Dee's Blog.

2008-10-09

First Two games

I really think the first two preseason games
went well for me. I was so excited to get back out there and play. I just sat in the locker rooom looking at my jersey like I'm back and thats a great feeling. I have missed everything about being in the NBA like how the team travels, prepare for games, the living conditions, the NBA arenas and fans. I wasn't nervous or felt any pressure at all because I was more excited to show people how much better my game is now compared to two seasons ago. Dallas was a great team and I feel they will be one of the best teams in the NBA this season with Dirk and Jason Kidd leading the way. I played quality minutes and really put up some good numbers in the 25 mins(6pts, 4 ast, 3 reb, 3 stls). I was excited when my number was called because I was able to play against Jason Kidd one of the best ever to play the point guard position. Also, guarding Jason Terry who many have said our games are similar. As a team we didn't play well, but I'm glad we got that first one out the way. I still have a lot to learn about the offense and it's different when you are out there in game situations because you have to react to the defense. One of the things the coaches did before we took off was give everyone a note that said one thing you have to work on. My card read; "Keep the team organized". Meaning when I push the ball if nothing is there pull it out and get the team into something. I think I'm doing a good job and but for me I want to continue to improve and learn as much as I can. That's the difference between being good and great. I want to be great and there is a fine line between the two. I'm not content, I'm not satisified this is only the beginning.

Right after the game in Dallas we had 30 minutes to shower, get dressed and be on the bus. We had a late flight to Memphis. That's one thing about this league there are days when you will have back to back games. We arrived in Memphis around 2 am and had to be right back up at 10 am for shootaround practice. I was tired but I went straight to my room and passed out. When game time came I was ready and felt like I had to continue to get better and show the coaches I was picking up on the defense and offense. I played 25 mins (7pts, 6rebs, 4ast, 3 stls). I think I played much better basketball. I pushed the ball, made my teammates better, and played good on the defensive end of the court. Before the game Gilbert give me some pointers and things to work on while out on the court. I had many opportunities to do these things, but missed out twice. I was able to try a few moves but I'm learning and improving every time I step on the court. I make sure I meet with the coaches for all the play calls and make sure I'm on the same page with Coach Jordan. We won the game and I felt really good after the game because I played hard and really got better while out there. I'm really excited about the season because I really feel like I can help and will be given the opportunity to play in big games.

After the game we got on the bus and headed to the airport. For those who don't know I really don't like flying, but over the years I have grown to accept it. It's part of the job! We arrived in Washington DC around 2 am and I really don't know my way around yet but thanks to my navigation I was able to find my way back home. Today we have the day off and I use this day as recovery. Since my game is energy I make sure I rest, get a good massage, and eat a good meal so when practice comes tomorrow I'm able to go out there with that energy and play at a high level. We play the Detroit Pistons tomorrow and then off to Europe to play the New Orleans Hornets. I'm really excited about the game tomorrow and the long trip overseas. Before you know it the season opener will be here, time flies I know. I'm really living the dream and feel blessed with the opportunity to do what I love everyday back in America. NBA Live, 2K9 has come out and I'm back on the game which is one of the best things that ever happen to me because I'm definitely a video game head. I have played video games since I was 6 and never stopped. The question I get all the time is do you play with yourself...Of course. I put myself at the point guard move Agent 0 to the shooting guard and I play my game. I average around 10 pts, 17 ast, 5 stls, 5 rebs. I'm so serious ask my homeboys, brother and lil cousin. This will be an exciting year. We just have to stay healthy, get our star players back on the court and it will make this year unbeliveable.

I want to thank my fans for the continued support and love for me. I'm working hard everyday and getting better. I'm really living the dream and I know my mom is proud of me. This is my year and I will continue to do the things that got me here. Hard work, great attitude, and the WILL to SUCCEED. Thanks for stopping thru and reading my blog. Much love your boy

Quote of the day: "Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all".

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"
One Man Fastbreak

###

2008-10-05

Great Week at Camp

Wow!! What a week of training camp. I really played well and learn so many things from the coaching staff, Gilbert (Agent 0) Arenas, and Antonio Daniels. The two point guards really took me under their wings and helped me be successful at everything I did. I played hard everyday and made sure I did all the things the coaches wanted from me. The first day was great because in our first meeting Coach Jordan made sure everyone knew their roles, team goals, and what he wanted from the team overall. My role read:
1)PUSH THE BALL
2)PICK UP 94 FEET
3)CONTAIN THE BALL IN THE 1/2 COURT
4)RUN THE OFFENSE
5)PUSH THE BALL WITH MININUM TURNOVERS
I was really pleased to see that because in many cases I think players dont know what the coach wants night in and night out. I came to training camp in shape and feeling really good after working out in Chicago, Las Vegas, and spending two weeks in DC with the team.

Everyday I woke up at 7 am and began my day with a good foam roll stretch. We had team breakfast meetings at 8 am and then I was off to the gym with Gilbert, Caron Butler, DeShawn Stevenson to put up shots before practice. I went to the gym early everyday and made sure I made 300 shots before practice started. The coaching staff was pleased to see I worked on my shot on the off-season. I have to say I worked hard on making my shot more consistent. After playing overseas it taught me to be more of a complete point guard. But I still have a long way to go but it feels good to know that people notice the improvement. My first couple games last season teams were going under ball screens, backing up when I was penetrating so I just got that confidence to pull up and knockdown shots. Also working with different people on my fundamentals and techique really helped too. I know I have to knockdown shots when I'm out there on the court with Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison because they draw so much attention. I also think I impressed my teammates and coaches with my speed and ability to get the ball up and down the court. Thats my game though, and I love getting out in transition getting easy baskets. My speed came natural and I tell people all the time I haven't even reached my full potential. I need to stretch more, I'm so tight and feel like if I work on my flexibility I will jump higher and move faster. Everyday I just focused on working as hard I could, doing everything right, and learning as much as I could.

The VCU (Virgina Commonwealth University)campus was great and their facilities were just as good. Richmond had some good restaurants and every night I made sure I went out and got a great meal because my body needed that after a hard day of work. I actually love two day practices because I know I will get double work in everyday and get better. Every night after that second practice I kept telling myself I will write my blog, update my website but as soon as I touched that bed I was done. I just work so hard because practices should be harder than games. Once the games come my body and my mind will be ready for competition because I train myself to play at such a high level. I really missed playing in the NBA, the competition, the organization, the players I'm around on a daily basis, its a great feeling and I have always been grateful and humbled. The players on my team are great and each one of them bring a different personality into the locker room. I interact with all of them and have hung out with all of them too. Its always fun but business like when we are together on the court, locker room, or out for a team dinner. The two funniest dudes on the team Nick Young and DeShawn Stevenson. They make me laugh the moment I see them because they have so many jokes and stories that you can't help but to laugh and enjoy your day at work.

I really think we have a great team along with a great coaching staff who wants to win and have fun in the process. The freedom Coach Jordan gives his players is priceless and motivates you to work hard and play hard everyday. I really enjoy being here and I'm grateful to be with a great organization. I think we will have a great year, I just pray everyone stays healthy. Once Gilbert returns I think the sky is the limit with the talent we have right now. Speaking of talent, we had a team bowling night and a few players on the team are pretty good, but when the lights came on I was ready and won a few games. My highest score was 191 and I was so excited I walked out of the bowling alley and forgot to give them their shoes back. I didn't notice it until I was in the cab and I was like, "my shoes don't feel right, wait a minute these not my chucks". I forgot my chucks and hat at the bowling alley. I really enjoying bowling and I make sure I go at least once a week. We played cards, mostly blackjack, there wasn't much to do in Richmond, so I spent most of my time in the hotel writing lyrics, watching movies, and of course all of the sports games.

I'm still a big Cubs fan and really felt like they allowed the pressure to get to them and didn't perform like the team I saw all year. That's sports for you though, maybe next year but I'm not giving up on them. That's my team and I really enjoy watching them play. I really thought this was our year, but I just not. What about my ILLINI football team. JUICE JUICE and more JUICE that's my dude and I really feel like he's one of the best, he's my favorite college athlete right now, not only is he talented but he's a great individual, very humble and has his head on straight I love that about him. So, to see him play like he has makes me go crazy and right now I'm horse from watching that beautiful game at the BIG HOUSE sorry for this next line but MUCK MICHIGAN GO ILLINI!!! We loss two big games against two teams in the top 10 if we won those games we would be top 10 right now. I have great respect for Ron Zook he has done a lot for our program. But we will be in a bowl game and we will be in the race for the BIG TEN championship, maybe Rose Bowl? I'm so excited about their season and I'm patiently waiting on basketball to start. FYI, I wear my bright orange ILLINI gear almost everyday and my teammated always make fun of me, like "Dee how much gear do you have?" I say a lot and I will continue to wear it, thats why my people call me Illini Prince because I am.. I love my school and will always represent and show nothing but support and love. My BEARS should be 5-0 but we are 3-2 now and I'm happy we are playing well. I have always been a sports fan and really take it serious thats why I understand my fans and people who love sports. I have my favorite teams, favorite players, and really enjoyed everything about sports and the life that comes with it. I'm just so blessed to be in the lifestyle too and see what really goes on. I get to see Deron Williams life who is my favorite PG, Gilbert's everyday routine and be around great talent who I have looked up too for years.

Right now I'm trying to get more rest because I have a big week coming up. Our first preseason game is Tuesday in Dallas and then Wednesday in Memphis. Then come back home to play one of my best friends Will Bynum and the Detroit Pistons. Then the next day we head over to Berlin and Barcelona. I'm excited to get started and feel like I will get minutes and an opportunity to show what I can do when given a chance to play on the biggest stage with great players. Coach Jordan has shown confidence in me by putting me out there with the starters. He has been so positive with me and has given me so much confidence. The offense at times is very difficult but I'm a quick learner and I'm really making sure I understand every spot so when I'm given that chance I can go out there and play with any lineup. On defense he really stress ball contain and team defense. I'm a defense guy and come from a defensive school so I really enjoy and appreciate his views. I just want to make the game easy, at times players make the game too hard. I make the extra pass, I talk on both ends of the court, and make sure I'm always positive because I'm the point guard and I want and need everyone to be focused and playing great basketball. I'm very excited and feel I had a great training camp. I was on the team that won the scrimmage (3pts, 3 ast, 1 stl), everyday I lead my team and run the show winning most of the games and drills in practice. I made the HONOR ROLL everyday which means your name is on the board every morning for something you did good in practice. I made sure I was early, made sure I listen and learn everyday, interact with all the players, and played hard everyday because thats what I do. I love basketball and feel so blessed to be in the situation I'm in. This is only the beginning I know I have to continue to get better, learn, and continue to carry myself like a professional.

I really apologize to my fans who have been waiting to hear from me. Everyday I think about you and I will continue to update and share all of my experiences with you. My fans make me work harder and make me appreciate the game of basketball. I just want to thank my mom for raising me and giving me the discipline I needed to be here today. I want to thank the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards for believing in my abilities and given me a chance to live my dreams of playing professional basketball. I'm ready and I feel like I have improved every year and I will continue because I really feel like I belong with the best players in the world. Thanks for the love and support. Thanks for stopping by and reading my blog God bless and have a great weeek...your boy

PS Special thanks to Gilbert Arenas aka Agent 0 and Antonio Daniels "AD" for the help and support during training camp means a lot to me and my family...way to help the young fella get better..much respect and love your new teammate and soldier DB

Quote of the Day: "It doesn't cost nothing to dream".

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"
One Man Fastbreak

###

2008-09-29

Training Camp

Its been a great camp for me so far and I really feel good about my situation. I been working hard and learning how the Wizards want me to play this season. I will have my first blog entry tomorrow, I promise it will be a must read blog because I have a lot to say and so much information to give out to my fans, Thanks for the support and love means a lot to me. I have to get up early in the morning for the 6th practice of my first training camp with the Wizards. Thanks again for the love and support and I will talk to you tomorrow your boy

Quote of the day: " LIFE IS GOOD, things could always be worse"

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"
One Man Fastbreak


GO ILLINI!!!!!!!!

###

2008-09-24

Training going well!

Everyday I work out at 10 am with one of the coaches and I really feel good about training camp coming up this weekend. I work hard every time I hit the floor because I know there is someone out there who is dreaming of playing in the NBA who would love to be in my shoes. I love what I do and take it very serious. My mom has always told me to work hard and appreciate everything that is given to you, but make sure I earn it too and thats what I do and will continue. My main focus during my training is my shooting and conditioning. I have to knockdown shots and be able to pick up 94 feet, push the ball and be that spark plug off the bench or whatever the situation may be. I feel I'm in a great situation here with the Wizards, its all up to me now to go out there and prove I belong and I can do the job they want. My body is feeling good, I'm healthy thank God, and I'm really excited about playing again back in the states.

The organization is great, the players are fun to be around and I think I really fit in with the system and core of players here. I really hope Washington DC is my home for the next two seasons because I like it out here and love the organization. Training camp starts this weekend and thats when things get serious. The season is right around the corner and I know I'm excited so is my family, fans, and friends. Just know I'm working so hard and I'm back on my grind because this is what I do and love.

I will keep everyone posted on what's going on with me and the team thanks for stopping by to show your boy love. Much respect and love! God bless your boy

B. Miller good looking on the quote of the day....you are my dude you already know tell the fam I said whats up...


Quote of the day: "Our greatest glory is not in failing, but in rising everytime we fall".

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"
One Man Fastbreak

###

2008-09-22

The Greatest Honor

What a weekend back home!!! Last weekend was the biggest weekend of my life. The University of Illinois retired my jersey, Deron Williams had a great turnout at his foundation dinner,and my family was there with me to see all of this. I know what you are thinking what were my thoughts on the plane back to Chicago? Very deep, excited, emotional, very humbled, and felt like I had accomplished something. This is not only big for me, but for my family, my community, my fans, my high school, this is one of the biggest honors I have ever received. What's crazy about this is...This was not on my goals list that I have been creating since I was 9. I have so many things I want to do in my lifetime and its all written down and there's either a check next to it or unchecked. I had a great career at Illinois so when I was told my jersey was being retired my first thought was only ME? NO, there are others who are deserving of the same honor. I saw the list and it made me proud to be an Illini alum. I love my school and that's when all the memories and times I shared with my fellow alums come to mind.

I think about my first visit when Sergio McClain and Jerance Howard took me around campus. It was one of the best weekends of my life. The love and support people showed them was crazy, the campus life was special and had such a relaxing vibe, the nightlife was unbelievable, and the basketball was so competitive I just knew I had made the right decision. Long distance phone calls to Deron in Dallas, Texas telling him to commit to Illinois, come play with me and lets win!! Talking to Auggie (James Augustine, AAU teammate/roommate) on the phone about when he moving down to campus and asking him has he picked his major yet! Freshman year D-Will and me in the small college dorm having the time of our lives. I remember D-Will snake was loose in the room for weeks and come to find out the snake was sleeping with me the whole time, yeah crazy I know!! Everyday getting better in the gym with great players, everyday walking to class and learning something new about life outside of sports,everyday representing that orange and blue. It was an honor, it was fun, it was something I will remember for the rest of my life. So many people use to say "Dee your time here will fly"!! It seem like yesterday when all of this was going on. I have so many stories and memories, but retiring my jersey is definitely the one that stands out. I want to thank the University of Illinois and their whole organization, the coaching staff, my ex-teammates, my family, my fans, everyone who had something to do with this event THANK YOU SO MUCH I'm honored!!

Growing up one of my goals was playing college ball and graduating from a major university. At first I can't lie I didn't think it was possible due to the environment I was in and use to seeing on a daily basis. But I knew if I worked hard and believed in myself that I can do anything with the strength from God, support from my mom and more hard work. The first challenge for me was school and making sure my grades and test scores were legit and that area of my resume didn't hold me back from going to a Division I school. So every year I stayed on the honor roll and made sure I was preparing myself for the next step which was college. Now I had to make sure my attitude, respect, and abilities was up to par when it came to the basketball court. I made sure I always put in the time and work needed to be a good student, good basketball player and good enough that college coaches would come see me play. Once major colleges start coming to see me play and visit my school, thats when my mentality changed. I knew I had a great opportunity to do something a lot of guys from my neighborhood never did... That's go to COLLEGE and PLAY THE GAME OF BASKETBALL. Thats what did it for me. My confidence went through the roof and I started believing in myself. I wanted to be that student-athlete everyone knew and respected for his attitude and determination to make it.

That next year that's when Coach Bill Self (Head coach Kansas) and Norm Roberts (Head Coach St.John's) changed my life. I can't lie Coach Self gave me the extra confidence I needed. Other coaches came to visit my family and I but when Coach Self came it was different. He looked me in my eyes and said, "If you come to Illinois, you will be the face of Illinois, matter of fact, you will be the face of college basketball." My mom and I looked at each other with the same confidence like whoa! That's a huge statement. At the time I can't lie I really didn't know too much about Illinois basketball or the tradition. I mean I knew a few players who I looked up to because they were from the Chicago area and of course I knew those Peoria boys who ran the state of Illinois state finals every year, but I really never watched college basketball, just the BULLS. So when Coach Self said that statement, I was so excited and it gave me so much confidence on that basketball court. It was the reason I choose Illinois over Michigan State and Iowa State at the last minute. The story goes.....I was on the phone with Tom Izzo (Head Coach Michigan State) for about 45 mins and it was a great conversation I was seconds away from committing. Then Coach Self called the house with that country talk and smooth words mins later I was on board. I said Coach Self I will be attending the University of Illinois. After that day things changed for my family and I. After signing I received so much positive attention and that's when it all started for me..

My time at the University of Illinois was special and you heard it here first I will definitely be making a movie in the next 5-10 years about my experience in Champaign. Now I told you some of the beginning, now we are at the end its time for the jersey to go up and my first thought is to kiss that #11, that was very special and I'm so surprised I didn't cry. I think it would have been for every player there because I know how I was feeling so I can only imagine the others. This is the biggest honor of my life, and just look how my mom, my dad, my brothers, my sons, my fans, my fellow alums are looking right now...I saw how proud my family was and it really touch me and I can't explain the feeling I had, but I can say my family was there when we won at Iowa, at Indiana, changing of coaches, Big Ten championships, final four, sophomore year when we lose back to back games, my family was there and been through the tough times. This is the reward, this is the payback from hard work and representing the orange and blue with the honor, with respect. While my reward back is my loyalty, my degree (which I completed in 3 years), 114 wins (23 defeats), my heart and love for the program, my love for my school the University of Illinois thank you so much for the memories, the opportunity to go to one of the best schools in the country, the opportunity to display my talents to the world, I am forever grateful and feel like one of the most blessed athletes on the planet. I bleed orange and blue thank you again and it was a great event for the program, for the fans, and most importantly for the Illini nation. Congrats to all the players and families what an honor!!

Now we can talk about the game which I had so much fun participating in. I was excited to see all the players out there enjoying themselves. It meant a lot to the fans, but it meant the world to me. The Assembly Hall was so hot and 15000 fans really waited around to watch and support us which I thought was great and shows that we indeed have the best fans in the world..I told Luther, D-Will, and brotha Roger Powell I was going to play hard and get a exercise while out on the court. We agreed that this game was bragging rights and we needed to win but lets have fun and put on a show for those great fans who came out to support us. It was a great turnout and we won the game of course..It was fun though, playing against guys who paved the way for me was a great experience and I was honored to be on the court with all of those guys. I always have fun and thats been my ticket to success RESPECT..I respect the game, I respect others, and respect myself. It was an honor to be back on that court, ASSEMBLY HALL is the best place to play and I love the energy in the building. Thanks to the orange crush and all the loyal fans who came out and really showed love to everyone.

I had a great time hanging out with all the guys and people ask me all the time do you keep up with them? I say yes, we are brothers so we talk all the time even though everyone has their own schedule and responsibilites we love eachother and really care about what's going on eachother's lives. We missed James Augustine (Auggie or Snoop) who now plays overseas in Spain, but after being overseas last season I know how that goes his season has started and once over there your team never wants you to leave and go back home. But I was able to see all my brothers and guys who I went to school with which was fun, because we know how to have a good time. I really hope this event continues because I know I will be in attendance and honored to return back to campus.

Last week I was working hard in the gym and making sure my housing situation was finalize that's why it took me so long to write and get back on the track with my blog and questions. I know everyone has read about Gilbert knee surgery and the first thing they say is that's good for you (first off I pray for agent 0 everyday..)I never wish injury upon anyone especially our star player, because we have a great team here in DC and I really feel like Gilbert is the key. Unbelievable talent that will definitely make the team so much better so losing him is big news because of those reasons. I was already working hard and looking forward to playing back in the NBA, but in this business you never know when your opportunity will come, when someone will get injured, sick, or whatever the case maybe..You have to be ready and on top of your game thats your job and responsibilty as a professional basketball player. I have worked on my game, I have improved over the last year now I have to get my confidence back and go out there and show people I can play the game of basketball. I'm so excited about this year and opportunities to play back in the NBA. Playing in the NBA has been my dream, my goal since I was 9, I still remember telling my mom I will play in the NBA, at the time I didn't know how true that was but that's why it's called a dream. I'm back living that dream and I have always been humbled and very grateful for the opportunity. Now its time to play and show the hard work I put into becoming a professional basketball player. I'm blessed to be here today and bless to wake up to wonderful family, fans, and people who really care about me.

Training camp starts this Friday. The season is almost here and I'm feeling good. I'm in good spirits, I'm in good shape, I'm with a great organization now its time to start work. People always laugh when I say basketball is work.. This game of basketball is not peaches n cream meaning easy, a joke, not work. "Then they say well at least you get to do what you love". True. But I chose to be a basketball player that's why I never try to complain about anything that surrounds being a ball player. This game of basketball is work and requires you to be good at what you do, you get paychecks, you have to dress up, make apperances, its a job, but also a passion, a love. So here we go..Start of a new season and I'm a Wizard, I'm excited, I'm almost settled in, lets pray its a good year for the Wizards and me.

I really want to thank my family for the support and love yall keep me working and smiling everyday. To my mom Happy belated birthday!!! You are the BOMB!! Love you...To my loyal fans thanks for keeping up with me and showing me so much love means a lot to me. I'm working hard like always and excited this season. God bless!

Quote of the day: "Laugh, smile, travel, party, work hard, live for TODAY, because tomorrow is not a promise".

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"
One Man Fastbreak

###