PHOTO CREDIT | Domenic Mosqueira/Red Bull Content Pool
ATHLEISURE MAG #109 | CARISSA MOORE
In this month’s issue, our front and back cover story is with 5X Women's World Champion of the WSL and Team USA Olympic Surfing Gold Medalist in her first year, Carissa Moore. We have had the pleasure of her being a cover previously and are excited to check up with her to see about what she is up to as she prepares to have her first child, the importance of the sport, and her need to continue to give back!
This month we caught up with WNBA Washington Mystics and Unrivaled Lunar Owls BC star, Shakira Austin. We talk about her passion for the sport, why she enjoys playing, recovering from injury, the inaugural season of Unrivaled as well as the upcoming WNBA season.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Dominique Ansel who is known as the creator of the Cronut, Frozen S'more, and Cookie Shot! We talk about becoming a pastry chef, his passion for creating, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and more.
This month, we also sat down with Simone I Smith and her namesake jewelry line. She talks about her love for fashion and accessories, her creation process, essentials in her collection, her collaborations with Mary J Blige and Misa Hylton, launching her men's portion of the brand - Majestic where her husband Todd Smith aka LL Cool J and her sons appeared in this campaign, and more.
We also sat down with Terracea founder, Eric Hui as part of our Athleisure Mag Summit Series to talk about his brand which focuses on pieces that can be worn when enjoying your favorite sport outside as well as in your everyday life. We talk about why he created it, innovations from the brand, and what we can expect in upcoming seasons.
This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to the Theater District in NYC to Dilli Dilli which is a merge between Old Delhi and New Delhi. We find out about the ambiance of the restaurant as well as dishes that we should have in mind for our next visit.
This month's Athleisure List comes from SaltDrop, a fitness method whose studio is located in Astor Place in NYC. In addition, we also have Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla as we think about warmer clients. in
This month we have our 9PLAYLIST from Rapper/Producer Kendrick Lamar and singer, SZA. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from WNBA star, Shakira Austin. This month's THE 9LIST 9CH3FS and THE 9LIST 9B-L-D comes from Chef Gaurav Anand of Dilli DIlli in the Portland, Chef/Restaurateur Dominique Ansel of Dominique Ansel Bakery and Michele's, and Chef Richard Ingraham. We also have our N3W YEAR N3W YOU from Carissa Moore, STARZ Outlander star Charles Vandervaart, and 3X X Games Aspen Medalist Hailey Langland.
Read the JAN ISSUE #109 of Athleisure Mag.
COOKING FOR CHAMPIONS | CHEF ALEXANDRE MAZZIA
There are so many elements that surround the Olympics, each time the world's best athletes showcase their passion, dedication, and commitment to their sport. With a range of activities that take place, we love finding out more. We had the pleasure to chat with Chef Alexandre Mazzia who is the chef/owner of AM Par Alexandre Mazzia the hottest 3 MICHELIN Star restaurant in Marseille and a former professional basketball player, and he will be one of 3 top French chefs who will be preparing 40,000 meals in the Olympic Village during Paris 2024!
We wanted to find out more about his days as an athlete, his continued love of basketball, how he got into the culinary industry, AM Par, being at the Olympic Games and even being able to take part in running with the Olympic flame as a Torchbearer!
ATHLEISURE MAG: You spent your childhood in the Republic of Congo. What was that like and what about living there shaped the way that you looked at the world?
CHEF ALEXANDRE MAZZIA: I was born in Pointe-Noire in the Congo, at the Clinique des Manguiers. My cooking is neither Congolese nor Marseillaise, but it is inevitably somehow influenced by its environment, with most of the products coming from the Marseillaise environment. It's this Marseillaise and Congolese luminosity that is imprinted.
Spices and chilli are things that are now part of French cuisine that weren't there a few years ago (6-7 years ago). Today, people are a bit more assertive. I leaned on my roots, on the person I was, because it's true that I can't go against who I am. So it was important for me, in a natural way, to transcribe my cooking. And my cooking is described through the roasting, through the chillies, through the spices that are fundamentally who I am.
So, I'd say that my cooking is sparkling, distinctive, sincere, transparent, but yes, it's influenced by my childhood, my entire career, and, above all, by a great intensity.
AM: You graduated with a science degree, but for a time, you were a professional basketball player while you were navigating working in the culinary industry! When did you realize that you wanted to be a chef?
CHEF AM: My journey into the culinary world isn't as straightforward as many might think. Initially, I pursued a science degree, which was a completely different path. Interestingly, during that time, I also had a stint as a professional basketball player. It was a unique period when I was balancing my passion for sports with an emerging interest in the culinary arts. The transition from being on the basketball court to standing behind a kitchen counter wasn't immediate. It evolved over time as I became more immersed in cooking, discovering it as my true calling.
My realization that I wanted to be a chef dawned on me gradually rather than as a sudden epiphany. While playing basketball, I started to explore cooking more seriously. It wasn't just a hobby; it was a passion that kept growing, compelling me to delve deeper into the culinary world. Despite the stark differences between the two fields, I found that both required a similar level of dedication, creativity, and perseverance.
AM: Where did you train and what were some of the kitchens that you worked in prior to opening AM Par Alexandre Mazzia?
CHEF AM: My career path is one that can be called atypical. Immediately after my baccalaureate, I was lucky to attend a cooking school where I learnt the basics of cooking and general knowledge of the Hospitality industry. It gave me a chance to master the practical skills of cooking. After that, I acquired several diplomas and certifications, with a specialisation in pastry, chocolate and candy manufacturing. I got those diplomas while alternating school classes and work. It allowed me to build experience very quickly while discovering a world I felt I belonged to.
From that time on, I started accepting myself more. Since I came from abroad and only arrived in France at the age of 15, in the beginning, I used to be very independent. Cooking allowed me to travel a lot and open up. And then my passion became more than a passion. It became the source of my inspiration and motivation from which I learnt all my knowledge - practical and theoretical. It helped me learn about general culture, people, and Chefs and understand better the different cultures present around the world. Not just on a country level but regionally too. I also got to understand a great deal about “savoir-faire” (know-how) varieties making the base of French cuisine. It allowed me to have a strong knowledge foundation on the matter. As I travelled, I got to discover new flavours and become more aware of the importance of textures in cooking.
AM: How do you define your style of cooking and what influences it?
CHEF AM: My cooking blends spice, smoke, and chilli, linking to my childhood in Pointe-Noir, Congo, to my life in Marseille. My signature spice mix includes galangal, ginger, and cumin, enhancing the flavour and depth of each dish. Smokey aromas from burnt woods like vine shoots and olive tree add complexity, while my knowledge of over 45 types of chillies introduces a dynamic tension and variety in heat and flavour. I wanted this culinary approach to celebrate a fusion of oceanic and smoky elements with a vibrant chilli kick.
AM: You opened AM Par Alexandre Mazzia in 2014 in Marseille. What do you love about Marseille and why did you want to open your own restaurant?
CHEF AM: AM Par Alexandre Mazzia is a glimpse of my soul. It is about discovering myself through my cuisine. There is a wordplay in the name of my restaurant, in all subtlety, is a display of transparency and authenticity. It is a place where I give the best of myself, as I am devoted to its guests.
AM: What does it mean to you to have received your first Michelin star in 2015 after your restaurant was open for a year, your second in 2019, and your third star in 2021 for AM Par Alexandre Mazzia?
CHEF AM: All awards that my restaurant has won are equally important to me. Each award represents a recognition of our hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing the best dining experience to our guests. The awards have also motivated my team to perform at their best and maintain the high standards that we have set for ourselves.
There's no real success here. It's just a continuation of work that's been going on for many years. And I think that the way of looking at things was a bit different before, or the way of operating was different before. Today it's part of a collective vision, in other words, we've opened doors. We've given the keys to a way of working, but also to a totally personal way of operating.
I'd say that success is the fact of being, of doing just what you are with complete transparency, but with passion. It's a unique cuisine, my cuisine. It's so personal that I don't think anyone else can do it. So that's why people from all over the world want to discover it, why we've won all these awards, and why these awards represent our know-how.
AM: For those that have yet to dine at your restaurant, tell us about the ambiance that we can expect when we walk through the doors?
CHEF AM: At our restaurant, we offer a unique and memorable experience with 8 tables that seat up to 22 people and a team of 26 dedicated individuals. Our cuisine is "transversal," bringing together the best of local produce from fishermen, farmers, and tableware designers. Our dishes are created using a personal "alphabet of taste" developed from my own experiences. It is an extraordinary experience that many guests have never experienced before.
AM: You believe in the Triangle of Tastes - tell us more about this and how it weaves into your dishes.
CHEF AM: My cooking blends spice, smoke, and chilli, linking to my childhood in Pointe-Noir, Congo, to my life in Marseille. My signature spice mix includes galangal, ginger, and cumin, enhancing the flavour and depth of each dish. Smoky aromas from burnt woods like vine shoots and olive tree add complexity, while my knowledge of over 45 types of chillies introduces a dynamic tension and variety in heat and flavour. I wanted this culinary approach to celebrate a fusion of oceanic and smoky elements with a vibrant chilli kick.
AM: You are 1 of 3 French Chefs that will be catering the Paris 2024 Olympic Games - this is such an honor, but as someone who has been an athlete, what does it mean to you to be able to serve your country and the world in this way?
CHEF AM: I think it's a source of pride, pride for me, for my family, pride for the people, to represent France for the duration of the Olympic Games. It's a way of showcasing expertise, a signature, and a career. I think that I'm always thinking of people transmitting everything that I've done, which showcases a whole range of skills that are, I would say, quite simply unique.
AM: How long have you been planning what you will make and can you tell us some of the items that you plan on cooking? When it comes to meeting the neuro-nutritional challenge of feeding athletes, what have you been keeping in mind?
CHEF AM: I'm first and foremost a chef, so our unique know-how is our ability to adapt. We adapt on a daily basis, we're there to serve our customers, it's our daily job to adapt to the allergies of diners who don't eat this or that product. But beyond that, when they came looking for me to take part in the Olympic Games, of course, I knew very well that I was going to be working for the athletes, so I needed all my work over the years with the nutritionist, sports doctor, physical trainer, mental trainer and a certain federation of different disciplines so that I could have as many skills as possible to satisfy the demands I was going to have. So it's true that I worked for the athletes. It wasn't necessarily more complicated. All I had to do was concentrate on the tastes and flavours and simply be myself, just as I am in my everyday life. What I think and what the OCOG and Sodexo Live! wanted to achieve was to find someone who represented their region and, above all, who had a sporting background and who was bound to be able to adapt in a simple way. It's about putting our expertise at the service of athletes, for their performance and recovery. It also means playing for a team, playing for the "Olympic Games" that are taking place in France.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Chef Alexandre Mazzia
Read the JUN ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see COOKING FOR CHAMPIONS | Chef Alexandre Mazzia in mag.
CLEARLY AHEAD | DIANA TAURASI
We can’t wait for Paris 2024 and to see many of our faves showing their talent on the world stage! We also love finding new faves and rooting them on! Many athletes have the pleasure of being able to show this talent every season in their sport and we’re honored to be able to talk to 5X Team USA Olympic Gold Medalist and 3X WNBA Champion, Diana Taurasi! Although we’re a little over a month away, we all know that she is the first basketball player (whether male or female) in history to reach 6 Olympic Games as she is on Team USA heading to this year’s Summer Games! We’re so pumped to see her compete and with the WNBA in full swing, you can see her and her fellow teammates on the Phoenix Mercury as they navigate their season!
We took some time to catch up with Diana to find out about how she came to basketball; her passion for the sport; how she trains during an Olympic year that takes place during her season in the WNBA, and the importance of sharing her eczema journey!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with Basketball and realize that you wanted to do this as a career?
DIANA TAURASI: Well you know, it’s something that I always wanted to do and I stumbled upon basketball one summer when my mom said that she needed to get me and my sister out of the house! So we were at the local city rec league and that’s really where the love of the game started for me you know! It was a great time to play basketball, I mean 90’s NBA was so popular with MJ, the Bulls, being a Lakers fan and then in 96/97 the WNBA started! So, it was just all of this momentum when it came to basketball. That’s when for me that I knew that I was going to be able to do it for a long time!
AM: That’s great and growing up we know what it was like during that era!
You’re a 3X WNBA Champion and a 5X Olympic Gold Medalist, what does it mean to you about the impact that you have and continue to bring to the sport?
DT: Oh yeah, I mean, women’s basketball is in such an amazing place right now! We’re in such a great cross section between talent and social media! The eyes and the attention that it’s getting right now – it’s just really an amazing time to play basketball. At the same time, it’s also a great time to shed a light on a lot of the people that came before that did it without the notoriety and without the fame. It’s always nice to know what the past is so that we can go into the future in the right way.
AM: As you know, we’re a little over a month away from the Olympic Games in talking with each other today. What’s it like to prepare for the Summer Games as we’re so excited that you will be returning for a 6th time! How do you prepare for Paris 2024 and Summer Games in the past when you’re also currently in your season with the Phoenix Mercury?
DT: Yeah, it’s always an interesting summer when it’s the Olympics. We take a hiatus or a break for a month for the Olympics. So right now, you’re just so entrenched in your team and the WNBA to make sure that your team is in a good place and that you’re physically in a good place individually. Once that break happens, all of that goes away and all you’re worried about is bringing home Gold!
When you talk about USA Basketball, we take that load with a lot of respect and we know how challenging the Olympics are as well as how good these other countries are. So, it’s always the most ultimate respect to the whole world.
AM: Over the past few years, various athletes and celebs have shared their eczema journeys. Why have you opened up about yours and why have you partnered with Sanofi and Regeneron?
DT: Partnering with Sanofi and Regeneron, obviously moderate-to-severe eczema is something that I have had to deal with for many years. I have tried everything. I’ve tried the lotions, the topical creams, the steroids, and nothing really gave me what I needed. When I was with my dermatologist, Dupixent was brought up and I had never heard of it. I learned a lot about it and if you go to ShowUpAd.com, you can read so many stories and there is so much information about it. It’s something that just works for me! There’s nothing better than being able to go on the court with clearer skin! Playing basketball, you’re always in a jersey and it’s that one thing that if anything you want clearer skin! It’s given me that relief and it has made me so much more comfortable!
We enjoyed hearing Diana talk about her love of the game, how important it is to celebrate those who have contributed to the WNBA from its start, and Paris 2024! We also appreciate her sharing her eczema story with us and how she feels relief in knowing that she can play more comfortably with her eczema under control! We wanted to know a bit more about eczema and took a moment with Dr. Annabelle Garcia as it is estimated that 2.7 million people in the US age 6+ have uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema. Like Diana, many who suffer with this may have tried a number of solutions. The best place to start is recognizing the signs of eczema so you can see a dermatologist who can assist you in your best solution.
For those that may not be familiar with eczema, can you tell us what it is and what are the signs? How can you tell if something that may look like just a skin irritation is actually eczema?
DR. ANNABELLE GARCIA: Yes of course! So moderate-to-severe eczema is characterized by these intense itchy dry patches on the skin. They can crack or be painful. Sometimes they can cover small parts of the body and sometimes these patches can cover large or sensitive areas. Really, it’s the itching that is the hallmark of the disease. It’s one of the things that can be the most disturbing to patients. Sometimes eczema can present in a very typical fashion in a child for example in the Antecubital Fossa which is in the elbow area, behind the knees, cheeks – but sometimes it does present in a classic way. It can present differently based on patients with different skin types. In lighter patients, the plaques tends to be a bit more pink and red where in darker skin tones, they can appear darker, hyperpigmented, or ashy grey color. So sometimes it is hard to tell whether something is eczema or not so it’s important to seek medical care and see a dermatologist for that expert opinion.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Sanofi + Regenerson
Read the JUN ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see CLEARLY AHEAD | Diana Taurasi in mag.
PHOTO COURTESY | Dupixent
PLAYING IN MY SKIN | DIANA TAURASI
We can’t wait for Paris 2024 and to see many of our faves and soon to be faves showing their talent on the world stage! Many athletes have the pleasure of being able to show this talent every season in their sport and we’re honored to be able to talk to 5X Team USA Olympic Gold Medalist and 3X WNBA Champion, Diana Taurasi! Although we’re a little over a month away, we all know that she is the first basketball player (whether male or female) in history to reach 6 Olympic Games as she is on Team USA heading to this year’s Summer Games! We’re so pumped to see her compete and with the WNBA in full swing, you can see her and her fellow teammates on the Phoenix Mercury as they navigate their season!
We took some time to catch up with Diana to find out about how she came to basketball, her passion for the sport. how she trains during an Olympic year that takes place during her season in the WNBA, and the importance of sharing her eczema journey!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with Basketball and realize that you wanted to do this as a career?
DIANA TAURASI: Well you know, it’s something that I always wanted to do and I stumbled upon basketball one summer when my mom said that she needed to get me and my sister out of the house! So we were at the local city rec league and that’s really where the love of the game started for me you know! It was a great time to play basketball, I mean 90’s NBA was so popular with MJ, the Bulls, being a Lakers fan and then in 96/97 the WNBA started! So, it was just all of this momentum when it came to basketball. That’s when for me that I knew that I was going to be able to do it for a long time!
AM: That’s great and growing up we know what it was like during that era! You’re a 3X WNBA Champion and a 5X Olympic Gold Medalist what does it mean to you about the impact that you have and continue to bring to the sport?
DT: Oh yeah, I mean, women’s basketball is in such an amazing place right now! We’re in such a great cross section between talent and social media! The eyes and the attention that it’s getting right now – it’s just really an amazing time to play basketball. At the same time, it’s also a great time also to shed a light on a lot of the people that came before that did it without the notoriety and without the fame. It’s always nice to know what the past is so that we can go into the future in the right way.
AM: As you know, we’re a little over a month away from the Olympic Games in talking with each other today. What’s it like to prepare for the Summer Games as we’re so excited that you will be returning for a 6th time! How do you prepare for Paris 2024 and Summer Games in the past when you’re also currently in your season with the Phoenix Mercury?
DT: Yeah, it’s always an interesting summer when it’s the Olympics. We take a hiatus or a break for a month for the Olympics. So right now, you’re just so entrenched in your team and the WNBA to make sure that your team is in a good place and that you’re physically in a good place individually. Once that break happens, all of that goes away and all you’re worried about is bringing home Gold!
When you talk about USA Basketball, we take that load with a lot of respect and we know how challenging the Olympics are as well as how good these other countries are. So, it’s always the most ultimate respect to the whole world.
AM: Over the past few years, various athletes and celebs have shared their eczema journeys. Why have you opened up about yours and why have you partnered with Sanofi and Regeneron?
DT: Partnering with Sanofi and Regeneron, obviously moderate-to-severe eczema is something that I have had to deal with for many years. I have tried everything. I’ve tried the lotions, the topical creams, the steroids, and nothing really gave me what I needed. When I was with my dermatologist, Dupixent was brought up and I had never heard of it. I learned a lot about it and if you go to ShowUpAd.com, you can read so many stories and there is so much information about it. It’s something that just works for me! There’s nothing better than being able to go on the court with clearer skin! Playing basketball, you’re always in a jersey and it’s that one thing that if anything you want clearer skin! It’s given me that relief and it has made me so much more comfortable!
We enjoyed hearing Diana talk about her love of the game, how important it is to celebrate those who have contributed to the WNBA from its start, and Paris 2024! We also appreciate her sharing her eczema story with us and how she feels relief in knowing that she can play more comfortably with her eczema under control! We wanted to know a bit more about eczema and took a moment with Dr. Annabelle Garcia as it is estimated that 2.7 million people in the US age 6+ have uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema. Like Diana, many who suffer with this may have tried a number of solutions. The best place to start is recognizing the signs of eczema so you can see a dermatologist who can assist you in your best solution.
AM: For those that may not be familiar with eczema, can you tell us what it is and what are the signs? How can you tell if something that may look like just a skin irritation is actually eczema?
DR. ANNABELLE GARCIA: Yes of course! So moderate-to-sever eczema is characterized by these intense itchy dry patches on the skin. They can crack or be painful. Sometimes they can cover small parts of the body and sometimes these patches can cover large or sensitive areas. Really, it’s the itching that is the hallmark of the disease. It’s one of the things that can be the most disturbing to patients. Sometimes eczema can present in a very typical fashion in a child for example in the Antecubital Fossa which is in the elbow area, behind the knees, cheeks – but sometimes it does present in a classic way. It can present differently based on patients with different skin types. In lighter patients, the plaques tends to be a bit more pink and red where in darker skin tones, they can appear darker, hyperpigmented, or ashy grey color. So sometimes it is hard to tell whether something is eczema or not so it’s important to seek medical care and see a dermatologist for that expert opinion.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
PHOTO CREDIT | The New York Times
MAKE ROOM FOR THE BRACKETOLOGIST
You know what time of year it is, we’re all focused on March Madness which allows us to increase our ability to showcase our depth of knowledge in Bracketology, “the activity of predicting the participating teams in a tournament, typically the NCAA. basketball tournament.” With Selection Sunday, March 17th around the corner, we’re all thinking about who is going to the big dance and who we’re adding into the Big Bracket. The New York Times is launching a Bracketologist Sweatsuit Set for college basketball-watching enthusiasts this Friday, March 8th.
This set will exclusively be sold on The New York Times Store and is the first drop from their “Words” Capsule Collection. This will be an evolving product collection that decodes modern language through journalism. This collection will include the Bracketologist Sweatpant ($80) and Bracketologist Crewneck Sweatshirt ($70), the perfect ensemble to wear when you’re out and about or gathering with friends to get your brackets in order!
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
9LIST STORI3S | LA LA ANTHONY
KUMINGA MODE ON JONATHAN KUMINGA
It's been a great season for the NBA and this month, we're looking forward to All-Star Weekend as well as anticipating the back half of the season! We caught up with Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga who is in his rookie year (just a year ago he was drafted into the G League) and was drafted 7th in 2021. We talked with him ahead of being added to the Rising Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend. He talked with us about coming to the Warriors, how he values playing with his teammates, where he sees himself and being able to play against his mentor, Kyrie Irving.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with basketball and what was the moment that you knew you wanted to be able to play it professionally?
JONATHAN KUMINGA: I think I fell in love with basketball at the age of 10. That’s when I was trying to go to the gym every single day. My parents weren’t interested in me doing that because the area that I grew up in, it wasn’t like here where there were gyms everywhere and so it was a long walk for me to be able to get there. So at that age, my parents weren’t really letting me do it.
AM: You went 7th in the NBA Draft in 2021. What was that experience like and how excited were you to come to the Warriors?
JK: I mean, it was a good experience. People don’t get drafted twice! When I heard my name and that I was going to the Warriors, it was a blessing. It was a good thing for me and I felt that it was a perfect fit. And as you can see now, I’m getting comfortable with the team. I was super happy when that happened.
AM: What workouts do you do that help to optimize you when you’re on the court?
JK: I mean, it’s not just about the workout, but it’s about listening and watching films over and over. You have to see how you play and how they play and on top of that, it’s about the work ethic that you put in every single day. I think that's really important.
AM: What does your week look like when you’re leading up to a game. What would you say your flow is?
JK: Honestly, I’m super laid back and chill guy. I don’t do too much, I just stay home. I have my 2 dogs so I have my guys with me and I like to kick back and play 2K and just chill with my dogs. That’s all that I do. I don’t really do too much. I don’t go to the mall – I don’t go nowhere.
AM: Ok, you’re a homebody!
JK: Yeah!
AM: Do you have any routines that you have to do the night before a game or moments before a game?
JK: No. So I don’t have a routine. I just go out there and play. When I get in the gym or I get on the court, my mind changes. My mind switches right away. I don’t think about anything else but basketball when I’m out there. So I don’t have a routine although I am trying to think about having it.
AM: You play with some incredible people on your team from Steph, Klay, Wiggins and Draymond! What’s it like to be around that energy and to learn from them as well as play with them?
JK: That’s the fam right there – that’s the legends! I’m learning every single day and it’s super exciting especially being the rookie and playing along with those guys. They never complain about anything that you do on the court if it’s bad or good they just encourage you to be good. To have those legends like that giving you advice – a lot of people don’t get it. There are a lot of rookies that got drafted to different teams and they don’t have that given to them. I’m just super blessed to be on that team.
AM: You played at the same high school as Kyrie Irving did and I know that he has been a mentor to you over the years and he recently gave you his jersey. What’s that like to have that relationship with him and finally being able to play against him now that you’re in the NBA?
JK: It’s actually crazy because even growing up, I used to watch Kyrie. We went from meeting each other to him being a mentor to me and then finally being able to play against him! It’s just crazy because I never thought that that would happen! But it happened and him giving me his jersey – a lot of people don’t get something like that from him. It was a good moment and a special one.
AM: What are your goals for this year, what are you looking forward to as you play through the season – do you have anything that you’re aiming for?
JK: I’ve got the biggest goals of anybody else. People would say, “man you’re a rookie and you’re already thinking ahead of you.” My big goal this year is that I want to play for the Championship. I feel like we have a chance to do it with the way that we play, the way that we get better every day and the way that we get to know each other every day. I feel like we have a big chance to do it and that pretty much is my biggest goal. As long as I’m on this team and helping them win and getting better every day, I think that’s my biggest goal.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Noah Graham/NBAE/Getty Images
Read the FEB ISSUE #74 of Athleisure Mag and see KUMINGA MODE ON | Jonathan Kuminga in mag.
MINDFUL DEDICATION WITH CHRIS BRICKLEY
As we head closer to the NBA Playoffs, we caught up with Chris Brickley, a Player Development Coach who played at the University of Louisville under Rick Pitino, worked with players at the NY Knicks and launched a successful training company, BlackOps Basketball. His training has been sought after by a number of basketball players, entertainers and more.
We took some time in between his busy schedule to find out about how he built his career, how he became so influential in the sport as well as his personal projects.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with the game of basketball?
CHRIS BRICKLEY: I fell in love with the game at 11 years old. I realized I could use the game to do some amazing things and I became obsessed with it.
AM: You played at the University of Louisville under Rick Pitino and went on to coaching at Ole Miss and being the youngest assistant coach at an NCAA Division I school at Fairleigh Dickinson University. What is it about coaching that you enjoy?
CB: Being in love with the game of basketball and learning from Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino, I wanted to be just like him. I wanted to teach young men the game of basketball and the game of life.
AM: How did you transition from coaching there to being at the NY Knicks?
CB: When I was coaching at FDU, I would workout JR Smith at night at Manhattan College. That season JR was 6th man of the year. The Knicks heard about me and hired me.
AM: What is a Player Development Coach and what do you do in that role when it comes to interacting with your players?
CB: My role was to make development plans for all of the players and to make sure during the off-season and season they were constantly improving. I loved it.
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to start BlackOps Basketball and why was that important for you to do?
CB: Being with the Knicks for 4 seasons, I believed that I had enough connections to branch out on my own. Even though leaving a guaranteed Knicks contract wasn’t easy, I’m glad I made the decision. BlackOps Basketball is something I am proud about.
AM: What are your days like with your clients during the season and off season?
CB: During the season, it’s a lot of text convos and dinners, taking about their games and what they can do better. The off-season is grind time - we make a plan and work extremely hard to attack that plan.
AM: When it comes to taking on clients as you have a number of NBA stars, those looking to hone their skills for college as well as those that are entertainers, what do you look for?
CB: I look for players and people that genuinely love the game and want to get better. You don’t need to be an NBA star or a celeb, you just need to be urgent about getting better. Simple as that.
AM: What kind of intake questions do you ask for those that have worked with you for the first time? Do you ask what they want to improve, athletes that they want to play like etc?
CB: We have many conversations before we start up. I ask them what they think they need to improve & work on. I tell the them what I think they need to improve and work on and we come to a common ground. Then we work.
AM: In working with your clients, how much interaction do you have with their teams’ coaches?
CB: I have a lot of interaction. In the off-season players coaches will come in the gym and watch the workouts. They will also give me stuff to focus on.
AM: You have also been working with J. Cole who will premiere this month playing for the Rwanda Patriots BBC for the inaugural season of the Basketball Africa League. I know this was a dream for him to play at a pro level, what was it like working with him to get him to this dream?
CB: J. Cole was someone I looked up to way before working with him. So to work with him every night for 4-5 months was amazing. He got so much better and now he’s a pro!
AM: I know that Quavo has worked with you for a while and introduced you to Travis Scott, which brought you on tour with him, how do you schedule your time as your work can literally take you anywhere?
CB: So Quavo is one of my close friends so shout-out to him. When he introduced me to Travis, Travis asked me immediately to come on tour with him. His tour hit all the NBA cities and it was during the winter so it worked perfectly. I could work with Travis and also see my clients in their cities. Shoutout my guy Travis!
AM: We’ve enjoyed looking at your feed over the years where you’ve shared pick up games at Life Time Athletic with LeBron James, James Harden, Carmelo Anthony etc. – how did these come about and did you realize that this would be such a draw for others to want to participate in as well?
CB: One night Melo and I were hanging out in Puerto Rico and he said when we get back to NYC schedule a pickup game. He said he wanted to play some 5 on 5. The first one I scheduled had Kevin Durant, Kemba Walker, JR Smith along with 10 other NBA players, it went viral and the rest is history.
AM: How do you take time for yourself when you’re not watching games, prepping for your clients, working with them in person, etc.?
CB: I listen to music, hangout with friends and go on walks. Music and walks are my peace of mind.
AM: You’ve partnered with BODYARMOR. How did this partnership come about and what is it about your synergy that made sense for you to work with one another?
CB: I’m very excited about my new partnership with BODYARMOR. Seeing the growth they’ve had in the last few years and the potential they have to do more – along with the fact that they have incredible athlete investors who I regularly work with like Donovan Mitchell, James Harden and Trae Young – it was a no-brainer for me. I know my brand and company is still on the rise too, so we’re both grinding to be the best out there and that makes it even more special.
AM: Why do you like including BODYARMOR within your routine?
CB: Now more than ever, athletes and trainers – like myself – are paying close attention to what we put in our bodies. To perform like the best, you need to prepare like the best – and hydration plays a major role in that. BODYARMOR is my go-to because it gives me exactly what I need – potassium-packed electrolytes, vitamins, and antioxidants – to ensure I’m feeling my best out on the court and can perform to my highest level.
AM: Tell me about Color Blind. What’s the ethos behind it and what is the product assortment that’s currently available?
CB: Color Blind is my baby! It means so much to me. I love fashion and I love the meaning. It represents the light in all of us Doesn’t matter your race, your gender, your religion, we are all humans. I have some amazing collabs coming soon! I can’t wait for you guys to see.
AM: What other projects are you working on that you’re able to share with us? Based on your IG, it seems like you’re working on some music?
CB: Yes BlackOps Presents ‘Welcome To The Grind’, it is going to be the soundtrack for all hoopers and athletes across the world. When athletes and people in general are working out I want them to play this album. The album has some of the biggest names in music. It’s going to be a classic!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 56 - 61 Chris Brickley/Social | PG 64 BODYARMOR |
Read the May issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see Mindful Dedication with Chris Brickley in mag.
HOW TO IMPROVE ON YOUR BASKETBALL SKILLS
How many times have you seen pro basketball players and wished you were just as good as they are? Countless times I believe. The truth is, wishing doesn't get anything done. You have got to take steps to improve your game. The likes of Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Kobe Bryant and all the superstars on the court didn’t acquire those skills overnight; they had to work hard to master their craft. They don’t have two heads, neither do they have more than two hands. They learned to develop their skills with workout and training and that’s the same thing you need to do.
There is no surefire way on how you can improve your basketball game and take it to the next level other than giving the game time. Practice, they say, makes perfect. If you keep at it, you will get there.
Quickly, let's take a look at some tips on how you can take your game to the next level.
1. Hard Work
You know it's easy to think that the game is not as hard as it is portrayed, but then you would be fooling yourself. Each time you get on the court, there are probably 9 other guys who are more determined than you are. They probably have more skills and more strength. They have what it takes to beat you every time. So how do you match them? You don’t have control over what they have but you have control over you and what you got is hard work and resilience. You have got to compensate for what you lack in skill and strength with hard work. Hard work always pays off. Get off your butt early in the morning. Workout late at night. Keep doing it for weeks, months and years. It may take time but it will eventually pay off. Ask the star players, they will tell you that they are out there on the court alone for hours each day learning new skills when every other person is lounging away. If you work harder than your opponents, there is no way you won’t be able to beat them on the court one day. It may not happen immediately but slowly and surely, your star will shine.
2. Don’t Ignore the Little Things
Most basketball players who want to be great, focus only on the big things like making 3 pointers but it’s not all about that. Making the baskets is just a result of many other seemingly little things like footwork, form, workouts, the kinds of food you eat, etc. It will be easier for you to shoot, make the baskets and dribble when you have paid attention to the little things. It is pretty much like you can’t grow tall if your roots are not properly planted into the ground. So while you are working hard, do not ignore the little things. You will be sure to level up your skills in no time.
Another thing you should not ignore is practicing your shooting skills, there are many basketball hoops out there in the market, but an adjustable hoop will for sure give you a challenge. If you want to try these adjustable basketball hoops then investing in one will be a great idea. Buying a basketball hoop, especially if you manage to get yourself the right one, will provide tons of fun for you and your family and the more you play, the better you become. However, whenever you are choosing a basketball hoop, you must ensure such a hoop is well suited for your family’s needs.
3. Trust the Process
It’s sad to see aspiring basketball superstars giving and bailing out on the process because they are not reaching their goals as fast as they would want to. Consistency is what pays off. Time is not in your power to control, but you can keep working hard while waiting. No one may be seeing all your hard work at the moment but very soon, your light will shine. Keep training and perfecting your skills. Keep building your confidence. Keep building your resilience. When you have injuries, don’t think the world has come to an end, pick yourself back up and get at it again. This time, put your entire mind into it and keep trusting the process. Eventually, the process will always deliver and your name will be the talk of the town.
4. Take Time to Ask for Help
There are some things you may not understand all by yourself, there are things that may be beyond your comprehension of the court. Do not be shy to ask for help, if you want to know how it is done. One of the biggest reasons players fail is because of pride. Just because you can do 3 pointers and dunks doesn’t make you a superstar yet. You have got to be able to replicate the same results and exceed your best each time and you might not arrive there if you are too proud to ask for help. Asking for help will not reduce you in any way; rather you learn and get better.
5. Break Your Records
There are going to be bad days when you fall short of your expectations. There are also going to be days when you are invincible. Such days when you have a game, don’t settle. If you can do an alley-oop or Down and Back sprints in 5 seconds, don’t settle for 8 seconds and be cool with it. Find time to improve yourself each time. This is what makes a basketball superstar. Find ways to improve your basketball game and take it to the next level each time you are on the court and never settle for less, when you can improve on yourself.
You must come to terms with the fact that practice makes perfect. You need to put in the extra work, if you want to become the next basketball superstar. Watch as many videos as you can, listen to the pros and take the opportunity to make use of these skills during your games.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
GETTING TO KNOW 5 OF THE MOST ICONIC BASKETBALL SHOES OF ALL TIME
Basketball sneakers have a very storied history that spans decades upon decades. Did you know the first basketball sneaker made strictly for performance was made almost 100 years ago? Today, with the help of Sports Domain Lab we’re taking a look at the history of basketball shoes and five of the most iconic basketball models of all-time.
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star
What many consider the first “official” basketball sneaker, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star made its debut way back in 1917 when it was released by the Converse Rubber Shoe Company. The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star got its name in 1921 when it was named after Chuck Taylor. Taylor was a salesman for the brand who also happened to be playing for Converse’s semi-pro All-Star basketball team. Chuck Taylor needed a durable shoe and gave Converse some suggestions on how they can make that possible. Thankful for Taylor’s input, Converse agreed to the enhancements, made the shoe and named them after him. What makes this model even more iconic is the fact that it became the first basketball shoe casually worn off the court.
Pro Keds Royal
The Pro Keds Royal made its debut in 1949. Like the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star, this model was also constructed using a canvas upper and gum sole. The shoe was worn by notable players such as George Mikan and Willis Reed throughout the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. Known for being an affordable sneaker that was also durable, the sneaker may look simple in appearance, but it had all the qualities and traits to support your game on the court. Unlike the Converse brand, Pro Keds did not manage to remain relevant after all these decades. That being the case, you can still find the brand at select retailers throughout the globe. Down, but not out. W could not have expected anything less from Pro Keds.
adidas Superstar
The adidas Superstar made its debut in 1969. By the 1970s, the Three Stripes model was being worn on the court by superstar players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The Superstar stood out thanks in large part to its leather upper and distinct rubber shelltoe. The shoes were so highly coveted that the biggest hip hop artists in the world began wearing them casually during the 80s, shout out Run-DMC. As you can imagine, soon thereafter the adidas Superstar became a fashion staple in the urban community. It’s safe to say that the adidas Superstar has had a bigger impact off the court than on.
Puma Clyde
The year was 1973. Walt “Clyde” Frazier and the Knicks had just defeated the Lakers to win their second championship. That very same year, Frazier had signed with Puma for $25,000 a year. His on-court shoe of choice, the Puma Clyde. According to Frazier, the Puma Clyde was based on the Puma Basket and borrowed details from the Puma Suede. Just like Clyde Frazier, the Puma Clyde redefined street style with it’s smooth aesthetic. It was the perfect mix of style and substance. It was also the first sneaker that was designed to make a fashion statement, hence the suede upper, a trait rarely seen on basketball models back in the day. Even after all these years, Puma continues to release new iterations of the Puma Clyde. Talk about withstanding the test of time, eh?
Nike Air Force 1
Is there a more iconic basketball silhouette than the Nike Air Force 1!? At the very least, it has to be a top 3 candidate, right? It’s hard to argue that any other sneaker has had as much of a crossover into street culture than the Nike Air Force 1.
The Bruce Kilgore-designed model is said to have been released in at least 2,000 colorways since the shoe made its debut back in 1982. When the shoe was made, it was considered a peak-performance basketball shoe. The original Air Force 1 was a high-top that came with an ankle strap, a full grain leather upper and of course, for the first time ever in a basketball shoe, Nike Air technology. Soon after debuting on the court, the AF1 growth spread throughout the globe like wildfire. We’re now in 2019, and sneakerheads are STILL feening over certain Air Force 1 releases. That’s wild.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
THE HUB WITH AL HORFORD
The month of February has a lot going on in the sports world. While our cover men enjoy their recent Super Bowl win, a number of people are focused on the NBA's All Star Weekend, which takes place this month in Charlotte. Just like fans enjoy attending this game, a number of your favorite NBA athletes enjoy this celebration of basketball. We took a few minutes to chat with Al Horford, the 5X All Star for the Boston Celtics to find out how he fell in love with the game, what All Star Weekend means to the sport and any midseason info he can provide on how his team is doing!
ATHLEISURE MAG: So recently Steve Kerr, the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, called you the perfect modern day center that is the hub of the Celtics. How would you describe your roll on the team?
AL HORFORD: I think my role on my team is to make sure that defensively, I am bringing energy, that I’m a presence on defense and rebounding. On offense, that I do whatever the team needs me to do in terms of scoring, passing, setting screens and things like that. Just making sure that I am playing with high energy and a lot of pace.
AM: Nice so, you’re all about balance and performance in terms of recovery and nutrition, what’s your day like heading into a game and your day of activities. Then what do you do after the games?
AH: Usually before the games, I’m trying to get a lot of fruits, vegetables, proteins and just having a very balanced diet. Then after the games, and this may surprise a lot of people, but my go-to drink is chocolate milk. Chocolate milk has everything that I need to recover. It has the carbs, the proteins, the electrolytes and all the good stuff that I need to feel at my best the next day.
AM: Interesting, as the newest athlete/partner with the Built with Chocolate Milk Campaign, what does this campaign look like?
AH: Obviously, it’s encouraging a healthy lifestyle, that for me really focuses on my recovery as an athlete, a person that just worked out and trained. Chocolate milk is a great source to drink after you finish your workout and the best thing about it is that it is backed by science.
AM: With All Star Weekend taking place this weekend, what is it about this weekend that is exciting as a player, whether you’re participating as a player or just to be there to support the love of your teammates?
AH: It’s just a great celebration to be able to go there in the same building with all of these great players. There are a lot of former players that also join in. A lot of NBA legends and all that and you’re able to see all these people and everyone celebrating basketball. You have the dunk contest, the 3 Point contest, the actual game. It’s just a great time for families and it’s great for the fans to just go out there and enjoy that weekend. There is just so much out there going on. Anytime that I have gone out there and had the chance to do it, I have always felt very lucky and fortunate.
AM: Well obviously you’re on the road quite a bit. So what are your 3 must have items that you like to take with you on the road?
AH: Well that’s a good question. My three must have items is my Bible, my iPad and my headphones. Those three things are definitely always with me.
AM: Well we know that you mom is a sports journalist and is one of your biggest fans, what did she instill in you that helped you to navigate this sport?
AH: My mom is very passionate as a Hispanic/Dominican mother she is always very passionate. She’s always instilled this in me and my dad actually played professional basketball. So my interest came because of that, but if it wasn’t for my mom and her enthusiasm and energy, I don’t think that I would be in this position. She has always been so encouraging and so upbeat to be the very best that I can be.
AM: We’re all about tribes, people that connect to you and also build you up here at #TRIB3GOALS, who are 3 people that you would identify with that are your go to people as inspirations for your career?
AH: That would definitely be my mom who has built me up in that sense, and also I have been fortunate to have great coaches around me growing up. My college coach is actually the head coach of the Oklahoma City Thunder right now is another person, Billy Donovan that has always encouraged me. I’d also say my grandfather, he is one of my biggest supporters and growing up he has always been there to give me confidence.
AM: Are there any midseason predictions that you can share with us about yourself, team, your goals etc?
AH: Yeah I think that in the midseason, a team is starting to really understand how we need to play to be that great team that all our friends want and expect us to. I think that we’re playing much better basketball. The key for us is that we get all players healthy at the same time and that we play consistently at that high level. The playoffs are around the corner and it’s the time that you look forward to to be a part of that!
IG @AlHorford
Read more from the Feb Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Hub with Al Horford in Mag.
MARCH MADNESS | SELECTION SUNDAY
It's that time of year again! Our eyes were glued to TBS today during the Selection Show that took place to see who was invited to the Big Dance for the NCAA Men's Division I Tournament. Of course a number of the team's alma mater's were not in this year but we have some favorites. We see Duke taking it all but as we go from one game to the next, we'll enjoy our fair share of hoops and wings!
You can join in the fun to see how many times you have to change your bracket by signing up for the Bracket Challenge.