Bobby and I have known each other for a good seven years now.  Prior to being the captain for Team Dunk, I was a part a Team Generation, twice (winning the ‘chip with them in the first season).  With that said, I can honestly say that Bobby Joseph has one of the worst looking jump shots the game of basketball has ever witnessed.  Any team guarding Bobby, one strategy comes to mind leave him open!  If the NRF was a track league Bobby would be first team (hands down).  On the flipside he’s seen as a grandfather figure to most.  Being one of the oldest dudes in the league, he is also one of the most fit.  Credit to you Bobby.  Just, work on the jump shot (at least the form).  Maybe teammate Joe Branch could help you on that one!

Anyway, Bobby and I had a moment to sit down and reflect on a few things recently.  We spoke mostly about his tenure in the NRF (being an O.G. member) and his input as a designer.  Here is what went down.  This was my chance to really rack Bobby’s brain across the board, as I know he isn’t exactly goin’ to the rack in the NRF.


How were you asked to play in the NRF? Or how did you hear about it?

Joe Branch and Jeff Staple pressured me into being a captain, to this day I have no idea why.

What have you experienced in the NRF that you will take away?  Let’s stay positive here Bobby.

My biggest take away has been the trips; Team Generation has gone to the ‘chip four times in seven seasons (won twice). The first one was my first team trophy, ever!

You have stayed loyal to your guys as a captain.  I have tried to do the same thing now with Team Dunk. What has been the hardest thing of being a captain after years of success?

We’ve drafted and traded for some of the best talent year after year (R.O.Y., All Stars, Championship MVPs) and the challenge of keeping them and MY guys (that I started with) is really tough since you can only keep the captain plus three. We’ve grown to being ok with being the oldest team in the league.

Is this a real retirement or will we see you back on the court like MJ in two years?

The NRF is incredible, I’ve made life-long friends and done business with more than two  dozen guys in the league. However, it’s time for TG and the NRF to get some new guys to participate and take this incredible concept of a rec league to new heights.

Besides the basketball aspect, what has driven you to continue to show up each Wednesday to the gym?

In addition to really wanting another ring?! I’ve also enjoyed participating in helping to aesthetically shape the league with logo, uniform and shoe designs over the years.


You have met some interesting people along the way.  Can you name some projects you worked on via those meetings?

Outside of the NRF, JJ and I art directed a few look books, Jomo, Lou and I worked on a television pilot together, Joe and I worked on a fundraiser and countless other projects with Nick Blatchford, Justin Leonard, Scott Williams, Niko Klansek, Danny Millan, Jeff Staple, Sabai Burnett, Keith Howard and on and on…

Me, you and Scott Williams worked on a few things. Can you describe what went down?

That was great! Justin asked if we could assemble a few assets for the Nike 255 Studio for last year’s NCAA Tourney. It turned into the coolest collection of t-shirts that no one ever got!

You have gotten a chance to design a few kicks for the NRF? Do you have a favorite and why?

My hands-down favorite was the first Championship shoe; it was an all-tan (including outsole) calfskin Dunk! I also have an all-red Kobe VI coming, representing for my 27-2 SDSU Aztecs (alma mater)!

What are some of your favorite NRF moments that immediately come to mind?

Beating the $%*! Out of Delta Force for our second ‘chip! I think they were undefeated that year and we started off something like 2-6 before the All-Star break. That was the most fun that I’ve had in any basketball game.

This year’s NRF All-Star is nice way to bow out (creatively). Can you describe your thinking behind the creative execution of the Uptown and Downtown conference uniforms?

The aesthetics are loosely based around communist poster art with a nod towards Greek mythology (Mercury’s winged foot). It was a lot of fun to put together once it started taking shape in my head.

The NRF Basketball league will definitely be losing a true veteran.  Time comes for the older wise men to pass the torch to the younger youth.  I am almost positive this won’t be the last we hear of Bobby Joseph.  Keep us posted on things please.  As you will always, have a home here at the NRF.  Just promise you come back with a better jump shot and some more great designs we can chat about.

We wish you the best Bobby.