Posted Sunday, August 01, 2010, 6:00 AM by Jason Remillard  - Original Article

Imagine walking onto your local playground’s basketball court and seeing a scene straight out of “Field of Dreams.”

A “Court of Dreams,” if you will.

Hall of Famers everywhere you turn ... who would you pick for your team?

Take one look at the list of legends expected to attend the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement festivities, which begin Aug. 7. If you thought back to when these players were in their prime, how many different five-somes could you come up with?

It would be a harder five to pick than Charles Barkley’s T-Mobile friend circle.

About 70 basketball legends with at least 76 NBA and 34 NCAA national championships between them (as players, owners and coaches) will descend upon Springfield from Aug. 7 to 13, and you don’t need a telescope to view this kind of star power.

In fact, this may be the biggest constellation of basketball stars ever under one roof – and the Hall of Fame will serve as one great sports planetarium.

“It really is amazing, one, to have the Hall of Fame in our city, so close by, and to have the festivities they’ve been having,” said Springfield native and University of Massachusetts men’s basketball head coach Derek Kellogg. “I hope people realize that no other city in the world has this, and I hope they take advantage of it.”

The 2010 class includes former NBA greats Karl Malone and Scottie Pippen, WNBA star Cynthia Cooper, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss, legendary New Jersey high school coach Bob Hurley and the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball teams from 1960 and 1992. Being inducted posthumously are former Boston Celtics point guard Dennis Johnson, 1970s NBA star Gus Johnson and international legend Maciel “Ubiratan” Pereira.

The Class of 2010 takes its place in history at the Induction Ceremonies on Aug. 13 at Symphony Hall, with the ring ceremony the following day at Mohegan Sun Resort and Casino in Uncasville, Conn.

Kellogg’s Minutemen will have a day in their honor during Enshrinement Week, something the coach is excited about.

“I don’t know exactly what they want us to do on UMass Day, but we want to be involved,” Kellogg said. “I think it’s a great time to show we’re involved with the Hall of Fame, so we want to participate however we can.”

Multiple-time NBA champion – and controversial tabloid icon – Dennis Rodman will be at the Hall on Aug. 12 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. to sign autographs. No word if “The Worm” will wear a wedding dress to the proceedings.

Posted by Josh Moulds, Jul 30, 2010 15:02 - Original Article

EA Sports dishes out some details on NBA Jam’s ’Boss Battles’ and the cast of basketball legends who will join the game’s roster.

The upcoming remake of NBA Jam isn’t just relying on its visual style to deliver the nostalgia, as there will be a cast of legendary basketball players who are coming out of retirement for the new arcade sports game. The always entertaining Dennis Rodman will appear alongside more than 30 other luminaries in the game, which includes Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Spud Webb, James Worthy, Kevin McHale, Detlef Schremph and Manute Bol.

Of the list of legends, 10 will be appearing as ’boss battle’ adversaries in the game’s single-player mode. EA Sports’ Trey Smith spoke to ESPN about the game’s boss encounters. "We have ten boss battles. Some legends, some current superstars, and really for us, it was about identifying the biggest personas. We identified what these guys do really great then took it to superhuman-like levels. Every boss has an intro, and we really play it up.

"Smith described that the boss battle face-offs help to keep the atmosphere of the game cheeky. "We’re not taking ourselves too seriously, the original ’Jam’ didn’t take itself too seriously, and this is where we get to play around a little bit."

And no, before you all start asking about fan favourite Michael Jordan, it looks like he didn’t make the cut (or simply cost too damn much).

Prince Marketing Group’s Dennis Rodman is coming to Japan to appear in STREET 2ELITE, a street basketball contest at Ariake Colosseum on Aug 19 (there’s also a game in Osaka on Aug 17) that will pit the best of Japan against the pick of the USA. He will be accompanied by another former NBA player, Tracy Murray, a three-point specialist who once scored 50 points for the Washington Wizards against the Golden State Warriors. The Japan team was decided in a championship game on July 3.

As with most events of this kind, the action will be accompanied by plenty of music with an MC and DJ, and there will be a halftime show. Rodman and Murray will both be playing for the U.S. team – along with a bunch of other American players – and Rodman will select the MVP from the Japanese side.

A spokesman for organizers Sports Biz says it’s a whole new ball game for Japan. “There have been similar tours of countries in Europe, but as far as I am aware, the mixing of former NBA players and street basketball players is a new format for an event in Japan.” The spokesman says the Japan players are sourced from the many events around the country and that street basketball is becoming popular in Japan, in part because of the dazzling dribbling and dunks, but also because of the music and other activities that are mixed with the sport.

PMG clients Dennis Rodman and Hulk Hogan appeared at the FansEdge Sports Spectacular show in Chicago, IL on July 17th.  PMG’s Hulk Hogan and Dennis Rodman were the top 2 signers at the show.  They graciously meet and greeted fans and signed autographs.  Hulk was scheduled from 1-3 pm and Rodman from 2-4 pm.  The FansEdge Sports Spectacular was presented by the Chicago Sun-Times.

PMG has signed a deal for a Dennis Rodman t-shirt line with industry Giant American Classics. Themed shirts will be created for Rodman with different colors and all his tattoos. The company currently distributes Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali, James Dean, Rocky and many other iconic properties.

Prince Markeing Group’s Dennis Rodman is embarking on a new career. Rodman will be appearing at night clubs all over the world - and not just to party anymore, but as a celebrity DJ. For many years in Newport Beach, the former NBA Superstar ran a successful nightclub called Josh Slocum’s. Quite often, Dennis the Menace would get up and spin for his guests – and they loved it. Rodman’s new venture will be launched in two cities with his good friend DJ Vic Latino, beginning with April 23, 2010 at Ultra 88 Nightclub in the Mohegan Sun. For more information, please visit http://www.mohegansun.com. The second stop on the tour will find Rodman spinning at “Derby Pretty” in Louisville during the weekend of the Kentucky Derby, and will be held at the Frazier International History Museum. For tickets and additional information, please visit http://www.DerbyPretty.com.

Prince Marketing Group has negotiated a deal with Crobar for Dennis Rodman to host an evening at the popular Chicago nightclub. On Saturday, April 10, 2010, Rodman will host a party that won’t want to be missed. As a Chicago Bull, Crobar was one of Rodman’s favorite nightclubs. He’ll serve as host from Midnight to 2 AM. Crobar is located at 1543 N Kingsbury in Chicago, and more information can be found at www.crobar.com.

5-time NBA Champion Dennis Rodman will headline the upcoming SBA Show European Tour featuring the SBA All-Stars and a team of former NBA Players.  The SBA is managing and directing the Tour, featuring a 10-player team roster consisting of 5 former NBA Players and 5 SBA All-stars, November 9th through November 16th.

The Tour will be the first time showcasing a team of former NBA Stars playing together with the SBA Street Ball All-stars.  “We are very excited to have Dennis be part of the tour as well as the name recognition, reputation, and star appeal of other former NBA All-stars and NBA Champions, pairing them together with the amazing athletic talents of the top professional street ball players in the world.  The basketball fans in Europe are going to be treated to a first class, one-of-a-kind basketball entertainment show,” states Matthew Rosner, Director of Basketball for the Street Basketball Association. 

Those of you that know Dennis Rodman were probably not shocked to see the 6’8” former NBA superstar walking down the catwalk in a bright pink ensemble. The Worm walked the runway for the Pink Collection Fashion as part of Rock Fashion Week in Miami, with proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure® and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, the organization is the world´s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has invested more than $1.3 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest non-profit funder of breast cancer research in the world. 

Dennis Rodman hosted a Halloween bash at Greenhouse lounge in New York City. Greenhouse is located at 150 Varick Street, in SoHo, and is designed to be a unique “green” experience. One of Greenhouse’s most spectacular attributes is the transparent ceiling fixture, comprised of over 5,000 individually hung crystals, which is designed to emulate a rolling landscape. 

Tip-Off Timer counts down the days until the first game of the 2009-10 season. On Thursday, there are 5 days remaining. It takes five years of retirement for a player to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Make it 10 for Dennis Rodman, who always did things differently. He did win five NBA titles.If you think that Michael Jordan caused a commotion with an unconventional acceptance speech last month when he headlined the Class of 2009, just wait until Rodman shows up in 2010 wearing a dress and lipstick.
 

Think of the theater. Think of the much-deserved attention it will bring to the greatest names in basketball history. Think of the fun. Eligible for the first time now – those who have served their five years away – are Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen and Mark Jackson among others. Malone, the second leading scorer in basketball history with 36,928 points, will join former Utah Jazz teammate John Stockton, who was inducted this year along with their coach, Jerry Sloan. Stockton and Malone formed one of the best tandems the game ever has seen.
 

Because Malone stayed in the game a year longer, trying unsuccessfully to chase a championship with the Lakers at age 41, he likely will enter the Hall a year behind his assist man. Pippen, sidekick to Jordan through six NBA titles in Chicago, also is expected to follow his teammate by a year. Unlike Stockton and Malone, there was a clear distinction between the talents of another one of the league´s finest dynamic duos. Pippen, one of the most versatile players in basketball, may have benefited from Jordan´s presence, but it also overshadowed his own greatness. He was an eight-time All-Defensive first-team selection, playing Robin to Jordan´s Batman in Chicago. Jackson didn´t get the attention of Malone or Pippen, but he also left his mark on the game. He played for seven teams during a 17-year career, recording 10,334 assists, second most in NBA history behind Stockton.

Which brings us back to Rodman, whose absence is as glaring as anyone not in the Hall of Fame today. Easily the best non-center rebounder in history, he won seven consecutive rebounding titles, most by wide margins. He also was named the NBA´s Defensive Player of the Year twice. Added to his five NBA titles, and – based on his basketball accomplishments -- it´s almost impossible to deny him the honor. Maybe it´s time to look past his often zany, sometimes bizarre behavior, and focus on the way he played the game – with a passion that produced championships. 

Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. joined together executives from the sports industry, professional athletes and celebrities at New York City´s Gotham Hall, to celebrate the ninth annual "On Our Feet" fundraising gala.  For the past six years, the event has benefited UNCF (the United Negro College Fund) through a scholarship program to provide deserving students the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.  

Footwear companies -- Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Converse, to name a few -- lent their support to this important cause.  Celebrity guests including Prince Marketing Group’s Dennis Rodman, who was a fan favorite for autographs and photos.  All guests wore traditional black-tie attire while sporting their favorite pair of athletic shoes. Through the years, this event has raised the funds for the scholarship program in support of UNCF which has provided more than 300 students with the opportunity to obtain higher education.Foot Locker Foundation, Inc. works closely with organizations to address issues that concern the communities in which it serves. In addition to the "On Our Feet" program, the Foundation provides support for educational and sports programs across the country that empowers young people to achieve their goals and be successful in life. 

The 2009 Best of the Best Showcase featured one of the best basketball players of all time on Sunday, Dennis Rodman, who led the NBA in rebounds for a record-setting seven consecutive seasons, was the celebrity guest at Sunday’s Showcase at the American Bank Center Convention Center. Free merchandise, live music and snacks were just some of the perks from Sunday’s 13th annual Caller-Times Best of the Best Showcase. More than 10,000 people attended the annual event. The annual showcase, which began in 1997, featured more than 100 vendors in 180 categories vying for Best of the Best award. The event has since drawn more than 120,000 people from across the Coastal Bend. Attendees made their way through the exhibit hall collecting information about businesses in the Coastal Bend. 

Michael Jordan, maybe the greatest of them all and he never forgot anyone who motivated him to get there. Jordan was enshrined in the Hall of Fame on Friday night, a final honor that followed all the championship rings and MVP trophies he collected during his career. Overcome with emotion before an entertaining induction speech Friday night, a teary-eyed Jordan singled out former adversaries for bringing out his competitive fires that became legendary. Prince Marketing Group’s Dennis Rodman was in attendance, along with former teammates that included Scottie Pippen, Charles Oakley, Toni Kukoc and Steve Kerr, for what was really the culmination of a two-day celebration of Jordan´s career.  The ceremonies could return to Symphony Hall next year as Rodman and Pippen, along with Karl Malone, will be eligible. 

Dennis Rodman and Hulk Hogan hosted a private event for Miller-Coors distributors in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Casino Resort.

Dennis Rodman appeared at Edmonton’s Downtown Party Tent. It’s generally known as It´s the summer´s best party for 10 days straight! Only those who show up will know the true story of what happened that night. Since opening in November 2005, The Bank Ultra Lounge continues to be Edmonton´s premier corporate lounge and nightclub. It was built into an old bank building located on Jasper Avenue in downtown Edmonton. The space is visually stunning with soaring 20 foot ceilings on the main floor, and a decor that encompasses both modern and retro elements. With Rodman serving as the host, everyone had a great time. 

Dennis Rodman will be celebrating his birthday in grand style, both in the United States and in Canada. On Saturday, May 16, Rodman will be celebrating at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino’s Pangaea Lounge from 10PM to Midnight. While anything involving Rodman is always a fun time, the thing that may put it over the top is the chance to taste Bacardi´s new Dragonfruit in free cocktails. On Thursday, May 21, Rodman will be traveling to Toronto to host an evening at Brant House presented by Bacardi, from 12PM to 2AM. 

Dennis Rodman appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to promote his new comic book and t-shirt collection. Dennis looked back at his stint on Celebrity Apprentice.  Afterwards, Rodman discussed Gersh: The Clandestine Order, a 62-page comic issue premiering the Five-Time NBA Champion as the Rod-Man, a formidable adversary with super-natural powers. He has arms of steel and can leap like a bionic man.  His soul has been captured and he’s forced to serve the bad guys in the series – the Men of York.  The comic and t-shirt collection can be found at www.rodmanink.com.

Dennis Rodman recent went to China, from November 4th through November 12th, in order to coach and play in basketball games. These contests were set up to raise money for families affected by the recent and devastating natural disasters in China. The games raised a significant amount of money to help their cause. This was Rodman´s first time playing basketball in about 1 year, since his Rodman´s Bad Boy squad took on the mighty Harlem Globetrotters. The Worm played two games against a Chinese professional team and finished with one victory and one defeat. Both games were sell outs and the fans were treated to a great show. While in China, Rodman also visited some of the cities in Jinjiang and participated in some autograph sessions. The Chinese are big basketball fans and love the NBA. Even people who didn´t speak a word of English knew how to say, "Rod-e-man" well enough to ask for a picture or autograph. 

Dennis Rodman recently visited the fashion capital of the world - Milan, Italy - to participate in an International photo shoot for an upcoming campaign that will appear worldwide in catalogs, specialized market magazines, and exhibitions in Milan, Paris and Barcelona. It will benefit the JUMP against AIDS campaign "Defending Life." Reca Group´s Spring-Summer ´09 advertising campaign will celebrate Dennis Rodman and immortalize him in black and white and the formal stylistic Italian elements, in a graphic design project that takes the same route as the legend and utilizes his likeness and image in a proactive manner that will join the international fight against AIDS.