Tommy Baker took some time out to give us his thoughts on the freestyle scene, how he developed his signature style, and more.

1.You were the first to really start doing 3 ball freestyling. What inspired you to take that direction? How did you come up with the idea?
Well, I did not just come up with the idea as you see it now. It is a vision that has grown with me over the years from a child… long before the days of the internet and You Tube. It was The Harlem Globetrotters that I saw performing basketball tricks first and it was Tanya Crevier who gave me the idea of tricks with 3 basketballs. I saw her dribbling 3 balls at Wembley (London) in the early 1990′s. However, the inspiration for my ariel juggling has come from the world of circus and juggling. There have been so many different artists and acts that have caught my attention over the years.
2. What do you think about people that are starting to adapt and expand this style that you created?
It’s great… and quite flattering. History has proven that the achievements and talents of each new generation surpasses the last. I’m in no doubt that the new generation of basketball freestyle (in all its different expressions) will totally overshadow today’s talent. That’s why being creative and original is more important to me than competition because nobody can beat your creativity, they can only build on it. We all need to be inspired in some form or another and its great to hear that I can sometimes be a part of that process for other freestylers.
3. You’ve done quite a few shows over the years and met up with some different freestylers across the globe. What’s that experience like?
It is always a great buzz for me to mix with other freestylers. I always sense an instant connection that is so engaging with so much to talk about.
4. About how often do you do shows? Is freestyling your job?
Freestyling has been my full-time job for nearly 10 years. There is a lot more to being a pro freestyler that learning some tricks
5.Tell us about some of the major things you have done in terms of media, shows, and more.
I have devoted the ‘Client’ page on my web site to this question… www.tommybaker.co.uk
6.Tell us a bit about what it was like competing in and winning back to back Streetgodz competitions.
It was a real break through I think, not just for myself, but for the freestyle talent to have the recognition it needs to move things forward.
7. What do you do for training?
My training is a daily ritual and continues to be a highly motivated lifestyle choice. It is focused and deliberate and sometimes ‘medieval’. I do not get distracted by success or failure or other things in life. I have perseverance like nobody I have met and I combine it with my attitude of freestyling into my grave.

8. Have you been working on any new tricks or styles lately?

I’ve just started to develop my one ball tricks to bring a bit of balance to my show. I’m a year away from being confident I think. Japanese freestyle has inspired in recent years, even though the style is so far removed from my normal style.

9. Where do you see freestyle going in the future?

I think the gap between the elite freestylers and the beginner freestyler will get much bigger than it currently is. Maybe the team concept could become popular if the material and presentation was right, i.e. different styles of ‘freestyle’ in addition to the ‘syncstyle’. It would be great if basketball freestyle could grip a generation like the skateboard’s and BMX’s of the 1980′s.

10. What do you think freestyle needs right now?

Well, it certainly does not need more inspiration, there is so much out there. I think it could do with a bit of corporate sponsorship into some big events.

11. Whats your favorite part about freestyling?

The strong sense of purpose that comes from my daily training.

12. Are there any freestylers out there that you’ve been watching and liking lately?

Okay let me see… the freestyle scene that is the most organized and technically blows my mind (with what I can’t do) is Japan, Nero Bianco is currently leading this style I think, but this could change with the next You Tube clip. The best live battle I saw on You Tube was Kamikaze taking out ‘Little Giant’. The strongest European freestyle scene that I have noticed is in Italy with the DaMove Crew. The most entertaining and funniest basketball freestyle show is unquestionably ‘Basketball Man’, I’ve never seen anyone work the crowd like him with his freestyle character, timing and jokes… he’s out there with no competition from anyone.
13. Tell us something about you that most people probably wouldn’t know.
Nothing has changed for me from when I was a kid… I still dream about freestyle tricks.
14. Do you have any advice for new freestylers?
Do not let any ‘haters’ rob you of your dream with any stupid comments. Follow your passion and spend time practicing the simpler tricks that have inspired you. Don’t get distracted by practicing advanced freestyle. When you get results from your hard work and perseverance and you want to show people, try to win your audience with your respect for them as-well-as your new found confidence and skills.
Thanks for your time Tommy, we look forward to seeing you do more big things in the future.