Something to Dribble Over

Even though he’s more than an hour late, when NBA superstar LeBron James strides into Wanchai’s Southorn Stadium, the couple of thousand young fans packed into the courtside stands go ballistic. The massive figure raises his rake-long arms in the air and waves to the adoring masses as the din of screaming kids reverberates off the tall walls. He’s accompanied by Mike Krzyzewski, aka Coach K, coach of the US national basketball team. The two hustle along past truck-sized Nike banners, Nike hoardings, Nike-emblazoned basketballs, and organisers bedecked in Nike uniforms, to sit in plush leather seats in the middle of the court, beside a podium topped by a pair of James’s newest line of shoes: the Nike Zoom 20-5-5. Apparently those digits mean something to someone.

‘King James’ is in town as part of his Nike Asia Tour. Ostensibly, he’s here to share tips with basketballers from the Nike Hong Kong Youth Basketball League. That must be what’s on the mind of one of the press conference MCs, dressed in a Nike t-shirt and clutching a Nike microphone, when he excitedly asks James – the 22-year-old touted as the next Michael Jordan – the question on everyone’s mind: “How do you feel about this pair of sneakers?”

James, who travelled 13,000 km to be here, says he feels good.

On August 31, another NBA sideshow will roll into town. This time it’ll be All Star Tracy ‘T-MAC’ McGrady from the Houston Rockets. Of course, he, too, is coming to help the kids. Oh, and he’ll attend the grand opening of the adidas Sports Performance Centre and promote his adidas Retro T-MAC 1 basketball shoes – he’s stopping by as part of his adidas T-MAC Asia Tour.

One of Hong Kong’s top local basketballers says that’s all good. “They’re heroes acknowledging their fans, and I think that’s a great thing,” says Matthew Jung, a guard for the Wingling team in the semi-professional Hong Kong Basketball Association Division One league. But how much does it mean in terms of strengthening the game in Hong Kong? Well, that’s a different story. Unless it’s pushing development, it doesn’t really do much, says Jung. He recalls Michael Jordan’s visit in 2004: “I don’t know if Michael dribbled once. I don’t know if he took a shot in front of the 5,000 fans who came to pay homage. To me, that’s the least these guys could do.”

Jung, 32, a former college player in the United States, says he has noticed a marked improvement in the standard of local basketball in the nine years he’s been here, but there’s still a long way to go. “There could be a better system in place to foster basketball in Hong Kong,” he says. While the Nike League does much to develop talent, there isn’t enough incentive to carry on with the sport. Hong Kong’s top league isn’t financially rewarding – not all of the eight teams pay their players and Jung supports himself with a full-time job in communications – and the facilities, which include outdated analogue score clocks and tile floors, leave much to be desired.

But the SAR does considerably better with its streetball facilities – which is good news, seeing as we’re moving into autumn, prime time for outdoor hoops action. Hong Kong has many great outdoor courts with smooth surfaces, sturdy rims and nets that are, miraculously, always intact. Those, along with the popularity of the NBA and the hip hop element that goes hand-in-hand with basketball, have helped foster a thriving streetball culture here, says Jung. And there’s always a strong vein of old-timers to help take the younger generation of ballers through. “What really excites me is that the old guys who still tend to their baskets every day are really enjoying playing with the younger guys.” While many of Hong Kong’s streetballers turn up in groups ready for three-on-three match-ups, if you’re a single looking to muscle in on a game it’s those veterans you should be sucking up to. Says Jung, “Befriend the uncles and they’ll get you into a game.”

Splish Splash
Hong Kong’s Royal Yacht Club holds the HK Open Marathon Canoeing Championships, with a 26km challenge to the finish line at the Hong Kong Sea School in Stanley. It’ll be wetsuits galore, with snazzy medals up for grabs for the first, second and third places, so if you’re intent on joining the spectacle, apply with your canoe certificates and the entry fee on or before 1pm on August 19.
What: HK Open Marathon Canoeing Championships 2006 When: 9am – 4pm, September 3, Where: Royal HK Yacht Club How Much: Member: $70, Non-Member: $120 Enquiries: 2504 8186, www.hkcucanoe.com.hk

World’s Fastest Game?
The Hong Kong Hockey association plays host to the Hong Kong quadrangular tournament, with teams from Taipei, Guangdong and Neimenggu this August. The national men’s team will use the matches as a pre-cursor to the Doha Asian Games 2006. Anyone who fancies watching the ball get thwacked around should head over to King’s Park Hockey Ground, to catch all of the stick-wielding action.
What: Hockey When: August 23 – 28 Where: King’s Park Hockey Ground, 6 Wylie Rd, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon How Much: Nothing Enquiries: 27824932, www.hockey.org.hk

Oh mY…
MYoga, the largest yoga studio in Hong Kong and the first branch in Asia had their official launch last Saturday – with a grand opening ceremony, fashion show and all. There’s a reason for all that commotion though, with mYoga boosting more than 50 different class types – including signature yoga sessions like mY Hot, mY Sun and mY Stretch, and hosting over 200 classes per week. From its earthy, Zen-décor to the purified air circulating throughout, mYoga offers more than just yoga. This soothing escape from the city is now open, offering one free session per newbie.
What: mYoga When: Now Where: G/F, One Grand Tower, 639 Nathan Rd, Mongkok, Kowloon How much: $688 per month Enquiries: 2390 7788, www.mYogaOnline.com

Bump, Pass
The Hong Kong Volleyball Association has once again secured the position to host for the FIVB World Grand Prix – Hong Kong. This year’s tournament will act as a warm-up session before the biggie World Championships begin in Brazil, and with a US$95,000 prize and four top women volleyball teams lined up, prepare for some hard-hitting action. And remember Athens 2004? FIVB brings Team China and Team Russia back together for an Olympics-worthy replay. It’ll be just like the old times.
What: 2006 FIVB World Grand Prix – Hong Kong When: August 18 – 20 Where: Hong Kong Coliseum How Much: $50 – $400 Bookings: 2734 9009

Spokes Speak
You can be on top of the world (or rather, 2,141m-high, Mao Er Shan, the highest point in South China) by taking part in the South China King of the Hills duathlon – the first of its kind to add mountain biking to its newly formatted two-day challenge. You can, of course, still choose to compete simply in running, which will keep you there for only a day. Working up a good sweat isn’t the only reason to get in on this; the route takes you through quaint villages, a canyon, waterfalls and passes bamboo trails and open rice paddies – enough to quench the nature-lover in all of us.
What: South China King of the Hills When: 26 – 27 August Where: Mao Er Shan, Guangxi Province How Much: RMB/HK$200 for one day, RMB/HK$300 for two Enquiries: 2812 0741, www.seyonasia.com

Poke Check?
Head over to the Happy Valley Hockey pitch for the Hong Kong Lacrosse Association’s mixed league 2006. Players and spectators are welcome to join in the action – of which there is plenty. Special moves include the rather cheeky-sounding poke check, slap check and wrap check. Who ever knew the sport with nets on sticks could prove so amusing – maybe the 160 or so folks who are already members? Yep, it’s good to watch, but even better to play.
What: Hong Kong Lacrosse Association, mixed league.When: August 20 Where: Happy Valley Hockey Pitch, Happy Valley How Much: Nothing Enquiries: 81076636, http://www.hklax.org

Bibs and Banners
Runners keen to get involved in the 22nd annual Thaiquain Cup on September 3 need to get in application forms before August 23. The race starts in Pak Tam Chung Sai Kung Country Park, and stretches out over 10km in seven categories for men and women. Transport is available on the day from Kowloon Tong, at an additional charge of $15.
What: 22nd Annual Tahiquain Cup When: Sunday, September 3, 9am Where: Pak Tam Chung, Sai Kung How Much: $100, $15 one-way transport Enquiries: Downloadable entry form available at www.hkrunners.com.

August 19
Hong Kong Ultimate Players Association
Ultimate Frisbee Pick-up at Lower Cheung Sha Beach, 3pm – 6pm
http://portal.hkupa.com/

August 20
Hong Kong Cycling Association
Hong Kong Road Cycling Race – Series 9
http://www.cycling.org.hk/

August 20
Hong Kong Marathon Pro
The 6th Annual “Chung Hing Cup” (10K) – Super Summer Challenge Race
8104 8500

August 26 – October 15
Hong Kong Tennis Association
SCAA Open 2006
www.tennishk.org

August 28 – September 2
Hong Kong Badminton Association
YONEX-SUNRISE Hong Kong Open Badminton Championships 2006
www.hkbadmintonassn.org.hk

Send your event details to hkeditorial@bcmagazine.net