This Game Matters highlights Vancouver streetballer Goosebumps
There was a time in Vancouver, BC when streetball reigned. It was the best thing to happen to those summers back in the day. It was basketball mixed with hip hop culture all rolled into one. You could go to recreation centres like Bonsor, or outdoor courts like Kitsilano Beach, and there they were in action. Working on their moves, crossing each other over, dunking, and shooting those sweet jump shots. It was about competition, it was about friendship, it was about ball. These were hardworking young men, all with one common love; the game of basketball. Streetball was popular amongst many young ball players, but most commonly in the city of Vancouver it centered around a specific group of guys. There was Hope Dreams, Where You At, Fresh, Six Fingaz, Disaster, Delight, David Dazzle, Johnny Blaze, King Handles, and Goosebumps. The main event for all streetball lovers was the Hoop It Up 3 on 3 tournament that took place during the summers. It was where they would showcase their skills and wow the crowds with their fancy moves and electrifying plays. Hundreds and hundreds of people would pile up around the court, climb fences, get on shoulders, all to see them play with and/or against each other. It was entertainment at its best, streetball at a level Vancouver hadn’t seen before. They were innovators. Created moves and styles that were later duplicated in movies, video games, and other streetball platforms. These young men were also featured in movies, and written about in basketball magazines. They were stars in their own right. They also became the focus of two streetball DVDs that took the Vancouver basketball community by storm. The Notic, followed by another installment named The Notic 2, were Vancouver’s very own And1 mixtapes. Streetball highlights and clips with memorable hip hop songs made for a DVD that became a favorite in many streetball lovers’ collections.
Mohammed "Goosebumps" Wenn
With Goosebumps at the helm, The Notic 2 gave you a real inside look at Vancouver’s streetball scene. He was the one who stood out during that time, Goosebumps. One of the most fascinating streetball players to ever step foot on a Vancouver court. As his name indicates, his game really gave you goosebumps. Arguably the one with the most raw talent of the group, Goosebumps born Mohammed Wenn was the one people wanted to see. He had a smooth jump shot, paired up with amazing handles and a low dribble that could almost rival his friend Johnny Blaze who was the king of the low dribble, almost. Goosebumps’ passion for basketball was amazing. The type of player that would practice rain or shine, alone or not. Any opportunity he had to work on his game, he was on it. Not only his skills, but his charisma and character made him a crowd favorite. Everyone wanted to see Goosebumps play. During the Hoop It Up 3 on 3 tournament, you could hear the crowds yelling and chanting “Goosebumps! Goosebumps!” as soon as he touched the ball. From The Notic to The Notic 2, you witnessed his growth on the black top and grew to love this streetballer that really gave you goosebumps. His style of play which was not exactly a high school coach’s ideal style, hampered Goose (as many began to call him) when it came to high school basketball. He was often restricted as far as what he could do on the court. Goose eventually made the move south of the border and headed to Washington DC where he would attempt to develop his game and further his opportunities by playing in the United States. Unfortunately due to some US citizenship issues, Goosebumps’ stint in the states was limited to just a few months. Not to be defeated, he headed back to Vancouver and continued to play for his first love, basketball. Goose also started dedicating some of his time to music; another talent he possessed that few people knew about. Spending his time on the court or in the studio, Goosebumps really showed to be a multi-talented guy who exemplified passion and dedication. Although he didn’t make it to the pros or on the radio, his dedication to what he loved is what set him apart. He now looks to share his knowledge and experiences with this generation’s young basketball players. The mark that he and his peers left on the Vancouver streetball scene was one of a kind, and will forever go down in the city’s streetball history.
author: Drey
follow: @whereisaudrey
