Cleats & Sneaks

09/26/2026

Kobe. Westbrook. MJ.
Those are the legends who shaped Anto Balian’s mentality as a young hooper. 🐍🔥🏀
In Segment 4 of our Cleats & Sneaks interview, Anto talks about wearing 24 in high school because of Kobe, crying during Kobe’s last game when he was just nine, and adopting the Mamba Mentality as part of who he is.
He also connected with Russell Westbrook’s fire:
“You’re going to score on me. I’m going to score on you back.”
And before games?
Jordan and Kobe highlights. Every time.
“A lot of kids my age probably did that too. I watched Michael Jordan highlights all the time.”

Watch:

In Segment 4 of our Cleats & Sneaks interview, Anto Balian opens up...

09/24/2026

At just 16 years old, Anto Balian was called up to the Armenian National Team — and he says he was head over heels. 🇦🇲🔥
They were playing France, his parents and friends were screaming his name, and the moment felt surreal.

“It was a crazy experience, and I loved doing it.”

This is Segment 1 of our Cleats & Sneaks interview with Anto — more coming soon.

Watch: https://youtu.be/4QaZ--OURxQ

Pepperdine guard Anto Balian reflects on what it took to become one...

09/23/2026

This is the full Cleats & Sneaks sit‑down with professional basketball player Ife Ajayi, covering his entire journey from Abuja, Nigeria, to Southern California, to seven seasons overseas in Europe.

This is the full Cleats & Sneaks sit‑down with professional basketb...

09/23/2026

Stacy Davis breaks down the real money overseas — from $3K a month in Iceland to quiet millionaires in Europe. EuroLeague stars make millions, Japan pays $250K–$300K, and teams cover housing, insurance, and cars.
Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ep3K57szET4?si=uVRXYJx7q9Dd6BTQ

09/22/2026

At just 16 years old, Pepperdine guard Anto Balian was called up to the Armenian National Team — and he says he was head over heels. 🇦🇲🔥
They were playing France, his parents and friends were screaming his name from the stands, and the moment felt surreal.

“It was a crazy experience, and I loved doing it.”

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dKZonKesW2s

09/22/2026

Cleats & Sneaks is available on YouTube, TikTok, and IG. Give us a follow! We have some great basketball, soccer, and more sports content from the U.S. and abroad on the way!

09/20/2026

Pro hooper Stacy Davis, a star in Italy, says playing for Sella Cento in Italy has been most memorable experience of his career. Davis won an MVP award last season and expects to be playing at a high level for several more years. Checkout his interview with Cleats & Sneaks!

09/19/2026

Stacy Davis has etched out a successful professional basketball player in Asia, Europe, and North America for over a decade now. However, Davis, a star player in Italy, still dreams of stepping on an NBA court.

In Part 12 of the Cleats & Sneaks, interview veteran professional b...

09/17/2026

In Part 4 of our interview, Ife Ajayi breaks down the differences between American basketball and overseas hoops — and why the FIBA rule might actually make U.S. basketball better by slowing the game down and making it more competitive.
Watch: https://youtu.be/aLadsuKS2_c?si=0vzlK5AwG4oQiBB8

In Part 4 of our Cleats & Sneaks interview, Ife Ajayi breaks down t...

09/16/2026

Professional basketball player Ife Ajayi has played in France and Italy, but his personal style doesn't fit neatly into either category.

Instead, he's created his own philosophy called "CalmStill."

It's built around comfort, simplicity, and avoiding anything overly flashy or extravagant.

Watch the full interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MfMkB-lSgns