WHEN A LION is preparing to make its kill, it coils and springs into a fierce sprint. The speed is punishing, as the lion’s need to successfully eat far overpowers anything in its way. Arella Guirantes can relate to that innate need. It’s what drives her each and every day to succeed.
“It’s either me or you,” Guirantes shares with SLAM.
It’s just that mentality that’s guided the New York native her entire career. From a high school standout at both IMG Academy (FL) and Bellport High School (NY), to leading Rutgers to their NCAA success this past season, Arella has utilized her competitive mindset to get her to this point as she prepares to enter the next phase of her career: the WNBA.
It all started at a park in Long Island. Before there was Rutgers and high school stardom, Arella used to go to the park near where her dad and grandfather worked. As the sun was setting after a long day of work, the guys would play fives all night long, and Arella was mesmerized.
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Esta historia es de la edición June - July 2021 de Slam.
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The SUMMER THAT WASN'T
Playground entry fences chain locked. Rims removed. Leagues canceled. Summer basketball just stopped in 2020. And as its effects extended beyond the blacktop, we were reminded why it's so important.
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Now What?
As North Carolina rapper J. Cole transitioned from up-and-comer to full-blown vet, he came to a realization: staying sharp and fighting off complacency ain't easy. Inspired by his love for basketball and his desire to remain on top of the game, the 36-year-old has been treating music like a competitive sport while he readies his next project: The Off-Season.
ONE STEP AT A Time
NBA and G League vet Jeremy Lin and Loyola Marymount's Anthony Yu speak candidly about the ups and downs of being Asian American in the basketball world.
THE GARDEN Blooms
The Knicks are back. Deadass, they're back. A return to the tough, gritty, resilient style that made the teams of the past so dominant has allowed Saba Julius Randle and RJ Barrett and the Knicks an opportunity to compete for homecourt advantage in the 2021 playoffs. Facts.
CITIZEN OF THE World
Congolese native Yannick Nzosa played for professional teams in Italy and Spain before he turned 17. Now that his name is moving up the 2022 pre-draft boards, the former soccer player has one thing front and center in his mind—succeeding for his family back home.
STRONG Island
Mental fortitude and physical toughness are what's helped Long Island's Arella Guirantes make it all the way to the W.
KICK IN THE Door
The WNBA, now in its 25th season, is the longest-running women's sports league ever. SLAM sat down with four of the most influential players of all time Diana Taurasi, Nneka Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Sue Bird to discuss their part in making the League the force it is today.
Can't YOU SEE
It ain't hard to tell that supernatural vision has established Nuggets star Nikola Jokic as a clear candidate for the 2021 MVP Award.
