Sorry for waiting all week to blog, but this has been a tough week for me and usually writing blogs allows me to release some of my frustrations and I become a little less stressed thanks to my wonderful fans who follow me and want to hear what's going on with me. Last week we won our second game of the season against one of our rival teams Napoli. It was our first Derby game of the year and it was added pressure placed upon us to win this important game to the fans and the city of Avellino. To me, every game is important especially against teams you are better than, but I understand why it was so important to the fans and the city so I was excited to get the win in convincing fashion, winning 82-58. At one time we were winning by 37 points playing unbelievable team basketball. I played good scoring 19 points, dishing out 5 assist with 2 steals. I'm still not shooting the ball like I want, but I will find my rhythm and get it going. It was a great team victory though because we had to play without one of our best players due to injury and the team responded like we should by playing great defense and with a lot of confidence on offense. It was a great 25 minute bus ride back to Avellino. After the game we went straight to have a big team dinner at the President's restaurant which I thought was nice and I really love the food. Of course I had pasta, but most importantly I was able to hang with my teammates which is important during the season because its rare we are all together, talking and getting to know one another off the court. Overall it was a great Sunday night for me.

Every Monday after our games we have the day off, so I use this day to rest I mean I sleep all day until I feel like getting up and moving around. My body was a little sore from hitting the floor a few times but I was feeling good. Winning is a great feeling and makes your day so free, and enjoyable. I use this day also to catch up on my video games, and song writing since there's not much to do in the city I'm in. Avellino is very small, with not much to do but I can't lie its a very nice place and I'm really enjoying myself here. I always get up and take a look at my mountainous view from my small condo which sits on a hill and pray for allowing me to wake up and see another day and allowing me to go out there and perform well on the court.

This week of practice was just okay, but this happens with every team. During the season teams will not always practice perfect and things will not go always as planned. The coaching staff wasn't to happy with us and kicked us out one day and it really felt bad because I play ball for a living so when you are kicked out of your office it hurts. I know I'm not perfect, but somedays, some games you have to fight through the bad and get through it somehow, some way that shows a lot about ones character in my opinion. This is something I really can't go into detail about due to the respect of the organization, my coach, and my family. I respect this game of basketball and really appreciate what it has done for me as a person and player. I been playing basketball at a high level for awhile now so I understand the pressure in which basketball places upon players, coaches, owners, but at the end of the day its basketball the game we love, the game thats fun and exciting. This week we play Rome, a Euroleague team, one of the best teams in the Italian league so its a big game. But remember what I said like 3 blogs ago, every game will be big, there isn't a game on the schedule that I circle and say this is a big game LOL thats funny and very disturbing to me for those players, coaches, owners who does that whether physically or mentally. Thats not the road to winning a championship because every person who has won in this business understands its every week, every game, every possession, its a marathon not a sprint. This is a tough team, but I never worry about another team and what they are doing, I just focus on my team and myself. What we have to do to be successful, what I have to contribute to make others better and for us to win.

I think the starting point guard for Rome is definitely one of the best guards in this league which for me is always exciting to play against. Thats how I learned how to play basketball at a young age, everyone in my neighborhood who say "Oh, Dee you goo, dee you nice", but I never listened to that because I knew there was millions out there doing the same thing. So when I started playing AAU basketball I was able to see all these great players and I was like "WOW" they think I'm nice this dude is just as nice as me, and it made me work harder, and understand that I wasn't the only good player in the world. It pushed me to work and get better everyday because these will be the players I face from here on OUT! I love it thats why I think I become a good player because I am only loved playing the game and was considered one of the best I was a huge fan, studying and watching the game of basketball internationally. I know about all the players and I have my favorites and I have players who I follow just because I love their abilities and work ethic. So I know I have a tough match up, every night I want a tough match up and to play against the best. Thats why the NBA is so beautiful because every night I mean every night you are playing against someone you grew up watching or someone that is so good you better get some sleep, eat a good meal and be mentally and physically ready for a war. Thats what makes basketball fun to me, playing and competing against this great players and measuring your own abilities.

Let me see what else, I put up a lot of shots this week like I said I haven't shot the ball that well in the first two games, (2-10) from the three point line, which for me I need at least 5 or 6 but like I said you have to humble yourself and get in the gym and correct, tune up, do whatever to get it back. I'm not new to this I have had my struggles in the past, but I always find a way to bounce back and come through. I work hard thats one thing no one, I mean no one will question about me. I want to get better , I want to win, I will do whatever my team needs me to do in order for US to be successful. It only becomes an "I" thing if your team is losing, but if you are winning thats all people will see. Thats why to me winning is everything and in this business thats all they want.

I been playing a lot of video games online since I give my game tag out on twitter, which is dbdunny11 a lot of people have reached out and became my friends and I am able to have a opponent every time I log on. I think thats one of the best things I ever seen, whoever came up with that where ever you are in the world, have a steak, shrimp, glass of wine and go kick your feet up you are the MAN or WOMAN! I love that you can play online with someone in RUSSIA or I'm in Italy playing against my homeboy from Chicago while you talk trash through the earpiece thats so unbelievable. As a kid i would never imagine this happening, but a lot of things are changing and going on I expect everything to happen nowadays. I also been online reading and purchasing a lot of beats for my upcoming projects. I looked at all of the songs I wrote since I arrived here in Italy and the count is 60 songs. I don't know what it is but it has help me relax and control the stress, frustration that I sometimes face while overseas. I'm so grateful I found something to allow me to relax and balance my life because basketball can drive a player crazy I'm serious especially if you love it like I do. I been joking all week with pregnancy, first off woman y'all are so strong and respected by me for going through all of the things you do, saying that I show how much I love the game of basketball by putting it my shirt and walking around with it symbolizing I'm pregnant by the game. Sometime the feeling I get from playing, from receiving love from a fan, being able to travel the world and experience different cultures makes me so happy, grateful, that I show it in different ways. I'm back to playing a lot of minutes, back be depended on each game, it feels good to play this game again and be apart of the game itself. This is truly a blessing for me and I will enjoy it.

Other than that, I'm right now in Rome chilling in my room watching Italian TV for now about to pop in a movie and relax. Tomorrow is a big game for us as we play our third game of the season. We are perfect 2-0, we are playing good basketball, I just hope things go well tomorrow. Road games can be tough, thats why it has to be a team effort. I promise I will give it my all and be ready to play. My mom always told me dee give 100%, and thats what I do. Thanks to my wonderful fans who follow, support and show the kid love thank you I'm so grateful. I'm doing good, I'm in good spirits, now its time to work. Have a great weekend much love and respect yo boy DUNNY

PS LOYAL FAN here! Illini basketball will start soon I have the Big Ten Network I may not see every game, but I will be watching keep working hard and representing the best school in the world, for the football team, I still love Coach ZOOK, Juice Williams is still my favorite student-athlete its tough times right now..will you give up or keep fighting? We are the FIGHTING ILLINI, we are a FAMILY, so come together and keep it moving I'm still a FAN real talk! 100 

Quote of the day: "Life is whatever you make it"

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak 

Last Sunday was the first game of the season and it went really went as we won the game 84-73 and lead the game at one point by 25 points. It was a great team victory. I played a decent game, scoring 13 points on (4-11) shooting and dishing out 5 assist. I just wanted to get off to a good start with the team by playing well and winning the season opener. I know I will play better as the season goes on and I will get better everyday, every practice, every game. I will watch game film and learn from my mistakes, my good and my bad thats what its all about getting better every week. We only play one game a week and I haven't done that since high school so that means we practice a lot more twice a day. Its been a long week but a good one because when you win it takes just a little pressure off everyone. We had some guys out this week with some injury though so practice wasn't as good as we wanted but thats part of the game. We have a big game this weekend as we play one of our rivals team and no matter the players, how good the team is, when you are playing in a game like this one, you have to be focus and prepare for a war. It will be our first test as we play on the road, I'm excited about it because the atmosphere over here during games are unbelievable, I can't explain to my people back home how intense the fans are and how much they love their teams. I have practiced really hard this week knowing that I have to perform well this weekend for my team to win this important game. Sorry about not writing all week I guess I was resting and relaxing my mind because I was stressing so much about that first game and wanting to come out and perform well and win the basketball game.

People been asking Dee what do you work on while overseas? Well, I have the ball in my hands 90% of the time and I'm the playmaker and the guy who has to make a lot of decisions and make a lot plays during the game. I work on my overall game, every season I have wrote down 2 things I have to focus on and really work on them the whole year. Every year I have grown and improved an area in my game and I continue to show myself that I can do it, I can become a better player if I just work and believe in my abilities. I knew my mid range game was absence but I still was successful, so now if I can get to the rim, I can shoot the three if i can stop and pull up I can add another part of my game that people haven't seen making me a bigger threat on offense. Over here teams make me finish around the rim, being real physical with me and making me make tough shots around the rim while being fouled, hit sometimes called but most of the time no calls. My overall point guard skills and becoming more of a pest on defense, my off the ball defense is great, but I want to be more of a presence of defense, I'm so fast going north and south now I'm working on my east/west defense moving from side to side making my opponent work more on defense. This season in the Italian league there are some great guards and we play a lot of screen and roll so I'm able to work on that aspect of my game as well. So please don't get it confused I still have goals and want to get better. I want to be the best player I can be and I will not stop working and making sure I get better every time I hit the court because I feel I have the potential, motivation, and heart to be very good if not a great basketball player. I have been blessed with the job opportunities  and with every experience I will grow and use them as a stepping stone for my career. I just pray and make sure I stay healthy thats the biggest key in this business. 

Other than that I been online a lot playing Madden 10, I was addicted to that game back at Illinois me and my roommate would play that game all day so now I'm back on it, but playing online against the best in the world. My gametag is dbdunny11 so if you are playing on PS3 and want to get it in one day anytime holla at me I'm always on. Also I'm in the process of getting 2K10 and CALL OF DUTY so I will be back on that shortly. Video games, the internet and my music keep me sane over here for real. Its a stressful business, because winning is everything over here so the pressure is high so for me to relax I have to have these things at all times. It keeps my mind free, the game of basketball is FUN, its the best game in the world, somedays it makes me go crazy because I want to do well, I want to win, I just love the game and this game has its up and downs just like any other job in the world. You have to have hobbies, you have to have something to keep your mind free whatever it is you like to do. That's my secret to making basketball enjoyable on this level and making it just as fun as when I first started playing. My music is coming along I'm writing so much over here because I'm in a small city so there's not much to do, I have two practices a day then I'm back home I really don't leave the house much, only to eat sometimes and go bowling while is one of my hobbies as well I really enjoy bowling I'm pretty decent too (150 average).

I have so many projects coming up, I have one project done 972:Just Listen which I recorded last season in Israel, now I'm working on two other projects so when i get back next summer I can have 3 more mixtapes making 5 before I come out with my album. I'm doing this (5 mixtapes before album) so people can get to know the artist, LiL Dunny, everyone know Dee Brown the basketball player, Dee or Daniel the person off the court now I want people get to know who i am overall, how I live, what I'm thinking, the things I have done or doing. My music is me and allows me to release a lot of stress, tell my stories, give my experiences, and I have had dreams of doing this since I was 9, but just like basketball I had to work and gain a certain confidence in order for me to just hop into that business. Now I'm very confident and enjoy doing it, its has grown and I'm really in love with music. So I thank music and those who have given me a chance to do it and actually want to listen and take time to sit down and listen to what I have to say. In the next couple months I will be talking to a few people about getting my music put up on the internet along with some other things so my fans can see videos, listen to my music, and other things I wish to have done for my friends, family and fans. I receive so much love and support its crazy, it makes my week so much easier, even though people don't get to see me on a daily basis they are with me everyday I go to practice, every game, every step in my journey. I get a lot of love and thats why I call myself the prince of Illinois because its all about the people and the people who have supported me and shown me love over the years. Thats why the recent events hurt me the most, being waived okay that hurt WOW but I knew I worked hard everyday and give it my all everyday so no one could ever say Dee don't work or care about his craft..but I was hurt that my family, my friends, my fans couldn't see me and had to hear that something I worked for all my life was taken away from me, but at the same time i love I got and still receive show me that I have a purpose and thats to be me, Dee Brown, so no matter where I go, where I am thats who I be and will continue because like I said I want to be the best player I can be and motivate others to follow their dreams and believe in yourself. I dreamed to graduate college, play in the NBA (be a professional basketball player), travel the world, become a rapper, and I can tell you that I had my doubters, but there was so much love and confidence from other people and that gave me power. Thats why I'm on a mission and I thank all the people who have always been there for me over the years, I will only get better and I will continue to do the things that got me to where I am today. 

This is a big weekend, while throughout the year I will say this, because every game is big and you must win. I have prepared myself all week for a high intensity game and I know what I have to do in order for me to play my role and be the leader of my team. One of the things thats important for my preparation is film watching, and relaxing doing the things that I love to do and things I enjoy. By watching yourself you get to see and understand the eye in the sky don't lie meaning you are on tape doing this and it don't lie. I see all the good things and bad things I have done now its time to continue to do what makes you successful then try to minimize the bad, trying not to make the same mistake over and over. Sometimes this game has nothing to do with skill, its playing smart and preparing yourself. I try to know the other teams top 3 plays and call them out when ran during the game so we can take away their go-to play. I try to take away a strength of the PG so he can do something else to score, set players up, its all about preparing yourself. I think I had a good week of practice and now I have one more practice in the morning before its time for week 2 of this Italian season. I'm so excited thats the negative of playing only one game a week, all week you have to sit at home and wait to play Sunday. I'm ready now its time to relax, get some rest, hydrate and think about what I have to do.

I want to thank my family, friends, and fans again for real without y'all I would have gone crazy a few times LOL, I love y'all. Thanks for taking the time out to read my blog, this is me, I write these blogs straight from the heart, I say what I feel and whats going on not what anyone else wants me to write I give it to you how I'm feeling at the time. I'm working hard, I'm definitely getting better and I'm enjoying my time here in Avellino, Italy holla at yo boy DUNNY

Quote of the day: "Those who fail to prepare, are only preparing themselves to fail"

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak 

I finished the week of practice feeling good, my back is feeling a lot better as I prepare for the first game of the season. Im very excited and nervous because I really want to get off to a good start team wise and individually. It doesn't seem like I been here for a month and a half, but man does time fly. I had a good preseason putting up some good numbers, but we wasn't winning. The flip side to that situation was our whole time wasn't there, we were a new team etc etc. But those are excuses if you ask me, I thought we did get better every game as well as individually which was the positive I took away from it. I want to win, I mean I really want to win and for those who know me you know Im so serious, because in my past there has been seasons where my numbers weren't great but we won and thank God basketball is a team sport. I told my family, friends and fans back home this was an essential year for me and I really felt I would be ready and this could very well be my YEAR to prove that I'm still getting better and still have dreams to play at the highest level. I have prepared myself now the time has come for me to put up or shut up. 

I prepare for games by watching film, drinking a lot of fluids, getting a massage and really focusing on what I have to do to be ready mentally and physically for games. Like I said before I haven't played major minutes in awhile so basketball has become fun again for me. I have the basketball in my hands for 30 plus minutes a night now so how I prepare for games are much different now. Every guy on a team is important I don't care how many minutes you play, how many points or rebounds you get, its a team. I have a very important role on this team so now I understand my role, I have to go out there and get it done each and every night. I really think the Italian League is good from top to bottom. There are good players, guards especially, so every night I have to be ready to perform and compete at the highest level. Thats what I love about basketball. The only thing about being over here is my fans don't get to watch it...Other than that I'm so blessed to be playing basketball for a living and this has been a dream of mine since I was a little boy (Lol even though I'm still little). I just love what I do and when those lights come on I just love competing and playing the game of basketball.

So tomorrow when I wake up I have a meeting, then I will get some shots up and get in some stretching then the preparation continues...The season is here, I'm excited about the season starting because I have a crew of friends who all love this game and are great at what they do. SO i have to wish them good luck first off my dude, Will Bynum of the Detroit Pistons and one of the kings of the Chicago Area, good luck and I wish you a great season you already know we family for life. Deron "DWILL" Williamsof the Utah Jazz, one of the best in the world at the PG position good luck out west stay healthy this is your year much love BIG BRO, my BIG BRO Luther Head congrats on Indiana do work, stay healthy and have a great year, my lil bro Shannon "SHANWOW" Brown good luck this season, do work as you chase your second ring. These are my dudes, my brothers, my crew of basketball players who love life and the game of basketball I'm so blessed to have great friends and guys I can call and they can relate to what's going on in this business. Much respect to their families and friends we have in common. Lets ball out this season and show the basketball world how far we came and how hard we have worked to compete and live out our dreams. Holla at your boy I'm overseas but I watch everything I don't care how late I have to stay up I just love basketball and I love my homies.

I want to thank my fans for the continued support and love, y'all motivate and drive me to be better on and off the court I really appreciate that. To my family I love you, Mom Dukes whats up and thanks for encouraging me and always checking up on me you know not too many people do....Zemae my grandma hope you feel better I love you so much, Pops whats up, my brothers keep y'all head up, my two beautiful sons Darrian call me all the time even if its at 4 am my time I still love it...Daniel I miss you so much he talking so good...To my whole family holla at your boy love y'all and one thing y'all know about me is I does my thang no matter where I'm at..I just love life, love basketball, just love waking up every morning seeing the sun I'm truly blessed and all Glory to God much love and respect your boy always DUNNY

PS U of I football I'm still on the band wagon..things will get better keep working and keep your heads up...Midnight Madness down in Champaign O'BABY whats up to all my dudes reppin that orange and blue Im rocking my final four shorts right now real talk GO ILLINI! 

Quote of the day: "Live everyday like its your last"

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak 

SO far its been a good week of practice besides today as I re-injured my back after taking a fall last saturday in our last preseason tournament. I wasn't feeling good all week, but I really hate sitting out of practice something as to be really wrong for me to sit out. I started the practice well but I was unable to finish due to back pains. Right now Im resting and watching film preparing for our first regular season game this sunday. I'm really excited about getting started, nervous because I pray for a successful season I really hate losing. When you are losing it creates this unhappy work environment that I don't like, I just want everyone happy and having fun because basketball is great when having fun and enjoying what you do for a living. I will be ready for this weekend, Im resting and icing making sure I'm almost 100%. 

I met with the coach today and we shared our views on the system and my role on the team for this season. This was our third meeting of the season so far, I think its great to have regular communication with your coach especially being the point guard. I think every preseason game and practice I have got better in some way. Me and my good friend Will Bynum, now with the Detroit Pistons, both agree while playing over here in Europe it makes you become a better point guard and allows you to work on all the things necessary to become a better playmaker. I use my time over here wisely and understand I still have time to improve and become a better professional. Im still young and I know I have a lot more basketball to play and I love what I do so Im very blessed to be doing what Im doing for a living. 

For the past few weeks I been wearing my hair out in a fro or pony tail because I couldn't find anyone to braid my hair and I promised my people back home I wouldn't cut my hair. Its been rough on me because I love getting my hair braided and staying braided up at all times, plus I love getting my linings and staying fresh. But if you remember when I was in Turkey my first year I struggled the first months then I found a braider and someone to line me up so I'm patient and hope I find someone soon because Im really looking rough over here. The only thing thats keeping me sane is I get to play basketball everyday and I know I'm on my grind, this is my life and this is what I have to do. It really don't bother me anymore because I don't think I look bad with the fro or pony tail thats how people use to wear their hair back in the days so I say I'm getting my old school on (LOL). 

I'm hyped up right now because yesterday I went to the store to get my first half of the season shoes and now that Im over here I only wear the best Jordans, the K.Bryant's or the Lebrons. All three of these players represent greatness and success so thats what I'm wearing right now just as I did when I won the championship last season in Israel. I love shoes thats my thing growing up I couldn't afford shoes, I mean the shoes I really wanted so now whenever I see a pair I like I have to buy. My shoe collection over the years has decreased though due to my movement and my family and friends wearing the same size as me, which is no problem but I easily had 500 pair of shoes in the past 2 years, yeah I told you I was crazy over shoes. And for those who want to know YES I still rock my headband and sometimes rock the socks, I wear protectors on my legs so that replaces the socks. I really wish there was a way that my fans could watch my games and I promise if I continue my career overseas I'm going to come up with a way that it becomes reality.

Right now I'm online searching for beats as I continue to organize several projects I have in mind. Right now I have 972: JUST LISTEN  my third mixtape complete I just need to get it mastered and printed up which will happen when I come back home its classic music from your boy LIL DUNNY, now Im working on my fourth and fifth projects New Hobby Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 which OMG are going to be unbelievable because I just keep getting blessed with situations and living in different countries doing what I have prayed for since I was 9, God is Great. I keep talking about my music because I love it, ever since high school I wanted to be an artist so each year I got better and better, practiced, gain enough confidence to actually pursue it seriously. Now I accomplished my first goal which was to become a professional basketball player now its time to chase after my second which is to become a well known artist. This is what I do on my off time, besides watch film, play video games, I write my thoughts and stories from my life down on paper then go the studio and speak to my family, fans, and the whole world. Im so happy I found music it allows me to release what I have inside so please be looking out for your boy.

Other than that Im relaxing on the couch about to watch a movie and fall asleep I have two practices tomorrow as I prepare for my first game. This should be an exciting weekend and I can't wait to play in front of our great fans here in Avellino. Thanks for stopping by and giving me your time I really appreciate the love and support. Holla at your boy if you are online with the Playstation 3 my gametag is dbdunny11 I love video games and love playing online FYI, thanks again your boy

Quote of the day: "You can anything you set your mind to, all you have to do is BELIEVE"

Dee Brown "ILLINI PRINCE"

ONE MAN FASTBREAK