Under the Patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan
Rashed Alzaabi
Professional Basketball Player
From: U.A.E
I started playing when I was 10 years old. I played in Alwahdah Club until 2004; then I played on the youth national team. I switched to Alwasl Club for a year; then I was selected to be on the first National Team in 2007.
1. Describe yourself in 1-3 words
I love basketball.
2. Your Favorite Kobe Bryant moment?
Kobe’s first ring in 2000.
3. What is your secret weapon on the basketball court?
My fast first quick step to the basket when beating to defender 1 on 1.
4. What are your career highlights?
I received a couple of achievements like the GCC Cup, the Arabian Cup, and many other local championships.
Qais Alshabebi
Professional Basketball Player
From: United Arab Emirates
Professional basketball player from AL Ahli Club in Dubai.
I have played professional basketball for over ten years. I currently play for AL Ahli Club in Dubai. I play centre, small forward, and power forward.
1. How tall are you?
6'5".
2. Describe yourself in 1-3 words
A basketball player.
3. How would you define fitness?
I work out every day.
4. What is you favourite Kobe moment?
All of them are my favourites.
5. What is your secret weapon on the basketball court?
I have a lot, can not say just one
6. What is your number one workout tip?
Work hard.
Marques Houston
Music artist
From: Los Angeles, California
1. Describe yourself in 3 words?
Fun, Smart, Spiritual
2. How do you stay healthy and fit with your busy schedule?
I have a very balanced diet, no red meat, no poultry. I work out five to six days a week for at least an hour a day. Cardio, weight training and callisthenics.
3. How would you define fitness?
Fitness is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and a good diet.
4. What was the greatest challenge you faced in your career??
Getting physically fit for my Naked album. I trained very hard and stayed focused. I made sure I ate right, got adequate sleep and worked really hard to get to my goal. I was able to get in the best shape I've ever been in.
5. Have you been to Abu Dhabi or Dubai?
Yes. I love to play basketball so I am really looking forward to playing in the celebrity game.
6. What is your favourite Kobe moment?
When Kobe won the MVP in 2008 (He deserved more than that one)
7. What is your secret weapon on the basketball court?
I'm a really good shooter.
8. What is your number one workout tip?
Stay dedicated.
9. If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
I make great spaghetti.
What advice would you give to kids about achieving their goals?
Never give up
Dusan Milicic
Personal Fitness Trainer, Former Professional Basketball Player
From: Serbia
I currently am a Personal Fitness trainer. I have played basketball for 13 years professionally. I’ve played all over the world, including Brazil, Lebanon, Italy, Romania, and Egypt. My natural position is small forward, due to versatility I can also play on the positions #2 and #4
1. How do you describe yourself?
I am a hard working player.
2. What is your secret weapon on the court?
I’m a versatile player, but my main weapon is a very precise three-point shot.
3. How tall are you?
6’7” (200cm).
4. What is your favourite Kobe moment?
All of his last minute, game winning shots.
5. What are you looking forward to most about the game?
It’s a privilege to be coached by Kobe Bryant. I used to play against his teammate Steve Black
Ahmed bin Sulayem
Chairman, DMCC
Dubai, UAE
1. Describe yourself in 3 words?
To quote a word invented by Malcolm Gladwell Disagreeableness, social risk taking and active introvert
2. How do you stay healthy and fit with your busy schedule?
This is seasonal and depends on whether I have back to back business travel. I prefer to mix it up. My work-outs can vary from an 1800 metre run, row, squats, press and everything else in between
3. How would you define fitness?
Fitness is an antidote to all of the laziness that modern life provides
4. What was the greatest challenge you faced in your career? How did you overcome it?
Its knowing when the race is won
5. What do you like best about living in the Dubai?
That I have played a role in helping build the only new city of the 21st Century. A city which provides more than is required both socially and professionally and still strives to give yet more
6. What song best describes your work ethic?
Johnny Cash ("Ain't No Grave (Gonna Hold This Body Down)"
7. What is your favourite Kobe moment?
There is no such thing as a single perfect Kobe moment! Kobe embodies mad skill, tenacity and dedication! He is truly a role model for many generations of basket ballplayers to come - Kobe’s perfect lob pass to Shack against Portland, need I say more! 2001 – Kobe and Co. swept Westcoast, 2010 Kobe & Co. demoralising Boston Celtics in game 7
8. What is your secret weapon on the basketball court?
An unintentional elbow to the eye (Wink!)
9. What is your number one workout tip?
When you have given your all, you still have more to give
10. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you like to have with you?
Aside from kettle bells, a basket ball hoop, a best friend call ‘Wilson’ and NBA TV
11. If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Lean 95 and Enguinity shakes
12. If you were to select 2 celebrities to be your parents, who would they be and why?
I doubt any celeb would like to be my parent
What advice would you give to kids about achieving their goals?
Never give up! Make the most of the bad times as well as the good times
13. If you could pick one highlight of your career, what would it be?
Positioning Dubai as the center of global commodity trade!
14. If you were a fruit, what would you be and why?
Why? Are you looking for a ‘date’?
15. What was the best piece of advice you ever received?
Never Expect always Inspect! In the race to Excellence there is no finish line! Look at the opportunities within challenges rather than the challenges within the opportunities
Immediately following the celebrity basketball game, Kobe will be judging a slam dunk competition consisting of a few of the best dunkers in the region. Listen to Virgin radio for a chance to win an entry. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/mavenmarketingandevents to stay informed of additional ways you can win.
Competitions are video entries, so start working on your dunking skills!