Nic Echevestre will be forever known for the 3-point shot that propelled the Dreamleague All-Stars to the
2008 National Championships. If you weren't at the gym, here's a brief play by play. It was the second round of the
National Championsips Playoffs (TLC vs Dreamleague). Dreamleague was down around 6 points with under a minute. They pulled
within 3 points with 6 seconds left. Timeout. Dreamleague had the ball. Everyone knew the ball was going to Nic, but
he got it anyway and pulled with a beautiful stroke at the top of the key with hands in his face and banked a shot of the
glass to tie the game, and send it into overtime. The rest is history. Result championship! Luck, maybe. But its not luck
when you have been draining shots all day and all your career.
Nic Echevestre has been a superstar
who has made his teams better. Usually if you are that kind of player everyone wants to play with you. Nic doesn't seem
to be a ball hog or cocky. He has a kind smile and an all-american boy look. But on the court his picture perfect jump shot
makes him one of the most deadly scorers in asian basketball history. After watching Nic play, he seems to be an unselfish
team player. You don't find that many superstars like that anywhere.
At 6'5 or 6'4
Nic has an advantage on nearly anyone who guards him. On most asian teams that a power forward or center. But Nic is a shooting
guard that can go inside and out. With his good athletic ability and ball handling he can take defenders off the dribble.
And he also rebounds very well too. But of course if you give him room, he will fustrate any opponent from the outside. Nic
has many championships to back his talents and abilities. If you don't respect his game, he will definetly earn it. Nic
also has been known to throw down some nasty dunks also. What can't this guy do? Is he the best asianballer in the country?
Hmmmm. Good question. Number 1 or not Nic Echevestre is a champion where ever he goes.
John Lane has been tearing up the courts in Hawaii seems like since the day he was born. I believe John was
born with a basketball in his hand. His love and passion for the game is almost insane. If basketball was a serious drug,
John would be the biggest addict! If you live in Hawaii and play ball, you will definetly hear John Lane's name mentioned.
John had a brief stint of college ball at Chaminade University. But he is more known for his Chosen Few's teams accomplishments.
Maybe the best asian team in West Coast history. winninning tournaments after tournaments. But without their captain and leader,
Chosen Few would not be so succesful. John is making a name for himself around the country by playing also with the NY Maximum
Output team for the last year. He is also hosting a tournament in Hawaii in August. He will later be going to New York to
play in the Asianballers.net Asian Final Four National Championships.
What makes John Lane so succesful? Its definetly
not the height! At only 5'9, he's an excellent rebounder. But his physical strength and quick hands make him and excellent
penetrator and finisher at the basket. Then you combine that with his outstanding handles and superb decision making, he can
lead most teams to a championship. But what makes John a great player is his competitive drive and dynamic personality. His
desire to win and be the best takes him to another level. He might have the most successful asian american basketball
career to date. But he's not done yet! Whenever John Lane decides to hang up his sneakers, he will be remembered
as one of the great legends of asian american basketball.
Read article on John in Midweek.com Click the link
The Byrd Man is coming to a gym near you! Thomas Byrd has instantly become a force in asian basketball. At 6'7 he towers
over most asian ballers, and has a wingspan to match. Not only height Thomas has strength down in the post to compete with
any big man in the country. He has good post moves and runs the floor well. Also his range from the 3 point line is
not so bad either. But maybe his best strength is his shot blocking.
But Thomas is known for his "above the rim" play. He is a consistent dunker in asian basketball tournaments. He might
be the only player in the country that averages at least 2 to 3 dunks a tournament. And he occasionally delivers a facial
if you try to contest him! So trying to block his dunks might not be a good idea. So if you see Thomas Byrd at a tournament,
know that you might witness someone getting posterized on a block shot or a rim jarring slam!
January 2008
Ger Kue got Hops!
"Air Ger"
Ger Kue
nationality: Hmong
location: California
team: Banning
height: 5' 7
Well, we had a several request to recognize this player from California. Why? You can find this baller flying over
your head for rebound or block shot! We' ll him" Air Ger "This
guy has become the new rising star in asian basketball and especially in the hmong basketball community. Hmongs are very
passionate about basketball and loyal to their superstars if they legitimately can be a superstar. I recently went to
a tournament a couple months ago around the Thanksgiving holiday at Toccoa Falls, Ga. I found out that this yearly prodominately
hmong tournament was a big tradition in this area. This was the first time I ever saw Mr. Ger Kue play. Guys were telling
me about him and tellin me how he could dunk. I am always hearing stories about players, but I like to things with my own
eyes. I watched him play and saw the hops that this guy possessed. Not only the jumping ability, but nice handles that crowds
like to see. A flashy player, but had good basketball skills. Also I noticed that he had his signature mohawk look. After
watching him slice and dice defensive players. Jump over and under his oppenents, displaying his super athletic style of play,
I see that this guy is a superstar in the making. We will see what the future holds for Ger Kue. He is an exciting basketball
player to watch, but will that transfer into wins? You can watch Ger Kue and his hops on Youtube.
