Well we have officially passed the halfway point of the dleague season. As of late we have not been our JAM that started this season so strong. But we have also experienced some serious changes all the way along our roster. The initial incident was the unfortunate loss of our veteran point guard Matteen Cleves who tweeked his hamstring during the Iowa game. He come back a little to soon and pushed to hard and set himself back last week when he tried to plat against New Mexico. So that put a little more stress on Trey Johnson and Johvan Harris. Trey had to move back to the point guard position which is not his natural position. He had been totally dominate at the 2 guard position, attacking from the wing and really running in transition. But we have done well with him back at the point. Secondly we got another guy back from the team last year. Justin Reed arrived in Bakersfield about the same time I did last year and we started to work toward this year. Justin unfortunatley was not with us from training camp because he suffered a broken foot while in Vet camp with Philadelphia. But his return means that we have more size but more importantly another guy on the floor with NBA experience. Finally in the last week or so we also added a point guard by the name of Terrell Everett who played at the University of Oklahoma. He is a solid player who has moved right in and taken the reigns and really begun to run our team. He is a very athletic point guard with great court sense. So now that we have all been put together we must find our way back to the yellow brick road.
So now we have the parts we have to get back to working together and playing our basketball. Unfortunately we have dropped a few games as of late and I must say I have not been playing as well as I should be. My rebounding has dropped slightly to about 8 boards a game which needs to get back up toward 10. But I have to keep working and that's what the league is all about. We have a bunch of home games over the next month so we can really do our thing and stay in good old Bakersfield the whole time.
Now my mind isn't really on writing this blog about me, I am still so excited and upset over my beloved Cardinals play for a world championship. We came from absolutely shit to playing for all the marbles. I have been a die hard fan for as long as we have lived in Phoenix, 18 wonderful years. I must say that the Cards ripped my heart out time and time again. As my dad and I came to realize is that no lead is too big, the Cards can blow anything. This year however we had a SQUAD!! By far the best recieving core maybe ever assembled and a 40 year old quarterback who wears gloves on both hands. But no one gave us any chance. We beat the Cowboys and the Bills at home this year on our way to the NFC West championship. But like my dad and I always said no lead is safe with the Cards. They played a hell of a game but the same old stupid mistakes kept us from reaching the top. An interception right before half that was returned 100 yards by a 300lb line man was embarrassing. Let me tell you I don't think anyone was a pissed as my little brother. He would have killed Kurt Warner if he could have been close enough (he still might if he runs into him in PHX). It was very heartbreaking that despite taking the lead back with under 2 minutes to go we couldn't stop anyone. We gave it right back the the steelers and walked back home with our tail between our leagues. Well there is always next year except we are the Arizona Cardinal we probably wont be back to the Super Bowl for another 60 years so I have plenty of time to watch them piss away all their talents. I still love them and they are my team but I am a realist.
Sorry this update didn't have more basketball info but I will post again later this week as we approach the All Star game. Thanks to all those who voted for me!!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Long Time no Post
Well first I apologize for not keeping up with my postings. We just returned from a 21 day road trip that started before Christmas and ended Sunday morning. I didn't bring my computer for reasons I am still not sure of, mainly because I am an idiot but that is in the past. On with the update. We are currently sitting pretty in second place in the league behind Boise. Our trip started with a game in Ft. Wayne, Indiana where we played very well coming off our Christmas break. I think we really needed some time to recover and hangout with our families. The game went very well and we started our trip with a W. From there we drove to Chicago to spend 4 hours in a hotel to wake up and catch a 6 am flight to Cleveland, Ohio where we then jumped on a bus to drive to Erie, Pennsylvania. I think it was my dad who said "Does our travel agent not own a globe cuz the drive from Ft. Wayne to Erie is like 5 hours?" But hey more time on the bus the better! Upon arrival in Erie we slept for 2 more hours and then headed to the gym to play our game. Unfortunately we got our butts kicked by a team that we should have beat. After that great trip we got to fly to Des Moines, Iowa my favorite place on Earth! We lost that hard fought game in overtime which sucked. I hate losing to their coach who was my coach for half of last season. That just really pisses me off! I had a pretty good game but we just weren't able to pull it all together in the end. We have been playing short handed since our point guard Mateen Cleeves pulled a hamstring in the Iowa game on New Years Eve. I got to spend New Year's Eve having a great time sitting and having dinner in the hotel bar thinking to myself "I left Des Moines for a reason and now I am back and on New Year's Eve, Damn it!" Well what are you gonna do this is life in the d-league? The next day we were back on the bus headed from Des Moines to Omaha and the airport (cuz we can't fly out of Des Moines that would be too easy). The drive should take about 1 hour maybe an hour and a half. We arrived at the airport 3 hours later. Man I love this traveling!! The bus driver had a GPS unit that he didn't use, instead he was using a hand drawn map that his boss gave him. That definitely makes more sense to me. It wasn't for about an hour that he realized he had been looking at the map upside down. Once he realized this he was able to get us back on the right track and on our way. Nothing like mingling with the good old Midwest folks.
Anyway when we finally reached the airport, we made our flight no problem on our way to Boise, Idaho. We finally got a chance to rest for like 5 minutes before we had to go into a hostile environment and play the best team in the league. We lost that game too, wow we were pretty bad early in our road trip. In fact we were god awful!! The bleeding finally stopped when we arrived in Utah for the D-league Showcase. The Showcase is set up to bring all the teams together in one place to play games in front of all the NBA teams and GM's and many European scouts. Each team plays 2 games which are part of your regular schedule we just play all at the same place over a week period. It is pretty much the big event for the D-league season. We were to play LA and Austin. We handled both teams pretty well and got ourselves back on track. I played well in both games averaging 19 pts and 13 rebounds earning All-showcase honors. During the Austin game I played the whole 48 minutes of the game and I must say I have not been that tired in all my life but it was a great feeling to play your heart out and walk away with a win on such a big stage. It was a very good time for me.
After the Showcase we had one more stop on our road trip in Reno. I redeemed my horrible performance the first time through with a 16 and 10 performance but we again were unable to pull out of there with a win. Man we were bad again. I hate being on the road this year. After the game I ventured out to spend some time with some family friends I had not seen in a long time. I met up with the Harrigan family who was celebrating big Mike's 50th birthday. It was great to see all of you!! We for sure need not go that long between visits. Well we are home now and have some great games coming up here in Bakersfield. I never thought I would be so happy to be back in Bako, yea I said it what? Keep checking the website for all your Jam news. Love to All!! http://www.nba.com/dleague/bakersfield/
Anyway when we finally reached the airport, we made our flight no problem on our way to Boise, Idaho. We finally got a chance to rest for like 5 minutes before we had to go into a hostile environment and play the best team in the league. We lost that game too, wow we were pretty bad early in our road trip. In fact we were god awful!! The bleeding finally stopped when we arrived in Utah for the D-league Showcase. The Showcase is set up to bring all the teams together in one place to play games in front of all the NBA teams and GM's and many European scouts. Each team plays 2 games which are part of your regular schedule we just play all at the same place over a week period. It is pretty much the big event for the D-league season. We were to play LA and Austin. We handled both teams pretty well and got ourselves back on track. I played well in both games averaging 19 pts and 13 rebounds earning All-showcase honors. During the Austin game I played the whole 48 minutes of the game and I must say I have not been that tired in all my life but it was a great feeling to play your heart out and walk away with a win on such a big stage. It was a very good time for me.
After the Showcase we had one more stop on our road trip in Reno. I redeemed my horrible performance the first time through with a 16 and 10 performance but we again were unable to pull out of there with a win. Man we were bad again. I hate being on the road this year. After the game I ventured out to spend some time with some family friends I had not seen in a long time. I met up with the Harrigan family who was celebrating big Mike's 50th birthday. It was great to see all of you!! We for sure need not go that long between visits. Well we are home now and have some great games coming up here in Bakersfield. I never thought I would be so happy to be back in Bako, yea I said it what? Keep checking the website for all your Jam news. Love to All!! http://www.nba.com/dleague/bakersfield/
Monday, December 15, 2008
3-0 to Start, um Jackpot!!
The last few weeks have been pretty successful to say the least. We started the season on the road and completed a 3 game win streak which in this league any win on the road is a big bonus. We opened up with LA, then went to Reno, and finished up in Utah. All three games were opening nights for the home teams which meant great crowds and a little something extra from those teams. No one likes to start off the season with a home loss for their first game. But unfortunately for them we came in like the plague and destroyed the lovely opening nights for everyone. The LA win was pretty straight forward as we opened the second half with a 22-2 run. Our defense was like the iron curtain stopping all those who wish to pass with a swift kick and two hand push out the door.
We then traveled out that night en route to the lovely city from my family past, Reno. With much anticipation for that game not only because it was the first to be played in Reno, as they are an expansion team and this will be their first year in the d-league, but also because almost my entire extended family would be in attendance. We won the game but I may have played the 3rd worst game of my life some say jitters from family support I say foul trouble from the word go and I could never regain my composure. However after sitting out almost the entire second half I was put in with 2 or so minutes to play. On the following defensive possession I was fouled and sent to the line in the bonus for 2 free throws. I hit the second which gave us the lead that we never gave up and proceeded to win in regulation. So I may have been playing with my head up my you know what for most of the game, but I made my money from the free throw line to edge out our second win.
That night I spent some time with my Dad's mom (gram), my uncle Ron and Aunt Margaret and Aunt Lois, and my cousins Ron and Kiana. Who I must say is growing up to be a very intelligent and stunning young lady. It was great to see all of them especially Gram as I don't get out to see her as often as I would like. Other then the fact that she may ask you the same question 5 times in one conversation she is still enjoying life and ordering us all around. Upon returning to the Hotel I met up with my cousin or good friend or whatever he is, Adam McKenzie. Great to see him and meet his lovely lady and just hangout for a few hours. The next morning I was able to have a great breakfast with my uncle Kim and his great family out at their house in Mogul. (Thank you Aunt Leslie for all the treats, you made many friends in the airport that morning!) I can't believe to this day how many impromptu reunions I have pulled off with the help of all my basketball travels. Another great family trip payed for by the NBA.
Now back to basketball. We left wonderful Reno to finish up our mission in Utah. The Utah team is based out of Orem which is a lovely little town just outside of Salt Lake, nestled right at the foot of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Truly some of God's country. Ok enough mushy stuff and more to kicking ass on the hardwood. Utah has a very athletic team with some veteran guys which made for a great game. I rebounded from my out of body experience in Reno and performed pretty well against the Utah Flash. We had another war on our hands as the game went into overtime which is always exciting to play early in the season. It can show a lot about a team and where they may be headed for the year. It also helps to get some experience in close games. But unlike last year when we couldn't win a close game much less any game, we pulled it off. Once again our defense locked it down in O.T. and our offense was able to explode and we walked away with a confidence building win against a great team in a tough fought overtime game. We were learning how to win. Some say you can't learn to win but I believe that success breeds success and there is a definite swagger that goes along with winning. It's not arrogance but a feeling that every time you step on the court you know you have prepared well and have the skills to win games. Winning is contagious.
We then traveled out that night en route to the lovely city from my family past, Reno. With much anticipation for that game not only because it was the first to be played in Reno, as they are an expansion team and this will be their first year in the d-league, but also because almost my entire extended family would be in attendance. We won the game but I may have played the 3rd worst game of my life some say jitters from family support I say foul trouble from the word go and I could never regain my composure. However after sitting out almost the entire second half I was put in with 2 or so minutes to play. On the following defensive possession I was fouled and sent to the line in the bonus for 2 free throws. I hit the second which gave us the lead that we never gave up and proceeded to win in regulation. So I may have been playing with my head up my you know what for most of the game, but I made my money from the free throw line to edge out our second win.
That night I spent some time with my Dad's mom (gram), my uncle Ron and Aunt Margaret and Aunt Lois, and my cousins Ron and Kiana. Who I must say is growing up to be a very intelligent and stunning young lady. It was great to see all of them especially Gram as I don't get out to see her as often as I would like. Other then the fact that she may ask you the same question 5 times in one conversation she is still enjoying life and ordering us all around. Upon returning to the Hotel I met up with my cousin or good friend or whatever he is, Adam McKenzie. Great to see him and meet his lovely lady and just hangout for a few hours. The next morning I was able to have a great breakfast with my uncle Kim and his great family out at their house in Mogul. (Thank you Aunt Leslie for all the treats, you made many friends in the airport that morning!) I can't believe to this day how many impromptu reunions I have pulled off with the help of all my basketball travels. Another great family trip payed for by the NBA.
Now back to basketball. We left wonderful Reno to finish up our mission in Utah. The Utah team is based out of Orem which is a lovely little town just outside of Salt Lake, nestled right at the foot of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Truly some of God's country. Ok enough mushy stuff and more to kicking ass on the hardwood. Utah has a very athletic team with some veteran guys which made for a great game. I rebounded from my out of body experience in Reno and performed pretty well against the Utah Flash. We had another war on our hands as the game went into overtime which is always exciting to play early in the season. It can show a lot about a team and where they may be headed for the year. It also helps to get some experience in close games. But unlike last year when we couldn't win a close game much less any game, we pulled it off. Once again our defense locked it down in O.T. and our offense was able to explode and we walked away with a confidence building win against a great team in a tough fought overtime game. We were learning how to win. Some say you can't learn to win but I believe that success breeds success and there is a definite swagger that goes along with winning. It's not arrogance but a feeling that every time you step on the court you know you have prepared well and have the skills to win games. Winning is contagious.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
It's not the SKILL, It's the WILL
And so it all begins again. I am Healthy, Strong, and ready to kick ass. The last month as gone by too slow. After returning from Spain I began rehab and after only 6 weeks I was completely healed and back in action. Thanks to the great work of Dr. Murphy and his staff I was back!! The boot came off and I returned to the hardwood to start playing and working hard for the upcoming season. The month of October was spent mainly in the gym and at USD working out with my boy Nick Uren. He has helped me get my shot as pure as it has ever been. His dedication to me can never be repaid and I appreciate it more than he will know. So with my life getting back on the basketball track I started looking forward to the upcoming D-league season.
I was to return to Bakersfield, they had kept my rights and really wanted me back. It was a good feeling because ending my season in Bakersfield was one of the best basketball experiences I have ever had. The organization is set to really provide us with every opportunity to succeed, building a brand new practice facility and office complex. Coach Scott Roth was also a big reason for me to really want to return to the D-league and Bakersfield. He is a good coach who runs a team as well as I have seen in a while. He shoots it straight and you always know exactly where you stand with him. There is no bullshit which I am glad to say is the thing that I have had enough of over my career. The focus is now strictly on doing all I can to play as well as I can. Playing ball has returned to the beautiful game I love. I was able to add 15 pounds this off season and so far have kept it on through training camp. I am stronger and shooting as well as I ever have. This is going to be a great year and we are going to dominate the D-league. The season starts this Friday at LA. From then on we start rolling. Games come flying at us 3-4 a week with travel and practices filling the gaps.
I have to say that after the last 10 days of camp I have truly found that this could be the year that things start to happen. Basketball is my life and my life is good right now. The road is long, the journey has begun, and the experience is at hand now to reach out and make it all that I want is all that is left.
Please feel free to leave comments as I have made it easy so you don't have to log in or anything just click and post. Love to all and have a great Turkey Day!
I was to return to Bakersfield, they had kept my rights and really wanted me back. It was a good feeling because ending my season in Bakersfield was one of the best basketball experiences I have ever had. The organization is set to really provide us with every opportunity to succeed, building a brand new practice facility and office complex. Coach Scott Roth was also a big reason for me to really want to return to the D-league and Bakersfield. He is a good coach who runs a team as well as I have seen in a while. He shoots it straight and you always know exactly where you stand with him. There is no bullshit which I am glad to say is the thing that I have had enough of over my career. The focus is now strictly on doing all I can to play as well as I can. Playing ball has returned to the beautiful game I love. I was able to add 15 pounds this off season and so far have kept it on through training camp. I am stronger and shooting as well as I ever have. This is going to be a great year and we are going to dominate the D-league. The season starts this Friday at LA. From then on we start rolling. Games come flying at us 3-4 a week with travel and practices filling the gaps.
I have to say that after the last 10 days of camp I have truly found that this could be the year that things start to happen. Basketball is my life and my life is good right now. The road is long, the journey has begun, and the experience is at hand now to reach out and make it all that I want is all that is left.
Please feel free to leave comments as I have made it easy so you don't have to log in or anything just click and post. Love to all and have a great Turkey Day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)