I know I haven't wrote in awhile, a lot has been going on over here in Italy. First off, we haven't been playing well, we are 0-2 since the last time I wrote a blog. We went on the road to Bologna last week and took our first loss and it was by 20 points against a team that I think we should have beaten. We didn't play well as a team and much credit to them they took us out of our game: running and pick and roll. I played an average game scoring 16 points and dishing out 2 assist. I couldn't get the others involved and I was really mad about that because thats my main job, but at the end of the day we, as a unit have to play better and play with more energy. Then this past weekend we faced the top team in Italy Siena and we were definitely the underdog just like everyone else in the league but I really thought we had a chance to do something against them because we were playing on our home court and we had a lot of motivation for the game. They just came out and destroyed us, just outplayed us from the beginning of the game. They are a great team and I have a lot of respect for them, but I know deep down we are a better team than what we showed. The game was our second one on National Television and it was a bad one. We loss 86-57 and it could have been worse. I again didn't shoot the ball well but played a decent floor game scoring 18 points, 2 assists. I'm so upset with my shooting right now and upset that I can't get 6-7 assist in these past games. I want to have 6-7 assist every game and involve everyone thats my main goal and I have been unable to do that so that's my main focus this week in practice.  I think we learned a lot from these past two games and now we have to get better and correct a lot of things because it don't get no easier from here, we have a tough schedule coming up.

But besides our first two losses things are still good, because we are tied for second place and I feel like we are a good team and can better if we continue to work, so there are some positives in this situation. Like I said before I love this group of guys we have on this team. I have enjoyed playing with them so far and off the court they are great too so it makes things a little better for me and the team. I was feeling down about the losses because I hate to lose, but after a few days of talking with my family, friends, and fans I realized that things will be okay and everything will work out. That's just me though I take losses hard and it takes time for me to get it out my head, I can remember a lot of plays, situations from both games and they can't leave my head because I'm like I wish I could get that possession back or that play back. I just love competing and coming out on top, but this is all part of the game of basketball someone must win and there must be a loser. I'm excited a little bit though because I'm getting better and I see that and feel it every time I step on the floor. That makes me feel good and makes going to the gym so much more fun. I'm learning new things everyday about the game and about myself as a person and player. I'm really growing up and finding myself as a professional.

It wouldn't stop though, i have so much more I want to do in this game and in my life. I have always been motivated through different things, but I motivate myself to be the best player and person I can be. I know if I work hard, do my best and give it my all good things will happen or should I say whatever God what to happen will happen. My faith has always been strong, thats what makes me strong. Work hard always beats talent, but work hard mixed with talent only means success in life and in your line of work. Thats why when I step on the court I turn into another person, my thought process changes and something in me just tell me to GO HARD, WORK HARD, COMPETE, HAVE FUN, I know I was born to do this. I have found a new energy, more love for the game and before this season I thought I loved basketball enough, but it has only increased. Thats good news for me, bad for those who are chasing my job, or this dream to be a professional basketball player. This isn't as easy as people think though, there are millions of basketball players in the world going after the same dream, I have learned so much about this business and lifestyle and it had definitely made me stronger. Now I'm working hard everyday to be the best player I can be and I'm excited about the direction I'm moving in, matter of fact I'm smiling right now as I'm writing this. If you have a dream please...don't let anyone tell you, you can't do it..Work hard and have faith thats my secret to success, I can't lie besides my mom I never thought anyone believed in me like I did, matter of fact I knew no one believed in me like I did because its the truth no one will ever love me like I l love me and that goes for everyone who is reading this blog..Love yourself, believe in yourself, if you don't who WILL?

Besides basketball, which basketball is 60% of my life..The other 40% involves my family, my friends (which there's not too many), my GIRL (HB whats up BOO) she gets so mad at me when I don't mention her in my blogs, which I don't do purposely its just some things are personal and my personal life means a lot to me because my life has always been in the media and talked about I just love to live my life, but I have an amazing LADY besides my mom who love me for ME and I really appreciate everything she does for me thank you baby!! I just been chillin, i had to move out of my apartment due to some problems inside the bedrooms which I been really mad about because I just want to feel comfortable, when you are over here the main thing is you must feel comfortable because I do miss home, I miss how I live back home so I just want to feel like I'm home. I'm currently living in an hotel waiting to get another apartment, its been rough but its all good at least I have a roof over my head thats a blessing for real. I prayed things will work out and I know they will I just have to be patient. I just want to play basketball and feel comfortable thats all I need is a gym, and a place to rest after working. 

I been doing a lot of bowling thats been my main hobby besides my music of course. I love bowling its a fun SPORT, its not just a game i had a mistake one time by saying game its a sport ladies and gentlemen. I been playing pretty good I have moved my average up to 165 and I'm still chasing that 200 down right now coming close last week, bowling 193 I choked at the end. There's not much to do here in Avellino, the social life is pretty slow but honestly I like it because that gives me more time to think about basketball and going to the gym to achieve my ultimate goal thats to get better. The bowling alley is my main source of fun and allows me to take my mind off of basketball for a few hours. I'm a huge believer in basketball can't be ALL of my life I have to be into other things to LOVE basketball like I should if that makes sense. Like I love basketball so much thats all I ever knew, but to continue to love something you must do something else to appreciate it more and thats where my music and other things I really love to do comes into play.

Speaking about my music, of course I'm still writing and preparing to record my fourth, fifth and six mixtapes. I know you like dang!! Why so many mixtapes? Well people don't know how serious I am about my music career and what I'm really trying to do so when you put out so much music they will understand that I'm definitely serious and this is what I do. I been practicing and working on it for so long that now its time to let people hear it and get to know the PERSON. I write all the time on my twitter, facebook, and myspace pages DUNNY at the end and people be like what does that mean? I say its my rap name, this is the person, the artist it means HOMIE literally, but for me its simply stating I have done it all, i have been to 13 countries and counting, won championships, won a lot of trophies, graduated college, the list goes on. LIL DUNNY thats me thats the person you will learn about and Dee Brown is the basketball player that everyone knows now when you listen to my music you will learn everything or things you didn't know about me, about my life. Thats why I love music, I think I was born with it because I have always loved it. My dad really got me into it and made me listen and want to listen how to play instruments and all. I have so much material and I can't wait until I'm finished its out and everyone is talking about it good or bad. Because you know everyone has there opinion but what makes my music so special is...its ME, its my life so I never got mad but once when I was out one day in the club in Chicago by myself while me and one of my homies (GHOST) and this dude who I knew said, 'man that one joint TIME AWAY 34FC" (thats my second mixtape) that joint was wack", I was so mad because my music is ME, my life, what I been thru or going thru, how I live so you basically telling me my life wack. For those who know me and been around me before they know how I live and DO IT BIG and it has nothing to do with MONEY, FAME, NONE OF THAT. I live a crazy life that people dream and pray for and I'm so blessed that I have to talk about it, but on the flip side I'm a regular dude I go through some of the same things a young male out there reading this blog go through on a daily basis so it kinda made me mad. Until I realized no matter what you do, its never enough for people, as long as you are happy and satisfied with what you are doing thats all that matters. My mom, my true friends listen and bump my music like thats lil homie right there. I was talking with one of my homeboys who plays overseas and does music and he said something to me that hit home and made me understand why I think so highly of my music, he listened and said I can tell you put time into your music and craft. I said of course when I do something its all or nothing it has to be done right and I have to put in time and try to profect my craft. I have put in many hours, days, months, years to become the best at everything I do and now its time to follow my dream just like I did in basketball, football, being a good student everything I ever did. I have worked and worked for these moments now its time to show what I can do.

Sorry this blog is so long I always feel bad when I don't write for a long time I have so much to talk about, thats why I'm so glad I have great fans to talk to and I know y'all will read and listen it really means a lot to me. I try to let it all out and leave nothing out but so many thoughts are going through my head right now I can write 10 more pages NO BS, there is so much going on in the world, in my city, in my life that i never run out of things to talk about. But I again thank all my fans who stop by my site and read whats going on in my life, I'm doing well I can't complain God has blessed me and I'm grateful and taking full advantage of the opportunity he has given me. I'm working hard as ever making sure I come back home a better man, a better father, a better basketball player because at the end of the day thats the ultimate goal.I hope everything had a great thanksgiving, I hope everyone ate good, appreciated the family time, I hope everything is getting that christmas shopping done I know its tough times but this is my thoughts on that....its not the price of the gift trust me as long as its from the heart if the person don't like it then that person has a small heart and its appreciative sorry to say but its the truth. Much love and respect I will definitely be talking to y'all soon holla at your boy DUNNY

PS GO ILLINI I miss the ILLINI nation so much I wish I had 4 more years...COACH WEBER clear out with mailbox you know I have to call you or we will never speak much love and respect I love y'all and GOOD LUCK Im watching 

Quote of the day: "LIfe is Good, God is Great"

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak 

YES YES we are 6-0, after winning last week against a very hungry team who came into our gym and played well on National Television our first of the season. I played a good game, scoring 27 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. But when I called my mom I said mom I didn't play that well I could have done some things better and she was like boy you crazy. Thats just me, you have to watch the game to understand what I'm talking about, but I'm so grateful on my performance and pray I continue to play this well. NO one expected us to start the season 6-0 and be this good because in the preseason we were 3-13 and never won a game. But I did an interview today and said we only had 5 players during this time and we didn't know each other. After I said that I was so hurt because I don't have excuses or use them because no matter what you can do anything. Now things are going well for us, it feels good because my teammates and myself talked about what type of success we can have if we come together and get better EVERY WEEK!

True I been playing well, but I'm still hungry and looking to get better and win more games. Its a long season and teams make adjustments so now I'm in the gym working on things I know teams will try to stop and take away from me while playing. The game of basketball is all about making adjustments and reacting to the ups and downs presented throughout the season. I'm looking forward to each week, each game because its definitely a big year for me, I know I can play this game on any level, I know what type of player I am now its showing myself and the World I can do it. I think our team is growing and getting better, but I can't lie I don't see or feel the swagger we need to be GREAT and compete for a CHAMPIONSHIP, not yet. 90% of the time thats all it is, having confidence in yourself then bringing the collection of talent together to achieve the ultimate goal thats winning as a team. I think we know we are a good team, but don't know wha'ts going on right now. Thats a good thing and bad thing,in my opinion, bad because we are tied for first place and we are playing good basketball in the process its not just luck or we playing bad teams we are winning tight games, road games, blow out games, we are getting it done. Good thing because we are still humble and hungry because we know things can change so fast and now teams are chasing us and its a huge target on our back, teams want to beat us. I'm still having fun and making sure everyone is focused and relaxed. The pressure is on us because if we keep winning everyone wants to be around us, follow us, but then when you lose people will say well we didn't think they were going to be good anyway, they just got off to a good start. So either way, I say to my teammates lets continue to get better EVERYDAY, EACH GAME, AND EVERY WEEK. I know we are good and things will get tough but I love my teammates and the chemistry we have so we will continue to grow and work hard. As for me its going down, I'm going hard and putting it all on the line. I feel like I'm getting better everyday, each possession, each week, if I didn't I would write what I really feel. God is Great, I'm blessed and know I was build to play this game.

It's been a minute since I wrote a blog, but I needed time to rest and enjoy this time. I hate to leave my fans without knowing whats going on in my mind. I'm feeling good, my body is sore, but we practice hard and go hard all week. Thats what I love about Avellino there's not much to do within the city, so its to the gym and back home waiting on the next practice. Winning feels so good, but getting better in the process with great teammates and individuals feel much better. I love going to the gym and bonding with my teammates, it makes basketball so much fun. For those reading imagine going to work with people you just don't get along with....Its tough right? It makes you not want to go to the office, but for me it feels good to go to the gym with great guys who you can joke, work hard with and be able to do what you love with. I have a long way to go, its going to be a long year for me, I'm real tough on myself, like I went 12-16 from the free throw line I need all those and I can't leave those crucial points on the table. I missed a lot of easy shots and made some questionable decisions with the basketball committing 3 TOs. Right now I'm 11-39 from the three point line and thats my bread and butter, so I'm really hurt by that so I'm making sure I put up more and more shots so I can get that outside jumper going. These are the things I'm thinking right now even though my numbers are good, but I can always get better and thats what I want to do so bad after WINNING though. Its crazy when you are winning none of this is really I mean really focused on, but if you were losing they would be all down my throat. WINNING is great, but for me I take that feeling and work on letting that feeling grow and grow. I'm a winner and play each game to win first and to play the hardest I can for my family, my team, my organization, then myself.

Besides basketball, its been going to the bowling alley a few times a week getting my game right and having a little fun getting out of the house. It is days I spend 8 hours just sitting in the house writing songs, listening to beats, putting together my next few projects, don't get me wrong it feels good to chill and have something you love, but I know I have to get out of the house and do something. I enjoy life and no one can tell me nothing because I work hard and when I didn't feel like I worked hard at the gym the next few days I go harder and put in that work. This weekend its going to be a big game, like I always say but it is. Its a road game, we are 6-0, this team is talented and has invested time and money into making a good team who can go far in the CHAMPIONSHIP. One of my home boys play for them, Davis Moss, he is from Chicago and he is over doing his thang which I love to see and appreciate him continuing to live his dreams, so whats up to him and GOOD LUCK!

Now its time to thank my family, friends, fans, and followers who show me love and support. I tell people all the time I don't have to certain things, how I come across, how I act is how I really am. I appreciate and love what everyone do for me. I have a lot of facebook, myspace, twitter pages, but all of my real pages get so many positive messages and it makes me work hard and love what I do for a living, so thats why I always say thank you. I'm doing me, I'm smiling, I'm working hard and making sure I'm representing my family, my CITY, my hood, my fellow athletes who have dreams like me to do this thats play basketball for a living on a HIGH LEVEL. I'm so blessed and thank God everyday for blessing me. Now lets go to BOLOGNA and get this win if its not a victory its going to be a WAR and we will play our hardest for families, our friends, and of course our GREAT FANS, man I love y'all thanks for the support! Talk to y'all soon much love yo boy DUNNY

Quote of the day: "Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all" (my favorite)

Dee Brown "ILLINI PRINCE"

ONE MAN FASTBREAK 

Wow, another great road win against an quality opponent. It was a team effort everyone stepping up and playing good team basketball. We were leading for most of the game, we were winning by as much as 23 points and it really felt good to play well on the road. I played 32 minutes scoring 17 points and dishing out 8 assist. I been putting up some good numbers, but again I didn't shoot the ball well and missed some easy open looks. I still haven't played my best basketball, but when you are winning it really doesn't matter as much. That's what I love about winning and having a balanced team every game we have a different MVP and its great because a team should be build on 10 guys all doing something to contribute to the victory. One thing I love about this season and my play is every game I'm getting better and I'm playing really hard. We are 5-0, winning some big games but one thing I always keep in mind is that every week is a big game and the games will only get tougher. I'm excited and very happy that we are off to a great start now we have to keep the confidence and improvement going. Physically I feel good and mentally I have so many things keeping me humble and grounded that I'm focused each day and each game I know I have to go out there and perform well. Its a lot of pressure, but in this business thats what you have to aspect and deal with everyday, every game, each possession.

I was able to see MILAN this past weekend and I have to say its a nice city. I was talking with my buddy the other day and its like I get caught up in thinking about basketball so much I forget that I'm going to all these cities that my friends and family dream about going everyday. I'm truly blessed and very fortunate to see the places I've been and that also motivates me to play hard and play with extra passion because I have always dreamed to do what I'm doing so for it to be here I'm living in a dream. I love food and when I say MILAN had some of the best food I had in a long time, Man, I ate so much up there I'm glad I had a chance to run it off because I had steak, after steak, pasta after pasta the food was unbelievable. I love road trips because you are able to get to know your teammate a little more. While at home everyone has their families, their girlfriend, their own lifestyle so you really don't get to hang out that much but on the road I'm able to learn more about each player on the team and I love that. Overall it was a good trip, but when you add the VICTORY, the food, and the city it was a  GREAT trip.

Other than that its the same o'stuff off the court for me. I'm watching a lot of movies, playing a lot of MADDEN 10 online, on the internet (facebook,myspace,twitter, deebrown11.com) talking to my family, friends, fans, so please hit your boy up I know there are a lot Dee Brown pages which i really hate but thats life, but yeah hit me up I love talking and seeing how everyone is doing. And of course I'm writing songs and working on my projects I had to say that thats what I do for most of the day. I'm no longer holding anything inside anymore, I have a way to release my thoughts, tell my story, tell the world how I'm feeling, what I'm doing, what I like. I been doing a lot of bowling out here too, because when I go back home I know there are some people waiting to get beat. I know when I talk about Avellino it maybe misunderstood sometimes, I say there's nothing to do, there's no social life, but thats great for me because it has allowed me to chill and relax. Being a young player, in another country sometimes you tend to go out a lot and explore sometimes players get into some trouble because of the social life and big city. Here in Avellino its small, but its a great city to play basketball and the living is great. I don't complain never because the people are nice, friendly and love basketball. I want to again thank the fans who show so much support and love to the team and myself. They make you play hard, they make you excited about the upcoming game, and coming from a great high school and college where the fans were the BEST, so supportive and really represented its not a drop off. The Original Fans of Avellino you guys are really some of the best and do such a great job during the games, at practice, within the city its unbelievable. I told my mom about you guys and she can't wait to witness it first hand. You guys always make me smile and full my heart with joy so from the bottom of my heart thank you and I can't wait to play the next games and God willing the rest of the season its an honor and privilege to play in front of you guys and know I will give it my all everyday, every week, every game, every possession.

Practice has been going well so far as we prepare to play our first televised game this Saturday not Sunday. I'm excited and can't wait to play at home, ON TV, in front of our loyal fans. The weeks have been going by so fast and it seems like the games are moving along. I'm very happy and proud of my team so far now we have to continue to get better and improve because now we are the hunted everyone wants to beat us and I love that. We are a good team, we are 5-0 but remember things could change so fast thats why its good to continue to get better and KEEP IT MOVING. I'm confident and its only building because when you put in the work in the gym and it starts to show there's no better feeling. Thanks to all my loyal fans who stop by the site to read and check up on me means a lot to me. I hope everyone is having a great week, today is my son Darrian birthday he turned 7, he's growing fast, I miss him and love him so much. He called me and told me he got all A's on his report card so you know I'm the happiest daddy in the world right now thats what matters to me, people ask me all the time will your sons play basketball?? I say I just want them to do well in school, stay out of trouble/jail and live life the way they want. Much love and respect holla at your boy thanks again for the love and support!! DUNNY

Quote of the day: "Live and learn from every experience, every struggle, every situation it will make you a stronger and better person".

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak 

I really have to get my stuff together, I have written countless blogs that I didn't save or forgot to save under the right section and I'm telling you there were some that were so long and detailed but O'WELL I will get it together someday. I have arrived to the hotel, we left earlier today after practice. We got on the bus rode to Naples then took an hour flight to Milan then we got on bus drove 25 miles. When I got to the hotel I checked into my room with my roommate (thats one of the things thats different about Europe) and immediately when down to team dinner. Dinner was the best I had so far, its like when you travel around Italy especially the North the food taste a lot different. I made myself a great salad, then had pasta and rice, then finished with 2 amazing steaks. I'm so full and feel so good right now as I sit here and write my weekly blog to my fans. 

Tomorrow we play our 5th game of the season against a pretty good veteran team. All week practice has went well and my leg is feeling a lot better as I continue to get better. The main concern for this week is playing good one on one defense and playing good basketball while on the road. Its tough to win on the road in any league because teams just play so much better on their home floor with their fans behind them. Every team wants to protect their home court thats the number one thing you have to focus on when trying to win a championship. And for us we are trying to steal a few road wins, we are off to a great start by winning 2 so far now we are looking to get my 3. I have to have a good game tomorrow, I'm preparing myself mentally right now by watching game film and visualizing me playing a good all around floor game. I have to get others involved early, but then also getting myself going. Even though its early I see teams trying to do different things to slow me down and I'm making sure I make all the adjustments and try to continue to do what I do best. 

Its like every week I say we have a big game but its true. Every game is important and must wins especially here in Europe. There's so much pressure and sometimes it can be so stressful throughout the week. So I have went bowling twice this week, I have relaxed my mind by watching movies, and writing a lot of music. I'm not new to this I understand the Owner, the President, the general manager wants to win every game, but sometimes I think they don't understand how bad the players want to win after working so hard and preparing themselves. I want to win I hate to lose, but at the end of the day someone has to lose so when understanding that my goal is to play well, perform at a high level, play good basketball so no matter what happens you can say I did it the right way.

I'm definitely ready for this game, I'm so excited to get out there and play after practicing all week. I can't lie its tough only playing one game a week, this is my first time but I'm really enjoying myself. I'm back playing heavy minutes, I'm back to playing like the old Dee Brown, I'm back on the floor when it counts and I'm really enjoying playing the game I love so much. Its a real blessing to be doing what I love for a living so thats what keep me smiling and very humble because I have prayed all my life to do this and it is here so now I will take full advantage of this opportunity. To the fans of Avellino, the original fans I haven't forgot about you I will write what you guys mean to the team and me early this week you will have it on Monday. Our fans here in Avellino will drive 11 hours tomorrow morning to watch us play this game, now when I hear that I was like WOW thats amazing I never heard of that or seen that done so I want to thank them for the support, whenever they are in the building its so loud, its full with green and its full with a lot of love and support for their team. I can't wait to see you guys there I will play my hardest and with all the energy I have. Thank you again and I love you guys!

I just want to thank all my fans and followers who always take time to read my blogs and check on me means a lot to me. I will continue to thank you every time because its priceless the feeling of knowing you are loved and cared about. I'm doing well I'm so ready and I have prepared myself for this tough road game. This is what I do, this is what I love, and I was build to this now its time to go out there and represent for my family, my HOOD, my school, and myself. All Glory to God for blessing me with all my abilities. Until next time have a great weekend and much love yo boy DUNNY

FYI For those who keep wondering what DUNNY means or what it is...DUNNY is my RAP name it all started with everyone calling me LIL DEE when I was growing up then I start traveling the country, then traveling the world, then winning championships, winning team and individual awards, graduating college, the list just keeps going on so I said okay....I have DONE IT ALL..So I just came up with DUNNY one of my fans told me it meant HOMIE which is nice to hear, but I know they use it in NEW YORK a lot but thats me thats what I go by now to my close friends and people who know I love and do music. Also, I started saying something this sumer that was so so funny to my family and friends they didn't know what I was talking about but it just stuck with me all summer. I would always say SIR BOB like whats up SIR BOB, okay SIR BOB! Everyone was laughing and saying what is that? Sponge Bob is the number cartoon in the world, whenever my sons wake up they would say BOB BOB, so I would turn to that channel and get another hour of sleep waking up to two excited but relaxed boys watching this cartoon all the time, all day. So BOB represents success, represents a plan, someones dream to capture the minds of a group of people, and SIR is polite, professional and its represents discipline that I have gotten over the years. Now when I started the season and a coach calls my name or say something to me I say yes sir, okay sir because I have programmed by myself to say that. Its funny too, I love being silly with my buddies by using different sayings. I would use it with woman too, MS BOB LOL I just like to be silly and make up things so I just wanted to clear that up and let everyone know. Again thanks for taking time out to read this blog...Peace

Quote of the day: "No matter what you are doing in life, just remember always be yourself"

Dee Brown "illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak