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NBA Digital plans comprehensive All-Star

NBA Digital plans comprehensive All-Star coverage experienceOfficial Release

NBA Digital, co-managed by Turner Sports and the NBA, will offer extensive coverage of 2013 NBA All-Star events in Houston across a wide array of multimedia platforms. NBA TV, NBA.com and NBA Mobile will combine to deliver an immersive experience, reaching fans any way they choose to enjoy All-Star content.
NBA TV will televise more than 120 hours of All-Star programming -- with NBA.com adding more than 20 hours of live streaming content -- including live reports from Houston during Thursday's "NBA GameTime" on Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. ET. The network's comprehensive coverage will include inside access to All-Star practices, interviews with event participants, and highlights, news and information from each of the weekend's signature events.NBA TV's extensive coverage of All-Star week will culminate with a special original programming block on Monday, Feb. 18, featuring some of the greatest NBA players of all time. The network will televise three one-hour specials featuring in-depth interviews with Michael Jordan, Bill Russell and Charles Barkley."NBA All-Star is a tremendous showcase of the league's best talent, its continued innovation and its leadership position across the social spectrum, all of which combine to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience," said Christina Miller, senior vice president and general manager of NBA Digital. "NBA Digital continues to demonstrate a commitment to original programming and other forms of compelling content which drive seamless consumption across all screens."NBA TV's prime-time schedule on Monday, Feb. 18:• One-on-One with Ahmad Rashad -- Michael Jordan at 8 p.m. ET -- Jordan, interviewed by Ahmad Rashad, discusses some of the most memorable moments from his legendary career. Additionally, leading up to the show from 2:30-8 p.m., NBA TV will present a marathon of Jordan videos including "Come Fly With Me", "Michael Jordan's Playground", "Michael Jordan's Air Time", "Michael Jordan: Above and Beyond" and "Michael Jordan: His Airness". 

• Mr. Russell's House at 9 p.m. -- Hall of Famer Bill Russell sits down with Grantland editor-in-chief Bill Simmons for a definitive interview covering wide-ranging topics from his storied career. 

• Sir Charles at 50 at 10 p.m. -- As he nears his 50th birthday, TNT NBA analyst and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley reflects on his legacy in an interview with TNT colleague Ernie Johnson, host of the Sports Emmy Award-winning Inside the NBA. 

Additional NBA TV programming highlights include special All-Star episodes of "The Beat", "The Jump presented by Sprint" and "NBA GameTime".Thursday, Feb. 14:• Slam Dunk Marathon -- Celebrating Slam Dunk champions from the past 25 years, NBA TV will air a "Dunk-A-Thon" on Thursday, Feb. 14, beginning at 10 a.m. The 15-hour marathon will feature every Slam Dunk competition since 1984, along with a special presentation of the first Slam Dunk contest ever held (during the 1976 ABA All-Star Game).Friday, Feb. 15:• NBA TV will provide an inside look at the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge practice from 10:30 a.m.-noon. 

• The network will televise exclusive coverage of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announcement at 12 p.m. 

• NBA GameTime will offer comprehensive coverage of NBA All-Star Media Day featuring live interviews with participants from 12:30-3 p.m. 

• NBA TV will air special All-Star editions of "The Beat" at 5 p.m., "The Jump presented by Sprint "at 6 p.m. and "NBA GameTime" at 11:30 p.m. (following TNT's exclusive telecast of the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge at 9 p.m.)Saturday, Feb. 16:• NBA TV will present exclusive coverage of Eastern and Western Conference All-Star practices from 12-1:30 p.m. 

• The network will televise the 2013 NBA D-League All-Star Game at 3 p.m. 

• NBA TV will exclusively air Commissioner David Stern's All-Star Press Conference at 7 p.m., prior to TNT's exclusive presentation of State Farm NBA All-Star Saturday Night at 8 p.m. 

• An All-Star edition of NBA GameTime will be televised at midnight with an extensive recap of State Farm All-Star Saturday Night action.Sunday, Feb. 17:• NBA TV will televise a special NBA GameTime -- All-Star Sunday at 5 p.m., followed by live coverage of the Sprint Pregame Concert from NBA All-Star at 6 p.m. Matt Winer will host NBA GameTime with analysts Steve Smith and Brent Barry. Terrence Jenkins, co-host of E! News, will host the network's concert coverage with NBA TV's Dennis Scott serving as a correspondent. 

• Following TNT's exclusive presentation of the NBA All-Star Game, NBA TV will air Inside the NBA with Johnson, Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal, Kenny Smith and Chris Webber live from Houston.Digital/Social Media elements include:NBA.com• Social Spotlight -- Redesigned for this year's NBA All-Star, NBA.com's Social Spotlight will continuously keep fans up to speed on the latest tweets, photos and other social engagement by NBA players, teams and the conversations surrounding them throughout the weekend. 

• NBA All-Star Pulse -- Featured on the NBA.com home page, NBA All-Star Pulse will present updates, news, video and photos from All-Star festivities throughout the weekend. Fans can follow tweets from NBA players and insiders, share user-generated video, check which topics and content are trending in real time and get behind-the-scenes video from players and celebrities. 

• Fan Voting -- Fans will be able to vote for the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge MVP, Sprite Slam Dunk champion and NBA All-Star MVP via online, mobile web, SMS text messaging and Twitter. 

• NBA Challenge presented by State Farm -- The NBA's real-time predictive gaming experience will allow fans to interact during State Farm All-Star Saturday Night activities. NBA Challenge Presented by State Farm, available via NBA.com's TV Companion and NBA GameTime iPad app, will offer fans an opportunity to engage and compete with one another by answering event-related questions. 

• All-Star Scene -- NBA.com will post behind-the-scenes photos, videos and live streaming footage of All-Star press conferences. 

• Style Blog -- For the first time, NBA.com will feature a blog devoted NBA All-Star style with interviews, photo collages and more.
Fans vote for Kia All-Star Game MVP via web, mobile web, SMS text message and Twitter.NBA Mobile• NBA All-Star App -- For the first time, NBA Digital is launching a free event-based app (available via the App Store and Google Play) for those attending All-Star events in Houston. The app will include top stories, photos, video highlights, ticket information, maps, event details and team rosters. Additionally, the app will allow fans to vote for the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge MVP, Sprite Slam Dunk champion and the Kia NBA All-Star Game MVP. 

• NBA Game Time -- Using NBA Digital's mobile app, fans will be able to track all the live event action including audio from the BBVA Rising Stars Challenge and NBA All-Star Game, scoring updates for East vs. West during State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, and other behind-the-scenes content.

NEW YORK -- The NBA

NEW YORK -- The NBA on Christmas Day has become a tradition around the world. 

Here is a historical look at the NBA teams and players that have competed on Dec. 25 throughout the decades: 

New York Knicks to Make Record 48th Appearance on Christmas 

? 48 - The Knicks will make their leading 48th Christmas Day appearance, after helping tip off the tradition of the NBA on Christmas in 1947. The Lakers will play for the 39th time and the Celtics the 29th. 

Kobe Bryant to Extend Christmas Day Record to 15 Games 

? 15 - The Lakers' Kobe Bryant will make his 15th appearance on Dec. 25, extending his record for most games played on Christmas Day. Dolph Schayes, Earl Monroe and NBA TV/TNT analyst Shaquille O'Neal each played in 13 Christmas Day classics. 

Breen, Van Gundy, and Cox to Call Two Games in L.A. 

? 2 - For the first time, ESPN on ABC play-by-play announcer Mike Breen, analyst Jeff Van Gundy and courtside reporter Heather Cox will call two games from the STAPLES Center on Christmas. 

"BIG Color" Holiday Spot Surges on NBA YouTube Channel 

? 7.4 Million - The NBA's BIG Color spot featuring NBA stars dribbling in harmony to a classic holiday tune has been viewed more than 7.4 million times by fans on the NBA YouTube Channel since debuting on Nov. 20. The video is already the third most viewed all-time on the channel. 

A Christmas Day Tradition 

? 1947 - First NBA games played (three games). ? 217 - All-time number of games played. ? 5 - Most nationally televised games on Christmas Day (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012). 

NBA Around the Globe on Christmas 

? 215 - Games will air in 215 countries and territories in 47 languages. ? 23 - Number of international players on Christmas Day rosters, representing 16 countries and territories 

NBA Cares Season of Giving 

As part of the NBA Cares Season of Giving, the league, teams and players provided holiday cheer to thousands of children and families including: ? 250,000 children and families impacted, 181,800 meals served and 65,850 toys donated. 

NBA Teams on Christmas Day ? 22 -- Most wins by a team: New York Knicks (Lakers: 20). 

NBA Players on Christmas Day 

? 4 -- MVPs playing (LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Kevin Garnett). ? 29 - Number of All-Stars playing (Boston - 3; Brooklyn - 3; New York - 4; L.A. Lakers - 5; Oklahoma City - 2; Miami - 5; Chicago - 4; Denver - 1; L.A. Clippers - 2) ? 377 -- Most Points By A Player: Oscar Robertson ? 349 -- Most Points By An Active Player: Kobe Bryant (2nd all-time) Other active scoring leaders: Dwyane Wade (183), LeBron James (167), Chauncey Billups (111) ? 60 points -- All-time highest single-game scoring performance: Bernard King (New York Knicks vs. New Jersey Nets, 1984). 

Ghosts of Christmas Past 

The following NBA Legends have delivered some memorable Christmas Day performances: 

? Tiny: 40 years ago, Nate "Tiny"Archibald was clearly in a festive mood when he gift-wrapped 18 assists (a Christmas Day record that still stands) when his Kings locked horns with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the Bucks. That season (1972-73), Archibald became the first NBA player to lead the league in both scoring (34 ppg) and assist averages (11.4 apg). ? Human Highlight Reel: 25 years ago, Dominique Wilkins was second to none. In the Hawk's 106-100 victory over the 76ers, Wilkins finished with 45 points, nine rebounds and three assists. ? MJ: 20 years ago, Michael Jordan dropped 42 points against Patrick Ewing and the Knicks, capping an 89-77 Bulls victory in 1992. That season Jordan went on to win his second NBA title. ? Bernard: In 1984, Bernard King set the Knicks single-game and Christmas Day scoring mark with 60 against his former team, the New Jersey Nets, who won the game, 120-114. ? Scottie: In 1994, the Knicks' Hubert Davis hit a remarkable three with less than a second remaining to force overtime, but Scottie Pippen sealed the game with two blocks on three-point attempts in the final seconds. ? Rasheed: The Trail Blazers beat the Lakers 109-104 in 2000 behind a 33-point performance from Rasheed Wallace. ? Shaq: In 2004, Shaq played his first game in Los Angeles after being traded to Miami, but Dwyane Wade stole the show with a strong second half performance as the Heat won by two in overtime - 104-102.

49ers Announce McColl-Richardson Field Community

Community Icons; Longtime Friends Combine for Football Naming Gift

Charlotte, N.C. — UNC Charlotte Chancellor Dr. Philip Dubois and Director of Athletics Judy Rose, today, announced the naming of the Charlotte 49ers football field at a press conference overlooking the
on-campus stadium site. Thanks to the generous personal contributions of Hugh McColl and Jerry Richardson – and the financial support of others who want to honor all that they have given their city – the Charlotte 49ers football field will be named McColl-Richardson Field.

        “We have the architect of modern Charlotte and thearchitect of the Panthers NFL team joining forces on behalf of the university,”Dubois said. “Today’s announcement celebrates two community leaders whose names are synonymous with football in Charlotte and with the great progress this
city has made over the last 30 years. The legacies of Hugh McColl and Jerry Richardson are already firmly established across the Charlotte region. We are thrilled their names will be permanently tied to our university.”

        McColl, a banking industry pioneer who built Bank of America into one of this country’s
largest and most important financial institutions and made Charlotte its headquarters, was instrumental in bringing the Carolina Panthers to Charlotte.

        “Jerry and I have been close friends for decades. Football happens to have been an
important and consistent component in our friendship,” McColl said. “Both of us saw the introduction of football at UNC Charlotte to be a unique and exciting opportunity for our great city to connect and bond even closer to its constituents. We are both happy to share our names and support with the
university and athletic program as football becomes a reality.”

        Richardson,the owner of the Carolina Panthers, is a true leader inside the NFL management
ranks who recently was the lead owner in the successful collective bargaining agreement negotiations. He landed the Panthers in Charlotte in 1995 and has watched it grow from expansion team to Super Bowl participant in 2003.

        “It is quite an honor to have my name associated with such a good friend and wonderful
academic institution,” said Richardson. “Hugh and I both feel that UNC Charlotte is critical to the future of the Charlotte region. College football will be an important component in student life and will help the university create stronger community ties.”

        “We are thrilled to make an announcement of this magnitude,” Rose said. “Mr. McColl and Mr. Richardson share what is special about Charlotte – a can-do attitude and a resilient spirit that has
helped the city grow to the thriving force it is today -- and now these two have chosen to share in the vision of our university. We cannot thank them enough for their exceptional gift and cannot be more pleased to have their names on the 49ers football field.” 

        The Charlotte 49ers on-campus 15,000-seat stadium is currently under construction and will be
completed in August of 2012, in time for the 49ers first recruiting class to begin practice. The 49ers will begin play in 2013 as an FCS independent.

        “For the many players who have yet to play for our team. For the many fans who have yet
to cheer for our team. For the many coaches who have yet to call one play — And for our students and alums and the many people who have worked so hard to see this dream realized – thank you,” said 49ers football coach Brad Lambert.

        Football Seat Licenses are on sale, now, to offer fans the right to purchase season tickets to Charlotte 49ers football games. To purchase FSLs, which are the only way to guarantee a seat to 49ers football games, fans can call the 49ers athletic ticket office at 704/687-4949 or log on to charlotte49ers.com or charlotte49erfootball.com.

 

-- Charlotte 49ers

Carmelo Anthony and Knicks Gets Wish, Melo a Knick!

Man, It's finally OVER! "YES", as Marv Albert would say.

Carmelo Anthony got his wish Monday night by being traded to the New York Knicks in a nine player trade after a year of speculation.

The Knicks traded G-Raymond Felton, F-Wilson Chandler, F-Danillo Gallinari, C Timofey Mozgov, 1st round pick and two 2nd round picks and $3 million in cash while Denver received F-Carmelo Anthony, G-Chauncey Billups, F/C-Shelden Williams, G-Anthony Carter and F-Renaldo Balkman(2nd stint).

After a couple of months of the New Jersey Nets getting in the mix and out, the Knicks got the other superstar they coveted to play alongside Amare Stoudemire.

Getting a small forward like Melo would be the best player at the small forward position in a Knicks uniform since Bernard King was killing defensing in the 80's. Anthony will bring his 6'8, 245 pound frame, 25.2 pts/gm, 33% 3pt shooting and good ball handling to a franchise that needs excitement and another superstar to help take them to the next level.

Putting these superstar talents together of Stoudemire and Anthony will give the Knicks two bonafide scorers to challenge defenses and form the best scoring duo in the NBA with an average of 51.3 points per game.

While the Knicks gave up a lot to attain Anthony, they have positioned themselves with a established leader and playmaker in Chauncey Billups to play with Stoudemire and Anthony. These moves will help solidify Knicks playoff position and potentially move up in the seeding from 6th to 4th this year.

There's no question the Knicks are better with Billups and Anthony which will free up the post for Stoudemire to dominate.

The Knicks now have players that will keep defenses honest with no disrespect to Chandler, Felton or Gallinari but Anthony will command more attention and he is a big time player and shot maker.

While these moves will substantially help the Knicks, I don't see the Knicks winning a championship this year but they could get to the second round, if they gel over final games of the season.

The Madison Square Garden has been transformed and the city electrified.

And so, has Carmelo.

Wishes granted, YES!

Charlotte 49ers Football Forum - Video Link

Charlotte 49ers Football Forum - Video Link

The Charlotte 49ers hosted their first
"Town Hall" Meeting to discuss the 49ers Football program, Wednesday afternoon,
on-campus in McKnight Hall. A link to video segments of that meeting can be found
at: http://www.charlotte49ers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=23200&ATCLID=205093619

Chancellor Dr. Philip Dubois,
Director of Athletics Judy Rose and Dan Van Dyke, Senior Associate at
Jenkins-Peer Architects, all made presentations before opening the floor to
questions. This afternoon's Football Forum, which was the
first of a set of Forum's to follow, was designed to discuss plans with the
campus community which will be directly impacted, in particular, although it was
open to the general public. 
"I was really pleased with the
cross-section of people in attendance," said Rose. "We had faculty and
staff members, students, the Greek community, community leaders like our former
Chancellor (Dr. James Woodward) and Mac Everett, who chaired our feasibility
study. There were a lot of sections represented. And the thing that
got me was the excitement. They were out here and they were excited to be
here and to participate. That, I think, shows the interest -- an interest
that will continue to swell."
Included in the presentation was
a status update with regard to the 49ers head coaching search, the 49ers 2013
schedule, discussion of conference affiliation as well as Gender Equity and
Title IX compliance as it pertains to women's sports to be added, game day
activities, a timeline of things to come and a review of the renderings of the
stadium construction, which is due to break ground, April 28.
While Rose was quick to point out
that the event might produce more questions than answers and that in many cases,
the answers did not yet exist, she also was eager to communicate the plans with
the campus community and public at large and to inform them that plans are not
being made in a vacuum, but from input from a variety of
sources.
Rose introduced the chairs of
seven different committees that include nearly 75 individuals who are charged
with the task of unearthing issues and concerns as the process moves towards the
inaugural 2013 season. In addition, she noted that student groups were
also being involved in the process.
Committees include: 
Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Game Logistics, Medical/Sports Medicine,
Business Affairs, External Affairs and Facility. Committee members include
both campus community leaders.
After approximately 30 minutes of
presentations, the panelists answered questions from the audience, as well as
the on-line audience participating in the Live Chat. 
While Rose was not in position to
announce the 49ers first head coach, for instance, she did announce the
scheduling of the first Bowl Championship Series opponent to be placed on a
49ers schedule. The 49ers, she said would play at Virginia Tech in
2019. That statement, like Dubois' mention that efforts were being made
to have the light rail line that will extend to campus named the "Green
Line" received a large ovation.
The discussion touched on
tailgating, parking and traffic, student ticketing and homecoming, among the
other various topics.
Not designed to answer all
questions, the Forum did serve to communicate plans and continue dialogue
between the decision-makers and those who will be impacted by football's
arrival.
Additional Town Hall meetings
will be held in the future with the goal of targeting different constituency
groups.