It was a fun-filled day in anticipation of the 2013 NBA Draft where the Art of Luxury Series took place at NBA Legend and 2x NBA Finals Champion, Walt "Clyde" Frazier's restaurant, Clyde Frazier Wine and Dine, on 485 10th Avenue in midtown-Manhattan. Hosted by the projected No. 1 NBA draft pick, Nerlens Noel, and International Model, Clarissa Rosario, the Art of Luxury Series was presented by Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations, High Flyers Club, 3P Media, and Black Enterprise.

Nerlens Noel, the projected No.1 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft

Part 1-The Art of Luxury Gifting and Grooming Suite:

The series began with the annual gifting and grooming suite for males – the only male-oriented grooming suite presented during NBA Draft Week. There were grooming items, jewelry, and other trendy products featured, as well as, Eye Vision Clothing, The Parish Nation clothing line, and Lil Wayne's TRUKFIT clothing line. Draft Pick, Victor Oladipo, and University of Duke star, Mason Plumlee, were on-site browsing the suite.

Part 2- "Passing of the Torch" Player's Dinner:

30 special guests wined and dined in a private section of Clyde Frazier's restaurant. Clyde Frazier attended and told me in an interview that he spoke to Nerlens Noel about the upcoming draft. Frazier quoted that "he likes Noel's talents and hopes he does well." He continued with advice for those entering the league "to set a plan, remember those (family, coaches, etc.) who helped get them to where they are today, work on time-management, and have confidence and a tenacious work ethic."

Clyde Frazier was thrilled to have the "Art of Luxury Series" held at his restaurant. He shared that he is amazed to see how much the NBA game has evolved, particularly with how much more the younger players are physically equipped as they enter the draft at age 19 in comparison to his 1st round NBA draft pick almost 50 years ago at age 22.

The five-star, four-course seated dinner was a great chance for former and current professional athletes, and supportive sponsors to interact with one another and exchange valuable information. Notable figures were in attendance including Former NBA Champion, Craig "Speedy" Claxton and his wife, Meeka, along with actor Sean Ringgold.

Meeka and Craig "Speedy" Claxton. Photo Credit: Donna Leslie/What's The 411 Networks

Part 3- Red Carpet Philanthropy Mix and Mingle:

The series ended with a red carpet and up-beat Philanthropy Mix and Mingle. The lively event benefited the nonprofit organization, Beating Cancer in Heels. Founder, Marlena Ortiz, age 28, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25, created the nonprofit to empower young women who are fighting cancer.

Marlena noted that everyone is always fighting for a goal in some type of element. She added, just like those entering the NBA Draft, they have been fighting to get to this level and will continue to fight to have successful careers. Through her organization, Marlena espouses a similar message. She encourages young women battling cancer to keep pushing and to live their lives to the fullest.

International Model, Clarissa Rosario; VH1's Love & Hip Hop star, Yandy Smith and VH1's Mobwives star, Love Majewski, were among the many VIP guests celebrating at the Red Carpet Philanthropy Mix and Mingle to bring Tene Nicole's NBA Pre-Draft Art of Luxury Series to a close.

International Model Clarissa Rosario. Photo Credit: Donna Leslie/What's The 411 Networks

Vh1's Mob Wives Reality Star Love Majewski. Photo Credit: Donna Leslie/What's The 411 Networks

Congratulations and best of luck to the 2013 NBA Draft class.

WATCH VIDEO - NEW YORK KNICKS CHASE BLUE CARPET

In celebration of the reconstructed Madison Square Garden and to tip-off the 2013-14 NBA season, the New York Knicks held the Blue Carpet Event presented by Chase Bank.

Knicks' legends, professional boxers, and many more stars filled the Chase Blue Carpet as they entered the revamped arena for the Knicks' home opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Blue Carpet celebrants, as well as, fans weighed in on their prospects for the Knicks' 2013-14 season.

Former Knicks players, Larry Johnson, John Wallace, and John Starks, as well as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, Damaris Lewis, believe the versatility and attitude of newly acquired players, Andrea Bargnani and Metta World Peace, along with the strong qualities of rookie Tim Hardaway Jr., are fitting additions to the championship caliber team.

Former professional heavyweight boxer, Gerry Cooney, gushed over the beauty of the new MSG interior, in particular, the spacious Chase Bank Seventh Avenue entrance lobby filled with memorabilia and two 600-square-foot screens on the ceiling. Wallace and others raved over the transformed arena and phenomenal view from the Chase Bridges, which contain glass walls to provide a clear view of the court. The Chase Bridges seat up to 430 fans and are accompanied by a total of six scoreboard monitors. Finally, not to be forgotten, there was endless praise over the newly installed HD scoreboard above center court with mini scoreboards embedded underneath for players and fans to view conveniently from courtside and the lower bowl.

After three years and $1 billion worth of renovations, MSG has heightened the experience of what is known as "The Mecca" to an unprecedented level. Let's see if the metamorphic arena will reflect in a highly successful season for the Knicks.

Videography: Alexis Williams

Scarangella Park in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn is the joy-filled scene for actor Pooch Hall’s arrival

Many people were introduced to actor Marion H. "Pooch" Hall, Jr. as the infamous wide receiver, Derwin Davis, of the San Diego Sabers on The Game, a hit series on BET. However, Pooch Hall’s fame widened when he joined the cast to play the role of Darryl on Ray Donovan, a Showtime hit drama about a Hollywood “fixer”.

What many people don’t know is that Hall is a father of three children and one of his children has special needs. Perhaps, it is with this understanding that all children need time and attention that Hall came to Brooklyn. He didn’t just come to Brooklyn to meet up with friends at one of Brooklyn’s hot spots, or to take in a live production at one of its many cultural venues. Hall came to Brooklyn to support children at the Trayvon Martin Basketball Tournament held at Scarangella Park in the Gravesend section of Brooklyn. The event was organized and sponsored by community resident, Maurice Ballard and his non-profit organization, Youth and Community Awareness, Inc.

In the video, Hall talked to What’s The 411's Bianca Peart, about boxing both on and off the screen along with his role in Ray Donovan. He also discussed his latest project and his aspirations to share the big screen with his role models, actors Will Smith and Jamie Foxx. In case you’re still wondering why Hall did not return to The Game, he serves the tea in the interview.

Hall started his career doing commercials and modeling and also starred in a Spike Lee film, Miracle’s Boys, among others. Continuously making moves in his career, Hall truly believes "impossible is nothing, it's a matter of going after it."

FYI: How did Hall get the name, “Pooch”? During Hall's childhood, a neighbor nicknamed him "Pookie." His father soon changed it to "Poochie" and over time it was shortened to "Pooch."

Watch Video: Actor Pooch Hall in Brooklyn

VIDEO DISCUSSION: Phoenix, Utah, and Denver Path for Nets to Win on West Coast

Brooklyn Nets have a tough test ahead as the team heads out to the west coast to play the Portland Trailblazers, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Taylor Townsend found out on Twitter that she would be playing Serena Williams

It was 2007 when Taylor Townsend was sitting in the nosebleeds watching Serena and Venus Williams play a night match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Fast-forward to 2014 where Townsend earned a huge seat upgrade, not simply in the front row, but on the court, as the opponent of the No. 1 seed, Serena Williams, at the same stadium for the opening-round match of her US Open debut.

When Townsend found out about the news she didn't believe it.

"I found out on Twitter," she said. "Okay, let me double-check. It was true. So then I was just immediately really excited. I just thought that it was a huge opportunity."

Townsend turned professional at the end of the 2012 season after achieving the world No. 1-ranking as a junior, the first American girl to do so in 30 years. She made her Grand Slam debut earlier this year at Roland Garros as a wild card and advanced to the third round.

Townsend winning 2012 Australian Open girls’ singles title. Photo: Shuji Kajiyama/Associated Press

In lieu of the 18-year old Townsend's success, she looks up to Serena as she is one of the main reasons why Townsend is present in the tennis world.

"I mean, Serena's an African-American woman from Compton, California who won [now 18] Grand Slam titles. Like, who would have thought? Anything is possible. She's paved the way for me and not only African-American girls but girls in general, people in general, [she] just has changed the game of tennis. I think I've just learned from her story that anything is possible."

Their friendship blossomed last year at the Fed Cup in Delray Beach, Florida, when she talked to Serena and Venus Williams during a rain delay. Surprisingly they didn't talk about tennis, just casual girl-talk about hair and nails. Then later in Charleston, South Carolina, they chatted again for more than an hour and capped it off with selfies at the players' party.

Taylor Townsend’s selfie with Serena and Venus Williams

Williams was just as excited to play Townsend for the opening draw match.

"We're really good friends. We always talk and always text each other. It's going to be a really tough match for me." Serena continued,"she's such a great player. [She's] extremely young. I have been able to see her play a little bit. She does everything really, really well."

Entering the match, they both won in the nail department. Townsend wore a gel manicure with deep, hot pink polish with blue tips. Williams rocked pastel pink nail polish with crystal, pink and black leopard prints her middle nails. But only one could win the tennis match, which was Serena 6-3, 6-1 who moved on to win her first 1st Grand Slam title of 2014.

American professional tennis player, Taylor Townsend Photo Credit: Getty Images

Legendary American professional tennis player, Serena Williams, rocking pale pink manicure. Photo Credits: Getty Images (right) and AP (left)

Although Townsend lost the match she didn't let it get to her negatively. She was honored to face her idol and was all smiles.

"I just tried to go out on the court and really have a good time, embrace the moment, embrace the crowd and just use it. I did the best that I could."

The match helped put in perspective that she's doing all the right things - her serve can be a weapon and she can be a threat in the pro circuit with her style of play.
Serena also applauded Taylor and referred to her as the "Future of Tennis." Williams continued to speak positively of Townsend.

"She's a lefty. I always wanted to be lefty," she said smiling with envy. Why does Serena envy lefties? "That just in general puts you on a whole new level as a player. She's a very aggressive player. She comes to the net, she makes her shots. You don't really see that in tennis so much. You see players that, you know, stay aback and hug the baselines, as I do. But it's good, refreshing, and I think it's the future of tennis just by doing what she does."

Just how Townsend is inspired by Serena's story, Taylor is creating a story of her own for the current and future generations of tennis.

"I've always said that I wanted to use my tennis to inspire and help people. I want to continue [to be an inspiration and role model] as I progress in the pros and get better just because if we have these gifts and talents [and] we don't use it to help try to make a difference, then it really doesn't matter."

Taylor Townsend with kids before the 2013 New Haven Open Tennis Tournament at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Photo Credit: Bill Weiss/New Haven Open

As Townsend said, "anything is possible." It took her seven years to earn her huge seat upgrade, which she saw as unfathomable at the time.

Townsend serves as a refreshing reminder that one can achieve their dreams with hard work and dedication.

If you're looking for an extra dose of excitement during a tennis match, you have to tune in the Frenchman, Gael Monfils.

Whether he is sliding side-to-side in nearly full splits or executing jaw-dropping between-the-legs shots, his performance on the court continuously keeps you in awe. Couple his athleticism with a free-spirited personality, and you have yourself one of the most fascinating players in tennis today.

French professional tennis player, Gael Monfils. Photo: Getty Images

Monfils, ranked No. 20 at the 2014 US Open, advanced to the quarterfinals in the tournament for the second time in his career. In the quarters, Gael was leading two sets to love against 5-time US Open Champion Roger Federer, and unluckily let it slip away-- twice--failing to convert two match points in the fourth set, before losing in five.

"I was saying to myself, keep it simple and try to make Roger play them because I knew that he will force it ... he will put the first ball in and then for sure come to the net very quick," Monfils said in reference to the two match-point opportunities. "So it was more like be relaxed and just lean a bit more on my forehand return and try to make it. And then we just played those two points, and well done [for Roger]."

Monfils did not dwell too hard on the loss, as he recently called Federer an idol and the legend of tennis. "I come strong. I played good, I [stuck] to my tactic, I was happy that I could do it. I was happy that also -- you know, sometimes when you want to do [well], it's tough to deliver." He continued. "At the end I'm frustrated, but I'm happy. I think I gave my best. Simply Roger was too good at the end...I need a bit of time to forget this, but then it (will) give me more motivation."

Gael Monfils (left) Roger Federer (right) at 2009 Men's Singles Quarter Final French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, France. Ryan Pierse/Getty Images Europe

A professional tennis player who hasn't had a coach since November 2012 and won't settle for just anyone, Monfils should be commended for maintaining his physical and mental toughness.

"For sure it's better to have a coach. I won't lie to you. It's better to have someone to help you. I need it. But as I say all the time, it's not easy to feel someone. That person has to be -- has to be, for me, like good, first of all, but has to be hard and also understand my personality. Because I don't think I'm easy, but I think I'm quite a good worker."

Monfils knows the type of coach he wants and has reached out to a select few, but they aren't able to travel full time.

As Monfils remains coachless, it's just him and his Coca-Cola (yes, that's right.) During changeovers, you can catch him quenching his thirst with a cold Coke. "Well, sometimes, you know, I just feel like I want a Coke, and I drink a Coke," Monfils said while smiling.

Before leaving New York after a long run at the Open, Monfils was given a personalized can of Coca Cola by the company as part of their "Share a Coke" campaign.

The US Open and New York City is practically a second home for Monfils, as New York was the first place he traveled to overseas with his parents, who are Caribbean. His late father introduced him to family friends in the Bronx.

"Then he [my father] showed me that the community, the black community was behind me. I was not aware about that also, here. You know, and then they started to come to the stadium, bring me that energy, and then they just [taught] me that here that I can feel ... at home and I have a second family also, as I say as even in the French Open," Monfils said explaining why New York City is so important to him.

"So when I feel good, the crowd is behind me and has great spirit, [then] I think I can be very tough to beat."

Monfils has the talent and can win a Grand Slam Title; however, it's simply a matter of him staying healthy, focused, and understanding court position throughout matches. His highest world rank is No. 7 and the furthest he has advanced in a Grand Slam was the semifinals at Roland Garros in 2008.

In the midst of watching Monfils win a title, you can sit back and relish his raw talent. And if you are lucky enough you can "Share a Coke" with Gael.

Watch Video: Gael Monfils and Laurent Lokoli performing in a dance battle during a rain delay at Roland Garros in May 2014. 

After an exhaustive 2 hour and 30-minute action-packed rally, American junior Michael Mmoh, No. 10, was knocked out in the first round against unranked Yunseong Chung from Korea at the 2014 US Open Junior Boys' Singles.

Mmoh dominated the first set but suddenly the 90-degree Fahrenheit heat and his frustration with play calling, combined with a persistent comeback from Chung got the best of him and he lost, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6.

The 16-year-old Mmoh explained his perspective on playing at a junior level.

"I felt a lot of pressure today. My other friends are rivals and have won so you don't want to be left behind, kind of in the dust. Because I was the 10th seed here obviously I was supposed to do better than losing first round."

One of Mmoh's closest friends, Francis Tiafoe, No. 1, is amongst one of his rivals in the junior singles circuit.

Francis Tiafoe (left) and Michael Mmoh (right) made their doubles debut in the professional circuit representing USA at the 2014 US Open and extended their journey to the second round. Photo by: Mike Lawrence/usopen.org

"There's also a different mentality when you're playing them (pros). There's no pressure, just playing the game to your fullest, compared to juniors where there are high expectations. It's different and it's amazing how much (your play) can change with pressure and without pressure." Mmoh said after experiencing a minor dosage of what will come in the near future as he prepares to perform in the pro circuit.

"Two years ago I played US Open Juniors I won a round, and same thing back then, no pressure. I was playing and going for everything and believing in everything. It's just different. It's good for me though...experiencing the pressure because if I do make it to the top then obviously the pressure is ten times more."

Right now Mmoh is focused on performing in the pro circuit and looks up to Frenchman Gael Monfils.

"I like his personality and I think we have a similar game."

They both have a strong serve, forehand, and similar sliding technique. Mmoh's 6'2", 190 lbs stature and power should be advantageous in the pro circuit. He's been training at IMG Academy, led by Nick Bollettieri, the legend who helped produce US tennis great Andre Agassi.

Michael Mmoh at 2014 US Open Junior Boys' Singles first round match against Yunseong. Chung Photo by: Chris Trotman/Getty Images

But will college ever be a part of Mmoh's future? "Right now, no. I really love the sport of tennis," Mmoh said with certainty.

Even though his three older siblings graduated from the University of Maryland and he visited the campus several times, becoming a professional tennis player is his primary focus.

"College is nice but I don't want to get distracted. I especially don't want the social life to affect my tennis game. I want to be a pro."

His peer, Noah Rubin, who was a wildcard in the 2014 US Open, entered his freshman year at Wake Forest University with a scholarship where his schedule will allow him to play pro events. After Rubin completes his freshman year he is able to leave the university and return at any time to complete his degree.

Mmoh wasn't completely aware of that type of scholarship opportunity. He said he would have to investigate more on how to play collegiate tennis that is able to help leverage his professional career.

"You never know what may happen two years from now but right now I am focusing on tennis," Mmoh concluded.

One would think Mmoh would be interested in attending business school with his entrepreneurial experience since he created a mobile app at the age of 13 called "Over-snow."
It's a game where you tap away falling snowflakes before they reach the ground. It is useful to enhance hand-eye coordination.

"For now nothing really grabs my attention," Mmoh said in terms of a future career outside of tennis. Like many athletes or anyone in general, you can never catch him without wearing his red Beats by Dre headphones.

"But maybe it would be really good to be the owner of Beats." Mmoh quickly said while glancing at his headphones.

Michael Mmoh close friend and doubles partner Francis Tiafoe being interviewed while rocking his red Beats by Dre

The son of former ATP pro and Nigerian Olympian Tony Mmoh, and coached by former ATP pro, Glenn Weiner, Michael is making moves to play professional events regularly. Two years is a long time for Mmoh to evaluate whether or not he plans to attend college. For now, he'll continue to develop his game- especially mentally like he referenced, and go to Futures tournaments and increase his ATP ranking.

Update: On October 26, 2014, Mmoh achieved a career milestone and made tennis history by winning his first professional tournament title at the City of Brownsville Men's Pro Tennis Classic in Brownsville, Texas becoming the youngest player to win a USTA men's Pro Circuit event since Rhyne Williams who won the Pittsburgh Futures in 2007.

Lisicki receives Guinness World Record Award for accomplishing world's fastest tennis serve

July 29, 2014, marked a historic date for the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) where Sabine Lisicki from Germany clocked the world's fastest serve among women at 131 MPH in Stanford, California.

Guinness World Record awarded Lisicki with a certificate on Friday, August 22 before the  US Open 2014 kicked off. At the time when she set the record, Lisicki didn't realize her serve was that fast.

"I felt that I hit it very hard and good but it was only when I heard the crowd that I realized it was 131 (MPH) when I looked at the board."

As with any tennis player, Lisicki's main priority is to serve the ball inbounds.

"It's a natural thing. I just throw up the ball and hit it as hard as I can but not really thinking about it because it obviously has to go in so that's the main priority."

Lisicki is very excited about her world record and added: "I had 130 (MPH) serve about four years ago but it wasn't an official one, so I'm very happy that this one's official."

The previous record was set in 2007 by Venus Williams, who clocked in at 129 MPH during the US Open against Alla Kudryavtseva from Russia. This was the same year Venus won Wimbledon. Williams still holds a separate record where she became the lowest-ranked (no. 31) and lowest-seeded player (23 seed) to ever win Wimbledon.

Lisicki opened against a qualifier, Françoise Abanda from Canada. Abanda is a young star, 17 years old, whose parents hail from Cameroon, Africa. This is Abanda's debut at the senior level in the main draw of the US Open, ranking in at her career high, number 205.

Canadian tennis player by way of the Cameroon, Francoise Abanda. Photo Credit: The Canadian Press/Graham-Hughes

 Williams, who is 34 years old, knocked out an even older opponent, 43-year-old Kimiko Date-Krumm from Japan in the first round in a three-set thriller.

We'll look forward to seeing milestones reached in this tournament whether it's Lisicki meeting or surpassing her current serving speed record, Taylor Townsend shocking the world by defeating Serena Williams, or perhaps, Venus Williams winning the US Open.

VIDEO: Is actor Pooch Hall looking to box in the ring professionally?

What's The 411TV Correspondent, Bianca Peart, ran into actor Marion H. "Pooch" Hall, Jr. who came to Brooklyn to support the Trayvon Martin Basketball Tournament being held at Scarangella Park in Bensonhurst organized and sponsored by Maurice Ballard's non-profit organization, Youth and Community Awareness, Inc.

Pooch talked about boxing both on and off the screen along with his role in the Showtime hit drama, Ray Donovan. He also discussed his latest project and his aspirations to share the big screen with his role models Will Smith and Jamie Foxx.

And we cannot forget about Pooch as the infamous wide receiver, Derwin Davis, of the San Diego Sabers on The Game. He fills us in as to why he is no longer a part of the sitcom.

Continuously making moves in his career, Pooch truly believes "impossible is nothing, it's a matter of going after it."

FYI: For those who viewed the video, during Pooch's childhood, a neighbor nicknamed him "Pookie." His father soon changed it to "Poochie" and over time it was shortened to "Pooch."

Videographer: Jesse Whitehead

Video Editing: Ruth J. Morrison

WATCH VIDEO

Maurice Ballard, founder of Youth Community and Awareness, Inc. hosted the first annual Trayvon Martin Basketball Tournament at Scarangella Park in Brooklyn, New York.

The tournament, which gathered over 300 kids from the Marlboro and Coney Island sections of Brooklyn, promoted diversity and anti-violence strategies and was graced by the presence of actor Pooch Hall. It is no coincidence that the tournament took place in this specific location, a once racially segregated neighborhood and Maurice's stomping grounds as a youth. Maurice spoke about racism in Bensonhurst during his upbringing in the 80s and touched upon the ever-present nature of the topic in today's world.

Adopted and raised by VH1's Mob Wife, Ramona Rizzo's Italian family in Bensonhurst, Maurice is grateful for the support and upbringing that was bestowed upon him. Maurice pays his gratefulness forward through his non-profit organization, Youth and Community Awareness Inc. He gives back to the youth with his program, Bringing Back Baseball, which helps to keep baseball relevant within the African-American community. The kids also learn about soccer, hockey, and lacrosse. Maurice doesn't just focus on sports with his kids. As a motivator, he teaches the young people in his program how to be successful in the game of life.

Maurice would know, as he is also a filmmaker. He has a documentary, A Bensonhurst Tale, and a feature film, The Ballard of Bensonhurst, which focuses on growing up with an Italian-American family.

Videographer: Jesse Whitehead

Video and Text Editor: Ruth J. Morrison