"Basketball is Life is Basketball"

Basket dan bahasa inggris

Kemarin ada seseorang berkata kepada saya "Kenapa sih Blognya harus pake bahasa inggris?"
Saya menjawab balik dengan pertanyaan "Kenapa sih? Nggak ngerti?"

Kami langsung terlibat dalam obrolan yang sebenarnya nggak penting penting amat, tapi seru.

Menurutnya, kalau bahasa Indonesia akan lebih banyak yang mengerti.
Saya pun setuju, makanya nggak semua blog disini ditulis dalam bahasa inggris. Tapi, Basket adalah olahraga Amerika Serikat dimana istilah istilahnya menggunakan bahasa inggris dan kadang beberapa diantaranya susah diartikan dalam bahasa indonesia.
Apa Indonesianya:
Rebound? Lurusin rambut?
Alley Oop? Oper Nombok?
Behind the back pass? Operan di balik punggung? Kayak jurus silat malah!
Clutchshots?
Fade away jumper? Lompatan menjauh?
Fastbreak? Mematahkan dengan cepat?
Basketball? Bola keranjang? Terdengar seperti persekutuan laki laki mata keranjang.

Harus berapa banyak lagi istilah-istilah basket yang ngaco bermunculan karena di Indonesia-kan?
Lets face it, some things a better left alone in English.
Karena itu tidak aneh apabila bahasa inggris tidak terhindarkan dalam dunia basket.
Berhubung sebenarnya saya kurang suka mencampur aduk bahasa indonesia dan inggris dalam satu kalimat (bukan dalam satu tulisan) Maka saya sering bertutur dalam satu kalimat utuh menggunakan bahasa inggris.
Contoh kalimat yang saya tidak suka:
"You knowlah, kemarin waktu saya lagi enjoying vacation sama anak anak, kami merasa fun bgt."
Kalimat diatas terdengar seperti orang yang justru nggak gitu bisa bahasa inggris.
Bedakan dengan:
"Yesterday, me and the kids had such fun enjoying our holiday"
Gini kan enak...

Prinsip yang sama diberlakukan terhadap REF Basketball Clothing ketika ditanya mengapa REF begitu bangga menjadi sebuah merk Indonesia (alasan mengapa logonya berwarna merah putih adalah untuk mencirikan Indonesia) tapi sering menggunakan bahasa inggris tidak hanya pada produknya, tapi juga pada materi promosinya.
Bedanya adalah, selain alasan di atas, REF juga butuh untuk sedikit mainstream di umur awal bisnis ini.
REF Basketball Clothing, untuk yang belum pernah dengar, adalah Clothing Store pertama yang bertema Basket dengan pendekatan Fashion. Bukan memberikan barang-barang tiruan jersey NBA dan bukan sekedar baju baju bertuliskan jargon basket tanpa estetik. Tidak semahal Nike, namun tidak kalah gaya dengan And1.
REF juga menggunakan tulisan dan kalimat dalam bahasa inggris karena bahasa inggris sangat lekat dengan basket. Tapi REF juga melakukan itu untuk menarik perhatian konsumen yang saat ini masih western minded.


REF butuh untuk mencuri perhatian, dan seperti juga berbelanja buah di pasar, cara paling mudah untuk bisa diterima oleh sebuah lingkungan adalah dengan menyamakan bahasa.
Ingat bagaimana Ibu kita suka tiba-tiba berlogat jawa kalau ketemu pedagang jawa dan berubah logat jadi betawi kalau bertemu pedagang betawi?
Itu adalah cara Sang Ibu untuk bisa diterima pedagang dengan tujuan bisa dimurahkan harganya.

REF melakukan hal yang sama. Menyamakan bahasa dengan penggemar basket di Indonesia pada umumnya saat ini, bahasa Inggris.
After all, bottom line, REF is still a business. We search for profit.

And Basketball, is amazing.
It doesn't matter English or Indonesia.
It needs no translation.

Bring your ball with you,
Wear your sneakers,
Get to the court,
Step in,
And we'll speak the same language.
All around the world.

Basketball Momentum

Everybody has to have a Basketball Moment.
Think about it.
You must have a moment in Basketball that has you in it, and you cherished for probably the rest of your lives.

Maybe its about winning a championship.
Maybe its when you make the clutchshot just before the clock strikes zero.
Or maybe you made the most important steal.
It doesn't necessarly has to be a big moment in a big game.
But it has to be something good you'll remember.

For me, my basketball moment wasn't defined by myself. But by my peers. That even long after it was over people still talked about it.
Knowing that, I started to think that maybe that was a cool thing I did.

When I was still in college at ITB,
There was a game.
An Allstar game to be exact.
That features all the best ITB players devided in two teams East and West.
I don't even remember which team I played for.
But I remember this.

I made an incredible block.
Against one of the top player in college history.
He's the starting Center for ITB.
He was in the team when ITB was second place at the National University Basketball Competition.
His name is Ramses.
He's my friend.
:)
He'll read this blog one day and will hate me.
Heh Heh :)

He was running a fastbreak by himself.
No body seemed to even try to stop him.
Maybe nobody thought they could.
Everybody else was on the other side of the court.
So I thought, i'd chase him.
Instantly I remembered the block lesson taught to me by Donny. ITB's basketball team captain, then.
I did what I was taught.
I counted his step.
And jumped at the same time,
Swiped the ball in the air with my LEFT hand.
Clean as the streets in Singapore.

By the time I touched down
Everybody was surprised.
Even I was surprised.
The crowd roared.
And it felt great!

Not long after that block, I got block by him. But it doesn't matter.
Nobody noticed it. Or even remembered it.
He was supposed to.
He's a college superstar.
I'm a chump.
A chump that blocked the superstar :)


This is Ramses trying to make it even with me at GOR Soemantri Kuningan several months ago.
I scored this shot :)



Ps: Don't kill me Ramses.

HooParty!

I Love Basketball.
Its on my mind since forever.
So when my birthday is approaching there's only one thing comes to mind when it comes to having fun with friends.

Playing Basketball!

For my birthday, I booked a Basketball court at STC which is one of the best in town, invited all my friends and play 2 hours of hoops.

It turned out to be the best birthday party I ever had.
My wife was there playing along.
I played 2 straight hours.
I met my friends.
I got presents.
I even got a surprise birthday cake that comes with the Happy BDay song!

It was one helluva day.



I think i'll do it again next year.

:)

Resiko main Basket

Ini saya, terjongkok kesakitan.
Tidak ada yang mendorong saya, tidak ada yang menyikut saya.
Tidak ada yang melanggar saya, and i didnt even made a hustle play

I was driving to the hoop, and my ankle busted.
Kalau kata orang Indonesia, "Engkelnya Kena"

Ada yang berpendapat gara gara sepatu...
Ada yang bilang gara gara nggak pemanasan...
Kalau kata saya...

Emang resiko aja.
Namanya juga main basket.




Aneh, cedera ankle kok kayak orang mau "nyetor"

Types of Leadership in the NBA. Part 3

All of the names about to be mention in this article are all driven by an amazing desire to win.
Win at all cost.
They all earn respect on the court not only by their peers,but also from their rivals.
They've been through losts and devastation. But in time, they'll win.
They did so, time and time again.

But still , each and every person has put their personal stamp in the game on their own term.
In the court, these players have their own way of leading.
Ways, that we're about to learn...


Types of Leadership :
3. Larry Bird

One word would describe Larry Bird:
Tough.

" I fear no one, but Larry Bird"
Magic's testament really shows how Larry is perceived upon his rivals.
He looks weak, but he'll break you down with fierce determination .
He looks slow, yet leads the fastbreak.
He seems laid back, but he'll take the winning shot.
" You, know when the game is on the line, and you have no cushion in terms of a lead... Larry Bird can win the game"
You can always depend on Larry Bird... Well almost always .

In 1979, the world stopped to watch the NCAA Finals between Magic's Spartans against Larry's Indiana State University .
Its the highest rating in NCAA history.
The game, was won by Magic.
From that day forth, Larry sets his destiny. He founded a quest.

Going into the NBA, Larry founds himself in the holliest cathedral of basketball , the Boston Garden.
Hand picked by Red Auerbach himself.
Quickly gained recognition and won the rookie of the year award.
The next year, Larry and the Boston Celtics replaced the LA Lakers as the league's champion.
He lead the greatest team turn around in NBA. Making the Boston Celtics a winner from being the team nobody noticed. In less than 2 years .

And in that short period of time, Larry instantly gave message to his opponents that he's a player to consider .
His Weapon of Choice is his Mental Toughness. His bread and butter "Go to Move" is his Killer Three Pointer, that seems even lethal in crunch times.
His leadership on court helped his team to understand their role. Kevin Mc Hale said,
"We're like in the factory , everybody is doing their own job, there's someone putting the buttons , and someone putting the antenna, and Larry's the antenna man. He gets guys around ."
His reputation around the league is earned by his plays.
During practice and games.
His teamates knows that Larry's always the first to come practice, and always the last to leave.
Teamate Dennis Johnson testifies,
"If you're superstar is always the first to come at practice and the last to leave, you're expected to do the same. If Larry's willing to dive to the floor , then the rest of us might as well be ready to do the same."
In games,
"If you wanna play Larry Bird you have to be in your top performance , otherwise you can't keep up with him"
That is how dangerous he is.
"He's the type of player who'd throw himself to the floor , he'll do whatever it takes to win" coming from Red must be the highest of compliment.

But his leadership shines the most, in critical times.
Like say, the NBA Finals.
Against the Lakers .

It was redemption day.
Pay back time.
Finally Larry got his rematch with Magic in the biggest stage.
Again, the whole world was watching.

But as the series began, it was the Lakers who was taking charge.
Breaking the Celtics with ferocious determination and deadly effective fastbreak .
Celtics was blown out in National TV.
Afterwards Larry was interviewed by the press and ripped his heart.
Telling them that his team, despite of the talent they have, needed something else, a Heart.
A Strong Heart needed to win over what seemed to be impossible at the moment.
The next morning , newspaper reports.

Fueled by Larry's words the Celtics fought Lakers , physically .
Valiantly leading his team point by point. Possession after possession .
In the last and deciding game, The Boston Celtics won through .
They're the new NBA Champions.

So now we understand how Larry leads.
First , he leads by example.
Larry trains hard and plays hard, he never showed any signs of wearing down. That hits the team. Everytime Larry hustles it whipped them and telling them that if their superstar would die on the floor , then everybody should be ready to do the same.
Secondly , is the intangible asset that Larry owns, the rare quality one can ever have. Confidence the size of an iceberg . You know when you're leader thinks and acts like its impossible to beat you, then you'd start to believe it to be true.
But such confidence can only shine from a guy like Larry.
Like Larry once said,
"Anybody can score at crunch time when you're leading or tied even. But when you're down a point, that really separates the boys from men"

Types of Leadership in the NBA. Part 2

All of the names about to be mention in this article are all driven by an amazing desire to win.
Win at all cost.
They all earn respect on the court not only by their peers,but also from their rivals.
They've been through losts and devastation. But in time, they'll win.
They did so, time and time again.

But still , each and every person has put their personal stamp in the game on their own term.
In the court, these players have their own way of leading.
Ways, that we're about to learn...

2. Michael Jordan
Michael needed years untill he finally won a championship ring.
But once he gets there, there's no stopping him.
Michael won an astonishing numbers of 6 championship trophy, numerous MVP awards, regular, playoffs AND Allstars. Lead the league in scoring plenty of time, back2back Slam Dunk Contest Champion, several All NBA Defensive team, Several All NBA first team, and to add your awe: He is the ONLY player in history to come back from retirement and win championship...3 consecutive times.

In short,
You can't pronounce "Dominance" without Michael Jordan.

But how did he lead?
We know his Weapon of choice is his high flying Dunks.
We know his favorite "Go to move" is his Fade Away Jump Shots.
But how did he lead his team to 6 championship?
Why is it that when he retired for almost a year, his team Chicago Bulls were so helpless that they can't make it to the playoffs?
There has to have something to do with his leadership.

Let's try to breakdown the answers by looking back in time...
Michael was an obedient player, you'd hear or read about him telling how he's very thankful to his High School Coach, College Coach, he is the student of the game. Despite the fact that he was once got cut from his team.
Entering the NBA, Michael made a sudden impact in the game.
He wore ridiculously ammount of jewelry around his neck. Got charged by the NBA for wearing multi color sneakers (the first Air Jordan) which wasn't allowed back then.
But that wasn't the only impact he made, he soon was known for his killer instinct. Making points in most ways one can ever make.

Michael and the Bulls, we're head over heels trying to get a championship ring. But in the late 90's, the Bulls were defeated many times by the grueling defense performed by the bad boy from Detroit.
Every season Michael and his team had to go home in disapointment after losing in the Playoffs .
Untill finally , the year '91 came.
And Michael was ready with a vengeance .
By this time, Michael had been surrounded by talented young players. No longer over shadowed by Michael's stardom. Now, everybody has a role .

Michael would perform at his best. He definitly showed his teamates that this is the Michael Jordan that will not take a beating . He proved that during off season he had trained to be better , and definitly stronger.
He set the tone everytime he's in the court.
He became the best player in his team.

Michael pushes himself every night. Making plays , dishing passes, steals away the ball, blocked shots , and at the end of every fastbreak , he's there with his high flying dunks . After that, he goes home with a 40 plus average.
Brought Chicago Bulls to their first Championship and taking the MVP Finals with him.

During his course towards threepeat, Michael makes sure that nobody bullies the Bulls.
There are stories that says, everytime a player tried to trashtalk his teamates , Michael would show up and take matters to his own hand.
Once, Michael punched a player in the stomach after he tried to psychologically off balances John Paxson. After the quick punch he whispers "Don't mess with my boys"

But there's more to Michael Jordan in terms of his leadership.
Phil Jackson once said "Its hard working with Michael , you have to be ready to play, otherwise he'd tell it to you that you're not playing good enough."
Michael is also known for his candor.
Many times reportedly Michael shouts at his teamates in the locker room because he feels that they weren't playing good enough.
So that when Phil Jackson enters there's a chill in the locker room.

Surprised ?
Not exactly the Michael Jordan people know.
But maybe that's how he leads.
Truth to be told, no team has ever surpassed Chicago Bulls's record.
Threepeat , twice .
Making a total of 6 championship titles .
All, under Michael's leadership .

Finally , how do we define Michael's Leadership ?
First , he leads by setting himself to be the best player in the team.
Everybody needs someone to look up to.
He sets example .
Secondly , he leads, by acting like a big brother .
He defends his team, he yells at them, its almost like a sibling rivalry .
Third, Michael's determined to win everytime he steps in the court.
"He's determined to be Michael Jordan every night" the legendary Bill Russel once said.
Knowing how he is, that's a tall order.

But perhaps the single most important thing that he has as a leader lies within his heart.
George Karl met Michael at the 95 NBA Finals. After losing, he talks about Michael.
"Its his inner gut and inner strength which makes him a great player. People don't really know it but that's his greatest gift"

Indeed.

Types of Leadership in the NBA. Part 1


All of the names about to be mention in this article are all driven by an amazing desire to win.
Win at all cost.
They all earn respect on the court not only by their peers,but also from their rivals.
They've been through losts and devastation. But in time, they'll win.
They did so, time and time again.

But still , each and every person has put their personal stamp in the game on their own term.
In the court, these players have their own way of leading.
Ways, that we're about to learn...

Magic Johnson His most powerful Leadership tool, is his persona.As a high school graduate, going into college , he charmed his way through his press conference with his light jokes and a smile that according to an NBA TV Host once said, "would light up TV screens from here to Bangormaine."He was barely 17.His 1st season in the NBA could surely be his most memorable one. As he fastbreak the regular season into the playoffs where he replaced injured Kareem on the critical game of the finals, and brought home 42 points, 15 rebounds, and numerous assist along with the Championship with him. A Rookie.Magic lead, by infecting teamates with his own High Spirit.He gives a reason to feel good.To be confident.

One time, the Lakers had to play the finals in Boston for game two. After being dismantled by a huge margin on the 1st game.While the team was affected by the fanatic Boston crowd and the Boston Garden's Mystique, Magic pulls his teamate with his enthusiasm and confidence.One of his teamates recall that day "He acts as if nothing happened yesterday!"Taking his team back on track and giving them back their Pride and Confidence.That series , the Lakers won their 3rd championship .But perhaps its his unique way of leading in the court is the one we should really focus on.

Magic is known for his brilliant play on court.He gave the nickname "Showtime" for the Lakers.His weapon of choice is his No look passes.His "Go to move" is his Clutchshots. Known for it's heartbreaking winning game shots by his opponents.He leads by running his team in transition, opening lanes for his teamates, creating opportunity for fellow teamates and finishes with a great no look pass.He does that, everytime, in every game.

Now as we recall the greatness of the 6-9 pointguard, we understand that the way he leads, is aplicable in life.First, Magic leads with a smile.A Flash of character that pulls people.He conditioned his team to be confident, high spirited, and most importantly , gives positivity to the team.Secondly, Magic leads by giving shots to everybody. He create opportunity for others, not by shouting. But by filling the middle lane.He always run the fastbreak streaming in the middle.That way, others could fill the open lane.Without the team even noticing, Magic made his teamates play effectively.

Magic manage people by his actions. That subconsciencely made his team effective.But his greatest asset would be the Trust he earns from his teamates.Ask them, for they once said"On fastbreak I got to get me a lane, because I know, if I run and fill the open lane, there's a big chance I might score"Magic made everybody wants to work, because they know... Nay, They Trust, Magic will give them a chance to shine with his no look passes, which we can articulate as "Helping others, unnoticed."