Nike World Basketball Festival | Day 2 | USA Mens Basketball Team Practice

#GAMEONWORLD

In front of a large crowd the Nike World Basketball Festival continued today at the DC Armory in Washington DC. The US Men’s Basketball Team put on a show that will not be forgotten by many; as it was a “Hoops For Troops” event, which brought in a crowd that covered every Military facet of the USA.

The event brought the crowd very close to the team that features the most athletic, most talented and most competitive basketball players on the planet. Watching the players communicate back and forth and push each other to work harder to succeed is what separates the group from being a culmination of amazing talent and being a fully functioning team. It was clear that the group is on a mission to keep the gold in the United States of America. The highlight of the practice featured a scrimmage between “The Blue Team”: Deron Williams, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Andre Iguodala, James Harden and Anthony Davis vs. “The White Team”: Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and Tyson Chandler.

The game was close throughout and ended in a tie after 24 minutes of play and instead of calling the practice over, the players competitive nature forced the coaches into allowing a 2:00 overtime where The White Team prevailed. After the game finished up the players held a meet and greet with members of our Nation’s Military which was then followed by a media session where we could meet with the players to discuss anything they were willing to talk about. For the most part the major media outlets like NBA TV and ESPN dominated the conversation but I was able to take in interviews with Lebron, Melo, Kobe, CP3, Kevin Durant, James Harden and Deron Williams; it was amazing!

During the media session I went around and photographed every pair of shoes that was being worn by the players. To say that our athletes are being represented dopely is an understatement as Nike has outfitted the team with the highest in technology and the freshest in iconic colorways. The team will be representing our country in the Nike Hyperdunk 2012, The Nike Hyperdunk 2011 Low, The Nike Kobe VII, The Nike KDIV, The Nike Hyperfuse 2012, The Jordan Brand Melo M8 and the Jordan Brand CP3.V.

From a personal standpoint the greatest inspiration for me is passion. I believe that passion is an emotion that is past on to all those that surround you. I could feel the passion of this team, you could see it in their eyes and you could feel it in their movement. To see the fluidity of the movements of Kobe, Durant and Lebron; amongst others; provided me with so much motivation to just push further with everything I am doing. Greatness surrounds this team and for today it captivated me.