What’s new with me?

Hello to all my wonderful fans, friends, and family thanks for stopping by and checking out my website means a lot to me. Right now things are going well with me and my team as we started the season 1-8. It’s tough right now because we are really working hard and putting forth the effort needed to win ball games but we are coming up short.  I really feel like we will turn things around because we are competing every night and fighting hard. We have the talent, coaching to do it. The effort is there, the attitude to want to win is there, now we just have to find ways to pull out wins.

I still keep a positive attitude and continue to work hard everyday.  I still go to the gym late nights and put up shots and work on my individual skills. Even though I haven't play many minutes I still prepare every night like I will play 20 plus minutes because in this business you just never know what can happen. I still pay attention to the game while on the bench, I watch a lot of game film even when I don't play because I want to feel apart of the game at all times. I love the challenges of being a professional basketball player I chose this life and really live it and enjoy it.

I was able to see Deron Williams in person as we picked up our first win against a great team the Utah Jazz. Deron wasn't 100% yet but still looked pretty good. I didn't play that game and I really wanted to because we are so competitive and playing against the team that drafted me would have been great. I wasn't able to speak to Coach Sloan, I really wanted to because at the end of the day, he's a legend, a coach and player that I looked up to and someone who coached me and taught me a lot about the game and being a true professional. I was actually a little afraid because I knew after playing there, that he hates to talk to the opposing team before games, that’s why I told Deron at first I wasn't coming to their hotel because if he would have saw me its like "sleeping with the enemy" a saying used referring to hanging out nights before the game with players from the other team. I have much respect for the Jazz organization and everyone in it so to see those guys was great and I was all smiles.

Deron beat up on me in some cards, as we talked and laughed. Ronnie Brewer and CJ Miles (my dudes for real) hung out with us as well. It was good seeing those guys because I haven't seen them in 8 months and we had a lot to talk about. People ask all the time what is your relationship like with your teammates from college? We are brothers. We love and support one another no matter what. That goes for Roger Powell, Luther Head, James Augustine, Warren Carter...all my dudes that’s working hard and playing the game they love or doing what they love in life. We play Luther Head and the Rockets tomorrow so I will be able to see him as he comes into town. It’s always a great feeling to see your homeboy in the NBA because I know these guys worked hard, they are great people, and they have dreamed to be here since they were little boys. That's what motivates me everyday and keeps me working hard, feeling blessed, and appreciate the opportunity given to me.

Last night I was able to get my first NBA start!!! We played against the Atlanta Hawks and my friend Patrice, hit me with a message and said," keep working hard, good luck, you will have something special happen to you tonight". So I went through my pre-game ritual, got a good meal, a good nap and went over early to the arena to put up some shots and get warmed up. With 70 minutes until tip-off Coach Jordan called me and Javale McGee (RookieCenter) into the coaches’ locker room. At first I was a little nervous because this never happen to me and I'm telling myself I know I haven't done anything wrong. So we sat down and he begins to speak. He said I'm going to start you two guys tonight so be ready and make sure you understand everything we are trying to do. My face light up like okay that’s what’s up!! I love those moments because those are the moments I can't explain how I felt at the time. That's the business though you can go from not dressing, not playing, to starting a game or games. I came out of the locker room with a different confidence now because I knew I was in the lineup and had to prepare myself. The media quickly started asking questions and I simply replied "I have a job to do". I have to be ready to play hard, with a lot of energy, and run my team. I was excited and very blessed with the opportunity to start my first game. I think I played a decent game but I really feel like I could have done better. I played 19 mins had 1 point, 3 assist, 1 stl, 2 rebs. I played hard and with a lot of energy on both ends of the floor. Even though we didn't win the game we played with a lot of heart and effort. But I'm still positive and think we are getting better, I will definitely be better next game and I'm really looking forward to the opportunities Coach Jordan and the coaching staff gives me.

What else I been up to lately?

Before the Utah Jazz game I was able to meet our Illini group out here in Washington, DC. Around 40 people with there orange shirts showed up to support us ILLINI boys which means a lot to me. Our fan support is unbelievable and I tell people who roll deep and always show love. I signed autographs, took pictures, and talked to them about basketball, football, life in DC whatever they wanted to talk about. They mentioned that they watched the ILLINI football games at local pubs and asked me if I would come. I was like of course I always watch the games and I would love to come watch it with some people who love it just as much as I do. So I went to watch the Illinois vs Ohio State game with them and I really had a great time.

I'm back on my video game addiction. I'm back playing college football, NBA Live 09, and my favorite Fight Night. It really keeps me in the house off my feet and relaxed. I really don't leave the house much, I like to stay in watch movies, play video games and write, write and write some more. After practice and traveling around the country your body needs some rest and down time. And for those who want know of course I use the Wizards on NBA live 09 that’s the only team I use and I put myself at the point guard and Agent 0 (Gilbert Arenas) at the shooting guard and I pass to him and get all the assist. Boxing I get Oscar De La Hoya or Roy Jones Jr. because I like speed and quickness. On College football, I chose a team play dynasty mode and bring that team up until we are national champions. I'm like on year 2021 that’s crazy I know.

My mixtape "Time Away 34 FC" has been released and for those who have hear it really like it and say it’s a major step up from my first mixtape "UnWritten". As I continue to get older, continue to hear myself, continue to experience life situations my love for music is only growing. I love it so much and hanging around people who have love for music, poetry, reading books, it makes you understand why you love it so much. I'm very excited about it and can't wait to people hear it and understand that music is really apart of my life and it will continue to be something I will pursue and enjoy.

Closing remarks:

I really want to thank everyone who show me support and love means a lot and I know I say it all the time but I really do mean it and appreciate everything people do for me. My family, my friends, my fans give me my confidence to be who I am and I love that. I work hard everyday for those people who dream to be an NBA player, or who dream to one day do what they love for a living. I'm truly blessed so right now while my team and I are 1-8 and losing right now you have to think that things could be a lot worse, things could get better in no time…life is good. I know I haven't been writing like I should but when I do write I'm giving you my heart, my life, my vision. When you read my blog you are reading about me, the person, the athlete, the artist, the dude that will work hard and be me at all times. Thanks so much for the support and love have a great weekend your boy

Quote of the day: "When things are bad or not going the way they should just remember everyone goes through struggle, everyone experience the same things, stay strong, smile, be positive, because LIFE IS GOOD!"