How to be successful: A hooper’s perspective

It’s a question many have asked for sure, many have figured it out and many more are still trying to come up with answers to what seems to be a question with a variety of possible responses.  And whether or not those responses would suit your outlook in life what I believe that matters is for you to reach your own success  after defining what is it at the first place. The important thing to bear in mind is do what you love to do or passionate in doing instead of doing what the system or the society tells you what you must because I think it will be sweet that at that the end of the day you can say “I did it my way.” But is doing–it–you–own–way a feasible code to live by? To be honest, it’s a question that would share the same treatment with how to achieve success; subjective – depends on where you’re from, what you want, your bias, your friends, yourself. This is when we need someone to look up to: icons, idols, and superheroes. People who we would like to be our benchmark, adviser, and direction that at some point we make it a habit to quote them and imitate their activities. In this entry, I’d like to share five known basketball personalities, in a descending order, with their very own rules to success as guide to some weary and almost already fallen warriors out there.

5. Steph Curry

4. Lebron James

3. Kevin Durant

2. Kobe Bryant

1. Michael Jordan

There you go! I hope that helped you, what’s your favorite rule/s of success mentioned by the five? Leave it on the comment section. I would like to personally recommend Conor Mcgregor’srules for success, Joe Rogan’s rules for success, and Neil Strauss’ rules for success for you try. Special shout out to Evan Carmichael for the awesome videos. Let us all have a story share, boys! #BallisLife

Gilas Pilipinas Roster for Olympic Qualifier

An open letter by everyJUAN to Philippine Basketball.

Dear Basketball Gods,

 It's that time again when we get to watch our televisions as every nation parades and showcase their athletes competing in every sport, it's that time again when we get to witness the developed economies race on who's going to garner more medals for glory, it's that time again when we get to see more record setters and record breakers, and it's that time again when we could only wish that it was still 1996 – the  last time we won a medal. Please provide us luck this time. Yes, we bagged gold on Wushu at Beijing but that was a demonstration sport therefore not counted. Did your hear about how our boxing is in Philippines? It's world class, gaining accolades from almost every side of the globe. Manny Pacquiao? Yah, I heard his retiring, his last bout will be this April. Few rising stars can sure fill his absence but, for sure, PacMan's choice on hanging his gloves will surely be a big blow to Filipino pride so this brings me to promote what I believe is a sport that can actually create the same hype and frenzy like that of Pacquaio's fights. Imagine the whole nation caught on the edge of their seats as it watches the game, no traffic jams, and social media sites going nuts once again. No event captured the hearts of every Filipino and even some foreign spectators like how our Gilas Pilipinas squad did last FIBA World Cup 2014 with their amazing run. Would it be wonderful if our boys make it to Rio this year?

For us to make to Neymar's homeland and play against the elite gunners of basketball we need first to pass the test that awaits us in the qualifying round regardless of who are the teams Gilas will face. In line with that, I'd like ask your intercession so that big bosses up there will be enlightened by your divine grace so that they would allow some key players to participate in our campaign. We all know that to begin with our chances of winning against those basketball heavyweights are slim but don't count us out because we have almost completely stunned some juggernauts despite being a complete underdog in the last grand stage our Gilas squad has participated. Just a simple wish, grant this as an advance Christmas gift; this 12-man roster plus 1 reserve that I think will the best lineup for the Olympic Qualifier.

                           

The Bigs:

1. Andray Blatche

2. June Mar Fajardo

3. Greg Slaughter

4. Japeth Aguilar

Forwards:

1. Gabe Norwood

2. Matt Ganuelas

3. Dondon Hontiveros

Guards:

1. Jordan Clarkson

2. Bobby Ray Parks

3. Terrence Romeo

4. Calvin Abueva

5. Jayson Castro

Reserve:

1.  Ranidel De Ocampo 

The front-line list if realized will be a dream come true for every Filipino, the best list we could come up to match up France's solid big men. The boys manning the 3-spot are the best athletic freaks in our nation like Gabe and Matt while Dondon can stretch the floor and can also make some pretty good stops. And lastly, our guards could set the tone. I mean look at that! Bobby Ray Parks and Jordan Clarkson together?! Goosebumps.

Please help us with this. This we ask in the name of hoops, splash!

Laban Pilipinas.

If you crave for thrill then root for Serbia

Don't get me wrong. I am really not fond of watching International or European basketball because I'm used to the style of physicality and action the NBA type of gaming brings. The Serbian national basketball team which features Nenad Krstic and that guy you'll see below, Milos Teodosic, is one great exception.

You better watch out for this guy.

I have been a very big fan of underdogs and Cinderella stories in almost all sorts of sporting competition from boxing, to MMA, and to basketball - be it in the NBA or played internationally. This is why for the zillionth time, I am on the side of an obvious underdog for the 2014 FIBA World Cup Championship to be played between the Teodosic - led Serbian national team and the star studded USA men's national basketball team. But this is not just about the Americans overshadowing their opponents that made me favored the latter, it's what these Serbians are capable of doing when their backs are against the wall. I know this sounds weird but I find Serbia more exciting to watch than the USA. Cross-overs and alley-oops are entertaining but down the wire games and upsets are far more exciting over-all.

Watch my handpicked videos for them. I personally saw these games live and I was like... wow!

1.) Serbia vs Spain 2010 FIBA World Cup Turkey

When France knocked out the host country this year, it wasn't a surprise for me because 4 years ago Serbians showed the world how to beat the Spaniards. Rain them with triples!

2.) Serbia vs Turkey 2010 FIBA World Cup Turkey

Ahhh.... Their last run for the final two spot fell short against Turkey but they gave one of the best FIBA games in the history. Down the wire, I said.

3. Serbia vs France 2014 FIBA World Cup 2014

You heard it from the start of the video, keep your eyes on Serbia's number 4. This was their recent win against France to secure the final two spot of the tournament. Let's go Serbia!

  

There you go, buddy. Four years in the making and I hope this could be their year. On tomorrow's game between USA and Serbia, which squad you at? Let the title of this article guide you.

The Crack on the Stone

We all hate the shot blockers protecting the rim, they’re those that turn our potential poster moments to their personal block party. They will always be the last man to beat on the defensive end altering your sweet looking shot attempt for a high percentage field goal. Manning the middle serving as the anchor on the defense is how we see them, that big bad man with a wide wingspan responsible for imposing on every wingman’s mind that scoring is never that easy. Hell yeah! But as they say, “there are a million ways on how to kill a cat,” which is very applicable even to those fearsome and perceived impenetrable shot blockers in the NBA. I ain’t got time to give you 1 million moves to beat Serge Ibaka, Birdman Andersen, Mt. Mutombo, and KG which is why I’ll have to narrow it down to 1. One move to get past these feisty defenders?! Yes, my friend and it’s not to wait until he’s bedridden – that’s silly. Well, in this edition or should I say in this only edition I’m dedicating it to the little man: point guards and shooting guards. 

Now boys take note. Never attack like you’re on a one-on-one situation unless if you have ups like MJ or Vince Carter. Well, if that’s the case you can take your exit now because this so high school for you. Remember, always play as team player. Get your team mates involved, if they have a better shot than yours, don’t be a schmuck, pass the ball, a lay-up or a dunk no matter how emphatic it is will only count as 2 points. It is important to use screens, curls, and more importantly, make yourself comfortable with the old but gold pick and roll. Google it! 

Now, to your most awaited part. What I’m about to teach is you how to beat a big man if the defense switched assignments momentarily or, as rampant nowadays, cross matched. 

1. Make a quick move be it a crossover or any hesitation move like the jab step to get him out balanced. If he loses his ankle and falls to the floor, cheers buddy, but if not, attack him on the side where he has to double time on getting back to protect your driving lane.

2. I assume you’re on your way to the shaded area now while he is at your tail ready for some nasty chase down. Once you’re close to the rim, step on the gas a little bit more to allow you to get a step ahead making him think that you’re up for a blow by. 

3. And lastly, fake it like you mean it. It’s every shot blocker’s weak spot – they fall for the fake. I say again, they fall for the fake. Once he’s up in the mid-air jerkily reacting how he got fooled and in the middle of nowhere, I suggest you avoid that “everything but the basket” to be on the Sportscenter and not on Shaqtin’ a Fool.

Here’s how they do it:

That's a young Steph Curry showing his moves on the Birdman.

Another one, this time, in the Finals.

 

 Ah... Just listen to Mark Jackson on this.

Lastly, Knee Wade... yah I mean that.

Enjoy while it last. That's the flash before a cold series against the Spurs.

Okay, I guess you boys are ready. Bear in mind that to become a successful scorer you need to be unpredictable in your approach. Practice those J's, post them up, move without the ball, and fake some shots. Open those eyes for possible shooters or cutters while you're driving and if that time comes, send that big fella to school now that you know the crack on the stone.