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London Towers answer your questions | |
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Around the Academy: |
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The hoops season's well under way, so what did the Academy do? We only went and got the pros in didn't we? We gave you the chance to quiz London Towers superstars Ralph Blalock, Rod Brown and a few of their teammates.
We got a slam-dunkingly brilliant response from all you guys! And the London boys answered the best of your questions after starring in the Towers narrow defeat by Sheffield Sharks in the semi-finals of the BBL Cup.
First up to be quizzed is Ralph Blalock Darren, 17, Swindon Ralph, how did you get started in basketball? When I was a kid I got to watch my Dad play in a lot of local leagues, and that's probably what started my interest. My mom signed me up to play in a league when I was six years old and I've been playing ever since.
Rod Brown Karen, 16, Edinburgh Rod, who's the best player you've played with/against in the BBL league? With: Rico Alderson (Brighton Bears) Against: John McCord (Chester Jets) Justin, 12, Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA I'm a small pointguard. I need some important tips on my jump shot. Anything you guys could send me would be great. Thanks! I would really need to see your jump shot, but here are some tips you can use. Keep your palm under the ball, work on getting good rotation on the ball, and remember your follow through.
Tony Kitt Andrew, 8, Wootton Tony, did you play basketball when you were a kid? Not organised, no. I played American Football. Actually I didn't start playing organised basketball until I was 16 years-old. Up until then my concentration was on American Football but I grew 5 inches one summer and decided to play basketball at university instead of football.
Omar Sneed Miles, 16, Spalding Omar, who are the best players you've played against, and with? When I played at the University of Memphis, I went up against Kenyon Martin, who's now with the New Jersey Nets, and Larry Hughes, now with the Washington Wizards. In the NBA Summer league I played against Elton Brand of the LA Clippers. I've played with a lot of great players as well. A few of the standouts include Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley of the Houston Rockets, Sam Cassell of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Frank Williams of the New York Knicks.
Robbie Peers, London Towers coach James, 15, Slough Hi Robbie, I play with England's best 15 year-old's at Slough Tornadoes and they're one of the best teams in the UK. How do I play in the basketball premiership? Continue to work and listen to your coach. Quality practice makes perfect. Leon, 16, Isle of Wight I have been told I am one of the best players on the Isle of Wight for my age. My team, Isle of Wight Sharks, have just been entered into the Solent League. I recently got an MVP in a tournament. I have also just got the technique right to dunk but I really want to know how I can get scouted or go to a higher league team as my dream is to play in the BBL. Keep working. Listen for when there are area trials for representative teams. See if it is possible to contact Jimmy Guymon at Solent Basketball Club & let him take a look at you. He is the best in Britain for basketball skills and knowledge and he is right on your doorstep.
Robert Youngblood Richard, 14, Holyhead Robert, how can I get more height on my jumping ability. I am 6ft 3 and a half and I can't dunk the ball in a 9 foot ring. I need to be able to jump at least another 7 inches - how do I do this? A very good leg strengthening exercise that I use is 'calf raises'. Reach for the ceiling and raise up onto your toes. Continue for 2 minutes at a time.
Emiko Etete Robert, 15, Wallasey Hi Emiko, I was just wondering whether you train to increase your vertical leap? And if so, have you got any tips? Work a lot on your leg and abdominal strength. Squats, leg extensions and curls.
Rick Taylor, Towers MD Ben, 15, London Ricardo, is the London Dome going to be your new home? If not where is? No, the London Millennium Dome won't be our new home court. We are planning to build a new Basketball Arena in Brent Cross, which would become the London Towers' new home once it is finished. Until then, we'll be based in Crystal Palace. Thank you to everyone who sent in their questions and watch this space for more ace Academy forums coming up.
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