What's been going on with you and the team? 

I been working hard and trying to be productive every time I step on the floor. The Preseason went well for me because I was able to get on the floor and play good minutes. I can't lie though I still find myself playing like a robot and not just letting loose, meaning exploring more while in transition, shooting more shots and being aggressive on the offensive end. I knew my role coming into the Washington Wizards situation and when the coaching staff let me know on paper it made me understand what I have to do while on the basketball floor. I think I have the confidence of the coaching staff because I work hard and bring energy and intensity to the basketball court everyday.

I think I'm fitting in well with my teammates and I am really enjoying my time with the organization. Even though we didn't play as good as we wanted in the preseason I think this will be a good season for us because everyone on the team get along and like each other and on this level that’s a positive thing. The main things I'm working on now is shooting, pushing the ball and pressuring the ball every time I hit the floor. My role is energy and that’s easy for me because I have a lot of that and I'm just so excited to be out there and playing back in the NBA. My first year in the NBA I felt the same way and I really appreciated the opportunity because it’s like a dream come true. The things my little niece and nephews, my teenage fans, and collegiate stars dream about every night before they go to sleep I'm doing everyday. playing professional sports. The two trips to San Antonio and Columbus were great trips. I played good minutes in San Antonio and we won the game playing our best basketball of the preseason. I love playing against San Antonio because they have won so many championships and have been so successful that you can't help but to love competing against the best in the business. It was good to see Tony Parker who is one of my close friends and one of the best point guards in the NBA. I got a chance to talk to him, and his brother TJ Parker who played at the Northwestern University and his father who are all great people. I love playing against TP9 (Tony Parker) because of his speed, intelligence, and skills with the ball in the paint and screen and roll game. I learn from watching game film, watching from the sideline, but the best way to learn is playing against the best. Everyday I'm playing against the best basketball players in the world and I have to say that's the best part about playing in the NBA. The next trip was to Ohio to play against the rival team Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. I really didn't realize how big the rivalry was until I arrived. These two organizations have history and really have battles when they played each other. To me, that makes basketball more entertaining and fun to watch. I thought I would get yelled at by the fans because we played at the OhioState and over my years at Illinois we had battles with them.  Lebron James came out and really played well on national television (ESPN) and we didn't have a good rhythm as we loss by double figures. It was our last preseason game and I think we took all the bad and good from it and now we have to move on to the regular season.  I have grown and learned so much from the preseason, it has prepared me for the long season coming up.

Other than that, I’ve been playing a lot of video games, watching a lot of sports especially my BEARS, FIGHTING ILLINI football, and writing songs. With all the travel that’s what I do, writing music, watch tons of movies, and play seasons on the video games. People always ask does the travel get to you? I really don't like flying but that’s part of the job and I chose to play basketball and you have to quickly get over those feelings. The NBA does a great job of making travel easier and very relaxing. This is the process...I have to drive to the airport and park my car in the parking lot next to the airplane. Then give my bags to the airport staff and go through screening and then get right on the plane. That process takes maybe 5-10 minutes. Once everyone boards the plane we take off to the city we play. Once we arrive, the team buses and trucks for our bags are waiting on us. We land and then get off plane and walk right unto the bus. Then the bus takes us to our hotel. It makes traveling easy and very relaxing for the players and staff that’s why it’s not that bad for me anymore I love it. Also, I love seeing different places so I would say that I'm blessed to have the opportunity to see the world. One day I'm in DC and then the next I'm in Phoenix I think that’s a great experience and something I never thought I would be able to do. My friends tell me all the time you blessed, you lucky, and I simply reply I know I'm blessed by God and all Glory goes to him for giving me the opportunities.

What are your predictions on the upcoming season?

I usually don't talk about my team and what I think will happen, but I really think it depends on our star players. With the loss of Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood different players have to step up including me and play well night in and night out. Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison are great players and bring a lot to the table, but it’s a team sport and you need to have a group of guys who contribute as well. We have a good starting group who can get it done every night, we have a young group coming off the bench who has to step it up and be productive that’s going to be the key to our success. I love our team and we have a lot of talented guys I hope the chemistry stays the same, the intensity and effort is brought to the arena every night and we will have a successful season because we have a great coaching staff, great organization, and great fans who all wants to win. I want to win and there's nothing like winning, the city is alive, the organization is happy and it makes things more enjoyable. It’s a long season and I'm so excited to be apart of a playoff team and a team that works hard everyday.

Personally what are your goals for the season?

I just want to be productive and take advantage of the minutes played. I work hard and understand what the coaching staff and organization wants out of me. I want to be that game changing guard that comes in the game and change the pace, be a different look at the Point Guard position. Whenever I'm in the game things are organized, if we are leading when I sub in, when I sub out keep the lead or add to it, fill up the stat sheet with things besides points, and play hard every night. I just want to win and contribute to a winning team. I'm a strong believer in TEAM and that’s what wins games and championships, a group of guys coming together for one common goal that’s doing whatever your team need for them to win and be successful.

What do you want to say to your fans?

Thanks for the support. I really think I have the greatest fans in the world. Thanks for being loyal and always showing me love. Every time I check my website it makes me smile and appreciate being a basketball player. Everyday I work hard for YOU, and I will continue to work hard, continue to write and keep everyone posted on what’s going on in my life. I know sometimes I'm late on my blog entry, but I have a lot to say and a lot of things I'm working on right now. Thanks for giving me the strength to go out there and prove to people I can play the game of basketball at the highest level. I get part of my swag and confidence from the people who show me love and support; which is YOU. So thank you and continue to support your boy...


What’s next for you and the team?

We have our season opener tomorrow against the New Jersey Nets at home. Then this weekend we travel to Detroit to play the Pistons. Both teams are great and have made some off-season changes which have made them major contenders in the Eastern Conference. It will be an early test for us to see where we stand and how we match up against some of the powerhouse teams. We have worked hard all week in practice and have a better understanding from preseason on what we need to do in order for us to be successful. My family will come out to Detroit this weekend to see me and I'm so excited about the opportunity to see them. I will see one of my best friends Will Bynum and his family as well, we been friends and have played together and against each other since we were 9.

Closing remarks...

I'm so excited about the start of the season...This is what I dream about, this is what I do, I love basketball and love when the popcorn starts poppin and the people start packing the stands. It’s finally here and I'm ready to play my second season in the NBA. To my 5 year old son Darrian, congrats on making the honor roll daddy is so so proud of you...To my family miss and love y'all I will see you soon. To my friends, fans in Chicago and the whole state of Illinois miss yall too and much love and respect I'm representing the city well!! Thanks for the support and love your boy


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

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"
One Man Fastbreak