06/06 - King Handles Interview
Joel “King Handles” Haywood, Vancouver Streetballer and Notic Legend is one of the hottest streetballers out right now. Considered by some as the fastest dribbler on the planet, Joey’s handles have not only impressed his fans but the likes of YPA who he now rolls with. Here’s an exclusive interview I did with Joey.

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BT: First up I want to congratulate you on the big win you had against the team And1 put together the other week. It’s good to see some of the Notic players getting together and busting ass.
KH: Thanks a lot. Yeah man it was real good to see guys like Rory and Goose come back and do their thing. More importantly we got the win so these cats know Vancity can ball.
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BT: So tell me what was the game like to play in? And how did it feel to play against some of the And1 players you’re used to seeing on TV?
KH: It was cool. I wasn’t nervous or nothing, just ready to come out and do my thing. It’s all good, it don’t mean nothing that I’ve seen them on TV. When I play any opponents it’s just ball.
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BT: What does it feel like to be part of YPA? And what has the experience been like so far?
KH: It’s a huge step up from where The Notic got me. Now I’m traveling around with the hottest streetball crew out there. I’m doing a lot more things. I been learning a lot from Roberto and the rest of the YPA staff and players. Everyone talks to me about the business side of things, but also I’m learning how ‘Berto set his man up and does his thing.
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BT: Tell me about the Players Ball? And what the game was like to play in?
KH: Players’ Ball was cool. Seeing ‘Berto live was crazy as opposed to seeing him on TV. It was real cool meeting everyone at YPA. The game was fun. I was a lil’ bit nervous but that went away after a while.
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BT: How old were you when you first picked up a basketball and what made you start playing?
KH: I was 7. I used to be a sick soccer player (laughs). I had to choose one sport. I choose ball because in soccer you don’t get your time to shine, there’s too many players out on the field! (laughs)
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BT: What has been the most memorable highlight of your streetball career so far?
KH: Definitely joining YPA.
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BT: How do you feel about the new YPA War DVD? Is it what you expected?
KH: Yeah, it’s cool. Court did a crazy job on the dvd.
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BT: What are your plans for the future?
KH: Work on my game. Keep doing my thing with YPA, help them grow in whatever ways I can. Definitely try and play pro-ball overseas and try to get me a shot to the League.
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Here’s a few questions that the guys on the message boards want to know:
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White Magic asks - What made you decide to go roll with YPA?
KH: Jeremy and Kirk were really busy and The Notic wasn’t really going no where. I went to Players’ Ball and saw how tight everything was. Roberto told me he wanted me to play on the squad so I called up Court and it was done.
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Scarface asks - What went down in the game at NYC where you and Bone Collector played? Is it true that he was scared to guard you?
KH: Bone (laughs out loud)…he got game but that dude is hella cocky! He wasn’t scared to guard me *I THINK* He was just backing off a lot. It was a good game though.
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Mellow-dramatik asks - Who really won that one on one game in the war between you and Exile?
KH: Nobody. It was a tie. We’ll play again…
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Power of the Dolla asks - Do you keep in contact with the other Notic players and what are they up to?
KH: For sure. We’re family, just because we might not tape as much anymore doesn’t mean we don’t keep in touch. Everyone is busy working, doing their thing and Rory’ll be graduating this year.
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princeofpersia asks - Do you feel that your new style of play is an improvement from when you played with the Notic? People have said it’s different, do you like it that way and what were the reasons you change it?
KH: My style isn’t so much new. When I was younger I was always really quick, people would always be commenting on my quickness. The stuff you see on the Notic is from 2, 3 years back where I was doing a few more tricks. Now I think that the way I dribble is just uncanny. You won’t see too many people around dribbling the way I do. I worked on my quickness and found ways to go by people by just using that and good ball control.
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Shoota asks - In what way or style do you have to practice to dribble the ball super fast like the way you do?
KH: I don’t know (laughs out loud)….I’ve always been quick and training with a heavy ball just pushes that to a new level. The heavy balls work, you just need to pound it when you dribble. There’ll be more about that on my website.
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Menamix asks - Who did you look up to as a young baller? And how did they influence your game?
KH: Allen Iverson aka King Crossover. AI is from the streets, he went to the L and was crossing dudes up. Just fearless at what he does so that’s how I relate it to my game because when I step on the court I’m not afraid of nobody, I’ll try and get you if I can.
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Menamix asks - How do you think ball in VanCity is developing?
KH: Well we beat the “And1″ team so it’s a good start. But in general basketball in Vancouver isn’t all that great. Who knows if the win will make more people play ball…
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Menamix asks - Why is Yash such a goof? (you dont have to answer that)
KH: Because he is my boy and he’s just goofy like that.
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Any Last words? Big thanks to Brad from Streetballin.net for recognizing. Much love to Court and everyone at YPA. YPA on the rise, we’re doing big things. Keep practicing.

BT - Big Thanks goes out to Yash for the hook up and Joey for taking the time out to answer some questions.