Episode 2 of Streetball: The Untold Stories of Basketball Stars is one for the books! This week’s segment is a must-watch—catch it tonight on Ballislife’s main YouTube channel. Exclusive to members, this documentary is one of the most highly produced projects Ballislife has ever crafted.
Released every Saturday, episode one explored the history of streetball, including the East Coast vs. West Coast rivalry. Episode two dives deeper into the personal lives of two of the scene’s favorite hoopers: Nasir Core and Dajour “Deebones” Joseph.
Before we get into the recap, here’s how to watch and the expected release dates for all eight episodes.
Episode 2: December 6
Episode 3: December 13
Episode 4: December 20
Episode 5: TBA
Episode 6: TBA
Episode 7: TBA
Episode 8: TBA
Game 2 Upcoming Rematch: Venice Beach
Episode two opens with a preview of the upcoming rematch between the East Coast and West Coast Squad. With 98 days until tipoff, it’s All-American weekend in LA. This 40-minute segment places a strong emphasis on the East Coast squad ahead of the high-stakes rematch.
DeeBones’ Personal Struggles
Highlighted in episode one, hoopers in the streetball community are only human. While they may be popular on the blacktop, athletes encounter daily struggles that everyone can relate to. Director and cinematographer Janine Sides offers an inside look at the life of Dajour “Deebones” Joseph, including his relationship challenges, legal struggles, and life updates. Much of this opening segment focuses on Deebone’s vulnerability, basketball, growth, and accountability.
A key member of the East Coast, Deebones struggles with a topic so profound and relatable: social media. His girlfriend Cash disables his Instagram after discovering messages in his inbox. Admitting that he “kinda” talked to girls on the gram, disabling the account is less than optimal for Deebones, as the app is a source of visibility and income.
By taking action, this is the only way Cash holds him accountable. Sticking by his side, the couple has faced hardships and bonded through evictions and personal struggles. Rolling the cameras inside their Broward County apartment, Dajour is just like one of us. From Vince Carter in his Toronto Raptors days, and Penny Hardaway and the Magic era—his basketball memorabilia is on full display. Front and center is his No. 2 Ballislife East Coast jersey.
Legal Issues
Deebones is an inspiration, having navigated legal hurdles while continuing to chase his basketball dream. Now a social media star and Ballislife East hooper, life hasn’t always followed an upward trajectory.
Streetball stands out since it unites athletes with the talent to compete at the highest level. A space for everyone, it welcomes people from all walks of life. Streetball doesn’t discriminate or judge. That’s what this series is about—it highlights the squads’ struggles well beyond the court. Whether it’s childhood trauma or incarceration, Ballislife looks beyond the surface.
Featuring some of the best players in the world, these are highly skilled ballers who don’t fit the mold of conventional basketball—and that’s okay.
This episode can relate to several, as Deebones gives Ballislife a close-up view of his legal struggles. Previously jailed and given 3-6 months probation for possession of one pill, Deebones’ past missed court appearances due to travel and games came back to haunt him. Understanding the implications of his actions, he reflects on his teammates and considers them family for the long haul.
Front and center on his Instagram page, it says, “Don’t judge my book by the chapter you started reading.”
“More Than a Run” Event by Kyrie Irving
The cameras continue to follow Deebones and the rest of the East crew to “More than a Run”—a community-based basketball event created by Dallas Mavericks star, Kyrie Irving. Taking place in Irving’s home state of New Jersey, the event brings together a community of hoopers uniting culture on and off the court.
Facing elite talent from New York and New Jersey, Ballislife highlights the East Coast Squad’s matchup and the challenges they encounter. Not only is Deebones late to the event, but the squad remains without their newest member, Nasir Core.
While Deebones eventually arrives, the cameras spotlight the teams’ struggles, emphasizing rotation defense and defending the open shots. A continuation from the first episode, Sides uniquely puts a spotlight on the team’s leadership.
While the true leader is yet to be determined, a battle for the leader title between Nas and Duke continues to cause tension. Austin Mills put it best—”If people perceive you as a leader, then you’re a leader.”
As shown in this episode, Nas remains sidelined due to injury, but that doesn’t stop him from holding his teammates accountable. A rising YouTube star, Nas is an alpha who’s blunt and direct. While players such as Deebones initially resisted Nas’ coaching style, they’ve come to appreciate his personality and leadership.
Streetball doesn’t typically have coaches—or formal practices for that matter—but leadership is clearly in Nasir’s blood. A loyal Ballislife fan since his youth, Nas embraces confrontation.
Nas Explained
The jury may still be out on who the undisputed leader is, but the film captures a rare inside view of Core’s upbringing. He may be viewed as a top dawg with a bull-type personality, and there’s a reason for that.
The first in his family to graduate from college, Nas is exceptionally close and supportive of his sisters. Rising to stardom in 2025, his childhood is hardly a reflection of his current life. In fact, his early struggles as a child and in adulthood have helped shape his core foundation and his alpha personality.
Originally from Philadelphia, his father was arrested in connection with the Lex Street Massacre, which is considered one of the deadliest murders in Philadelphia’s history. After serving 20 months in prison, his family moved to Florida to secure a safer, more protected life. His mom, unselfishly, paved the way so he could live a better life and pursue his basketball dreams.
Since his dad’s absence, he’s become a father figure and sets a good example for his siblings. With his father out of the picture, it’s easy to see why Nas is a natural-born leader on and off the court.
From early childhood trauma to losing a close friend, Nas leans on his faith after converting from Muslim to Christianity. Nas shares strong beliefs with his girlfriend and maintains a ‘figure it out’ mentality rather than relying on therapy.
Deebones the 1v1 King?
We’ve taken a look at Deebone’s personal life, which includes real struggles. While his teammates see his potential, they are also cautious about off-court distractions. Late and all, he participated in the 1v1 matchup at Irving’s event.
Defeating streetball legends Walt and Uncle Skoob, Deebones walked away with the 1v1 trophy. With Irving on the sidelines, early mistakes were made, but he adapted to Nasir’s and the squad’s advice.
While life has been turbulent for DJ, his game speaks for itself, and he’s proven a valuable asset for the East heading into the rematch. It also shows his ability to overcome adversity.
West Coast Takeover: Phoenix
The last segment of the episode features a West Coast squad takeover at Grand Park, featuring some of the best hoopers in the state. It focuses on Frank Nitty, who organizes his own Drew League team that includes Marcus, Bodybag, Ty, and Bionic.
It’s a top honor to receive an invitation to the Drew League. One of the oldest and most popular summer pro-am leagues, it’s been running since 1973. Gaining popularity during the 2011 NBA lockout, it features a mix of NBA pros, overseas, and high school hoopers. From LeBron James to James Harden—it showcases top NBA players in a community event where people can watch for free.
A staple of LA basketball, Nitty is widely considered one of the best to play in the league. Winning three straight Drew League MVPs from 2016-2018, Nitty has expanded his brand far beyond the blacktop. From fashion to basketball, he has three to four billboards, yet he has remained as humble as ever. He’s a leader, a celebrity on and off the court.
The squad faces a bit of a dilemma when Cezar “Ceez the moment” Guerrero is left off the Drew League team. Residing in Texas, he already has to fly to games, and his teammates feel that teams defensively target him. While Ceez has never received a formal invite to the league, Ty Glover feels he’s not as versatile as other guards.
Don’t get it twisted—the West Coast Squad is top-notch. Calling him a “Magician,” Bionic praises him as a dynamic guard. In the meantime, Ceez respects Nitty’s advice, who has nothing but great things to say about Ceez.
45 days until Game 2, the anticipation is building as we head into episode 3…
Follow Sara Jane Gamelli on X: @SaraJGamelli.
