Last week wasn't a good game for me and my team as we loss our 5th game of the season on the road in a blowout against Cantu. I played a decent a game 16pts,4ast but I know teams will try to limit me and allow the other players to beat them. I have to get better and do a lot more and thats my goal for the rest of the season. I'm focused, Im trying to get better and win thats all Im chasing right now. Every time I step on the floor I want to improve and become a better player,person, teammate because thats all thats important in the development stages of a basketball player while in my case a hooper. I love this game...the ups and downs, the winning, the losing, the travel, all of the practices, hours in the weight room I just love it.

Right now Im going through these stages of not liking a lot of players in the game because on the professional level its becoming a trend not to care about the game, just to play and get paid..Come on now, I guess where I come from, my hood, my city, my school we love the game, we love to compete, it wasn't about no money or just doing it, we love playing the game and love being a HOOPER, nowadays if you look close there are more and more basketball players meaning they just love being called a basketball player and thats all. Very few willing to sacrifice their game, their body for the good of the team, very few care about winning and doing whatever it takes to become a champion or a good teammate.

I know you like where is this coming from I been holding a lot of things in for awhile, maybe its me wanting to see more talented guys become better and respect the game and those who came before us. I was taught to go HARD, give it your all, be grateful to play this game, something has to be seriously wrong for me not to lace up my shoes and play, I mean I can't walk, can't move this is the LOVE I have for this game, always have. Now I'm getting paid to do this my hunger, my passion has went through the roof, everyday no matter how I play, how I'm feeling Im feeling more proud to be a basketball player, a hooper one who respects this game, loves this game, and appreciate it everyday. 

This week of practice has been long, I feel I got better, I been working really hard because like I say I want to use my time over here as a time to improve and elevate my game. I know what teams want to take away from me so I work on my counters and things I know will allow me to be successful. Its been a tough month or so for me dealing with a lot of things that involves my job, but I refuse to speak on these things because I respect and I'm a loyal dude and refuse to downplay or talk family business... Im blessed, so blessed and HATE TO COMPLAIN because I look at the world and say DEE BE QUITE you are in a great situation, there are people in bad situations right now and you complaining. When I'm not myself, which means ALL HAPPY and DEE BROWN, every one say DEE whats up you good? You having problems? Im like what problems could I be having?? I never had GIRL problems, my family good, I wake up every morning so what you think bothering me. Matter of fact if I was having problems off the court a golden rule in my sport is never BRING THOSE PROBLEMS ON THE FLOOR...SO I hope my organization, my teammates, those who ever had that question when they see me not being me Im human and if something is bothering me its serious nothing small can knock me off my hustle and this grind.

Other than that I been chillin, relaxing, enjoying this LIFE OF MINE. I been getting a lot of rest these 2 day practices  are long and tough for me becasuse I'm using them to elevate my game and continue to get better. My girl just got back over here to be with me for a month or so thats a good look for me because I need the company and comfort. I miss my family back home, whats up MOM DUKES, my two beautiful sons, my big bros....I just get so much love back home makes me a better person and I want to thank them and THIS GRIND I'M ON is not only for me but for them too. This week I play against my childhood friend Anthony Maestranzi, who at an early age his family allowed me to travel out to their beautiful home in outside Chicago and stay the night, play basketball in their backyard, do whatever I wanted at their home, and his dad made me a BETTER BASKETBALL PLAYER. He allowed me to travel the country and play against the best players and he gave me the confidence needed to be successful. Im so blessed I had them in my life now to play against him on the professional level will be fun I can't wait. Because just like all of my friends we compete on another level, we talk, we laugh,. hang out before the game but once that basketball goes up its WAR TIME and I respect that so much.

But I'm still doing good, matter of fact GREAT. I'm still playing the game I love. We are 7-5 (7th in the league) and 60% done with the regular season. I think we will be fine as long as we work hard and learn from the past few games. Things can get better or worst from here I just hope it gets better. I know I will give it my all and GO HARD because you know the rules GO HARD OR GO HOME. I want to thank all my fans for checking out my site everyday and showing me love and support means a lot to me. I write these blogs for you and make sure I never leave nothing out. Thank you and again happy new year 2010 is my year watch out for your boy I have so much I want to do....your boy DUNNY

Quote of the day: "Live for the moment, don't let time pass you by" 

DEE BROWN "ILLINI PRINCE"

ONE MAN FASTBREAK 

I know its late but Merry Christmas to everyone, I hope it was one to remember. I had a game on the 19th against our rival team and I played well had 18pts,8ast with the big victory right before our christmas break. The next day at 4:30 am I was in a car on my way to Naples to get on my flight back to Chicago. I went from Naples to Rome then Rome straight to O'Hare International. It was a 10 hour trip and I didn't sleep after the game so I slept the whole trip. I was so happy that I had a chance to get home for Christmas this was my first since I started playing professional basketball. I took back most of my clothes and other personal things (3 bags) because I really don't dress up for anything over here its just to the gym, home, then back to the gym. I had a driver come pick me up because I didn't know what the weather was like then I headed to my mom's house where I was greeted with the family and 50 wings from Harolds my mother is amazing thanks mom. I ate like 15 pieces with MILD SAUCE (thats a Chicago thing) and enjoyed being home. I quickly took my hair down and got them re-done because I was looking a mess for real. Then it was off to having a great time with the family, its like we really live a movie, the good, the bad, the ugly. Great times without our household though I never complain because my family loves me just like I love them.

I had to attend my first ever funeral, my grandma on my father's side passed away and it was tough on me because I did have great memories with her and it hurt me a little bit but it made me stronger. I went with my mother and brother on a rainy, icy morning. The service was nice and I know she is in a better place I truly believe that. After that we went to see my grandma, my mother's mother in the hospital she is dealing with some problems, but she is doing better. I love my grandma so much she is always making me smile and she reminds me of my mom so much. I had to go see her because she loves me dearly and she is my number one fan. Later in the week she was released from the hospital and was able to come home. I love you Zemae...

I had a list of restaurants I had to eat at while I was home. I went to each spot but I missed one due to the time and the weather. After the hospital visit we went to Portillo's and thats one spot that will never go out of business they have a huge variety of foods you can get and my favorite is the Italian Beef. It was great to sit down and eat with the family, I love family time because these are the people I really really love and I know they love me. I also went to RUTH CHRIS, BRAZZAZ,HAROLD'S, POPEYES, GREEKTOWN. I wasn't lying when I said I had a list of places and I was definitely going to stuff myself. Pizza and Pasta is good don't get me wrong but while over here thats all I eat and it gets boring so I have to switch it up.

Of course I was able to see my boys, both of them are doing well getting better and smarter everyday. It felt really good to be with them because I miss them so much and when I'm around them its a feeling I can't explain I love it. I was able to see all of my friends and family. Being overseas no one gets to see you play, see you for a long time so when you meet back up its special because the people in my corner really miss me and follow me so it feels good being around people who care for you. I can't lie I kicked it everyday with my dudes, we partied like crazy I love Chicago social life its very different but I love it because when I go out I just seem like I know everybody. Some people think you changed, some people happy to see you, some people have their negative opinion about you, its just so different but so fun to me because it makes stronger, a better person because I know who I am and what I have to do. I was a bartender one night at one of my favorites hang out spots and it felt good because I had a blast doing somethings different shout out to the Owner Billy good looking it was a good look for me being back home.

Other than that I really just chilled in the house with the family, played spades of course which I definitely dominated the table. Thats one of my favorite hobbies playing cards especially if you play with the right people. I played the playstation 3, NBA 2K9 we haven't moved on because 2K10 isn't as nice as 2K9 just our opinion. It was a great 6 days off, I watched a few games and relaxed. I needed that rest and time to get my body and mind right. I want to thank my family and friends for the great time man, I miss it already I really appreciate the love and support!! I had a great time thanks to y'all.

Now its back to business yesterday we had a scrimmage game to get back into the game mode, I was a little rusty and winded but played a good game scoring 23pts,8ast as we won the game. IM ON MY GRIND, Im working to get better everyday and make sure I improve and show it when I step on the court. I feel good, my body is ready Im healthy thank God, my mind is back focus on the ultimate goal and I'm back in Italy doing what I love to do, thats compete and play this wonderful game we call basketball. Im still on my music grind and still working on different projects. Everything is GREAT I really can't complain and won't because I'm blessed I know that and I will continue to show it. Thank you for showing by and taking the time out to read my blog for those who check my site everyday to see if I wrote God bless you and thank you so much I love you and appreciate the love and support. I will talk to you soon hope all is well and again happy holidays from yo boy DUNNY

Quote of the day: "Family is the most important thing you have in life, they will be there no matter what happens"

DEE BROWN "ILLINI PRINCE"

ONE MAN FASTBREAK 

Its been rough on my team and me these past 4 weeks as we dropped 4 straight games. On Sunday we loss at home against Milano in a tough game. We played well for 35 minutes and then broke down at the end. I played a decent game 16 pts,4ast,3rebs,3stls but I was very upset with myself because I let the referees and my defender get in my head. The referees told me all game that I deserved a technical foul because I was reacting too much to body connect and wanted a foul. I really thought they controlled the game and I was one of the players who got the bad end of the stick which is my fault because I just should play thats all. But I'm learning every game, every week and its only going to get tougher. I really hate losing and it bothers me for some days and take time for me to leave the game behind me because I remember possessions where I could have done this or that, I understand possessions now and how essential each one is and it bothers me. Its been a good week of practice though and I'm focused on this next game which is another big game because its a derby game, once meanings one of our rival teams come into our gym to play. So now that we are going through these struggles I'm saying in my mind OKAY LETS GO! Lets get back to winning games and playing good basketball as a team.

I been packing my stuff getting ready to come home for Christmas break. I have to move out my apartment here anyway due to some minor problems so I have packed all my things so I can return to the best city in the world CHICAGO! I can't wait to see my family and friends. I miss my sons like crazy and can't wait to see them and take them Christmas shopping. My mom, grandma I know is excited to see me as well they are my number fans and are so mad they can't watch my games but I make sure they know how I did, (if they don't check right away). I also been on my music grind, I'm currently working on 5 projects, yes I know I just love it, it keeps me balanced and happy. Basketball can be a stressful game at times, along with the lifestyle so I have found something special and something that keeps my mind free. I been going through a lot these past few weeks and I think music has allowed me to release some of my thoughts in a creative and beneficial way. I was talking with my coach and this isn't the first time I had this, but people know I'm positive, energetic, upbeat person but at the end of the day I'm human and go through different things that may effect my mood. With my music I feel nothing but freedom, love, happiness, and control. One of my goals is to write a book about my life and maybe another one for kids. My music is a start for me, a way to express myself and something to keep my mind and focus balanced. 

Other than that, I just been watching games, American Football and NBA games. I just love sports and somedays I have to stay up until 3-4 in the morning to watch but I'm still excited and love watching the greatest athletes in the world compete. The NEWS right now is disappointing me, but making me understand that there's a lot going on in this world. I'm so blessed and grateful to be doing what I'm doing for a living. I just try to live the life I want and always dreamed about.. I want everyone to live their life to the fullest, be happy, and do what makes you happy. Everyone makes mistakes even the greatest athletes in the world, the greatest artists, the greatest whatever I just hope and pray God forgives them and move on. Thats why I try to make a difference in someone else life everyday because I know I have done wrong in my life because I'm not perfect but those things I try to make someone understand that is wasn't right that you can do this to make your life better. All I can say is learn from other people's mistakes and make sure you live your life.

Yesterday we had a appearance at our gym where 300 kids came, played on our court and after we signed autographs and took pictures with the kids. I love doing that it makes my day and make me appreciate being a professional basketball player. I remember when I was a little boy and I was in that same position I use to look getting autographs and collecting them, showing it off to my friends at school, but I can't lie I have had many opportunities to see professional basketball players. So I make sure I give kids 100% attention when they see me because its an honor to sign my name, be this person they look up to, its an honor and privilege. Then today we went to a hospital to take gifts, take pictures, sign autographs for the kids, that cheered me up and put a smile on my face, it made my week a lot better because thats what its all about for real making a difference and giving back to the community. I love doing it and I have been doing it since my college days and I never needed to be pushed, or given credit in the newspaper or media for doing it, its always from the heart. It was a great day for me.

I have one more game to play, which is a big derby game and then I'm back home. I will keep everyone updated on whats going on and for those who check my website everyday sorry its been awhile since I wrote something its just been...okay okay no excuses its always my fault. I been doing good though never could complain GOD is so so Great to me and my family I appreciate all the love and support I receive along with the HATE because thats the new LOVE I guess...But thanks for taking the time out to read what I was feeling at the time much love yo boy DUNNY

Quote of the day: "Everyone makes mistakes, its what you do after that makes the difference"

DEE BROWN "ILLINI PRINCE"

ONE MAN FASTBREAK 

My last blog was so long I know but somedays I really have so much to talk about I just go crazy when i sit down and start tying because I know I have people who love reading what I have to say. I try not to leave nothing out I just love talking to my fans and letting everyone know what's going on with me. This past weekend we loss on the road by 20 points and it was a tough one because we have loss 3 straight games. I played a decent game scoring 21pts, 5ast, 2 stls but I still think I could have done more. Its been for me and my team. We have 2 games left before christmas break and they are must win games for us. This week practice has been tough and really intense because we have to get back to playing our style of basketball. After the loss we had to drive 5 hours on the bus and it was terrible. I slept the whole trip because I couldn't stop thinking about the game. This is the life, it has its ups and downs.

I've been doing pretty good overall though, can't lie I have had a lot of things on my mind about everything going on here in Italy, but I'm a strong dude and I have been through a lot in my life. My faith, hard work, patience and positive attitude has got me this far now I have to continue to do ME thats be DEE BROWN. Now this is a big week for me and my team as we prepare to play a tough home game. I will be ready and working hard to provide more for my team, being the leader I demand a lot out of myself, so the organization, my teammates, and fans. So I'm making sure I stay focus and on my business.

I will be here again to write more about whats going on with me, on and off the court right now Im just relaxing about to get some rest, I been working hard but also its been tough for me to sleep this past couple days. Now I will watch some games, watch a movie and get some rest I need it. Thanks for stopping by and showing me love means a lot to ya boy Im still working hard and doing me.. Thanks to all my fans who follow me on my twitter page @deebrown11 and my real facebook page Im always on there writing and giving my thoughts and feelings on everything going on, I have fell in love with the Internet I can't get off. Thanks for sending in all questions for my documentary I promise it will not be overlooked I will read and answer everything you want to know. Last but not less, shouts out to one of my biggest fans SEAN SULLIVAN from Champaign, Illinois who wrote me a letter here in Italy thank you so much can't wait to meet you and I hope you read this blog much love from your boy LIL DUNNY

Quote of the day: "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing"

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak