Slam Dunk 'english Chap' Beats Us Basketball Star at His Own Game

When a "random English chap" asked American basketball star Devin Harris if he fancied a quick game of one-against-one after visiting a refurbished basketball court in Stockwell, south London, the New Jersey Nets player was happy to oblige.

Harris, who earns £4.5m a season, assumed he could pass on a few tips while charitably brushing off his challenger, a 28-year-old from Surrey.

What happened next, however, has become a YouTube sensation, with more than 3.5m views of footage showing how amateur Stuart Tanner left Harris swiping at fresh air with his feints before inflicting the ultimate humiliation - nutmegging the NBA professional by slipping the ball between his legs.

Shocked bystanders whooped with delight as Tanner ran the length of the court after scoring two hoops against the bamboozled American, who was visiting London last weekend to play Miami Heat at the O2 arena.

"Man, did you see how fast he was?" puffed Harris, who was filmed by Tanner's brother, Greg. "He tricked me. He hustled me on my own court!"

Now the internet is awash with conspiracy theories about how the "random English chap" stitched up one of the biggest rising talents in the NBA.

Tanner, a personal trainer and part-time basketball coach, gave up playing five years ago after failing to make the grade in the British league but gained a reputation for clever tricks as a "streetballer" on cult website streetball.co.uk.

"My brother asked him and Devin looked at me in my jeans and jumper and probably thought I was no threat at all," said Tanner. "It was a bit embarrassing for him as you shouldn't ever really get beaten like that, but he took it really well and was very nice about it."

Asked if Tanner could win an NBA contract, Harris replied: "We might need to sign him up tonight."

To watch clips of the game, visit

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