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One of the things I love about running an NBA fan account in the UK, is the fantastic NBA UK community that I get to be a part of.
Everyone is super supportive of each other's work and I wanted to show my support by helping you get to know the people behind the fan accounts.
So, without further ado, here is Getting to Know the NBA UK Community.
Part 5 - The Western Conference Fan Accounts
What’s your name, where do you come from and who are you reppin?
Steve Kirk. Originally from near Gloucester, now live in Exeter. I run Grizzlies Fans UK and am mainly active on Twitter (@GrizzliesFansUK) but also have an Instagram page.
How did you discover basketball?
I made a trip over to the States with my brother to watch some NFL and college football. Whilst over there we decided to catch a couple of NBA games and I ended up enjoying them more than the football.
Who do you support?
Memphis Grizzlies!
Why do you support your team?
They were the first team that I saw live and I loved the atmosphere at FedEx. Seeing Mike Conley, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph in person was amazing and the crowd loved the style and character of the team.
If you had to choose 1 game to convince a new basketball fan to support your team, what game would it be?
As much as I loved the grit and grind era it has to have some or Ja Morant's incredible highlights from this year. You can choose almost any game but I'll take the game against Rockets in January. Morant shot 10 of 11 from the field including a Harden-esque stepback over Harden and a deep 3 after which he screamed 'Tell that motherf***er about me!' He also set Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson up for huge dunks with spectacular passes. That game summed up his incredible rookie season and shows why Grizzlies fans are so excited for the future.
You need to build a 3 x 3 team, choose your current favourite player and your all-time favourite player to join you.
Jaren Jackson is my current favourite player but for a 3x3 I'd probably have to pick Ja. My all-time favourite player is Zach Randolph. He epitomised the city of Memphis and the grit and grind nature of the team.
Have you ever had the opportunity to go to a live NBA game, if so when & where? If you’ve been to more than one which was your favourite?
Whilst in the states in 2011 I went to one game in Memphis and one in New Orleans. Seeing Memphis at FedEx was definitely the pick of the 2 with the core 4 of Conley, Gasol, Z-Bo and TA defeating Celtics. The Pels game was fun as I got to see Boogie Cousins destroy Anthony Davis so I have been a fan of his since.
What are your social media handles or websites where fans can find you?
Mainly on Twitter @GrizzliesFansUK.
Mostly just chatting Grizzlies and general NBA stuff but also post the occasional article to my website
What’s your name, where do you come from and who are you reppin?
My name is Thomas Snowdon, originally from Cornwall but now living in Manchester! I’m the founder of OKC UK, an Oklahoma City Thunder fanpage reppin from the UK!
How did you discover basketball?
I discovered basketball by having a couple of close friends talk me into it about 3/4
years ago after I told them that I was really enjoying playing 2K, and I only bought 2K as a filler for when I was bored. But I got really into it which also helped my knowledge on players when it came to finally watching a game! Being able to talk hoops with my friends certainly raised my appreciation of the game!
Why do you support your team?
I support OKC from afar for one reason and I’m sure that reason is the same for many overseas Thunder fans, Russell Westbrook, I got into the league in the 2016-17 season when Russ had that crazy season averaging a triple double and winning the leagues MVP award. I’m pretty sure the first game I watched was against Orlando early in the season where he put up 40+ pts and 15+ assists and that performance was what made me love him. But not only that, I’m a huge fan or any players who play sport in any sport who show passion, undoubtedly Russ has one of the biggest passions for the game in the NBA, in my opinion.
If you had to choose 1 game to convince a new basketball fan to support your team, what game would it be? Hard question but last season was a super fun season to watch, even when we lost we were close to winning and no one would expect it. I’ve said since the season finished that my favourite games were against Boston last season both home and away, but the away game @Boston was electric and what a performance to win in the Garden. Gotta give the home win v Minnesota a shout too as Schroder’s last gasp basket to take it to overtime was unexpected and so hyped.
You need to build a 3 x 3 team, choose your current favourite player and your all-time favourite player to join you.
Again tough, I have many favourite players in the NBA as I’m sure many do with the likes of Gallinari, SGA, Hield, Trae Young and Doncic to name a few. Same goes all-time, people love many all timers like Ray Allen, Shawn Kemp, Dennis Rodman, Chris Bosh again to name a few. But I’m going to have to go for Russell Westbrook and Shawn Kemp, both be outstanding in a 3x3 situation.
Have you ever had the opportunity to go to a live NBA game, if so when & where? If you’ve been to more than one which was your favourite? I haven’t had the chance no, but my god I’m desperate, it’s on the wish list, I’ll get there one day I hope!
What are your social media handles or websites where fans can find you?
You can find me @_OKCUK on both Twitter and Instagram! I do live interviews on the Instagram account with many NBA kings in the UK and also get joined by OKC beat writers and fans from the states!
Twitter is where all the written work gets done, mostly by my contributors, and also a place for the community and discussions!
What’s your name, where do you come from and who are you reppin?
Hi I'm James, I live in London and I'm the founder of LA Clippers UK!
How did you discover basketball?
My love for basketball began in 2013 where I started playing the sport after school. I was largely influenced by my cousin who was really into American sports like the NFL and of course the NBA. From then on I was hooked! BT Sport had the license to show the NBA in the UK back then so after a night of watching football I began following the league.
Who do you support?
The most cursed franchise in NBA history (bar the Knicks) the LA Clippers!
Why do you support your team?
My cousin, who is a Knicks fan, based all his teams in New York due to his love for the city. I had always loved Los Angeles and had begun following the Oakland Raiders in the NFL, so LA was the market for me. The obvious people's choice is the Lakers and I loved Kobe, but they were on a serious downturn at the time and I felt I had missed the jump on them. I was introduced to the Clippers, a team who didn't have much history but were currently on the up and playing some exciting basketball. Ultimately it was their 'Lob City' style of play that made it a no brainer for me! I instantly fell in love with the big 3 of Blake Griffin, Chris Paul and Deandre Jordan and haven't looked back since.
If you had to choose 1 game to convince a new basketball fan to support your team, what game would it be? I'd have to say game 7 of our 2015 1st round playoff series against the Spurs, by far the greatest Clipper game I've ever watched. Lob City was in full flow that year. It's 109-109 with 7 seconds on the clock, CP3 drives to the basket and drills a mid range jumper to send Kawhi and the defending champions home. Unfortunately as a Clipper fan you have to take the rough with the smooth and we went on to choke a 3-1 lead against the Rockets in the second round. So there's 2 games to sum up being a Clipper fan! I wouldn't trade it for anything. One day I will witness history with this franchise, I just hope it's soon.
You need to build a 3 x 3 team, choose your current favourite player and your all-time favourite player to join you.
My current favourite player is Kawhi Leonard. Some of my first memories of watching basketball are witnessing his finals MVP performances against the Heat back in 2014 and have been following his greatness ever since. Watching him drag the Raptors to their first title made it even sweeter when he decided to join my Clippers, instilling belief that perhaps this could be the man to take us to the promised land. So Kawhi to the right of me and on the left it would have to be none other than the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan. A duo of Kawhi and MJ, along with myself, would be something to behold! Nobody is scoring against us and nobody is stopping us!
Have you ever had the opportunity to go to a live NBA game, if so when & where? If you’ve been to more than one which was your favourite? So far no. I've only been to the states once and it was during the off season. I hope to visit again soon with the intention of catching a Clipper road game in New York. I was however lucky enough to be a virtual fan in the bubble for our horrific game 7 against the Nuggets, so I guess that counts. I prefer not to speak about that experience though, I picked a great game that's for sure.
What are your social media handles or websites where fans can find you?
At the moment you can find me over on Twitter at @ClippersUK. I'm followed by the actual LA Clippers account so you know I'm official! I will be starting a Clipper fan podcast very soon so be sure to stay tuned and keep locked in!
What’s your name, where do you come from and who are you reppin?
I'm Will. I run the Houston Rockets UK Twitter account as well as being a co-host of the (very unreliable) The Serve-Up Podcast.
How did you discover basketball?
I had some family move over to Houston in 1994, just after the first title. So when we went to visit soon after, the Rockets were everywhere.
Who do you support?
Besides the obvious, the Nets were my 'if it can't be Houston' team because of Dinwiddie (check out the Woj podcast from January 2019, for some background info on the guy). However, with Dork Elvis now in Philly, they've taken that title.
Why do you support your team?
I'm a sucker for punishment.
If you had to choose 1 game to convince a new basketball fan to support your team, what game would it be? 1995 Western Conference 2nd Round Game 7 Vs Phoenix. Back and forth game, Rockets complete 3-1 comeback. Mario Elie kiss-of-death. Lovely!
You need to build a 3 x 3 team, choose your current favourite player and your all-time favourite player to join you.
All time favourite is easy - Hakeem Olajuwon. Greatest big-man to ever play the game.
Current is a bit harder, but I'd probably say Luka. He's just got everything and is so fun watch. I was absolutely baffled at the time when he wasn't consensus #1 pick, and now it seems even crazier.
Have you ever had the opportunity to go to a live NBA game, if so when & where? If you’ve been to more than one which was your favourite? I've been to quite a few over the years. First was Rockets v Hawks in December 94, most recent was Rockets v Charlotte in March 2019. Favourite was probably Rockets v Lakers in January 2013. First time I saw Harden play, Houston were imperious.
What are your social media handles or websites where fans can find you?
I run the Houston Rockets UK Twitter account (@RocketsFansUK) and also have my own personal account (@wubalubadubdub) which is about 95% basketball also.
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