Sports

As NBA Soars On and Off Floor, Trouble Could Be Looming

Published

10 years ago

February 18, 2015

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) hangs onto the basket after a dunk during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Miami Heat, Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014, in Miami. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writers
ANTONIO GONZALEZ, AP Sports Writers

NEW YORK (AP) — The NBA is soaring higher than ever.

With a growing global reach and international players dotting most rosters, a group of marketable rising young superstars led by Stephen Curry, more competitive balance, financial stability, and an upcoming infusion of $24 billion from a television deal, the league is bouncing beautifully.

The state of the game couldn’t be much better. However, everyone knows good times can fade fast.

There’s a pivotal play developing over the next few years that could threaten the thriving league again. As the movers and shakers in the pro basketball industry gathered this past weekend for All-Star festivities celebrating the league’s past and present, there were watchful eyes on an uncertain future.

With players and owners able to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement after the 2016-17 season, a labor battle looms — and players plan to be prepared.

The NBA Players Association unanimously elected LeBron James as vice president last week at its annual meeting. James’ presence on the executive committee — and perhaps at the bargaining table — is a sign the union means business.

“We had a lockout before when I was in the league and our game was really good at that time, too,” James, the four-time MVP and face of the sport told The Associated Press during the NBA’s mid-season showcase. “Hopefully, we don’t have to reach that point because both sides love where we’re at and what we’re doing.”

On the surface, it’s hard to find many flaws with the league’s current status.

Ratings are high, the value of franchises has exploded and Commissioner Adam Silver has taken the ball from David Stern and powered forward. Silver, who recently celebrated one year on the job, has skillfully navigated around some sticky issues, including the racial remarks made by former Clippers owner Donald Sterling that could’ve divided players and ended up uniting them.

Silver acted quickly in removing Sterling, and his swift punishment strengthened a relationship with players that will undoubtedly be tested in the years ahead. Those potentially crippling issues are out of sight now, and a widening international audience is tuning in to see NBA action.

“The game is bigger than ever,” said James, Cleveland’s star now in his 12th season. “The money that’s generated is bigger than ever and our athletes and our guys are doing what they need to do on the floor and off it to represent the game at a high level. So hopefully we don’t have to come to the point that we were in 2011-12, when we had the lockout. The process is going to get started and we don’t have to come to that.”

Following the 2010-11 season, owners were able to negotiate a CBA that was more in their favor, cutting the players’ share of basketball-related income from 57 percent to roughly 50, costing them millions in annual salaries. That contract runs through 2021, but with the economic boost — $2.6 billion per year — coming from the TV contract, players will fight harder for a larger portion of the pie.

“We want to negotiate a little better than we did last time,” said Hawks sharpshooter Kyle Korver. “We’re going to be well-equipped to stand toe-to-toe with the NBA and negotiate a fair deal. That’s what we want — just a fair deal.”

It’s not like Silver isn’t paying attention.

The commissioner has listened to the players on several fronts already, and he promised last weekend to take a harder look at scheduling and reducing the number of back-to-back games and the grueling, four-games-in-five-nights stretches to help keep players — “our partners,” he calls them — fresh and the product crisp. Silver, too, will consider a makeover of the playoff format so that the best teams qualify.

Silver is concerned with keeping the game relevant amid stiff competition from other sports. It’s vital to stay affordable and attractive to an aging population as well as the next generation of hoop fans. It’s entertainment, after all, and Silver wants to keep the NBA in the center of the spotlight.

“I realize we have to earn the fans’ support every day,” he told The AP. “Over the course of my business career I’ve seen a lot of great businesses seemingly disappear. We don’t take anything for granted and we realize that especially when it comes to the changing world of television that we have to focus on what’s happening on tablets and smartphones and how young people are consuming media.”

Silver sees other ways the NBA can increase profit margins.

He’s the first commissioner of a major professional sports league in the U.S. to publicly support legalizing sports betting outside of Nevada. He wants Congress to change the federal ban on sports gambling and craft a structure that allows states to legalize and regulate betting.

That could bring billions more in revenue to the league, though it also could create challenges to protect the game’s integrity, last tested by the scandal involving former referee Tim Donaghy in 2007.

On the court, the game has been pure basketball bliss.

There has been a return to team play with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks — the conference leaders at the break — picking up where the San Antonio Spurs left off in last year’s Finals when their selfless style dismantled the Miami Heat.

Teams are breaking away from isolation play and trying to copy San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich’s pace-and-space system. Leading the way is a pair of Popovich’s coaching protégées, Golden State’s Steve Kerr and Atlanta’s Mike Budenholzer, whose emphasis on ball movement is spreading rapidly.

“Five guys touching the ball and playing defense together,” Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins said. “It’s the way basketball was meant to be played.”

The hope, for now, is that the togetherness continues, but both sides sense a bigger game coming off the court in 2017.

“We’ll take care of that once we get there,” reigning MVP Kevin Durant said. “We’re preparing now for anything.”

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Business

Sacramento Kings and Black-Owned Digital License Plate Firm Enter History-Making Partnership

Reviver founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston attended the Sacramento Kings’ season opener at Golden 1 Center, witnessing players debut the company’s patch. Reviver proudly supports the Sacramento Kings’ community and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media (CBM).

Published

2 weeks ago

November 4, 2024

Oakland Post

Reviver founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston attended the Sacramento Kings' season opener at Golden 1 Center, witnessing players debut the company's patch. Reviver proudly supports the Sacramento Kings' community and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Photo by Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media (CBM).

By Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media

Reviver, the world’s first digital license plate and connected vehicle platform, has entered into a history-making jersey patch partnership with the Sacramento Kings, team officials announced right before the team’s season opener on Oct. 24.

The collaboration establishes Reviver as the first Black-founded technology jersey patch partner in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The Reviver logo now appears on the left front strap of Kings’ uniforms.

Reviver founder and Chief Strategy Officer Neville Boston was in attendance to see the company’s patch worn by the Kings, during a game with the Minnesota Timberwolves at Golden 1 Center in downtown Sacramento.

“It was an absolutely amazing night. More than I ever expected,” Boston told California Black Media (CBM). “The Sacramento Kings have been incredible. On a national, and maybe a worldwide level, this partnership raises the profile of Reviver with the assistance of (Kings chairman and CEO) Vivek Ranadivé and the Kings.”

According to the Kings’ brass, Reviver, supported by the Black Star Fund, a Black-led venture capital firm based in Sacramento, is now an official “innovation partner” of the Kings and Golden 1 Center; a presenting partner of “Capitalize Technology,” a King’s corporate social investment initiative; and the exclusive digital license plate of the Sacramento Kings.

Headquartered in Granite Bay, a suburb of Sacramento, Reviver was born from a vision to modernize and streamline the vehicle registration renewal process. On Jan. 1, 2023, the state of California joined Georgia, Colorado, Michigan, and Arizona as states that have approved digital license plates for use statewide, after Reviver completed a four-year pilot program that evaluated a replacement for metal plates.

About 10,000 California drivers bought digital plates during the pilot program. Vehicles registered with the state are eligible to adopt the new high-tech tags. Reviver existence was made possible when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 984 in September 2022.

Under that law, California vehicle owners can update their titles, registrations, and other records remotely. In addition, the digital license “RPlate” includes a flashing message if a vehicle is reported stolen or if there is an Amber Alert.

Ranadivé is spreading the news that Reviver has international potential.

“This jersey patch partnership with Reviver continues the Kings long tradition of using our global platform to promote innovation and technology,” Ranadivé stated. “It’s particularly exciting to showcase a homegrown company that was part of our Kings Capitalize program. This is just the beginning of our work together, and we look forward to helping Reviver in its mission to modernize the driving experience.”

The commercial use of patches in professional basketball all began in 2009 when the Women’s Basketball Association (WNBA) Phoenix Mercury removed its name to replace it with sponsor, LifeLock, an identity-theft protection company. The landmark deal netted a contract worth about $1 million annually.

Kindra Montgomery-Block, vice president of diversity, equity, and social impact for the Sacramento Kings, was the integral facilitator who assisted Boston and his team in connecting with the sports franchise that is boasting 40 years in the Capital City.

“This partnership between the Kings and Reviver, backed by the Black Star Fund, will invest in the Sacramento community to promote technology and innovation in the region,” Montgomery-Block stated. “Reviver will support the Sacramento Kings community and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.”

Editor’s Note: Neville Boston is a California Black Media board member.

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Black History

Martial Artist Victor Moore: An American Karate and Kickboxing Pioneer

Throughout his career, Moore defeated many national champions, including Joe Lewis, Mike Stone, and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace. Moore placed in every tournament he competed in from 1965 until his retirement in 1975, defeating renowned national champions such as Mike Foster, Chuck Norris, Fred Wren, Glenn Keeney, James Hawkes, and Jim Kelly. Moore emphasizes that winning or losing does not diminish a champion’s credibility — they are all champions in his eyes.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Oakland Post

Photo Courtesy of BlackPast.Org

By Tamara Shiloh

Victor Moore, born on Aug. 23, 1943, holds a 10th-degree Black Belt in Karate and is a four-time world karate champion.

As one of the chief instructors under Robert Trias in the Shuri-ryu Karate system, Moore was also among the first ten members of the Trias International Society. Over his 50-year martial arts career, he trained in various styles, including Chito-ryu with William J. Dometrich, Judo, Kempo, and Bondo karate.

Moore began his martial arts journey at the age of 7 in Cincinnati, lifting weights and reading Charles Atlas books to guide his training. By age 9, he had learned the basics of jujitsu and judo, and at 12, he began training in Kempo karate under Ronald Williams, who awarded him his first black belt after five years of instruction.

In 1961, Moore expanded his training by joining a judo school led by Ray Hughes and later trained in Gyu Ryu-karate under Harvey Eubanks. He studied Kempo with Bill Dometrich and continued exploring different karate styles. Instructors at the time, required students to start as white belts in each new style, even if they held black belts elsewhere, which shaped Moore’s adaptability.

Chung Ling, an exchange student from China, introduced Moore and others to Chuan Fa, enhancing Moore’s understanding of martial arts. He also took up judo at a school in Cincinnati, where he earned his brown belt, and trained in karate with Jim Wax, who had studied under the Shimabuku brothers. Moore’s toughness was further honed by his boxing experience at the 9th Street YMCA, where he became a sparring partner for Tiger Joe Harris.

At Central State University, Professor Barry Yasuto trained Moore in Shotokan karate, but Moore was denied entry to the Japanese Karate Association, possibly due to his race. After returning to Cincinnati, Moore opened his first karate school and began competing in national tournaments. He traveled across the U.S., eventually meeting Robert Trias, who became his mentor and helped him rise to the second-degree black belt level. Under Trias, Moore continued training in Kempo and Goju-Ryu styles.

Moore also trained under Dr. Maung Gyi, learning Bondo karate, stick fighting, and kickboxing. In 1973, Moore and Joe Lewis introduced kickboxing to America on the Merv Griffin TV show. Moore competed in the first kickboxing tournament in the U.S., facing Jim Harrison in a historic fight.

Moore continues to teach martial arts, working with instructors and students nationwide. His daughters, Vickie and Vonnie, and his son, Vanceston, also train under his guidance.

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Bay Area

Cal State East Bay Athletic Department Holds Hall of Fame Gala

The university honored exceptional athletes, teams, and coaches at their annual celebration before 200 guests. The Class of 2024 included the 1999-2000 Pioneer Softball Team that won the Cal Pac Championship in 2000 and went on to win the first two games of the NAIA Region II Playoffs and combined 32-3 in CalPac over the two seasons.

Published

3 weeks ago

November 3, 2024

Oakland Post

Honoree Lorenzo Hall of CSUEB's Men's Basketball Team 1986-1990 surrounded by his family at the CSUEB 2024 Pioneer Hall of Fame Gala at the Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward, California. Photo Courtesy of Dr. LaQuitta Simms.

By Carla Thomas

California State University East Bay Athletics (CSUEB) hosted their 2024 Pioneer Hall of Fame Gala at the Pioneer Gymnasium in Hayward on Saturday, Oct. 19.

The university honored exceptional athletes, teams, and coaches at their annual celebration before 200 guests.

The Class of 2024 included the 1999-2000 Pioneer Softball Team that won the Cal Pac Championship in 2000 and went on to win the first two games of the NAIA Region II Playoffs and combined 32-3 in CalPac over the two seasons.

The 1999 CalPac Player of the Year was Pioneer Hall-of-Famer Danielle Stines and also on the 1999 team was Pioneer Hall-of-Famer Angel Alcorcha.

In 2000, the Pioneers swept the premier CalPac Awards, and Rachel Abrams was named Player of the Year, Christy Smith was named Pitcher of the Year, and Karen Lee Yoder (Matteson) was named Coach of the Year. Their team record for batting average in 1999 still stands after 25 years with an amazing combined .347.

Lorenzo Hall of CSUEB’s Men’s Basketball Team 1986-1990 was recognized for his achievements as a two-time All-NCAC selection, ranking in the top-10 in program history for assists, steals, free throw percentage and scoring.

At the time of his graduation, Hall held NCAC records for assists and steals. He also served as an assistant coach for the Pioneers after his playing career and created the nonprofit First Step Basketball to guide the next generation of young athletes.

Inductee and Women’s Gymnastics Coach Dorie Krepton of 1971-1985 led the team through winning 145 of 171 meets, 84% of their competition.

Through her 14 years of leading the Pioneers, Krepton coached the program to five Golden Gate Conference Championships, and the team qualified and participated in six NCAA Gymnastics National Championships. She also coached 10 All-American Athletes, including Pioneer Hall of Famers Holly Moore Leonard and Janet Kramer.

The seven-time Coach of the Year honoree served as Kinesiology and Physical Education professor emeritus at Cal State East Bay, which offered a degree option in exercise nutrition in the Kinesiology Department.

Bob Olsen of the CSUEB Men’s Track and Field Team, 1976-1979, was a member of 1977 NCAA Division II National Championship team and the two-time Far Western Conference Champion in pole vault, 1978 and 1979. Olsen was a four-time All-Conference selection and in 1976, Olsen became the first freshman pole vaulter in Division II to clear 16 feet.

Olsen was in the top 10 in the pole vault at the NCAA Division II Championships four times in his career.

Honoree Kulwant Singh served as the men’s and women’s assistant soccer coach from 1983-1990. The women’s team won six straight conference championships from 1984 to 1989. Singh served on the coaching staff alongside Pioneer Hall of Famer Colin Lindores.

In 1985, Singh coached the women’s team to an undefeated regular season (18-0) and lost to UC Santa Barbara on a golden goal in the NCAA playoffs. Singh was assistant coach for the 1988 NCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship team and helped the 1989 men’s soccer team reach the NCAA Division II Championship semifinals.

Singh also played on the pitch as a Pioneer before coaching in Hayward and currently serves as commissioner for the Central Valley Conference.

The inductees also participated in several days of alumni activity, beginning with Pioneer Alumni Day on Thursday, Oct. 17.

With the addition of the new members, the Pioneers Hall of Fame now features 119 individuals and four teams.

During sports seasons, the Pioneer Gymnasium is open to the public, and guests can view the school’s Hall of Fame Wall.