Updates
Tue, Oct 7th 2008, 09:20
October 7 Blog
Hey now, I’m at the house getting ready to go to practice. We always have later practices (at noon) on days after home games to give us a little bit extra rest. As some of you probably know, we had our first preseason game last night against the Hawks. We lost by a pretty good margin; and although preseason games don’t “count”, we know we could have played a lot better and with a lot more effort. I got a pretty good run in (19 minutes) and thought I did nice job. It’s just one preseason game so I’m not getting excited but it is a positive step. From a personal standpoint, the coaches all told me I had a great training camp last week and now I’m just trying to play hard and make positive contributions on both ends of the floor to help my team. (I had a blocked shot last night. I can’t remember the last time I blocked a shot- maybe when I was 12??)
We have a fairly busy two weeks coming up: two more games this week against Charlotte and CSKA Moscow, and then we go on the road next week for three games. I’m excited to play CSKA as it’ll be the first time I’ve played against Trajan Langdon in an actual game. We’ve played a lot of pickup against each other at Duke over the years but this will be a first. Hopefully, the Magic can get back on the winning side of things this week and we can start taking some positive strides towards the regular season.
Other than that, not much is going on but a few of you have commented on my site about my new tattoo on my left ribcage. Let me just say there seems to be two sides to the tattoo debate: people that think there’s nothing wrong with tattoos and people that think tattoos are an abomination. You obviously know which side I’m on. From my perspective, each one of my five tattoos represent something unique and special to me. Yes, I could have probably gotten rubber bands made with the word “faith” on them instead of having “faith” tattooed on the inside of my wrist. But the tattoo is permanent, just like my faith in Christ. It serves as a reminder everyday to believe in the power and the love of God. People that have tattoos are not part of some weird subculture nor are NBA players “thugs” because they have permanent ink on their bodies. I’ve seen plenty of tattooed NBA players who donate money and time to charity, or go to church every Sunday, or visit sick kids in the hospital. That being said, my new tattoo is a latin phrase that runs all the way down my ribcage. I’m sure y’all can figure it out.
Ok, I’m off to practice. I’ll check back soon. In the meantime, let’s go Red Sox! What a win last night.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Comments
Jeff Carpenter | on 14/10/08
JJ;
Best of luck this season….I know that you are working very hard and this hard work will pay off. My Son William has attended Duke Basketball camp for 6 years and this past summer…when seen your hard work and dedication….we also seen your car get towed (lol)...You are a great person and keep working hard for your goals…you inspire my son to become a better player every day…He loves basketball and his success comes from hard work that is inspired by you and Duke…May God Bless you!
Jeff Carpenter,
Sylva NC
Ryan | on 14/10/08
JJ,
My family and I are huge fans. I brainwashed my 12 year old daughter years ago and she has followed your whole career. I promised her I would take her to see you play. I am not an NBA fan – watching Duke has me spoiled, but I look forward to you coming to town this year. I am very excited for you and we can’t wait to see you play here in Indy! Keep up the good work.
Joe | on 13/10/08
Keep workin hard JJ.
BEKA | on 13/10/08
PERSONALLY, I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST TATTOOS, IN FACT I PLAN ON GETTING A COUPLE. MY PARENTS ON THE OTHER HAND, ARE A DIFFERENT STORY. OH WELL. I WAS MERELY CURIOUS AS TO WHAT IT WAS. I LIKE HEARING WHAT PEOPLE’S TATTOOS ARE AND WHAT THEY MEAN TO THEM. CONGRATS ON THE GAME. I CAN’T WAIT FOR REGULAR SEASON GAMES TO START SO THAT I CAN ACTUALLY SEE THEM. LAST SEASON I PAID EXTRA JUST TO GET THE CHANNELS SO I COULD CATCH THE GAMES. I’LL PROBABLY END UP DOING THE SAME THIS YEAR. :-D
ben | on 13/10/08
hey, great start. hope you get more playing time this season. by the way, what shoes are you wearing this season?
Aimee | on 11/10/08
jj! i was thinking about you & how you’re doing…then i came across your blog. sounds like life is good for you in orlando?! i’m out in park city,utah now…we had our 1st snow today..crazy! next time you guys are in slc…hopefully i can get to the e center & see you play? it’s good to hear you’re doing well…it’s been a while. take care, aimee
Brent | on 11/10/08
I’m about the only Duke fan in Texas I haven’t missed a tv game in over 12 years. If things don’t work out in Orlando we could sure use you here in Dallas with the Mavericks. They needs some serious outside shooting skills badly.
I miss watching you play JJ. I don’t own a XBOX but I still bought your game. What can I say I’m a true fan.
Hebrews 12:1-2
For His Renown,
Brent.
Tammy | on 10/10/08
So glad you had a good game but glad you understand life & faith are a lot more important. What a mission field you have in the NBA! I have just had my first book published & would like to send one to you if you wouldn’t mind emailing a mailing address to me. It’s about my disabled son but more about our wonderful Lord & how faith in Him makes all the difference. Have a blessed day from the biggest Duke & JJ fans in MIssissippi!
Jeff | on 9/10/08
Congrats on the preseason success so far (and the blocked shot)!!
I figured that you have a new tattoo during the media day interview.
(I was more surprised by your claim of it being #5 instead of #4!!) Nothing wrong with them in my book. Tattoos are like poetry. They’re very personal, a matter of taste, and open to interpretation by each individual. Yeah, the Red Sox game was sweet!! I guess I’ll have to pull for them since both the Cubs and White Sox are both d.o.a. in the postseason.
Sarah | on 9/10/08
JJ, thanks for the update! I’m sure God will bless you greatly for your hard work, dedication, and outspoken faith in him. Great job, by the way, in the Bobcats game! Keep up the good work.
kestrel | on 9/10/08
JJ you played AMAZING last night (vs. the Bobcats) I was so happy and I’m so happy for yo. Congrats!!!! you looked like you were in Duke form, I just know that this is the year for you! good luck and have fun this year!!
GO MAGIC!! GO JJ!!!
peace and love,
Kestrel
PS. go phillies (hehehe, maybe they’ll play each other in th WS)
Jordan | on 9/10/08
Great start this year!
Megan | on 8/10/08
I feel way out of the JJ loop! I didn’t know you had a tattoo on your wrist or that you got a new one.. haha so glad that you are playing now.. i miss the days when you were in the duke blue though, hasn’t been the same with out you..
God Bless <3
Diane | on 8/10/08
JJ, My husband and I have been huge fans of yours since your years at Duke. We were lucky enough to see you play at Cameron Indoor during Christmas break, 2002. We are hoping that the Magic give you more playing time this year so we can continue watching your “magic“on the court. Have a great season!
Brad | on 8/10/08
JJ, i am very excited for you, with the playing time, that’s awesome! I was just watching your video at dukeblueplanet.com, of you working out at DUKE, looking good bro, keep up the hard work!!! I am a sports performance coach, so i love to see you guys working hard in the gym and working hard to better yourself not only physicall but mentally and spiritually as well. And speaking of Spiritually, very excited to know that you are a Fellow Believer in our Lord Jesus Christ, nothing is better than that!!! God Bless You and Your Upcoming Season!!!! Coach Brad
CarolAnn | on 7/10/08
JJ congrats on the contract but i for one kept hoping you could get out of the Magic and go somewhere that had a coach that knew how to use your super skills.
I hope it’s not like last year where you worked so hard and got told so many good things, then sat on the bench.
As for tattoos, the father didnt give us anything more than an occaisional birthmark. There doesn’t have to be a sign on us to proclaim our christianity. It’s the way we live our faith and practice what we preach.
Good Luck
McCain/Palin “Country First”
colleen | on 7/10/08
congrats on the playtime for the pre-season game. i know it doesn’t set the mood for the entire season but it is EXCITING to get some hope! glad you got the extension to stay in orlando, the fans have faith! keep up the hard work !!!!
Jill | on 7/10/08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_3-fKC9ls8
From your Bible quote :)
Biggie | on 7/10/08
JJ I am glad you got the option picked up. Look forward to seeing you hit some shots for the Magic.
It was nice meeting you in the airport a few weeks ago in Orlando. Hope you had fun in Raleigh.
Do your thing! Nothing will stop you.
BJ | on 7/10/08
Congrats on getting you option picked up and playing well against the hawks JJ. Always great to hear you contributing on both ends as i know you can play. Keep up the hard work and good luck!!
Catherine | on 7/10/08
yay
im glad your getting playing time im excited to see how this year turns out for you
lizzie w. | on 7/10/08
i want to get a tattoo of your name on ribcage! haha just messin’
jordan | on 7/10/08
congrats on the magic picking up ur option to play this year im sure ur excited make the most of it and keep working hard never settle.
Nancye | on 7/10/08
Keep up the good work! When I hear that you contribute on the defensive end, it’s definitely a step in the right direction and puts the naysayers to rest. I look forward to this season and seeing you excel and putting your God given talents to work. As for the tattoos…it can be considered body art! But I’ve seen some pretty terrible body art and you’ve done a good job keeping them private so I guess as long as it doesn’t affect your game, then so be it! :)
Tara | on 7/10/08
You did a GREAT job last night JJ!! :) I enjoyed watching you play as I always do and even more so cheering you on! Keep up the good work this season! BTW I like the tattoo! ;)
Jen | on 7/10/08
JJ Tattoo’s are awesome and sexy. I think as long as they have a personal meaning to you and your life, that they are great to have. I have two as of now and I am planning on getting one on the inside of my wrist very soon. It’s a word that has meaning in my life!
Keep up all the hard work! Can’t wait to see some games on TV:)
Maggie | on 7/10/08
Hey, JJ! What’s up? I’m glad to hear you got to play 19 minutes in your first preseason game! That’s great! Good luck to the Magic on their rest of the season. I can’t wait for the regular season to start. Good luck with the rest of your preseason games. When you play the Wizards at the Wizards I think around November 27ish you should come visit me :D ahaha! I think that’s really great that your tattoos are to remind you of your faith in God. Well, I think it’s extra awesome that your tattoo is in Latin because I take Latin at school. So, I know it has something to do with God (I was afraid it had to do with something else but I’m not gonna say what cause you’ll get mad at me), so I think I might look through my Latin text book to see if I can find anything it could be. Or you could just tell us what it says ;) . Well, have fun at practice and I hope to hear from you soon. Great Bible quote, by the way :) . And don’t forget about doing top fives ;) . And you promised you were gonna post some pictures sometime lol. Well, I hope you’re doing great and I hope that you have a great basketball season this year with lots of playing time! I love you so much!
lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of LOVE,
Maggie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Amanda | on 7/10/08
Ohh and this is a very important election. Being a first time voter, I’m curious to know who you’re for? Obama or McCain?
Just curious.
Amanda | on 7/10/08
I really hope you get to play a whole lot more this season. I’m such a big fan and I go to a few homes games every season. You’re my favorite, JJ and I’m always yellin’ for you to be put in.
JJ – could you maybe post some behind the scenes photos/pics from you guys on the road and stuff?
- Amanda
shell | on 7/10/08
My fingers and toes are crossed for you this season. I hope it all works out for you!
Evan | on 7/10/08
Good for you jj! It’s great to know that their are christians in the NBA, so don’t be afraid to show it! I know a band you would like called “Bodyjar”. their cd “How it works” from 2001 is fantastic! go buy it on itunes man, its great!
Korri | on 7/10/08
JJ,
I have a tattoo as well and though I am not a famous person like you, I still got guff from a lot of people. I have learned over the years not to worry about other people and how they feel about me. All that matter is what you feel about yourself. I think that you can do whatever you wish and you’ll look great no matter what is on your body:) Good luck this week!!! Until next time…Korri