P3 Blog

Four Things to Love about the FIBA World Cup

POINT 3's Social Media Specialist, Sam Meyerkopf, is in Spain for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Here is Sam's fourth blog post from the World Cup as it moves into its final weekend!

by Sam Meyerkopf

The FIBA World Cup is coming to an end this weekend. For basketball fans around the world, it has been a great couple of weeks of action. Here are a few of our favorite things about the tournament!

1. Family Ties

Team Slovenia (photo: Sam Meyerkopf)

Playing with a brother or sister is a little bit different than a regular teammate. While you know your sibling inside and out, there is also a different type of competition. Take for example Slovenia’s Goran (Phoenix Suns) and Zoran (Unicaja Malaga in Spain) Dragic. Both guys have built great careers, but they don’t get to play together anymore, except during summers with their national team.

Goran Dragic on playing with his brother:

“It’s great. I miss him a lot, he’s in Spain and I’m in USA but you know we talk a lot by Skype or phone but it’s not the same. Now we have a perfect situation here to be together, we are in the same room so we can talk. You know it’s my brother, I love him so much and he is playing well so I’m happy.”

The Dragic’s weren’t the only brothers playing in this tournament. There were also Marc and Pau Gasol for Spain, Ksistof and Darjus Lavrinovic for Lithuania, and Corey and Tai Webster for New Zealand. Nothing quite beats the family bond of basketball!

2. Playing For Your Country

“It’s a bit different. (When I played for) Barcelona it is 12 of the greatest players in Europe and playing with these guys (Australia) is like playing with my family. You go into the pro club scene you don’t know guys. We come back every year here and the guys commit to playing because we love playing with each other. It’s a whole different kind of mindset really but one is more of a job and one is more the love of playing for your country.” – Joe Ingles, Australia

'Nuf said.

3. The Global Underdogs

Slovenia reached the round of 16, Lithuania the final four, before both fell to Team USA. Both countries are basketball-crazy, and their fans come out to support them in waves.

So put those numbers in perspective. What if Team USA had to field its team only from the state of Connecticut? What would that team look like, and how would it do on a world stage?

4. The Upsets

The France-Spain game was the shocker of the tournament as France beat the hosts and one of the tournament favorites along with the USA. As what happens sometimes when you play at home, the pressure overcomes the support and Spain couldn’t make a basket in the second half, going 2/22 on three-pointers. The atmosphere in Madrid was hostile and even though we now don’t get the much anticipated Spain-USA Final, games like this are what make a world tournament so great. You never know what is going to happen.

Look for our last post from the FIBA World Cup next week following the finals!

#DRYVTOUR 2014: Our Favorite Courts

Our 2014 DRYV Tour gave us the opportunity to see some great basketball being played at some great facilities. Here are our five favorites.

1. Discovery Sports Complex – Boyds MD

We were lucky enough to visit the enormous Discovery Sports Complex on two different occasions this summer. First we hit the Maryland Future Stars Classic, a tourney with some of the nations top-ranked middle school teams all playing under one roof. We loved our experience at that tourney so much that we had no choice but to return! The MIT, or the Maryland Invitational Tournament, was arguably the biggest tournament of the summer, and we had one of our best days there in June.

2. PSA facilities - Dallas TX

(credit: Rose Baca/Neighborsgo)

The PSA (Plano Sports Authority) facilities in Dallas are so refined and well put together. Dallas was definitely one of our hot markets on the summer circuit this year, and the PSA facilities had a lot to do with that. We were stationed at PSA Murphy during our first trip, and eventually made our rounds to each of the three others during the Dallas Primetime National Championship. The facilities definitely offer a premium experience.

3. New 24 - Washington DC

Although New 24 was a little crowded, it made for some of the best action we saw all summer. The facility is located in a shopping center in District Heights MD, so you would never expect it to be the jam-packed multi-court facility that it is. There are 10 full-size courts at New 24, so you can only imagine the ongoing commotion and excitement surrounding the games. Even though it felt a bit cluttered sometimes, it made for an exciting atmosphere.

4. The Alario Center - New Orleans LA

The Alario Center is a familiar place to anyone that’s played summer ball in New Orleans. We became familiar with it during the 2013 Red Bull Midnight Run tour, but it’s been home base for New Orleans hoopers long before that. It has even been home to the New Orleans Pelicans in the past, as they’ve only just recently moved out and into a new practice facility. The venue is big and the courts are big (NBA-sized) so you can totally understand how it always gives players that big stage vibe.

5. The Park School - Baltimore MD

The Park School is such a great facility that our guy, Jeff Harshman at Charm City Basketball INC., decided to gain exclusive rights to the place for the entire summer! Each of Jeff’s Charm City tournaments are held at The Park School. It’s a beautiful campus equipped with a multi-court gym, two small gyms, and a lake. We attended two of Jeff’s tournaments there this summer, and couldn’t have been more pleased with the experience.

FIBA World Cup: Four Young Players Who Have Broken Out

POINT 3's Social Media Specialist, Sam Meyerkopf, is in Spain for the FIBA Basketball World Cup. Here is Sam's third blog post from the World Cup as it moves into its final games!

by Sam Meyerkopf

The World Cup isn’t only a stage for teams to emerge, it’s a place where young players can get the exposure they might not always receive during the club season. As the tournament moves into the final rounds, below are four players who have proved that they belong with some of the world’s best, and five years from now at the next World Cup, they might be the best.

Dario Saric, Croatia - The 12^th overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft isn’t exactly a secret, but Saric came out and showed the world that even at 20 years old he was one of the better players in the whole World Cup. On an inconsistent Croatia team, Saric was one of the stabilizing forces as he finished second on the team in points per game (11.7), second in rebounds (6.7), and third in assists (2.3). Croatia bowed out in the round of 16 to a tough French squad, but expect Saric and his 6'10" frame to eventually make waves Stateside as well.

Facundo Campazzo, Argentina – Real Madrid’s new point guard is a 23-year-old Argentinian who had a coming out party in Spain. While Argentina bowed out to Brazil in the round of 16, Campazzo was one of the few young players getting minutes for Argentina, with its golden generation still loosely intact. He has a flashy playing style and in Spain was always on the hunt to find a teammate an open shot. He averaged 9.2 points per game and is currently tied for sixth overall in the entire tournament in assists at 4.3 per game.

Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, Ukraine – The newly turned 17 year old was the youngest player at the World Cup and got quite the tune-up before he heads off to the University of Kansas to play this season. Mykhailiuk only received spotty minutes from Coach Mike Fratello, but he showed flashes of pure brilliance and elite athleticism. A teenager going toe to toe with the world’s best isn’t ever easy, but Sviatoslov has no confidence issues in his game. So keep an eye on him with the Jayhawks this year!

Rudy Gobert, France – The 22-year-old French and Utah Jazz center has really started to find his form at the World Cup. Gobert has a monstrous wingspan and has used that advantage to be extra active around the rim. He’s routinely a candidate to have a best dunk or block of the game. Wherever he jumps from, Gobert can usually make it to the rim. With France facing Spain in the quarterfinals he will face some of the toughest competition yet!

2014 #DRYVTour: POINT 3's Summer on the Road

During the spring and summer of 2014, the POINT 3 van toured all across the Southeastern United States, with a few additional stops in other basketball hotbeds. In our following blog posts, we will recap some of our favorite memories from the #DRYVTour of 2014.

By Jaimie Canterbury

Becoming a great ball player takes a great amount of dedication. It’s the countless times you run a drill over and over just to get it right. It’s the challenge of bettering your score on the gun until you make 100 out of 100. It’s never leaving the gym until you physically can’t go anymore.

If you’re as dedicated to the game of basketball as we are, then you understand that hustle. You understand that grind. You understand that passion. The passion is what drives you to keep working harder. The passion is what gives you that indescribable edge. The passion is what allows you to never lose that hunger.

When you truly love the game of basketball, that passion is embedded in you. That same passion has inspired us to create the World’s Best Basketball Shorts, and that same passion is what led us to embarking on the 2014 #DRYVTour.

You can never trust someone else to tell your story for you. With our 2014 #DRYVTour, we wanted to take the storytelling into our own hands. As a basketball-only brand, we feel that it’s our duty to personally introduce what we consider to be the best basketball gear to the players that need it the most.

During the summer we hit more than 25 basketball events in 11 states, catching a glimpse of more than 30,000 players. We want to share some of the things we saw, heard, and learned, so hop on board the POINT 3 van and get ready for some stories from the road!

2014 #DRYVTour: Our Favorite Stops

2014 #DRYVTour: Our favorite stops

During our time on the road this summer we hit some of the best cities out there for hoops. Here are a few of our favorite stops – not just for the hoops but for kickin’ it, too.

by Jaimie Canterbury

1. The DMV: OK, and immediately we’re cheating and not choosing one city but a region: the DMV (Delaware/Maryland/Virginia). Otherwise we’d have to list all the cities we hit, and this blog would be way too long!

We keep comin’ back because the comp is great, the tournaments are big, and people seem to love our gear. So what’s not to love?

Our favorite other aspect of the DMV: not all the kids just look up to MJ here. They have the most love for players from their own cities and regions, whether that be KD, ‘Melo, Rudy Gay, Nolan Smith… we have much respect for ballplayers supporting their own.

2. Dallas (TX): Big D is known mostly for football and Jerry World, but the game is definitely big in Texas, too. All you had to do was look at Kentucky’s roster at this year’s Final Four – the Harrison twins and Julius Randle all hail from the Longhorn state! We were in Dallas three times this summer and it never let us down.

3. Springfield (MA): How could we NOT include the birthplace of the game? Our friends at BasketBull put on some great tournaments here, and the opportunity to pay respects at the Basketball Hall of Fame is always worth the trip.

4. Myrtle Beach (SC): This was one of the smaller tournaments we hit, but the teams were evenly matched, and let’s just say it’s pretty easy to have a good time here. We even sold a few pair of shorts literally on the beach!

5. Atlanta (GA): We’d be foolish not to give some love to our hometown! While it does get brutally hot in the ATL during the summer months, the competition is great, and nothing beats being able to sleep in your own bed after a long day on the courts!

Check back soon for entry #2 in our #DRYVTour 2014 recap!

8 Reasons to Watch the FIBA Basketball World Cup

POINT 3's VP of Marketing, Mikko Simon, and Social Media Specialist, Sam Meyerkopf, are both on their way to Spain for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, which kicks off on Saturday, August 30th. Here is the second of a few blog posts over the next two weeks that will have a focus on the World Cup!

by Sam Meyerkopf

1. The Fans

These people aren't just cheering for their team they are cheering for their COUNTRY. A piece of their identity, something everyone in that country can rally behind. If you have a chance to watch a Finland or Philippines or Lithuania game, do it just for the fans alone.

2. Discovering new Players

This is a great venue to find out about players you normally might not just watching the NBA or NCAA. Here's a blog post from yesterday on some of the top players you might have never heard of.

3. Players showing they can grow into bigger roles

Playing for your national team on this big of a stage gives players a chance to develop differently and can shine a brighter spotlight on them. A player like Matthew Dellavedova who played for Australia while he was still in college grew immensely from the opportunity to participate in tournaments on the world stage like this. Kevin Durant was really good before the 2010 World Championships in Turkey but he turned into a superstar in Istanbul that summer (see above). A guy like Anthony Davis (also above) has the chance to take the same giant leap in Spain that he may have not have had on a mediocre Pelicans team in a stacked Western Conference.

4. See How Basketball is Played around the World

Yes the USA and Spain are dominant but this is the WORLD Cup and it's fun to see how basketball is played all around the world. Every country has their own unique spin on the game and even though we're talking about the same sport, seeing it played in new and creativity was can be invigorating.

5. The FIBA World Cup Schedule

ALL DAY LONG! Because the games are happening in Spain, the games will be on from the moment you wake up (6:30 AM) until the moment you get out of work (4:00 PM). Don't be afraid to call in sick a couple days.

6. The Passion of the Players playing in their National Team Uniforms

For some players when they put on those colors of their country they just play with a different level of energy and passion. I mean, have you ever seen when New Zealand’s team comes out and does the Haka (as above)? It may look weird form a U.S. perspective, but it can be pretty intimidating. You can also see it when Pau Gasol just gives that much more cause he cares so much about Spain. There will be players that will surprise you with how well they play because they are so proud to represent their country.

7. Team USA guys playing together and taking a step

It's not like you get the chance to see multiple All-Stars playing together all the time on one team in games that really mean something. Steph Curry shooting 3's off of Derrick Rose kick-out passes. Anthony Davis lob dunks from Kyrie Irving passes. Curry throwing behind the back fast break passes to James Harden. This is basketball poetry.

8. Team USA vs. Spain

Spain is bringing their full experienced team, which has been playing together for over a decade and is at home versus the most inexperienced squad Team USA has had in a few years. If the Gold Medal game does end up being Spain vs. the USA, it's tough to say who the favorite is and we have a legitimate chance of Team USA going down. Can you ask for anything more out of a world tournament?

I'm Excited, are You?

FIBA World Cup: The Top Players You Probably Haven't Heard Of

POINT 3's VP of Marketing, Mikko Simon, and Social Media Specialist, Sam Meyerkopf, are both on their way to Spain for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, which kicks off on Saturday, August 30th. Here is the first of a few blog posts over the next two weeks that will have a focus on the World Cup!

August 29, 2014 - By Sam Meyerkopf

You know the players on Team USA, the Gasol Brothers, Nicolas Batum, and other NBA players that will be fighting for a Gold Medal at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, but there are some great players from around the world that don't ply their trade in the US going to Spain. Here's a look at some of the best players you probably haven't heard of that are going to be playing in the World Cup.

Zoran Dragic, SG, Slovenia

The younger brother of the Phoenix Suns Goran Dragic is a little bit taller but not quite the scorer his brother is. Zoran has turned himself into one of the most aggressive and hardest working guards in Europe. He's a blur going up and down the court and lives to get out on the fast break. Looks for Dragic to have some of the highlight reel plays of the tournament.

Ante Tomic, C, Croatia

Tomic is a former Utah Jazz draft pick but has never made it across the Atlantic. In Europe he's become the best offensive big man on the continent. Tomic can score from the high or low post, is a great passer for a big man, and has incredible touch around the basket. Having played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona, Tomic has excelled at the highest level of European hoops but has yet to have a breakout performance with the Croatian National Team.

Milos Teodosic, PG, Serbia

The super talented point guard has had an ups and downs the past couple of pro seasons with his team (CSKA Moscow) losing with him as their lead man in the Euroleague Final Four in three straight seasons. But Teodosic has played some of his best ball in a Serbia jersey and is one of the most dynamic offensive players headed to Spain. He's a great long range shooter, a really creative passer, and has a big, physical body that allows him to post-up. On an injury riddled Serbian squad Teodosic will have the ball in his hands a lot and look for one of the best players not in the NBA to work his magic.

He can be clutch and once upon a time buried Spain in the 2010 FIBA World Cup.

Marcelinho Huertas, PG, Brazil

Huertas has been an international fixture for years and has played well against Team USA in the past so you may remember him. One of the most creative players in the world, Marcelinho plays basketball like it's art form with his dissection of the pick and roll and innovative passing repertoire. He's the table setter for Brazil and if they have any chance of pulling their talent together this tournament, he'll be the one to connect all the pieces.

Joffrey Lauvergne, PF/C, France

The young big man is not quite up to the caliber of the players on this list quite yet, but he's getting there. Lauvergne had a breakout season with Partizan in Serbia after being drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft. Lauvergne brings an extreme amount of effort and toughness with him to the floor. He springs for offensive rebounds and charges on the fast break with incredible energy for a post player. This tournament could be a chance for those on the world stage to start noticing Joff.

Hope you enjoy the FIBA Basketball World Cup!

Hard work earns big rewards with our Labor Day specials

You work hard on your game.

You know that there are no shortcuts to success.

You come ready to play every time you step on the court.

You believe that winning is important but you want to win the right way.

If you sign off on those statements, then you're POINT 3 material.

In honor of Labor Day, we want to reward all the hard-working ballplayers out there.

This weekend only (from Thursday, August 28 to Tuesday, September 2), you can take an additional 30% off already discounted items in our POINT 3 online store when you spend more than $50.

Just use the discount code DOWORK30 when you're ready to finalize your purchase and we'll apply the discount to some of our most popular products, like the BASE Basketball Base Layer or our Dryv LT bonded basketball shorts!

See the rest of our Labor Day Sale page here!

Check out what the media is saying about managing your sweat on court

Our recent patent announcement for DRYV Moisture Control Technology has generated a lot of interest from the media - and not only the basketball press and bloggers. One of the first articles about the granting of the patent was authored by FORBES magazine contributor Darren Heitner, who wrote:

"Today, POINT 3 Basketball announced that it has been granted U.S. Patent 8,769,716 on its invention. It could just be another piece of intellectual property or turn out to be a real game changer in the athletic apparel industry."

We obviously believe the latter - that what POINT 3 has invented is a real game changer. Seriously, how many times have you had to leave the court to dry off in the middle of practice or a game?

NOT ONLY ABOUT BASKETBALL

While POINT 3 is always about the ballplayer, the fact is that DRYV Moisture Control Technology can easily be applied to many other sports. As Heitner wrote, that changes the potential "size of the prize":

"Therein may lie the game changer. If the technology has beneficial uses with garments in other sports or even beyond sports as an industry, the patent could turn into a major cash cow for POINT 3."

To back that up, check out this weekend's article from the New York Times' Harvey Araton: "Weary of Pro Tennis Delays? Cry Into the Towel."

While Araton's angle is more about the delays caused in tennis by players constantly toweling off between points, the fact is that managing your sweat has become part of the sport:

"Few would challenge the argument of the pro-turned-commentator Justin Gimelstob, who said: “The sport has changed; it’s more physical and the rallies are longer. In the summer, try serving to Novak Djokovic when you are dripping wet off your hat, shirt, shoes and shorts.”

Check out the short video clip put together by the New York Times, and you get a sense of what toweling off looks like on the tennis court.

WHAT'S YOUR TAKE?

What do you think about the whole aspect of toweling off? Do you do it when you're playing ball or playing other sports? How do you manage your sweat?

Let us know by commenting here or give us a shoutout on Twitter with the hashtag #OnCourtNoSweat.

Catch the Intensity of POINT 3 Alpha Mark Adams' Patriot Drill

All of us at POINT 3 are committed to helping ballplayers improve every day on the court. In addition to the benefits provided by our great basketball shorts, tops, and accessories, core to our mission is our relationship with our POINT 3 Alphas.

The POINT 3 Alphas are some of the best basketball trainers in the country. They are leaders in the basketball community and are committed to helping players learn to play the game the right way.

One of our lead Alphas is Mark Adams, who joined us in Atlanta recently for the Atlanta Hawks / POINT 3 Coaches Clinic.

For an example of Mark’s amazing intensity, check out this video of him leading players from Atlanta’s The Skill Factory through what he calls the “Patriot Drill.”

Check out Mark’s own web site for more info about his training business, and look for plenty more about our Alphas soon!