This was one of the biggest selling sports videos of its time (1989), and for good reason; it captured all of the unbelievable moments, moves, highlights and dunks of a Young Jordan - from his days in UNC, to his historic rookie year in the NBA to the days when he was a scoring machine!
Witness MJ start the whole marketing mega-trend that (sadly) helped make all of these new young athletes the overpaid crybabies that they are today. lol
5 Stars These are visions of what might have been
And if you’re doin’ drugs, stop it. Come Fly With Me captures the legend of Micheal Jordan in an exciting, and honest video. Fans of Jordan are priveledged to old commercials, and excellent NBA footage that demonstrates exactly why Jordan’s star shines so bright. Narrated by Jay Thomas - who does a surprisingly nice job - the video illuminates Jordan’s passion for the game as well as the pride in his family that drives him to succeed. It must be nice to be a natural at something…at anything; however, to watch Jordan take on the world’s best and make their skills seem childlike is an amazing feat. The video actually offers to viewers a incredible insight into life and hard work. Come Fly With Me is able to be enjoyed, and understood by fans of any age.
Mr. Jordan - your video is inspirational!!! That’s the ticket!
4 Stars Best basketball video ever!
I used to wear this video OUT at Blockbuster when I was younger, great old school basketball video. COME FLY WITH MICHAEL. Back when the NBA was actually fun to watch.
5 Stars Jordan, the early years
If you have any doubt who the greatest basketball player of all time is, watch this video. This film was made nearly 15 years ago and it still wows me. I’m from Chicago so it is a Windy City bias. But it is true he is the best. Before the championships and him beating the Bad Boys, Jordan dazzled fans all over the nation with his 360 dunks, sick layups, incredible game winning shots and his winning attitude is what made up of Jordan before he won his six titles. This video also details his early life with his family, his daily battles on his families Basketball court with his older brother Larry. Him getting cut from his varsity high school team and his eventuall stardom at Laney high school. His successful run at North Carolina, with star teamates, James Worthy and Sam Perkins. Him winning the 1982 NCAA title against Patrick Ewing’s Georgetown. Also relives his 1984 Olympic gold medal. Him being drafted third by the Bulls. Being passed over by the Portland TrailBlazers for…. Sam Bowie!!! The video also goes over Micheal’s dramtic rise into stardom in 1984-85 where he won Rookie Of The Year. He then breaks his foot in early 1986 and he came all the way back, despite the Bulls front office telling him not to do it.He came back with fire, when in the 1986 playoffs, he scored 63 points against a team with four hall of famers, Bill Walton, Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, and of course, Larry Bird. This video is a gem to own, for any basketball fans, and MJ fans. Also, you can find this video on the Ultimate Jordan DVD collection, which I also own. You will love it.
5 Stars A MUST HAVE FOR JORDAN FANS
One Word: Bestsportsvideoever.
Awesome highlights from his early years. The dialogue from this video and the calls of the announcers will stick in your head. If you play basketball, Every time you touch a basketball you will try to immitate highlights from this video. If you are a Michael Jordan fan, you absolutely MUST have this video. If you aren’t a Michael Jordan fan, you still should have it. Best sports video I have ever seen. If you are a Michael Jordan fan, you will not be able to take this tape out of your VCR.
In the Paint Tattoos of the NBA and the Stories Behind Them
May 15, 2009 by NFL Stats · Leave a Comment
In the Paint Tattoos of the NBA and the Stories Behind Them
For many, the name Dennis Rodman conjures up much more than a picture of a basketball player; it evokes an image of shocking hair, outrageous tattoos and that amazing solo wedding. And while Rodman is unfortunately not featured in this collection of the NBA’s most popular and wondered-about tattoos, stars like Shaq and Hardaway share the meaning (or the lack thereof) behind the tattoos they proudly display. Shaquille O’Neal’s surprising response to what informed his decision to get tattooed with the Superman logo, his kids’ names, Against the Law, etc., is “First of all, I got my tattoos because I was allowed to get them. You better believe I asked my mother first.” The “Part 2 Heaven Cent” tattoo etched on Penny Hardaway’s left arm represents his spiritual side (”I wanted something to do with Christ”) and the “Cent” plays on the name Penny. Jason Williams, on the other hand, admits: “Ah, hell, man. I don’t have no meaning behind my tattoos,” echoing the sentiment of several other players who have tattoos just because they like them. Closeup shots and honest explanations straight from the tattoo bearers may please and enlighten curious NBA fans. 25 b&w and 75 full-color photos.
Copyright
Kobe The Story of the NBAs Rising Young Star Kobe Bryant
May 12, 2009 by NFL Stats · Leave a Comment
Kobe The Story of the NBAs Rising Young Star Kobe Bryant
“A star is born; his name is Kobe.” — – Los Angeles Times
“The kid is real good and I see a lot of myself in him, no doubt about it.” — – Michael Jordan
“Every day Kobe comes to practice is a highlight film.” — All-Star Eddie Jones, L.A. Lakers
“The kid is real good and I see a lot of myself in him, no doubt about it.” — Michael Jordan
User Ratings and Reviews
1 Star kobe is a baby
i don’t care if you like this review or not, but kobe should realize now what he had w/ shaq: the best player in the game, and now that it’s his team they are not even going to make the playoffs- and kobe cares too much what the media says about him- blaming everyone else and telling on shaq and his “hush money” and karl malone “harassing” his wife- shut up kobe and just play your selfish game
5 Stars Kobe the story of NBA’s young…
The book Kobe is one of my all time favorites. It talks about the life of Kobe Bryant. Kobe is my all time favorite basketball player along with Michael Jordan. I see a lot in Kobe like in mj. This book talks about the life of the young rising star Kobe Bryant and how he got to where he is now. It is a great book.
5 Stars Love Basketball
“The Story of the NBA’s Rising Young Star Kobe Bryant” great for Lakers’ fans. If you like basketball you will like this nonfiction book. Joseph Layden .I thought that the book was very easy to read and young children could read it by themselves. In my mind he is the best player ever. It the best book I ever read. I like the book, because I like to play basketball too.
In the beginning of the book it talks about his father and mother how they met each other. The book talked a bit about his family and also where he attend at school. I like the book, because you can image in your mind what it is talking about, and you can learn a little bit of vocabulary.
The setting of the book is in Philadelphia and also in Los Angeles. The author wrote the book very well, because it gives a lot of important information, it the best book I ever read. I like the book, because I like to play basketball too. I want to read more byJoseph Laden.
I want to recommend to book to people that like the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant and who like to play basketball. The book makes you think that you could be a great basketball player like Kobe, if you keep on practicing. I would recommend this book to grade school and also high school students.
4 Stars Kobe’s Incredible Life
I chose the book, Kobe, because I love basketball, and I was interested in knowing more about the life of Kobe Bryant. I was surprised to learn about Kobe’s upbringing and background because it was totally different than what I had expected.
I liked this book because it tells all about Kobe Bryant’s love for basketball, and his determination and drive to improve his skills. Kobe’s basketball career begins when his family moves back to his hometown in America. The book also contains a lot of really cool pictures.
Learn about how this young star athlete developed into an all star basketball player. Joe Layden does a terrific job in revealing what makes Kobe a superstar. I recommend this book to anyone interested in basketball. It is very inspirational!
4 Stars Kobe’s Incredible Life
I chose the book, Kobe, because I was interested in knowing more about the life of Kobe Bryant. I was surprised to learn about Kobe’s upbringing and background because it was totally different than what I had expected.
I liked this book because it tells all about Kobe Bryant’s love for basketball, and his determination and drive to improve his skills. Kobe’s basketball career begins when his family moves back to his hometown in America. The book also contains a lot of really cool pictures.
Learn about how this young star athlete developed into an all star basketball player. Joe Layden does a terrific job in revealing what makes Kobe a superstar. I recommend this book to anyone interested in basketball. It is very inspirational!
