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Blog
08.03.2010 @ Shanghai, China
SKY team arrives in Shanghai
We arrived in Shanghai on a late night flight from Wuhan. The guys are pretty tired. We took a train ride four hours south Monday to do an exhibition, autograph session, and appearance at a Voit retail location. We were greeted by more than 500 people as we came off the train. The players felt like rock stars as more than 2,000 lined up out the door at the Voit location for autographs. The fellas signed autographs for more than two hours.
Later that afternoon, Aaron Owens took a motor scooter from this guy and proceeded to do a few laps around the city square. He dumped it on the backside. No injuries but a bruised ego for the kid from Philly. Scooter was not messed up either. The guy now has a good story.
The one thing about S.K.Y. is that we do stick out, especially in Wuhan and Shenyeng. Not exactly a lot of people from African descent (I guess I should say no one.) Probably akin to a Swede going into the interior of Nigeria. But, that's what makes it all so beautiful. We've been able to reach out to kids and adults who are fascinated by these guys. It's a true cultural experience. The sponsor is happy too and see the potential of these guys for future years.
One cultural thing we have not escaped, and for good reason. The presence of the Golden Arches. Everyone enjoyed a Big Mac.
07.31.2010 @ Wuhan, China
Helicopter and AO dominate S.K.Y.-Shemgod Tour in China
Calling it the ugliest of wins, John "Helicopter" Humphrey along with Aaron, aka AO, Owens, continued to dominate throughout the S.K.Y.-Shemgod Tour throughout China.
Playing in front of a boisterous sold-out crowd in Wuhan, a city of 13 million in the east central part of the country, Street China began with a rugged brand of ball that was steeped in attempts to stop the running of S.K.Y. Streetball Syndicate.
Dennis "Spyda" Chism's physicality was on display, stopping the top China players. The mad dunking, so prevalent in the first two games, was stymied by the thump and bump style of the game.
In the end, S.K.Y. posted an overwhelming 20-point win to notch its international record to 19-0.
After an exhibition Monday, the team is off to Shanghai, China's "European" city, and a long-run into Saturday's finale. The game is billed as the biggest of the Tour, noting the size of the arena and popularity of streetball in Shanghai.
NOTES: Sean Chu, the managing partner of S.K.Y. in Asia, needs a hearty shout out. The man behind all the logistics and planing of the S.K.Y. Shemgod Tour has been pluggin 16-hour days for the greater part of the last three months to pull off this historic tour, which is being captured on film for a reality TV series on CCTV Channel 5 (300 million audience) this autumn.
07.28.2010 @ Shenyang, China
S.K.Y. Streetball Takes Second Game On China Tour
Decisive Win Against Chinese Professional League Team Liaonin
S.K.Y. Streetball Syndicate played its first match against a professional club as it took on Team Liaonin in Shenyang, the largest city in the China's northeast Liaonin Province, winning 89-77.
The professional club of Liaonin took a commanding 34-20 lead mid-way through the first half before S.K.Y. got its legs and shooting range together. Playing with only six players, S.K.Y. was able to begin its face-paced run-and-gun style late in the first half and trailed only 50-46 lead at halftime.
Behind the three-point shooting of John "Helicopter" Humphrey, penetration scoring of Aaron "AO" Olsen and Pat "Da Roc" Robinson, S.K.Y. began stretched its lead in the second half. The play of big men James "Big Swoal" Rhodes and "Antwan "8th Wonder" Scott made a difference in the final five minutes, beating down a slight rally by the professional team.
In the height of an adrenaline down the stretch, the S.K.Y. players began to chant: "CBA WHO?", a swipe of confidence against the China Basketball Association. Nothing like a little street confidence in a gym on the other side of the world.
S.K.Y. upped its record to 22-0 since the team's inception last year and will have a few days off before traveling to the Wuhan Province to play against Street China.
NOTES: The entire SKY Shemgod China Tour is being taped for a reality show to be broadcast on CCTV Channel 5, the largest broadcaster in China with more than 300 million viewers. The (8) :30 minute shows will air this autumn. The show also highlights the ascent of China's top streetball player, who eventually will play with S.K.Y. in future international Tours...about the host city: Shenyang is a historic city that became heavily industrial in the 1930s and has gradually become a cosmopolitan city of more than 5 million people.
07.25.2010 @ Beijing, China
S.K.Y. Opens China Tout With Thunder And Lightening Attack
S.K.Y. Streetball Syndicate opened the S.K.Y./Shemgod Tour of China with a 108-48 head-slap to Street China, in front of more than 3,000 spectators at Chao Yang, a venue for the 2008 Olympics.
Street China, despite a lot of heart, got welcomed to the Syndicate called streetball, as the mostly American team dominated the game and entertained the Chinese crowd with an aerial assault of thunderous dunks and lightning strike of three-point gems, led by the high-flying antics of John "Helicopter" Humphrey, James "Big Swoal" Rhodes, and Guy "Space Invander" DuPuy, S.K.Y.'s newcomer from France. DuPuy's between the legs dunk on two Chinese defenders sent the crowd into a howl. Helicopter windmill was a nasty welcome-to-American-streetball moment.
Antwan "8th Wonder" Scott erased more than a few shots while dominating the paint as Pat "Da Roc" Robinson and Aaron, aka "AO", Olsen, put on a both a scoring, dribbling and passing show. Dennis "Spyda" Chism played his classic lock-down D on the top players for China as the S.K.Y. team ran mercilessly on Street China.
S.K.Y. Streetball Syndicate upped its record to 21-0, posting victories now in nine countries. The team will play next in Shenyeng Monday before jetting off to Wuhan for a game, July 31. The team finishes off with games in Shanghai the first week of August. The team will be joined by TJ "720" Fontenette for the final two games.
NOTES: Check out the photos gallery. "Big Swoal" looked right at home with the NBA-clad cheerleaders.
07.23.2010 @ Beijing, China
S.K.Y. team arrives in Beijing for China Tour
The S.K.Y. team arrived in Beijing, the host of the 2008 Olympic Games, everyone jet-lagged and a bit hammered from the 14-hour flight from New York. Several TV cameras greeted some tired and hungry players at the airport.
The S.K.Y. team that touched down included Antwan "8th Wonder" Scott, Aaron Olsen (A.O.), Pat "Da Roc" Robinson, John "Helicopter Humphreys, Dennis "Spyda" Chism, James "Big Swoal" Rhodes, and newcomer and French dunker Guy DuPuy, newly anointed with the nickname Space Invader. Missing was TJ, "720", who had his passport stolen the day before departure. He will join the team next week.
The trip is sponsored by VOIT and they're treating us right. We have a travel bus decked out and all players are donning apparel from VOIT plus the usual S.K.Y. gear we supply.
We had our first practice and the player's also got a chance to eye the competition. "Street China", as they've been dubbed, is a group of China's top streetball players. The team of 12 was selected over a month of tryouts, or "open runs", over the course of the past month.
Some good ballers. Here in China, the sport has elevated into one of the top sports. We were told Steve Nash, Brandon Jennings and Dwight Howard are doing an exhibition over here this weekend. Our first game will be at Chao Yang Stadium and about 10,000 people are expected.
In addition to the four-game tour over here, CCTV-Channel 5, the largest broadcaster in China, will be filming the guys. This fall, CCTV will air a reality series TV show chronicling the Chinese players and their American counterparts from the S.K.Y. Streetball Syndicate team.
During these blogs, I'll try to give you the lighter side of the Tour. Today, our team clown Antwan Scott found out his team-issued shoes didn't fit. He needed a size 15. Our partner in Asia, Sean Chu, had to call in a favor from Nike. Antwan ended up getting a size 15 China National Team player and NBA star Yi Jian Lian. We told him he needs to shrink his feet.
11.24.2009 @ Guam
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Interesting…NOBODY is late for THIS lobby call!! Hahaha! Everyone is ready to get home to their families in time for Thanksgiving. We are heading home tired, successful and loaded with lots of lifetime memories!!
THANK YOU ARMED FORCES ENTERTAINMENT!! THANK YOU FRANK, SPIKE, MIDORI, AI, SHIRLEY AND ALL THE OTHERS WHO SUPPORTED US AND HELPED US DURING OUR TOUR! We could NEVER have done it without your support!
11.23.2009 @ Guam
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
What a long, strange trip it’s been!!! I can’t believe it’s over. Seems just a few days ago I was picking everyone up in Tokyo to start this long and crazy tour!!
Getting on Andersen Air Force Base has its challenges. But, its understandable since some of the Air Force’s most top-secret airplanes are stationed here.
Game 14 is a perfect way to end the Tour!! Anderson AFB Bombers just won the Asian Military Basketball championships two weeks earlier and their competitiveness definitely showed!! In the end though, another win for S.K.Y. and some highlight dunks to end the Tour!! We get our FOURTH “You guys put on a better show than the Harlem Globetrotters” comment and the lines for autographs last an hour after the game!
11.22.2009 @ Guam
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
HOT!! Guam is the Wal-Mart version of Hawaii. Hot and humid all year long.
Landed in Guam at 1:30AM and after a small problem getting thru Immigrations, we finally find our hotel at 3AM. Good night!
Ugh….early wake up after a long, late flight. Game 13 is upon us. Only two more to go!! But first, lunch at Top ‘ the Mar restaurant and the highest point in Guam!
Kid’s Clinic at the Guam Naval Base was a blast. These S.K.Y. guys deliver a great message
Game 13 against a clearly inferior opponent!! The highlight reel was busy with lots of dunks and dribbling exhibitions for the nice crowd.
11.21.2009 @ Seoul, South Korea
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Travel day. Seoul to Guam. Five-hour flight. There BETTER be window seats still available…..
11.20.2009 @ Dongducheon, South Korea
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
One more day in Korea, but what a day it is!!! DMZ Tour was AMAZING!!! You could feel the tension along the North and South Korea borders. Actually got to stand in North Korea and take a picture looking back into South Korea!! Great stop. The guys were apprehensive at first, but enjoyed the VIP treatment along the hostile border.
Game 12 is a feisty win for S.K.Y. Physical game but still a 25-point victory over the Army’s best at Camp Casey in Dongducheon, ROK.
More snoring in the bus on 2-hour ride back to hotel!! These guys are beat. I don’t see how they play this many games back-to-back at such a high level.
11.19.2009 @ Pyeongtaek, South Korea
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
On the road again….next stop: Camp Humphreys.
These games are running together!! Which gym was which game!!?? And yet, we are still winning and still giving the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces a GREAT show!!! Tonight and Game 11 was more of the same in Pyeongtaek, South Korea and Camp Humphreys. Facing a 18-point lead at halftime, S.K.Y. instead spots Humphreys a 30-point lead and still end up winning by 12!!
Super late night bus ride finds us back in Seoul and our familiar hotel from 3 nights ago! Bed time…..
11.18.2009 @ Gusan, South Korea
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Good morning and hello bus ride!! Another 4-hour road trip. Luckily our bus is very roomy and comfortable.
Bbrrrr!! Gusan, South Korea is coldest day yet on tour.
Game 10 against the Kunsan Air Base was a great bounce-back game!! Crowd picked the team up and we never looked back. Great energy. Great game. And another great S.K.Y. victory
11.17.2009 @ Daegu, South Korea
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Seoul = bus rides!! We check out of the Marriott for a 4-hour bus ride to Daegu, South Korea and Camp Walker Army Base.
Game 9 is another win, but the entire traveling team has hit a wall. Everything from the announcers, music, tour planning and play on the court was missing a step. It was bound to happen, and it happened tonight. Now we just need to regroup, get some rest, put it behind us, and make tomorrow better.
11.16.2009 @ Seoul, South Korea
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
OFF DAY!!! This means a little personal site-seeing to the Gyeongbokgung Palace and other touristy destinations around Seoul.
11.15.2009 @ Osan Air Base, Seoul
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Aaahhh….we get to sleep in today after two hectic days. A bunch of the guys missed the free breakfast buffet!
Load up the bus!! Time for a 2-hour bus ride to Osan Air Base, home of the Wolf Pack!!
Great turn out for Game 8 to watch yet another S.K.Y. Syndicate victory!! These Air Force guys had a good reason though after the base was on high alert for three days straight due to the upcoming President Obama visit.
The 2-hour bus ride back to Seoul was quiet except for the snoring!!
11.14.2009 @ Seoul, South Korea
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Welcome to Seoul, South Korea…the fifth-largest city in the world!! A bit chilly compared to the tropical climate in Okinawa.
Game 7 and another win for the S.K.Y. Syndicate!! This time against the proud Yongson Garrison Army Team.
11.13.2009 @ Okinawa
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Friday the 13th and it’s a travel day once again. We are leaving lovely Okinawa and heading to the ROK (Republic of Korea)!!
11.12.2009 @ Okinawa
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Everyone is loving their extended stay in Okinawa!! This little Japanese island is beautiful
Game 6 blowout of the Air Force Team Risner squad got ugly. Again switched scores at halftime and came back from the 35-point deficit to still won by 18!!
11.11.2009 @ Okinawa
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Everyone should try and spend a Veteran’s Day overseas on a military base. Very moving!!
Our toughest competition yet – the Marines Bomb Squad All Star Team – and another 20-point victory. In all seriousness, those Marines can play some ball!! Best halftime show…EVER!! We had a dance contest for kids. The crowd LOVED every second of it. One 8-year-old boy brought the house down with his Michael Jackson moves!
11.10.2009 @ Camp Foster, Okinawa
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
ANOTHER meal at the Globe & Anchor restaurant at Camp Foster!! I have a feeling this place is going to get old quickly!!
Game 4 against the SLU Navy Team in Futenma Gym….BLOWOUT! And yet, dinner at, you guessed it, the Globe & Anchor!!
11.09.2009 @ Okinawa
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Our first off day on Tour!! We do a Armed Forces Network radio interview and now it’s off to the beaches of Okinawa for some R&R!!
11.08.2009 @ Okinawa
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
On the road again……next stop: Hiroshima airport for a 2 hour flight to Okinawa.
Land in Okinawa, bussed straight to lunch, and now resting in the hotel room before we get VIP treatment at the Trey Songz concert on base.
11.07.2009 @ Hiroshima
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Heading to airport for a quick trip to Hiroshima, Japan!!
Hiroshima – site of the first atomic bombing in World War 2. Wish I had more time to do some exploring, but it’s straight to Iwakuni Marine Base and Game 3!!
Game 3 vs. a collection of Marines played at the Iwakuni Marine Corps Perry High School. Standing room only!!! We were up by 28 at halftime….we switch scores during the break and still end up beating them by 15!!
11.06.2009 @ Yokosuka Naval Base
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Load ‘em up….we are on the move. This time to Yokosuka Naval Base to take on the Navy All Stars B Team at Yokosuka.
Kid’s Clinic was a huge success. The crowd for the game was “just ok”. But we entertained them regardless!! Heard from the crowd, “You guys are more fun than the Harlem Globetrotters!!”
11.05.2009 @ Yokota Air Base
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
We meet a collection of America’s Finest at the Samurai Club on Yokota Air Base today. The troops seem genuinely pleased that a taste of America is here with them talking sports.
Game 1 is a rout!! Start time was delayed 30 minutes because the refs were late getting here! But all in all, great crowd. Great response.
11.04.2009 @ Tokyo
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
All the S.K.Y. Syndicate guys get into Tokyo/Narita without any major problems. Spike, our Armed Forces Entertainment Point of Contact, is awesome! Everybody has that glazed, sleep-deprived look in their eyes. Food, money exchange and some sleep are next up for everyone!
11.02.2009 @ Tokyo
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
2 hour flight to Chicago. 14 hour flight to Tokyo. 2 hour bus ride to hotel. DONE!
11.01.2009 @ Chicago
S.K.Y. Asia Tour 2009 Blog
Tokyo bound!! Why did they send me to Chicago THEN head west for Tokyo?? UGH
10.28.2009 @ Asia
Team to Entertain Troops at American Armed Forces Bases in Asia
S.K.Y. Streetball Syndicate, a group of the top street basketball players in the world, today announced a 14-stop, 20-day tour of American Armed Forces Bases throughout Asia.
The tour, promoted by Armed Forces Entertainment, will bring nine of the top players from S.K.Y. to play against the top players on each base. The players will compete in Japan, South Korea, and Guam.
“It’s an honor for the team to play in front of our troops,” said Lee Greene, the president of S.K.Y., Ltd. “We have put together an impressive group of individuals that will definitely put on a good show for those serving our country overseas. We are bringing a good balance of dunkers, freestyle passers and shooters.”
The team will feature: Dennis “Spyda” Chism (Atlanta, Ga.); Anthony “Half-Man-Half-Amazing” Hayward (Brooklyn, N.Y.); James “Big Swoal” Rhodes (Wilmington, N.C.); John “Helicopter” Humphreys (NewPort, N.C.); Antwan “8th Wonder” Scott (New Bern, N.C.); Chris “Rain Man” Crumpler (Hamilton, Bermuda); Sheiku “Sic One” Abba (New York, N.Y.); Earv “I’ll Be Right Back” Opong (Bronx, N.Y.); and player/coach Shane “Dribbling Machine” Woney (Bronx, N.Y.).
05.24.2009 @ Kansas City, Mo.
S.K.Y. Streetball Syndicate 83, Kansas City All Stars, 68
Chris “Rain Man” Crumpler created a thunderstorm late in the second half to help S.K.Y. pull away from the Kansas City All Stars, 83-68. Crumpler rained four consecutive shots from beyond the arc to the delight of fans at Penn Valley Community College. Meanwhile, the human highlight reel otherwise known as “720” took flight on several spectacular dunks to bring down the house. An inbound pass for a skywalking 360 tomahawk sent the fans into a parade of high fives. For their efforts, Rain Man and 720 led the team with 21 and 20 points respectively. Reggie Wells, who plays full time for the Harlem Wizards, was in town to spot up the K.C. team and didn’t disappoint scoring 20 points while executing a few tricks of his own. Jonathan Clark added 17 points for Kansas City while winning the dunk contest in a flat-out smack down. Catch his ‘jump-over-the-head-of-some-dude-go-around-your-back-then-slam-it’ dunk somewhere on this website or on YouTube. Outrageous. Clark is moving onto S.K.Y. ball full time as its newest player. Look for him on future tours. Nickname to be announced.
05.23.2009 @ St. Joseph, Mo.
S.K.Y. Streetball Syndicate 99, St. Joseph All Stars, 82
Marvin “High Rizer” Collins took an ally-oop pass from Shane Woney mid-way through the second half, rose above a 7-foot tall opposing player and put it in his face. Announcer Joe Pope responded to the delight of the crowd: “High Rizer just scaled the Empire State Building.” ‘Rizer was the game’s big showman, scoring 18 on a ‘whole lot of dunks’ to push S.K.Y. to an easy 99-82 win over the St. Joseph All Stars. Former collegiate and host Benton High School star Jared Boone led St. Joseph with 17 points. Former New England receiver Dwayne Blakley played for the St. Joseph team which was led by local high school and former college players. Half-man and 720 added 14 each for S.K.Y.
05.22.2009 @ Omaha, Neb.
S.K.Y. Streetball Syndicate 109, Omaha All Stars, 102
Like a garbage man collecting trash and putting it back in, Anthony ‘Half-Man-Half-Amazing’ Heyward showed he still has game, as S.K.Y. set off on its maiden journey in the Husker state. The Brooklyn Streetball legend put up a team-leading 22 points and 16 rebounds to push S.K.Y. over the Omaha All Stars, 109-102. S.K.Y. led by 28 mid-way through the second half. Omaha’s All Stars were made up of ex-collegiate and top streetballers from the largest city in Nebraska, including Albert “Memphis” Robinson who played some ball at TCU. Robinson dropped 28 on team S.K.Y. with deft outside shooting. Dunkamaniacs 720 and High Rizer added 18 for S.K.Y., using a typical array of dunks to the mix.
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