Dee's Blog.

2008-06-29

Working, Working Hard

My days have been great here in Chicago and its such a great feeling to be back home. My family is doing good, basketball is going great, and I wake up every morning to the beautiful sun. I want to say thank you to ALL my fans who check up on me everyday and want to know whats going on in my life. I have so many projects coming up and I hope everything goes as planned, because I have some great ideas. I'm currently preparing for the NBA summer league. I will play with the Detroit Pistons or Washington Wizards in Las Vegas. I'm so excited and honored to be able to attend such an event and feel like its a great opportunity for me. I really feel blessed to get that opportunity, in this business that's what athletes are chasing.....OPPORTUNITY. I play everyday with some of my favorites players (all pros- Shannon Brown (Chicago Bulls), Luther Head (Houston Rockets), Will Bynum (Maccabi). These are the guys who are preparing me for the intensity and competition. Summer time "suppose" to be a time for rest and vacation, but I can promise you, I have never been on vacation, never just rest the whole summer, I continue to work and play the game of basketball because the best players in the game don't take breaks. Basketball is what I do, I love it, I think and dream about basketball all day. I feel I have to stay on top of my game because there are so many great basketball players who are working hard to reach their dreams. At the end of the day if you play basketball and you are reading this right now, me and you have the same dreams...to play basketball for a living first option NBA. What will you do to make this happen? Thats the question I never been asked because I know what I have to do and it will be done because its whatever I have to do to make my dreams come true. I will work, work so hard that I can't be denied. That's what it takes and I know that so I'm working hard but also enjoying my family time and being home it can't get no better than that.

I want to thank everyone who came out to the second annual golf outing hosted by me and made happen by my wonderful mother. This event will only grow because with Deron Williams (D-will), Luther Head (LU) in attend, great service, great food, and its for a great cause it will only become more attractive. It was a beautiful day, everyone showed up, the event went so well and I have to say thank you again to everyone who came, who donated, it means a lot to my family and this event will only continue to grow and become an event you have to attend for the experience. I really didn't golf that good, but I have become very interesting in the golf. It's a tough game but its relaxing, mentality challenging and its a game that I would love to explore. Golf will definitely be on my new hobby list along with music and bowling. I just love to go out and play 18 holes and enjoy the course and the shining sun.

Other than that, I'm just preparing and getting excited for this upcoming season. Where will I be? I can't stop thinking about it. Everyone who follow me and really love me understand how I'm feeling right now. I'm having serious problems with my team overseas, I went over there and played my heart out for that team and I thought it was a great organization. The fans were great and I love them so much because they are the ones who always showed me love and support. I have to first say thank you to the organization for giving me a chance to represent them and play the game of basketball THANK YOU. But on another note, I haven't received no pay and a lot of money taken away from me because the team wasn't successfu, which in my eyes is a good and bad thing. The team was ran by me, I was the point guard and controlled everything so if when we won I'm the hero, I'm this or that but when things go bad I'm the one to blame and take a hit. I play basketball for a living and when I'm not being paid its like going to your 9-5 everyday and receive no pay I work for FREE? No aint nothing in this life for free, thats why you have to work. I'm so disappointed with the whole Galatasaray organization because I deserve my money, I worked hard, and I lived in another country for 7 months playing great basketball and winning games. So for all my fans over in Turkey and Europe I had a great time over there, I played hard, I was honored to be on the team, I wanted to win but at the end of the day someone has to lose. I came over to Turkey to get better, gain experience,and to get money I have two kids and family to take care of. I just cant't believe the organization would do me like that but its only making me stronger and understand the business. I love life and love what I do so I know God will make things better and make things right. I will always show love to all my fans and I really enjoyed my time in Turkey....I'm a better man, better player, and understand the game of life and basketball now more than ever before. So I'm blessed and even though I'm upset about this situation LIFE IS GOOD and I'm dedicated to making it back to my dream that's the NBA. What I have coming up....music and basketball games. I will attend U of I ( University of Illinois) for some camps and open runs. I just love going down there so much love and I feel so comfortable down there. I know I haven't been writing much, but your boy been busy with basketball, music, family. I always think of my fans and want everyone to know I love yall and thank you from my heart for the love and support for me. I will make it happen I promise.

Thanks for the love and support. I'm working hard and chasing all of my dreams. Much love and respect from your boy

Quote of the day: "Live your life, smile, dream, play, laugh, no matter what comes your way live this way".

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"
One Man Fastbreak

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2008-06-15

Happy and enjoying home

Its been good to be home, thats what I continue to say to everyone who walks up and talk to me. I been busy with traveling around the state visiting different people and enjoying my time back home. I took a trip to Champaign to visit my school, ex-teammates, and friends. Its always a good time every time I go because there is so much respect and love down there. I love it and love my school I will always go back and it never fails, every time I go back people walk up to me and say "what are you doing down here"? I simply reply in two ways...LOL I laugh of course because I love my school and Champaign then I say I live here! Or I say I love it here so I will always be back. I played in a few pick up games with the fellas, played some one on one, 3 on 3 with Warren Carter, Coach Howard. I really love the relaxing lifestyle down there and I still have good friends down there who I have to go visit because they love me and I love them too for always being real with me and being good friends, thats hard to find nowadays you know.

I'm back working out and feeling real good. I feel like a new player, I'm more confident and feel better on the court. I'm a pro now so thats how I have to feel, think, live and I really love that feeling. I will have a big July, I decided to play with the Seattle Supersonics in the Orlando summer league, and the Detroit Pistons in the Las Vegas summmer league. I'm so excited about the situations because I know what both teams want from me and I'm really prepared for that opportunity to show people how much better I am from a year ago. I'm currently working out with great guys everyday too. Will Bynum, Luther head, Shannon Brown, Brandon Watson and other great collegiate players. All of those guys are pros and love basketball so its a great workout every time. I know the things I have to work on, now I have to go to the gym and work hard its that simple. The opportunity is right there in my face and I feel so blessed and honored because a lot of guys don't get an opportunity like that. This is what I was built to do, play basketball and be a positive role model to those who look up to me or live the life I once did coming up. I'm ready and this is what I can promise I will work hard, play hard, and take advantage of the opportunities given to me. With all the Glory going to God and great respect to my family, friends and fans who inspire me to do well and stay focus on my dreams and goals.

Other than that I'm just enjoying my time with my family, friends, and the great city of Chicago. I stay busy with basketball, music, and family events. This week coming up my mother is having a golf outing and its going to be great to golf and see all of my buddies like Deron Williams who will fly in for that event which is June 19th (White Pines Bensenville, Illinois 8-2pm). Summer league is right around the corner and there is some work that has to be done before then. I'm on my grind and I'm excited about the next couple months I really do see great things happening for me. I was talking with my buddies about my blog, and there are a lot of people who actually show me love and read them. I thank you and really appreciate it because its really me writing and spending time to show love to my fans by updating everyone on whats going on. I'm actually in the works to make a documentary because I have so much to say and I live a crazy, busy, exciting life that I want to show people. So I will continue to keep everyone posted on whats going with that project and I will continue to write blogs all summer letting everyone know the latest on my journey back to the NBA.

Again I want to thank all my fans for showing me love and support. I'm working hard, getting better and prepapring myself for the biggest summer in my life. I have my eye on the NBA and showing people I can play and ready to get back to the place I have always dreamed. Until next time stay safe, think positive and have a blessed week, with nothing but love and respect your boy

Quote of the day: "90% of the game of basketball is mental, 90% of the life we live is mental, those who believe that train their mind to think optimistic".

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"
One Man Fastbreak

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2008-05-29

Im back...Im sorry

I just want to start by saying sorry for the long delay on writing my blog. I have been so busy and moving around the world. I always have time for my fans and people who show me love. So I want to say sorry and I'm back online doing what I love to do and thats write to my beautiful fans. I have a lot to say and I hope people are still checking up on me even though its been a long time. I'm back in Chicago and the trip back was long, but enjoyable.

After the loss in the playoffs, it was so tough because I really thought we would come back and win the series. I was so frustrated and couldn't help but to let out some tears of frustration. I hate losing and hate saying goodbye. I knew the year was done and there was a chance I would never see most of my teammates again. So many thoughts was going through my head, I knew I was going home real soon, basketball season was over, fans were disappointed, I didn't perform like I wanted to....So many things at one time. I had a great year overseas and really appreciate the support and love I received from the wonderful fans, Turkish people, and my great teammates. I want to thank everyone who made my experience great over there, because it was so hard being over there but with great people in your corner things could be a lot better. I have always been the type of person that get use to my surroundings and lifestyle. So being in Turkey I was getting use to being over in Istanbul and living the life of a foreign basketball player. Now I found myself moving my things out of my apartment in Atakoy..thats the name of the area I stayed... I had a lot of bags (5) and gave (4) bags away to one of my young Turkish teammates. I stayed in Turkey for an extra week, just relaxing, getting my things together, handling some business and spending my last times with my teammates. I also did a little shopping for myself, family and friends because Istanbul has malls on every block and they are so nice and have a lot of good things. One thing I didn't appreciate is...Galatasaray didn't even have a going away meeting. No matter how your team or organization does you should always keep it professional and show something to your workers for a good year. I didn't have a closing meeting with the coach, president, no one from the organization. True enough we didn't have a great year and win big games, but we did play hard and represented the organization to the fullest. It's crazy because I loved the experience and I feel blessed to have played for such a historical organization, but after a year playing out there it taught me a lot more about this business. I know in my heart I played hard and give it my all every night.

My flight was Friday May 16th at 10 am and I was so excited, but sad at the same time. I hate goodbyes and like I said before I get use to my lifestyle real quick. I had to pay extra for my heavy bags and I was so excited that I forgot to switch my seat on the plane. I had a middle seat and I knew it was going to be tough to sit there for 12 hours, but I was ready. My family was waiting and so excited to see me. I was on time and my bags came in too which is wonderful considering how bags get loss all the time. My teammate and close friend Charles Gaines was on the same flight but was connecting to Houston so we had a meal together and went our own ways. My mom drove my car to get me, I missed my car after driving a Honda Accent all year it was a blessing to get my car back. One thing I knew was I wasn't going to be mad about the traffic in Chicago because it can't be as bad as Turkey. There was crazy traffic coming from O'Hare, I was excited to see my mom new house and once I got there I was so happy and it made me feel like I was home. I have a great family and they understand how hard it can be to be away from home in another country for months. I'm home now and this is what I been doing with my family, friends, and great AMERICA.

My older son Darrian plays baseball and it's so fun to go watch him play. I went to see him play twice and both times he did really well and it made me a proud parent. He hits the ball and plays back catcher. It's great to watch and I would never force my sons to play anything, I just want them to be happy and have fun. My youngest is doing well, getting big and talking more. I'm so happy to be back around them and see them everyday. There's nothing like your son's seeing you and saying "HI DADDY" its great. My family threw me a BBQ, and it was good to see everyone smiling and showing me love. I really don't hang with a lot of people but the people I roll with, are great people and show me real love all the time. I find myself telling stories about Turkey all day to my friends while beating them down in the video game. Just being back in America is great and very different way of living. The language is English, I have people to hang with all the time, see my family everyday, and I feel comfortable. It's good to be back home.

Recently I had to get two teeth pulled and thats the worst situation ever. I have been resting, trying to get better. I played ball once since I been home I still have a week and a half before I start working again. Basketball don't stop for me because you have to work, work, and work because players are always getting better. I have to rest my body, I had a long season, so I have to be fresh this summer so I can get back on track and get better. After being in Turkey for a year I really feel like I got better on and off the court. So my mission to Turkey was successful and made me realize a lot about myself and me as a basketball player. I love basketball that much more and if you know me you have to ask yourself "how can you love it that much more". I just love it, it was a different life, different game, different everything over there and I made the best of the situation. I'm proud of myself and my mom loves me so I'm happy and know in my heart Turkey was something I had to experience in my life.

I'm resting, having fun, and enjoying family while home. I just got me a new place downtown Chicago which is so nice and I feel I deserve it for a long, hard year. I'm enjoying my family, friends, and being back home. I will continue to update my wonderful fans, again I'm so sorry for the long delay but I have had so many things to do, but my fans are really important to me and my development as a player and person. So, I will continue to write and let you know whats going on in my life. Special thanks to Jim, the team's foreign manager, he did everything for me order me food all the time, talk Turkish for me, just made my stay so much better, Damla she was my close friend who had so much love for not only me but Galatasaray. She helped me with everything and I want to say thank you and its nothing but love over here. To all my teammates, friends, other players who was over there with me thanks for the love, support, competition meant alot to me. To all my fans I love you and thank you its all love over here. I will continue to work hard, get better, smile and be DEE BROWN always. Much love and respect from your boy

Quote of the day: "Can't is not in my vocabulary because I can do all things through Christ who strengths me" Phil 4:13


"TIME AWAY 34 FC" the new music project (mixtape)which was completed in Istanbul, Turkey 20 tracks that I worked hard on....Time away meaning my time in turkey living and playing ball..34FC meaning my license plate number on my honda accent which represented me while over there. Its great music, its me so you can learn more about the person and player. Its good music and I can't wait until my fans hear it and I really hope everyone support me on all of my dreams and plans. Thank you DB


Dee Brown "Illini Prince"
One Man Fastbreak

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2008-05-03

SORRY

Sorry for the misunderstanding..I will continue to write on the blogs...I love keeping in touch with my fans, family, and friends. People love me and I really appreciate the support and love from everyone. I will continue to write and inform everyone on my experience over here in Turkey. Sorry again for the misunderstanding, thanks MOM for calling me and bringing that to my attention. I hope you enjoy my blogs and thanks for following my career. Your boy


Dee Brown "Illini Prince" "Lion King"
One Man Fastbreak

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2008-04-24

Playoffs coming soon

Hello to all my loyal and wonderful fans I just want to thank you for stopping by my website like you always do and show me support and love means a lot to me for real. Things are okay over here in Turkey, I can't complain too much because life is good I'm playing ball for a living and waking up everyday. We loss our first game back from the ULEB cup final four in OT. It was a heartbreaker, we really needed that game for confidence, seed in the playoffs, and to go into the playoffs with momentum. Oh, I'm sorry I almost forgot to talk about my coach and me..I have no misunderstanding, beef, dislike toward him, we never had any problems, we are both on the same page which is to win. Things happen in basketball, within the organization that's just how this business works, but I'm the point guard so coach and me have to be one mind and think the same and have a good relationship or things wouldn't work. Back to the game, it was a tough match for us, but we still stuck together as a team and moved on to the next game. Personally I played well, of course could have done a lot better, I had opportunities to tie the game with some shots, but I played a hard, aggressive 43 minutes had 19 pts, 3 ast and 3 stls in a losing effort. But,I felt good about my performance, because I'm getting better as the playoffs near.

Long bus and ferry ride back to Istanbul with a lot of thoughts about losing another game, the team, but with two more games to play I felt a little better after the trip. Our next game was at home against Seluk Universtiy. I was excited to play this game because my ex-teammate Warren Carter is on that team and he has had a great season over here. We played a good game as a team, moving the ball, running the floor, playing hard on both ends. We won the game Warren played well, and I played 23 minutes 10 pts, 12 assist my first double-double of the year..I'm so happy about that because there was so many games where I was right there, but came up short. It's a great feeling to have double digit assist that means, you made someone better today. It was a good game for us now we have to prepare for this weekend. Every game from here on out is big and we need to play well. The time has come....Where you have to win or you go HOME..I love this time of year because basketball is at its all time high....intensity, skill,stragety,heart, effort, determination. These are the things you need to win it all or have a chance. I'm ready and focused on winning and coming home with a championship, if not I can look in the mirror and say I give it my all on that court and left my game out there.

Other than that, I'm just enjoying my day off. I had to go to the hospital I have pink eye..I haven't had that since I was like 8 crazy I know. Check this I played yesterday's game eye closed, I couldn't see out of my left eye no lie. I'm just resting my legs, watching me DVD's and continuing to work on my music. The weather out here is so beautiful, everyday the sun is shining and the breeze from the sea and planes flying over my head feels good, I can't compalin. It's crazy how time flies, the season is almost over, I'm getting ready to come back home, my sons are getting bigger, my guys are in the playoffs again..Life is good and I'm just blessed to be living and seeing the world.

Thanks for the support and love means a lot to me for real. I'm still working and have the same goal WIN a championship.

Quote of the day: "There's a fine line between good and great"

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"
One Man Fastbreak

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