TGQ x Yours Truly Tour NYC

As I write in this space of gratitude and love I would like to share my passion project that I’ve cultivated over the last 8 months. For those you who’ve been following my journey over the pass years got a chance to get a first-hand inside look. A big part of our “TGQ” platform is to capture iconic moments that reflect our culture, also sharing authentic experiences with our audiences. We started in an urban area in “Scarborough” , now we touring across NYC, LA, and Toronto.

TGQ x Yours Truly Tour will be coming to the following North American Cities: NYC, LA,& Toronto

With further a do, I’m proud to announce the TGQ x Yours Truly Project. This project will be photogenic/blog doc-series inspired by authentic experiences that represents for the CULTURE. Our objective is to capture iconic moments related to our defining sports, lifestyle and culture. Different environments help individuals expand their perspectives and I’m glad to share mine with our audience. In present times, we are defined by experiences that broaden our perspectives and worldviews. Seeing the world through new lens is makes life more exciting.

“We always aim to share authentic experiences with our audiences, whether that’s capturing a defining moment at Dyckman or creating a legacy in Toronto”

— Hussein A. (Founder of TGQ Inc.)

Founder of TGQ Inc. Hussein A. at Nike’s Pro-city NYC. (Photo by: @nicolesweetsports,) (Graphic by:@pvkhrajs)

1. NYC Tour

NYC, The mecca of Basketball, The Concrete Jungle, and basketball royalty is claimed on these blacktops all summer. You can visit any street corner and you see or hear a basketball bouncing. Basketball is solely immersed in the Culture of NYC. Since the age of 11 I’ve always been drawn to the NYC hoop scene, this was from the early days of “AND-1” mixtapes and the Rucker park tournaments. The NY Energy is second to none; the crowd elevates the overall experiences for the hoopers. The one component that I’ve always identified with was the Passion and competitive spirit the NYC hoop scene breeds. NYC has produced some of the best hoopers in the world, and it’s always a great feeling to honour those who’ve paved the way for this generation.

The Legendary Rucker Park is a historical place for all basketball players globally. (@graphic by: pvkhrajs)

” (Photo by: @_bryant_a)

2. NYvsNY

For the third straight summer Nike’s NYvsNY has cultivated one of the nations prominent streetball tournament. Across various NYC neighborhoods reigns’ streetball icons, some of the toughest guards make to it out of these neighborhood parks. NYvsNY is a clash between the best of the boroughs. Dyckman, Tri-state, Gersh, Waston, West 4th, Lincoln Park all battle for ultimate streetball supremacy. Gersh Park wants to write history by capturing their 3rd straight championship title, They’re off to a 2-0 start, with victories over Tri-State and Watson. Week 4 will be live from Watson Park July 23rd.

Nike’s NYvsNY has galvanized the New York City streetball culture in today’s modern era.

(Photo by: Nike NYvsNY).

“Without sports I don’t have an opportunity to be myself, growing up I wanted to play in Watson. I got on a team and Watson became home. ”

— jaden Edwards (NYvsNY Announcer)

3. Pro-City NYC

Live from court side catching game action fro Pro-City NYC (Photo by: @nicolesweetsports)

This year’s home for Pro-City NYC is the prestigious Columbia University on the upper west side. Reigning champs R2k are looking to follow the blueprint from last summer to repeat as champions. This season Sean Bell is stealing the spotlight, starting the season wit a 4-0 record. Pro-city NYC provides a high-level competitive atmosphere for all pros & college player to showcase their talents. The best part about NYC basketball is that anybody can be a star! It’s not about your name; you got to bring your game. NBA Stars such as Noah Vonleh, Mason Plumlee, Miles Plumlee, and Shabazz Napier have graced the hardwood at this year’s Pro-City NYC.

NBA athletes graced the hardwood this summer at Pro-City NYC: Noah Vonleh, Marshall Plumlee, Miles Plumlee, Shabazz Napier (photo by: @nicolesweetsports)

Thanks: @procitynyc, @nyvsny, @nikenyc, @nikebasketball @tgq.inc

Photography by: @nicolesweetsports , @bryant_a

Graphic by: @pvkhrajs

Create Your Narrative | The Dominican Dream

It’s the quintessential American story as they call it, Dominican Republic native Felipe Lopez transcended the American culture during his prolific basketball journey. Felipe fled to New York City at the age of 14, speaking no lick of English and being outside of his comfort zone. Despite all the stacked obstacles, Felipe was able to carve a unique path, which led him to a historical program in St. John’s and to the NBA. Jonathan Hock and ESPN teamed up to produce the documentary titled “The Dominican Dream”. This documentary captures the defining story of Felipe Lopez from the beginning of his journey; it premiered on April 30th at 9pm.

Felipe Lopez attended Rice High School In Harlem, NY in 1990, where he emerged as a household name. (Photo by: The New Yorker)

“There was more hype surrounding Felipe then there was around Lew Alcindor, around Kenny Anderson. He was the most hyped player to ever come out of NYC.”

— Tom Konchalski (NYC Hoops Scout)

Growing up in the South Bronx where gang culture and the drug epidemic was at an all-time high, Felipe decided to stay close to his family and the basketball courts. He attended the Rice High School in Harlem, NY. During his tenure as a raider, Felipe garnered some attention, becoming the top recruit in the country. During his senior campaign Felipe won the CHSAA City Championships defeating perennial powerhouse St. Rays and was named to the 1994 McDonald’s All-American Game. Felipe then decided to be the hometown hero and play for the St. John’s Red Storm joining All-American Zendon Hamilton. This is when the SUPER FRESHMEN was born. Felipe Lopez was the first High School athlete to grace the cover of Sports illustrated, paving the way from HS stars such as Kevin Garnett, LeBron James and Jabari Parker.

St.John’s Freshman Guard Felipe Lopez was the first ever high school athlete ever to grace a sports illustrated cover. (Photo by: Sports Illustrated)

“His Legend was so big.. It was a little bit LeBron-esque”

— Alex Rodriguez ( New York Yankees '16)

After his Sports Illustrated cover shoot, Felipe and the St. John Red Storm were in for a big surprise. Felipe had a bulls eye on his back and every team in the Big east wanted to see if Lopez would live up to the hype. In Felipe’s freshman year the Red Storm finished 8th in the Big east with a 7-11 record. Felipe like many top freshman’s had the opportunity to enter the NBA draft, but Lopez decided to return to St.John’s. In the end it was all worth it, staying all four years cemented Felipe Lopez career as a Red Storm. In his senior year Felipe and the Red Storm finally got to the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, they came up short in the first round losing to the Detroit Titans by 2 points. Felipe Lopez missed the game winner in the dying seconds of regulation. In 1998 Felipe Lopez concluded his season as a Red Storm and declared for the NBA Draft. He was drafted late in the first round, and played 4 season on 3 teams (Vancouver Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Minnesota Timberwolves), before suffering a career-ending knee injury. Everyone had high hopes for Felipe but God had other plans.

Felipe Lopez goes head-to-head with Allen Iverson in the Big East Tournament. (Photo by:Getty Images)

Aside from all his unprecedented success Felipe’s story is bigger than basketball. Here is a kid from the Dominican Republic that comes to America as an immigrant, that speaks no English, and in less than 10 years graduates from a prestigious university and plays in the NBA. Felipe Lopez epitomizes the American Dream, he is also a unique representation for the Latino community in America. Felipe’s compelling narrative has inspired the courageous acts of his work today; He’s fully invested in community work through the NBA Cares. Felipe Lopez continues to break barriers and open doors for the Dominican republic, and continually affecting lives through the platform that he created. Success isn’t about what others expectations are, but fulfilling your true purpose in life.

“Here’s a kid that comes to America the summer before his eight-grade year, can’t speak English and within a few years is the best basketball player in high school.”

— Tom Konchalski

Thanks: Sports Illustrated, ESPN, 30for30,

Figure: Felipe Lopez (NBA Cares Ambassador)