I will start this post with a quick recap of our season. We are doing very well and just finished up our first run through of all the teams. Overall we are 8-4 sitting in 2nd starting the second round. The second round will be a little tougher for us because a majority of the games will be on the road which is always hard. But if we maintain our confidence and keep working we should end up in a nice spot when all is said and done.
Now down to what I really wanted to write about. I have been sitting back trying to get a grasp of what has been going on in the College sports world lately. The child abuse/molestation cases that have been brought to light make me absolutely sick. Having been an athlete my whole life I have been through all levels of sports and had some extraordinary coaches of whom I owe a great deal. Outside my mom and dad I have to say that these coaches helped mold me into the player, but more importantly the man, I am today. When you are a young kid coming up in the sports world, your coaches become a very important part of you life whether you like it or not. Some coaches may not even know it but kids see everything and hear everything. A coach is looked upon with respect and trust. You look at your coach as someone who you think knows everything and will guide you on the right path. You give them respect, you give them your effort, and most importantly you give them your trust. You trust that during practice they are giving you skills to become a better player, in practice you give them everything you got to make sure you don't let coach or the team down, and finally trust. You trust that coach has your best interest in mind and would never lead you in the wrong direction. Of coarse no one is perfect and coaches will make mistakes but you trust that in the end coach was trying to do the right thing. Coaches wield a lot of power to influence their players and in my experience, and for many players I know and have played with, there has been at least one coach that without him/her they wouldn't be where they are now.
Having said all that I turn now to the atrocities that have unfolded at Penn St and Syracuse. These coaches used ALL the trust and respect that kids put in them and used it to do unspeakable things. Allegedly of coarse and I do believe full heartedly in "innocent until proven guilty". But some of the acts that have been brought forth don't leave much doubt in my mind. A coach who has the gall to use their position to put children in such a terrible situation is inexcusable. We have become so lost in the moment of sport and records and image that we look past the fact that children had their innocence ripped away from them by someone they thought was their guide, their coach. I have nothing but disgust for anyone who would take advantage of a child in any way, shape, or form. Children have one thing that makes them better then us grown ups, innocence! This world is way to tough and sometimes evil to have to force a child out of innocence and into the real world too early. My deepest prayers and sorrow go out to ALL victims of abuse and molestation of any form. We must try to preserve innocence as long as we can, there is plenty of time to grow up.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Here's Winter
Hello Mr. Frosty. Yep winter just came in nice and fierce in the last few days in Wloclawek. When I stepped off the bus after our long road trip at 5am this morning the weather had definately decided to kick into winter for real. Cold, damp air wiping up your your pant legs is no bueno. May be time for some long john's. Well we got our butts kicked in Turow yesterday. It was just an all around bad game, couldn't throw it in the ocean offensively and they didnt miss ANYTHING in the first half. We have been on a bit of a slide since our 6 game win streak and dropped our last 2 in a row. We got away from playing together and spreading the court. I had a nice double double last week which felt really good and I need to do that a few more times. I am struggling a bit from 3 right now which has really been affecting our game plan. When I am on from outside it really takes pressure off our 5 man and opens the floor WIDE. Makes it harder for the other team to double down and allows our guards to penetrate from every where and dish the ball. We will get right back to where we need to be, top of the Polish league. We are that good and will be at the top at the end of the season.
On a side note I am going to step up on my soap box and preach a bit. I have been following the lockout in the NBA, as a lot of us European players have been, and I must say it doesn't look like there is an end in sight. I am proud to say right now that I am a Profesional Basketball player and Kobe and Lebron are not, hahaha, NICE! I have also read a few articles about players from the NBA who have tried to play over here and all they say is that the living conditions, travel, and lifestyle is terrible. Well you have to be mentally tough and have heart to play over here! The fans are ruthless, refs terrible, and gyms smokey and small. But we love it over here, we play for the love of the game not the money. We play to try and support our families the best we can. I have been given many great things and opportuinties from basketball but I have also given up precious time with family and missed many important events back home but I love and respect this game. I play for the love and I hope that people understand that while it has been great, it is also hard, but the hard makes it great!
On a side note I am going to step up on my soap box and preach a bit. I have been following the lockout in the NBA, as a lot of us European players have been, and I must say it doesn't look like there is an end in sight. I am proud to say right now that I am a Profesional Basketball player and Kobe and Lebron are not, hahaha, NICE! I have also read a few articles about players from the NBA who have tried to play over here and all they say is that the living conditions, travel, and lifestyle is terrible. Well you have to be mentally tough and have heart to play over here! The fans are ruthless, refs terrible, and gyms smokey and small. But we love it over here, we play for the love of the game not the money. We play to try and support our families the best we can. I have been given many great things and opportuinties from basketball but I have also given up precious time with family and missed many important events back home but I love and respect this game. I play for the love and I hope that people understand that while it has been great, it is also hard, but the hard makes it great!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Polski
The new season has started, where in the world is Nick Lewis this year? Well if you speak Polish you would know from the title of this post that I am in Poland. Yep Poland the place where WWII started unfortunately. Must say that so far it has been a very good experience minus the 3 hour wait I had my first day straight of the plane for the doctor to get my physical. I got picked up from the airport and away I went with the driver that was provided by the team to take me the few hour drive to Wloclawek (my current home city). On the way we were going to stop and get my physical out of the way so I would be ready to practice the next day. Well needless to say the doctor got the day wrong and as any of you who have traveled in Europe know that NOTHING is open Sunday, which I actually have come to appreciate as it should be a day off to stay at home. So the doctor was not available for 3 hours. So let's travel for 14 hours, get in a small car for a 2 hour drive, and then sit in a parking lot and wait for the doc. Not a great start but hey gotta roll with the punches.
Amid that suspect start the actual transition to Poland has been really good. The gym that we play in is very nice and def one of the best that I have had as a home court while I have been in Europe. Good weight room and training room available whenever I need which is always a bonus. The guys have been very helpful in the transition but it is always difficult coming into a situation having missed the entire preseason and training camp. That is an important time to develop as a team and find everyone's role. I am just going to have to do it on the fly. No worries like the marines say adapt and over come.
Personal note I am over here this year alone as my beautiful wife got a job that was too good to let go this year. She and our little monster stayed home in Seattle. In the current tough times tough decisions have to be made but we are a strong family and the time will fly by! But if any of you could use a Euro vacation I have room and could always use the company. On a climate note however if you come during the next 3 months plan to dress almost like you are going to explore either one of the poles, bit chilly over here...
Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question, would be great to get a little 2 way communication this year. More interactive blog. Pass Life of Basketball along!
Nicholas Lewis
www.theplaybig.com
Twitter: @thenickylew
Amid that suspect start the actual transition to Poland has been really good. The gym that we play in is very nice and def one of the best that I have had as a home court while I have been in Europe. Good weight room and training room available whenever I need which is always a bonus. The guys have been very helpful in the transition but it is always difficult coming into a situation having missed the entire preseason and training camp. That is an important time to develop as a team and find everyone's role. I am just going to have to do it on the fly. No worries like the marines say adapt and over come.
Personal note I am over here this year alone as my beautiful wife got a job that was too good to let go this year. She and our little monster stayed home in Seattle. In the current tough times tough decisions have to be made but we are a strong family and the time will fly by! But if any of you could use a Euro vacation I have room and could always use the company. On a climate note however if you come during the next 3 months plan to dress almost like you are going to explore either one of the poles, bit chilly over here...
Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question, would be great to get a little 2 way communication this year. More interactive blog. Pass Life of Basketball along!
Nicholas Lewis
www.theplaybig.com
Twitter: @thenickylew
Friday, August 5, 2011
Summer time blues!
Well it's that time of the year again, the hurry up and wait game. Trying to figure out where we are going to play next year is always a stressful time. You just have to keep your fingers crossed and know that hard work will pay off. I also have great representation who work really hard to make sure we get placed on a team that I can take the most advantage of my skills and drive to be successful.
The summer has been great thus far. Been able to spend a lot of time with the family. I must say it is tough going home knowing mom won't be there but life is moving forward and I have spent a lot of great times with dad and the brothers. We are still waiting on summer to come and stay in Seattle so hopefully our last few weeks stateside will be sunny and awesome. I am sorry I wasn't able to get out and see more of the "extended" family but I promise it will be top of the list next summer. Love to you all and I am back in the blogger mode so be on the look out! Also if you have twitter I'm on @thenickylew.
- Thanks for reading and keep checking in!
The summer has been great thus far. Been able to spend a lot of time with the family. I must say it is tough going home knowing mom won't be there but life is moving forward and I have spent a lot of great times with dad and the brothers. We are still waiting on summer to come and stay in Seattle so hopefully our last few weeks stateside will be sunny and awesome. I am sorry I wasn't able to get out and see more of the "extended" family but I promise it will be top of the list next summer. Love to you all and I am back in the blogger mode so be on the look out! Also if you have twitter I'm on @thenickylew.
- Thanks for reading and keep checking in!
Friday, March 11, 2011
Goings On
I really appreciate all the kind words and support I received from the last post. We all know how awesome mom was so I will leave it at that and try not to make anyone cry this time. Things have been moving along pretty well here in good old Strasbourg. Weather has started to turn, we have had a week of sunshine which has been nice to recharge the old batteries.
Basketball is going along and we are still trying to break into and maintain our spot in the top 8 so we can make the playoffs and get some bonuses. We have lost some heartbreakers down the stretch which is very frustrating because one play, shot, or call goes our way and we have 3 more victories. I have been working hard and picking up my defense. It is really frustrating not being able to contribute more but I just keep workin hard and stayin focused.
I have also started my own company called PlayBIG LLC. The goal for me is to start providing summer basketball camps for kids to teach them the much needed fundamentals. I am really excited to be able to give back some of the knowledge and experience I have gained to help kids have opportunities like I did. We are working on a website and trying to lock down dates and locations for our first camp this summer. I will add the website link as soon as we get it finished.
Basketball is going along and we are still trying to break into and maintain our spot in the top 8 so we can make the playoffs and get some bonuses. We have lost some heartbreakers down the stretch which is very frustrating because one play, shot, or call goes our way and we have 3 more victories. I have been working hard and picking up my defense. It is really frustrating not being able to contribute more but I just keep workin hard and stayin focused.
I have also started my own company called PlayBIG LLC. The goal for me is to start providing summer basketball camps for kids to teach them the much needed fundamentals. I am really excited to be able to give back some of the knowledge and experience I have gained to help kids have opportunities like I did. We are working on a website and trying to lock down dates and locations for our first camp this summer. I will add the website link as soon as we get it finished.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Family Loss
I start this post with a heavy heart. My loving mother was taken from us on January 23. The cancer that she had so valiantly battled for 6 years finally became too much. She showed me what it really meant to be a survivor. She never let this horrible disease change what she was going to do in this life. My mom took the news that one day she would die and spun around and said screw that I have life to live. Man did she ever live life after she was diagnosed. She hiked some of North America's largest mountains, traveled the world, and gave my dad, brother, and I more love then we even knew we were getting. She truly is my hero. I have been struggling with my loss but I must say it does help to have basketball to return to. At least for a few hours everyday and can forget about "real" life and work hard to become as good a player as I can. My mom would have wanted it no other way. When I came home for Christmas this last December, I sat and had a great conversation with my mom (one of our last). I was not ready to return to France. I didn't want to leave her because I knew something wasn't right. She grabbed me in her hands, kissed my cheek, and said "No tears, you go on, you live your life knowing I will always be with you." I left for the airport a few hours later not knowing that that would be the last time I saw my mom. She I think knew that I was going to be ok because I have my wonderful wife and second family the amazing Helbock clan. I cant say enough about how much I love you guys and how amazing you have been helping me through this.
I still have trouble at night, laying in bed my mind drifts to thoughts of my mom and I have trouble falling asleep. She gave so much of herself to so many and I am so blessed that she was my mom. I will miss her more then I think I even know right now. She is with all the angels and is sipping her coffee mug, walking the beach, and sending rays of sunshine from her big smile down to all of us everyday. I love you MOM!!
It has been very nice to return to France and engage myself in basketball. My teammates and the SIG organization have been so generous and helpful to me and I thank all of them very much. We, as a team, are starting to find ourselves. We have been playing very well over the last few games and especially this last Saturday night when we defeated Pau at home. Again I am very thankful that I get to play a game for a living and have the opportunity to not really have to grow up. I can find my release on the court for my sorrow and pain. But as my Mom always said to me before every game I played since Middle School "Play Big". I will continue to Play Big for Mom knowing she is with me everyday making sure I don't let down.
Thanks to all my friends and family who have been there for me, Jake, and my Dad. Keep checking in and feel free to leave messages!! Love
I still have trouble at night, laying in bed my mind drifts to thoughts of my mom and I have trouble falling asleep. She gave so much of herself to so many and I am so blessed that she was my mom. I will miss her more then I think I even know right now. She is with all the angels and is sipping her coffee mug, walking the beach, and sending rays of sunshine from her big smile down to all of us everyday. I love you MOM!!
It has been very nice to return to France and engage myself in basketball. My teammates and the SIG organization have been so generous and helpful to me and I thank all of them very much. We, as a team, are starting to find ourselves. We have been playing very well over the last few games and especially this last Saturday night when we defeated Pau at home. Again I am very thankful that I get to play a game for a living and have the opportunity to not really have to grow up. I can find my release on the court for my sorrow and pain. But as my Mom always said to me before every game I played since Middle School "Play Big". I will continue to Play Big for Mom knowing she is with me everyday making sure I don't let down.
Thanks to all my friends and family who have been there for me, Jake, and my Dad. Keep checking in and feel free to leave messages!! Love
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Bonne Annee
Happy New Year everyone!!
First to start off I would like to pay respects to my dear friend, uncle, and crazy guy Jim "Uncle Buck" Ford. Jim passed away the 30th of December. I was fortunate to spend a little time with him over the Christmas holiday while I was home and I am so glad I got to see him one last time. He truly was a great friend to our family and in his own special way left an impression on every one of us. I will miss him a lot.
Secondly we also found out that my mom's cancer has really started to rear its ugly head. She is really in a fight now but you would never know it. She looks amazing and has that same amazing outlook on the whole situation. Her smile is like the rays of the sun, it lights up any room and anybody that looks at her can't help but smile back. Also I dont know if anything will compare to a hug from my mom. They truly are one of a kind. We had a great time over Christmas break with her and the family in Arizona. I am really anxious to get back home and spend more time with her. Love you mom!!! (please send happy thoughts and prayers to her every day)
Personal update, I am really getting used to this city. Strasbourg is a truly amazing place. I think that Christmas was created here. The spirit of Christmas in this city from mid-November until New Years is like nothing I have ever seen or experienced. There are Christmas markets set up in all the common squares around the city and you truly feel like you are at the North Pole in Santa's Workshop. Awesome. Also when visiting a Christmas Market you must indulge in Vin Chaude and crepes. Tres Bon!
Now down to Basketball. We have been struggling as of late but I am trying to bring the extra something that the team needs to get to the next level. I am working extremely hard in practice and have been preparing for games like never before. The team is now coming together after a rough start and turnover of players. Now with the second half of the season upon us I believe that we will catch our stride. My time is now and I am doing work!!! Decide Dedicate Deliver
First to start off I would like to pay respects to my dear friend, uncle, and crazy guy Jim "Uncle Buck" Ford. Jim passed away the 30th of December. I was fortunate to spend a little time with him over the Christmas holiday while I was home and I am so glad I got to see him one last time. He truly was a great friend to our family and in his own special way left an impression on every one of us. I will miss him a lot.
Secondly we also found out that my mom's cancer has really started to rear its ugly head. She is really in a fight now but you would never know it. She looks amazing and has that same amazing outlook on the whole situation. Her smile is like the rays of the sun, it lights up any room and anybody that looks at her can't help but smile back. Also I dont know if anything will compare to a hug from my mom. They truly are one of a kind. We had a great time over Christmas break with her and the family in Arizona. I am really anxious to get back home and spend more time with her. Love you mom!!! (please send happy thoughts and prayers to her every day)
Personal update, I am really getting used to this city. Strasbourg is a truly amazing place. I think that Christmas was created here. The spirit of Christmas in this city from mid-November until New Years is like nothing I have ever seen or experienced. There are Christmas markets set up in all the common squares around the city and you truly feel like you are at the North Pole in Santa's Workshop. Awesome. Also when visiting a Christmas Market you must indulge in Vin Chaude and crepes. Tres Bon!
Now down to Basketball. We have been struggling as of late but I am trying to bring the extra something that the team needs to get to the next level. I am working extremely hard in practice and have been preparing for games like never before. The team is now coming together after a rough start and turnover of players. Now with the second half of the season upon us I believe that we will catch our stride. My time is now and I am doing work!!! Decide Dedicate Deliver
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