Hebrews 11:1

When I heard the news that Allan Houston was attempting a comeback to the NBA and would be in Toronto early in the preseason,  I was excited about the chance to talk with him about his attempt to return to the NBA. Normally my only chance to snag interviews happens before games, however after the game last night I took a risk and approached him for a quick interview and he was gracious enough to provide me with some of his time despite not suiting up due to an issue with his quad. It was a classy move by a veteran player that I appreciated because he didn’t need to give his time to a reporter after he didn’t even suit up for the game.

There have been times over the past year where meeting a player has squashed the perception I had of them, however after spending some time with Allan Houston I gained an even greater appreciation for his professionalism and passion for the game of basketball.

Ryan McNeill: It’s been a couple of years since you’ve been in training camp with the Knicks. How does it feel to be back?
Allan Houston: It feels great to be back with the Knicks. My bodies still getting used to two-a-days but it feels great. It’s great to be back and to be able to contribute however I can. I don’t take being back for granted.

McNeill: Why did you chose to return to the NBA after three seasons away?
Houston: When I retired it happened so quickly, so when I started feeling good again I wanted to return to playing. Last year the timing was really bad. This year I just felt deep down it was something I was supposed to be doing. I just felt led to do this. It’s a different stage for me, it’s a different stage for the organization. At the same time, it’s a big commitment. I’m committed to the game and this organization. You look at something you can maybe pass down. Maybe I can share something I’ve experience on or off the court with these guys. Hopefully I can provide this team with a veteran presence that will be good for these guys. Ultimately, people ask me why I’m doing this and it’s because I love the game. The game has been so good to me and I figure why not (return) if I can still play.

McNeill: It sounds like you have a desire to mentor the other guys in this locker room. If for some reason you aren’t able to make the Knicks opening night roster, would you want to stay this season in a role as an advisor?
Houston: I’ve been so blessed to make it this far by not even looking past training camp…

McNeill: I’m sorry…
Houston: No, it’s okay. I understand what you’re saying. I just try to take it one day at a time. When that time comes I will think further about it but right now I’m focused on what I’ll be able to do on the court. I’ve made a physical commitment. My goal right now is to be in uniform and be able to contribute however I can.

McNeill: Do you plan to suit up for the Knicks next preseason game?
Houston: Probably. I want to rest the quad until I can function the way I can the presence on the court I want to be. I’m at the stage in my career where if I won’t get out there unless I can do the things I want to do. I’m just taking it one day at a time but most likely (I’ll play in the next game).

McNeill: Thanks for your time and good luck with your comeback attempt.
Houston: Thanks, I appreciate it.

Photo Credit: Icon Sports Media

The big news within the online basketball community this summer has been Ryne Nelson’s meteoric rise from blogger to Online Editor of Slam Magazine. This weekend Ryne took some time to talk with me about his background as a broadcast journalism major, the story behind why he started the highly successful blog Odenized and how he was able to parlay that into his new gig with Slam.

This interview is one of my favourites and is a must listen for anyone hoping to break into journalism through non-traditional means. Ryne did a great job of explaining how a lot of late nights and hard work resulted in him achieving his goal of becoming a journalist.

Click here to listen to my chat with Ryne Nelson.

Most basketball fans know James White due to his dunks on YouTube that make you jump out of your seat in awe and amazement. After spending the past year in Turkey winning a Euroleague Championship, he’s added some new aspects to his game and is hoping to return to the NBA next fall. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s not too often that a player from the D-League can steal the show at the Air Canada Centre. However, that’s just what happened this weekend when the Toronto Raptors held a free agent camp and one of the more prominent names in attendance was Rod Benson. Read the rest of this entry »