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

Started With A Dream | Spicy P Prevails

Pascal Siakam of the Toronto Raptors adds more hardware to his collection winning the Most Improved award. Toronto’s Forward out duelled Brooklyn’s D’Angelo Russell and Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox. This season Pascal played in 8- games averaging career highs in various statistical categories. Spicy P’s played a vital role for the Raptors as they captured their first title in franchise history. At just 25 years of age, Siakam became the first player in franchise history to win a Most Improved award. Spicy P’s also adds an NBA title to his resume in the same season.

Pascal Siakam becomes the first Raptors player in franchise history to win the most improved award (Photo by: Sportsnet).

“For people who know my story, you know how important my dad is. Not being able to be here today, but he had this crazy dream and people back home never believed in him. ”

— Pascal Siakam

For those of who are unaware of Siakam’s story it begun back in Cameroon. He grew up the youngest of 3 brothers (James, Christian, Boris) and with 5 siblings. Just like any kid in Africa, Pascal had aspiration of achieving success away from the motherland. Growing up Siakam father Tchamo was the mayor of a small town called Makenene. He instilled a hard work ethic and Christian values within his family. As crazy as it sounds Pascal had minimal interest in playing basketball as a teen.

That all changed back in 2012 when Siakam attended the Basketball Without Boarders camp in South Africa. There he met current teammate Serge Ibaka and it gave him an edge. They came from similar backgrounds and had many commonalities. That led Pascal to attend school in Texas where he become a household name.

Back in 2012, Pascal Siakam attended the Basketball Without Board Camp in South Africa. (Photo by: NBA Africa)

“That’s where I can say it all started. Watching Ibaka and all those people. That’s when i began thinking that basketball is something that I can do. ”

— Pascal Siakam

Toronto Raptors Forward Pascal Siakam at the NBA Finals press conference after the game 6 victory (Photo by:NBA).

Before he knew it, Pascal emerged as a star at the collegiate level attending New Mexico State. During his 2 seasons Pascal earned WAC freshman of the year and WAC player of the year honours. After his sophomore season Siakam enter his name is the 2016 NBA draft. The tables started to turn for Siakam and his family as he began to embark on his professional career in the NBA. It was a lifelong dream of Tchamo Siakam to see one of his sons play in the NBA, unfortunately Pascal’s father was killed in a car accident in 2014. Siakam’s attributes his success on court to his family and support system. Siakam’s ferocious play and fighter mentality comes from his parents who provided a better life for their 5 kids.

Fast-forward 5 years later, Siakam has solidified a spot in the NBA as an emerging star and in his third season Pascal adds a most improved award and a championships title to his accolades. This journey started with a dream that manifested back from a small town in Cameroon.

“I just want to give a quick message to all the African kids out there, I know it seems hards and not possible most of the times. But believe in your dreams and go out there and work hard for it and I promise you it’ll happen.”

— Pascal Siakam

Athlete: Pascal Siakam (@pskills43)

Thanks: NBA, Raptors, Bleacher Report

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-SvUAzfH_I