Being the wife or girlfriend of a professional basketball player has its advantages, from sitting courtside at the Finals to sitting port side on your husband’s yacht. But outside the glare of the public spotlight, their lives may not be as glamorous as one might think.

On Basketball Wives, we’ll follow the extraordinary lives of 6 women who are best friends as they juggle the success and stresses of building businesses, battling groupies, and searching for stability in the unstable arena of being the significant other to a basketball superstar.

While many people may view the wives of professional athletes as being lazy and entitled, these women are proof that those stereotypes are often off the mark. From starting a high-end shoe boutique to managing a dance company to building a fitness empire, these women are chasing and realizing dreams and goals that underscore their place as empowered woman and not just the wife of a celebrity.

And perhaps the most profound revelation is that behind all the bling, these women are really just the same as everyone else. Just like many women across America, they cope with the stresses of marriage and divorce and being a single parent, the joys and trials of raising children, the highs and lows of their friendship with each other. But with the pressures of fame, the temptation and fears of infidelity, and the struggles of raising children while their men are away trying to conquer the hard court, these women have to stick together as best friends and find the inner strength together to triumph against the odds.

In Basketball Wives, we’ll finally get a glimpse into the secret and unique lives of the women behind these men, and we’ll realize that it’s not just the players they’re married to… but also the game.

It’s difficult to say which disappeared more quickly: Antoine Walker’s remarkable basketball skills or the $110 million he earned in 13 NBA seasons. OTL investigates how Walker went from millionaire NBA All-Star to the brink of bankruptcy.

Lebron James’ & Dwight Howard’s McDonald’s 2010 Super Bowl Commercial Teaser (Translation, LLC) from YBF Chic on Vimeo.

Converse has taken all of their original basketball sneakers and has transformed them into a skate-worthy shoe. Has the make of a skate shoe, but the soul of a basketball shoe. All of the skateboarding Converse have extra padding, and are made with stonger materials than regular Converse. Here is a little history for those who don’t know about Converse.

1918 – Charles H. “Chuck” Taylor, an All American high school player who would later suit up with the original Celtics, Buffalo Germans and Akron Firestones, puts on his first pair of All Star shoes.

1935 – Chuck Taylor invents the modern-day basketball – the first “stitch-less” leather basketball to improve the sport through a more true bounce

1936 – Basketball is played for the first time as an official Olympic sport. The U.S team, which wore Chuck Taylor All Star shoes, defeats Canada 19-8 on a clay court for the gold medal

1949 – The Basketball Association of America and the National League merge to become the NBA. Virtually all pro players are wearing Chuck Taylor All Star shoes at the time

1986 – Converse unveils The Weapon™ with its instant hit, “Choose Your Weapons” ad campaign featuring two of pro basketball’s best squaring off in Converse

This pass week The Judges played Wings, Transit Tech, South Shore, Paul Robeson, Bryant, Wadleigh and Curtis high school in scrimmages. Cardozo alumni and New Jersey Nets guard Rafer Alston took time out of his busy schedule to show support. Rafer gave his feedback to guards Reynaldo Walters Jr. and Shelton Mickell after Cardozo’s game against South Shore. Rafer see’s the talent but agrees with the coaching staff the team has to improve. Coach Naclerio says “It’s not how many games you win during scrimmages, its what your team roster looks like on the floor and how well everyone plays within the system”.

At South Shore High School, Cardozo hustles for possession.

After game Rafer Alston gives his feedback.

Cardozo at Bryant waiting on an offense board.


Coach Naclerio’s on the court coaching at Bryant High School.

In the huddle with Dwayne Brunson and Coach Naclerio.

On paper Cardozo’s Varsity team is expected to dominate Queens, but nothing is set in stone players have to remain eligible and play hard every game. Coach Naclerio says “We show flashes of brilliance but lose it down the stretch”. Seniors like Reynaldo Walters Jr. won’t hesitate to tell you the tentative starting five has to play harder including himself, “I’m use to begin a leader on most teams I’ve played on”. Walters verbally committed to Norfolk State understands his role and will work hard to help his teammates see the bigger picture. “I want to play at the garden” says Walters “I know all eyes are on me on and off the court”.

After the Bryant game Friday night Senior Ryan Rhoomes gave his overview. see video

The Judges season opener is December 1st away vs. Beach Channel high school. In the weeks approaching they have more scrimmages, practices, study hall and strength and conditioning with Coach Davis.

NETS VS. SIXERS
Friday, October 23rd @ 8:00PM EDT
St. John’s University – Carnesecca Arena
Jamaica, NY, USA

Ask your teacher for more info on Cardozo student discounts. NBA Pre-season game, Cardozo Alumni Rafer Alston of the New Jersey Nets and Philadelphia 76′er Royal Ivey at St. John’s University.