Its been a while since I wrote a blog...I been working hard and playing a lot of games. Everyday we practice twice and for those who don't know its work I mean they really work you mentally and physically. Its been a year and half since I actually played 30 plus minutes too and it feels really good, but I forgot how much energy and focus it requires. I been working really hard because I know I have to have a great year individually and as a team. I have always took pride in winning and then getting my numbers because at the end of the day its all about WINNING. I stress WINNING so much because its the honest God truth, I tell people with a humble and truthful approach I have never been the best player on my team, maybe but when you put me on a team with other great players, great role players, and great coaching thats when you see how great of a team STAR I am.

On my resume its all about winning and being one of the leaders on the team so right now I'm focusing on making sure everyone is focused and understanding each players role. All the great teams in the world win because their roles are defined in the beginning, accepted, and then applied each and every game. Right now I'm on a brand new team we have 9 new players so now its all about getting our chemistry, timing, and coming together as a team. We been playing decent basketball throughout the preseason, but I can't lie I been going crazy because I HATE, I mean HATE to lose I don't care if its a practice game, real game, video game it don't matter to me I want to win because its becomes expected, its becomes apart of you, I tell my family and friends all the time thats the best feeling in the world to me WINNING. I can't get enough of it, I know someone has to lose I know this trust me I still can't sleep some nights thinking about the 05-06 season but I always want to go out fighting and knowing everything was left on the court if it ends in defeat. We been losing games I think we should not only win but perform better and play great basketball. I have had my struggles, but Im slowly getting to know everyone's game and know what the coach wants from me. It still like when Im playing great the team is doing well so Im learning every game, every possession I just hope my teammates are too and its my job to make sure that they are, thats why I love this game, its a team sport and when everyone is on the same page its a beautiful game.

On another note, its days when I come home with a big smile on my face from practice like I got better, I really feel like I improved something in my game. I pride myself on working hard and making others around me better because in basketball the word potential is thrown around so much, but I can see a lot of potential in a lot of players so my attitude, my work ethic shows others that I love what I do and I want to get better and some players can help me just as much as I can help them. I came overseas to get better by playing minutes gaining experience and WIN thats it. Yeah its beautiful over here, the culture is different, Im so blessed to be living in another country but truthfully I don't have to leave my house as I did in Turkey, I just want to know how to get to the gym, grab some food and let me go home I don't have to go site seeing I'm good with basketball, then home to my video game and notebook and pen. So thats my goal, my plans I still write down what I want to accomplish, what's my goals and expectations. I have always done that because whenever I'm not feeling too good about myself, my job, my team I go and look at what's my overall goals and what am I trying to get done then thats when reality sets in. I love getting better, I love playing basketball and sometimes when I was in the NBA sitting on the bench I would always think how much I love being on that court and love playing the game, so now I'm back playing I really fell back in love with basketball. My teammates laugh at me all the time because when I get the ball in my hands on dead ball situations, free throw situations I kiss the ball literally, I don't care yeah its nasty and not healthy but I do it I love what basketball has done for me. I still sleep with my basketball something I have done since I was 9, MOM tell them I'm not lying, I feel so powerful with that round object in my hands. So everyday I'm looking forward to improving and I promise for those who haven't seen me play in awhile when the day comes you see me again I will be much improved, stronger, and smarter as a basketball player. Playing in Europe teaches you so much more about basketball and how to actually play the game using different methods. They say those who come the the NBA struggle in Europe which some do and I have seen it with my own eyes, but I say my game adapts to any system, any style because I learn, I love playing with different players and my main goal is to WIN thats it. 

On a personal note, I been doing good resting my body, eating good, beating my homeboys online in that Madden 10, and writing my music. Thats one of the things my mom tell me to do when relaxing my mind and staying focus, "Dee just do your music and relax", because she know it can get stressful and very lonely over here. I know how to entertain myself and know how to make life off the court enjoyable thanks to the things that keep me off the streets of Chicago sports and music. I'm not on my pasta thing anymore, when I first got over here thats all I ate was pizza and pasta because thats what Italy is known for...Man is it good sorry to keep bragging but its only the truth, while in Chicago I eat at Italian restaurants, but its nothing like the real thing. I'm making sure I eat, sometimes I forget too, my mom and grandma always getting mad at me and say "Dee you look skinny", I laugh all the time like yeah y'all got me I haven't been eating, mom I'm still 185 Im getting my muscles back and I'm looking pretty good on the court. Things will get better on the court I just feel it, I will get better everyday, every game, every possession because this is what Im over here to do.

Our first game is 2 weeks away and I'm really excited about the upcoming season. I want to thank all my fans who check my website everyday, who have always shown me love and support, to all my people who believe in Dee Brown and what Im about, I just say thank you from the bottom of my heart yall keep me going and working hard. To my family you already know its all for you MOM Dukes one of three people who call me on the regular my life is dedicated to you, Grandma hope you feel better I love you, HB thanks for holding me down I love you so much, to all my friends and foes who really mess with the KID whats up and Im doing good, I'm doing me holla at your boy

Quote of the day: "Not through words, but through actions you will know who really love and care for you"

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak-And only getting faster! 

The first week of training camp was tough, but I'm just so happy to get back to work. I love that first week because everyone is tired, but still working hard and trying to come together. I came over here in good shape so I was fine, my body felt good a little sore but thats normal. I was just focusing on being ready for the preseason games and getting use to the altitude up in the mountains. We were literally deep in the mountains, I mean there was nothing but 6 teams and 4 locations to practice. All I did was wake up eat breakfast, go to the gym, go back to the hotel eat again, then sleep and back to the gym everyday for 2 weeks. I read a book called,, "The Greatest Man to ever live", and watch about 4 or 5 movies and TV shows. This is a typical training camp, so I had to get my mind right before going up there. I made sure I packed notebooks, my laptop and headphones so I could write some songs to keep me balanced. Everyday I ate pasta and chicken I mean everyday so right now Im not on my pasta thing no more. Overall the two practices a day went really went and I felt like I made a step in becoming the primary play maker for the team. I learned a lot about the other players on my team. DeMarcus Nelson, Ex-Duke star, arrived along with another player who is from Poland so now we have 9 players and waiting on another Poland player to arrive  from the National team which will make 10 players on the roster. I'm very excited about this new situation, its going to be tough having new players, new coach, and new system but thats what makes basketball so fun. 

Preseason Games: Sorry I really don't know the names of the teams over here yet, I just laced up my shoes, put on that number 11 jersey and went out there to get better! Overall we went (2-4) in our first 6 games. We played well for quarters but we couldn't finish the games. We committed a lot of turnovers especially me, but we are learning and growing as a team.

GAME 1- I played a below average scoring 9 points, 5 assist in a loss to one of the top teams in Italy. I actually played a decent floor game even though I turned the ball a lot while driving to the rim trying to create for other players. I got off to a fast start shooting the ball and running the team but I think fatigue played a role in my lack of concentration and really didn't play as well as I wanted but came away from the game feeling good because I got the first game under my belt.

GAME 2- I played a decent game as we played the top team in Italy for the past 4 seasons, I had 5 points, 5 assist. I did a lot of good things, but their defense and experience really taught me a lot about the Italian style of play.  

GAME 3- We play the top team in Turkey and took them to overtime until falling 80-75. We were down 11 and went on a 16-0 in 5 minutes to come back to take the lead by 5. I played very well for the first three quarters scoring 14 points and playing a good floor game but I made some big turnovers and missed two free shots down the stretch. I took a lot from this game because the past two games were against Euroleague teams who played physical and team basketball. I felt good after the game because it showed me how much potential we have as a team and how fast I'm adjusting to the style of play and getting game ready so fast.

GAME 4- I played my best game scoring 25 points including 5 three pointers, 5 assist, 2 steals in our first win. I was happy to see Ex-hubbard star O Jefferson from Chicago, the same neighborhood Im from, who played great as well, we both hate losing so in the second half we went basket for basket. Overall as a team we played well still had 20 plus turnovers but we had a few players sitting out due to injury but we still rallied to win by double figures. Now we have to travel 5 hours south to play in a 4 team tournament.

GAME 5- After traveling 5 hours by bus we got 2 hours to rest and then we played our first tournament game at 9 pm. I played the worst game of the preseason scoring 8 points on 2-13 shooting. I think the whole team was affected by the travel because we didn't play worth of nothing I mean we were horrible but still we fought and tried to make runs but it wasn't enough as we took another loss. I was so disappointed but I told my roommate I wasn't going to be able to sleep I hate, I mean I hate losing and plus I played bad. I told him next game its going down I will play until I fall out I can't take this anymore.

GAME 6- The next morning I just knew we would go the gym and have a shootaround so we can get our rhythm back and feel good going into our next game against another Italian Pro A team. But instead we went up in the mountains for what they call a "cool warm-up". We ran and did exercises for about an hour. All I could think about looking up in the mountains was the game from last night and how bad it was. I couldn't wait until the game I wanted to play so bad. I went out there and scored 23 points hitting 5 three pointers and 5 assist. It was a big game for us because it was our last one up in the mountains before we returned home. I was excited about the win and the fact I played well but most importantly as a team we play together and better than we have in the past 3 games.

The Preseason went well I think everyone came back in better shape and with a better idea of what the coach wants and expects from the team and from each player. It was a very interesting trip because it was similar to my first training camp with the Utah Jazz where we went to Boise, Idaho in the mountains and went hard for 2 weeks with nothing to do but play ball and go back to hotel room. I feel better already, I feel like I'm 90% game ready and I have slowly got back into my European mode, meaning learning the rules, learning the style of play and getting back use to playing heavy minutes with a big role and expectations. I feel good and I will enjoy this day off and get ready for tomorrow because it ain't over I still have to work and work so I can be the best player I could be. Thanks again for stopping by and reading my blog I actually wrote 3 blogs while in the mountains I think the best ones I ever wrote but right when I pressed save the connection was loss Im really not kidding either I was so upset because I know I have some of the best fans in the world, and all of them come on here and check up on me and I promised them that I would write and keep in touch. So thanks again for the suggestions, the messages, the love, just thanks for everything Im working hard, Im in good spirits, Im feeling good this is my year I really believe that God has blessed me with these abilities now its up to me to go out there and like my mom say "DO WHAT YOU DO BEST DEE", MOM I gotcha...much love from your boy

Quote of the day:" Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all, live your life"

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak 

I tried writing two other blogs but I guess Im having troubles with either the website or connection here in Italy. Things are going well Im working hard and getting ready for these preseason games and preseason camp in the mountains. Im so happy I came into the preseason in shape because we do a lot of running and conditioning drills. Now Im working to get into game shape as I prepare to play 30 minutes a game. We still practice twice a day and it involves a lot of different drills that work speed, strength, and conditioning. 

I still don't have internet or a phone in my home yet but once I get back from preseason in the mountains I should everything ready for me and I will be so happy because its so boring at home. All i do is watch movies and write songs which I don't mind but the internet is so important to me overseas because it allows me to keep up with what's going on in the states. The living is great though I can't complain at all I was just talking with my mom about my place and the Mercedes Benz the team give me to drive which I was so surprised but happy about that. The team has done everything to make sure Im comfortable and I love that because that makes a big difference while over here. The language is something I have to work on it will definitely take me a few months to understand and speak Italian. Its not a problem while playing basketball because mostly everyone speaks basketball english if that makes sense so I can understand everything thats going on.

Other than that things are going well Im really looking forward to leaving tomorrow to go to the mountains and get it popping. It should be great because we only have 6 players right now thats here so this week the rest of the players will arrive and we can start that chase to the championship. Its all about chemistry and learning each other. We have a great team on paper now we have to come together and get it done. Im so upset that the other blogs didn't save but I will write other detail blogs that will be the same as I wrote before because I have so much on my mind right now. I want to thank all my fans for stopping by and checking up on the kid means a lot. To my family back home I love y'all and miss y'all so much. Im working hard and being Dee Brown everyday nothing change! Thanks again much respect yo boy

Quote of the day: "Never limit yourself to just one thing, you can anything you set your mind to"

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak 

Let me start by saying thanks to my family, friends and fans who show me nothing but love and support means a lot to me. Its been a long and stressful summer. Its been a long time coming after winning a ring with Maccabi Tel Aviv this past season. I really thought I would sign my deal early this summer, but due to the market and recession its been a tough year in this business. I worked out for only 1 NBA team this summer that was with the San Antonio Spurs. I was really excited about that opportunity because San Antonio is one of the best organizations in the NBA plus this year I really think they will be in the finals due to great coaching and off-season pick-ups, and healthy players. I went there for 2 days and it was 33 players going for 3 jobs, yeah I know a lot of players and everyone in the gym was capable of playing in the NBA. It was a good 2 days for me and I was really blessed and grateful to be apart of that. After hours and hours on the phone with my agent and talking about his year market I understood that most of the NBA teams would keep 13-14 players on the roster which cuts so many job openings, plus this years draft was POINT GUARDS, so that cut a lot of jobs for me. So I waited for months not knowing where I would end up going. One thing about me though is I have so much FAITH in God and my abilities that I knew I would be fine I think it was not having a clue on where I would be NBA, Europe, NBDL I really didn't know. So when i went out in public in Chicago everyone would ask me what you doing this season you still in the league? It was always the same answer I really didn't know what would happen. So mid-July came around then players started signing their deals in the NBA, overseas, I was like okay now things should start rolling around for me. A couple deals start coming in from overseas, but my agent and I really didn't agree on some of them which for me was a blessing to even have a team be interested in my game. I can't lie things started becoming stressful for me because I really thought my game improved and I knew I was ready to prove that I'm a true point guard and could play in any league. 

So after months of waiting on August 8, 2009 Air Avellino sent me a offer sheet and really didn't give me much time to sign the deal. My agent and I talked about it for about 30 minutes and then I told him I would talk about it with my family and needed a day to decide. It was a tough decision for me, but the organization really showed interest and made me feel comfortable. I signed on August 11 and I was so happy that things was over. My family and I was so grateful and blessed because a lot of players were unsigned and still didn't have a clue on where they would end up. At the end of the day, I have a job, a good job and a team that wanted me and will put the balls in my hands. There is so many positives in taking this job and I feel really good after signing it. I knew it would be up to me to produce and go out there and play my game. After telling people where I would play there was mixed feelings like "Oh yeah back overseas?" I'm like yeah its a great situation and I really feel like everyone has their own path in life. I'm playing basketball for a living and this has been a dream of mine to be a professional basketball player. I want to play in the NBA of course thats the ultimate goal, I think I have to take this path to get there and I will work my hardest to do so.... 

Its been a week since I arrived here in Italy. It was a long flight 8 hours and some change because I had to take another flight from Rome to Naples then drive 30 minutes south to Avellino. When I arrived I was greeted by team officials and then we went to pick out my apartment. I looked at 2 different places and then made my decision to live in RubiCondos which is only 5 minutes away from the gym and downtown. The place fits me well and its important for me to be comfortable while over here by myself. 

The first day I was excited to be here and finally see where I will be living for the next 9 months.  I went straight to the gym and the arena is brand new inside, its a 5200 seat arena that the owner did a great job building. I immediately got a ball and start shooting which turned into a shootaround with a young fan. We shot around for an hour or so before I went to my new place to get settled and get some rest. I had 2 days to rest and get comfortable. The time difference is 7 hours and for those who never been over here its a big difference. I only slept 4 hours in 2 days, I would go to sleep at 11 then wake up at 1 am then I couldn't go back to sleep I would just watch movies and write music. The first few days are always the toughest because you have to find the American channels on your cable, your internet isn't installed yet, I didn't have my converter for my laptop so it was very boring but I knew things would pick up and things would get better. 

My first year overseas I only took 2 bags and really didn't have that much stuff so it was easy to get settled into my new place, but this time I was prepared to stay 9 months. I traveled with 6 bags and it was tough transporting them by myself but I needed my things like clothes, shoes, and other essentials. It took me a few hours to unload all of my stuff, but I have to organize my things how I want them. I took a trip to the grocery store to get a couple of essentials and for those who know me, y'all know I really don't like going to grocery store because I don't cook nor do I know what to really get so it was a funny and very interesting trip. I also went to BLOCKBUSTER to get some movies and video games so I can keep busy and have something to do while at home. I was very hungry too while at home before the trip to store so I had to stop at McDonald's and trust me when I say McDonald's over here is so so GOOD! I love it even though they say its bad for you..I love it and eat it all the time I think my sons got me hooked because every time we ride by that M sign my sons go CRAZY! Whats up Darrian and Daniel..

Practice started on Monday and for those who don't know its tough playing over here because everyday you have 2 practices. I mean everyday you have 2 practices that are really tough and more than 2 hours. I came over in shape and ready for the preseason so its been going really well for me. I'm getting ready step by step for the long season. This season I will play a lot of minutes so I been really going hard and making sure I'm ready to perform. I took the role of being the main player, the playmaker so the organization, fans and community say I have some big shoes to fill since Travis Best and Marques Greeen was the last two great point guards to play here. I love playing basketball, I love the game, and I love being looking upon as the guy that has to lead his team to the championship. All my career I have worked hard, played hard to win and be the best player I can be. There's always going to be pressure thats just part of the business, but I have always won and worked hard to make others around me better and reach the goal of being winners. I'm so excited about this season and I'm looking forward to being successful. That's what I love about basketball its a team sport and each player has to play their role in achieving the ultimate goal thats to win and play the best basketball. Since I arrived its been like a family and everybody been working hard and getting along pretty well and thats the first step to making a good team, a championship team. Even though there's only 6 signed players here right now, I really like our chances to be successful this season. Air Avellino is a great organization, the city is very small but very nice, the people are nice, and the fans are unbeliveable I can't wait to play in front of them. 

This summer I played a lot of pick up games at my high school Proviso East and made sure I was in great shape so I ran 10 miles a week so when season started I was ready. During the off-season I drop some pounds, mostly muscle and water weight so when people see me they say dee you look smaller. I'm still 185 pounds just lean with a body fat of 3 or 4. But once season starts and I get back to eating 5 times a day, working out everyday my body gets back to playing conditions. I really feel good right now. From mid July to early August, I really let my body rest and made sure I was 100% when season came, I was really afraid I would get injured before I signed my deal which would have been a bad look for me so I just chilled with my family, friends, and focused on off the court things which allowed me to come into this season fresh mentally and physically. I feel so good right now even though this preseason conditioning and training got my body sore it really feels good to be back on the floor and in the weight room preparing for a long season. It always seems like when I miss basketball I come back strong and with a better understanding of my purpose in this sport and life. I was born to be basketball player I really believe that and thats how I approach the game of basketball. Everyday I make sure I go hard and give it my all because practice is way harder than games. Its easy to get up for games, but practice is where you get better and improve. Right now I'm working on my chemistry with my new teammates, I'm finding my sweet spots within the offense, I'm working on all the things I know my opponent will try to stop or slow down when playing against me. This is the most important part of the season because it starts now.. The chase to the championship starts NOW! Thats why I'm working hard and getting ready.

One thing I didn't get a chance to do before I left was print and release my mixtape 972:Just Listen. 972 is the area code of Israel where I wrote most of the project, Just Listen simply means Just Listen to the project and give this athlete a chance because people really don't listen to what is being said nowadays. I promise this project will let people know I really do music. The production, the lyrics, my vision on this project was really thought out and put together really well. I made 100 copies before I leave and told my family and friends let people hear this and when I get back next summer it will be my summer basketball and music. Things really didn't go as planned on my birthday, I performed at my party and I really didn't like the show but I know what mistakes and things I didn't do well which goes back to my saying "No experience, no story". With every experience you grow, you get better, I really enjoyed myself on my birthday too thanks to my family and friends. August 17, 1984 I was born in Jackson, Mississippi and on that day my mom and dad made a special, focused, determined boy who loves basketball, loves LIFE. My party was a great turnout and no matter what anyone say it was the best party in the city of Chicago this summer. Next year, God willing it will be even bigger because time flies and I'm not getting any younger. So thank you for all those who attended and showed love it was a great night, WE DID IT BIG.

Overall it was a great summer, I spent a lot of time with my family, I always enjoyed Chicago..Its a tough city but Chicago made me who I am as a person and player. After living there I can live anywhere in the world. I'm still the Prince where I'm from because of the things I've done, I've seen and my purpose in life. I really don't mean this in a cocky way because thats not me at all, its all about how the people treat and view you within the community. I have so many ideas, dreams, which involves my state, my city, my town, my people that it scares me because I have so much going on personally but my family, my friends, my fans, my people stay in my thoughts and plans. I'm overseas now thousands of miles away and I know my website, my life is important to a lot of people so here I am miles away from my new condo here in Avellino, Italy writing letting everyone whats been going on with me because that means a lot to me that people care and are interested in me as a person and player.

Next week I will have internet in my house but I will be in the mountains for 10 days for preseason camp but I wll definitely continue to write and let everyone know whats going on with me. It's grind time and I promise this is what I do I love basketball, I love life and no matter where I am I'm happy, I'm blessed, I'm grateful, I'm loved, and I again thank you I thank everyone I love y'all and I will continue to grind for me, my family, my friends who have the same dreams, my fans who love me and show me support. I'm still here, I'm still improving and learning the game we love BASKETBALL. Thanks for taking time out to read this blog and I promise there will be more to come..God bless 

PS I write all the time on my twitter page, I keep up with my myspace page as well, Im always writing on my forum here on my website, while overseas the internet is my baby while over here thats how I keep up with whats going on in America so please feel free to holla at yo boy i'm here for my friends and fans all the time much love and respect your boy 

Quote of the day: "Those who are success stay in their lane, follow their own path, and keep faith in their God and abilities".

Dee Brown "Illini Prince"

One Man Fastbreak