Updates
Wed, Oct 29th 2008, 09:42
Opening Night
Well, friends, tonight is our first game of the NBA season and I’m very excited. At the start of every season there’s always an added sense of optimism and excitement. I think the Magic are going to have a great year and improve upon last season’s disappointing finish. There’s a good chance I’ll be in the rotation tonight but as someone told me a long time ago, “You’re only as good as your last game.” Whether I’m called upon to play five minutes or fifteen minutes I know I have to perform and help my team win in order to stay in the rotation.
I apologize for not posting a blog in a few weeks, as y’all can imagine it’s been a pretty busy month for us. Although we didn’t have an overseas trip like last preseason, we still had seven games in about two weeks plus a bunch of marathon practices (like four to five hour practices which are always fun). I got the chance this month to go to a couple of the Tampa Bay Rays’ playoff games. I was at Game 2 of the ALCS when they played Boston and was also at Game 2 of the World Series against the Phils. I tapped my buddy, Adam, on the shoulder during the Phillies’ game and said, “DId you ever think growing up you’d actually get to go to a World Series game??” It was definitely one of the coolest experiences of my life. I’m not really rooting for anyone but I would like to see Tampa win today and get the series back to Florida.
Other than that, not much is happening. Now that the season has started my life is pretty much consumed with my job. However, I have gotten into a couple bands I had never listened to before. If you haven’t already- check out The Gaslight Anthem and The Airborne Toxic Event. Good sounds.
Ok, I am going to take my pre-game nap and get ready for tonight’s game. Y’all be easy and we’ll talk soon. Later.
Comments
Melissa | on 16/11/08
I read your blog a couple of weeks ago and just now checked out the two bands you mentioned. Pretty good. If you get the chance, you should check out Gooding. I’ve seen them LIVE a couple of times in OKC and think they’re awesome.
Now, to basketball… You don’t need another person telling you you’re a great player. You already know that. I’m from NC and actually a Tarheel fan (I know, I know… I can sense the cringe from the other end of the PC). But, that should tell you something. I know the Orlando fans would hate this, but the Thunder need a good outside shooter!!?? I missed the game when the Magic were in OKC last week (very upsetting).
Anyway, you know what you do best. Keep it up and everything else will fall into place. Take Care!
PHIL | on 15/11/08
JJ, PLS READ MY COMMENTS ON MR DENTON’S RECENT ARTICLE ON YOU. I USED TO COACH AND I WANT PLAYERS TO CONSTANTLY WANT TO PLAY. I SPENT 3 HOURS REVIEWING THAT 1ST GAME. WITHOUT YOUR 0-3 FROM 3 PT RANGE, THE TEAM WOULD HAVE BEEN 4-22. NELSON DIDNT EVEN SCORE IN FIRST HALF. NELSON MISSED 3 LAYUPS. LEWIS FOULED OUT WITH 11 MIN REMAINING. THIS COMMENT OF YOU BEING 0-10 IN 49 MINUTES IS LIKE TELLING WILLIE MAYS, WHO WENT 0-20 IN 1951, GIVE IT UP. YEH, HE WENT ON TO WIN ROY.... YOU WOULD TOO IF GIVEN A CHANCE. YOU HAVE WORKED HARDER THAN ANY ATHLETE... YOUR NOT IN THIS FOR 2.8 MM….... YOU WILL END UP , I PROMISE YOU, IN A GOOD SPOT.... I TALKED TO A MAJOR LEAGUE FRIEND OF MINE">MANAGER AND HE SAID , FROM WHAT HE HAS SEEN, NO ONE IN BB WORKS HARDER AND HAS SUCH TALENT. HANG IN THERE.... I OWN MAJORITY INT IN MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM........ IF IT WERE BASKETBALL? YOU WOULD START OVER NELSON AND PLAY THE WHOLE YEAR. WE WOULD WIN.... I KNOW WE WOULD WIN. PLEASE READ MY 4 OR 5 COMMENTS ON “FLORIDA TODAY.COM..... RE: MY FEEDBACK TO THE ARTICLE..PROHARDWORK
Vicki | on 11/11/08
Keep your head up JJ. I had the fortune of meeting you in person after the GA TECH game at home several years ago. I will never forget how polite you were to all the fans waiting for you after the game and will be a fan forver! I am a Mom with two sons in their 20’s and I have been a fan of yours from the first day you stepped onto the home court! I know that you will get that 3 pointer to go in and I know you can because you recite the same verse everytime you shoot – Just remember that you know yourself better than anyone else. If you ever need Hershey’s candy, let me know. Best of Luck always!
Jeff | on 9/11/08
JJ, Words seem inadequate after a while. My fleshly side is seething inside over your situation. My spiritual side says to be patient. Patience isn’t about waiting but about your attitude while you wait. Patience isn’t one of my strong points. I had a lousy attitude working under authority of certain people at work before I finally got my breakthrough and the job that I had waited 5 years to get and another 3 years for the promotion I wanted once I was hired. Every day for 8 years driving to work I’d pass a sign that said “God is good all the time.” After I finally got the job, the sign changed to “This is the day that God has made.” God’s more interested in a person’s character than his circumstances. Don’t know if you’re going thru the exact same situation but everything WILL work out for the best for you in God’s timing. Later.
Chris | on 8/11/08
I must say man, you have a great sense of style – the suits you wear to the games are pretty pimp (pardon the expression). I wish you would get some more playing time, which would translate into more shooting opportunities. It looks like you have been hitting the weights a little more this season too – looking good. I read some of your poetry on the internet and thought it was very interesting, deep, and almost melodic. Anyway, glad you are still with us in Orlando – keep on playing with heart!
Justin | on 7/11/08
I know you must be fuming….as I am dismayed by the lack of playing time you have been receiving despite the rough start in the first couple games. I hope you come back to play more minutes soon. Seeing you walk around the arena down below with the disgust look is really unfortunate, especially, last night. You know you can do better and I think all of America knows it too. Keep your head up and dont look so pissed off. ;-) Your shots will drop….just keep competing and relax on the pressure. Enjoy it like you did in College.
Dave | on 4/11/08
Hey JJ, this is my first season as a season ticket holder, and I didn’t buy them until late in the off-season and after talking to several Magic office people that assured me that you were staying. Anyway, I’m extremely excited that they are giving you playing time. The more you’re out there, the more settled you’ll get and you’ll start torching everyone. I have to also say that when you’re out there, your hustle is second to no one’s. So just keep it up and it’ll all fall into place, man. Alright, take care and see you Thursday. Best, Dave
Kestrel | on 3/11/08
Well although I’m so exited that the Phillies won (I’ve waited my whole life to see philly take home a championship) I am sorry that you could not see another game. But the Rays look good so maybe more opportunities to watch some playoff baseball is in your future. GOOD LUCK WITH THE SEASON, I CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU PUTTING UP BIG POINTS! peace and love always, Kestrel
Daniel | on 2/11/08
hey man just wanted to know when you guys travel to other cities to play what time do yall get a chance to go to the court to practice?
tdm | on 30/10/08
JJ! What happen opening night? I wanted to bang my heads against the wall watching. However, it was AWESOME to see you off the bench first… You looked a bit nervous, forcing shots, hope you calm your nerves. I am your biggest fan and LOVE watching you play. Just giving constructive feedback.
Jeff | on 30/10/08
You’ve been making great progress during the preseason! Whenever you make progress, the devil always tries to steal your joy away. Don’t let him! Smack down any negative thoughts in your mind like you were blocking an oppenent’s shot out on the court. Don’t let the season opener get you down. The whole team was sluggish. Don’t take any bad comments personally. Keep your faith. Keep your joy by believing that God has the best in store for you! All you gotta do is ask Him for directions to get there. Keep practicing and do your part and then lean on God to help you do the rest that you have no control over. That keeps you humble and the glory goes to God!
“The Lord is my strength, my shield from danger, I trust in Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.” Psalms 28:7 NLT
Robinson | on 29/10/08
Just want to say I’m a big fan of your and I wish you the best of luck in your up coming season! But I don’t believe in luck, I believe its how you prepared over the summer thats going to show how hard you worked. I’m waiting to see you play more to buy NBA league pass LOL.
I know you’re going to be busy now that the season started. But when you get the time check this artist out. His name is Immortal Technique. He’s pretty awesome.
Again good luck this season and take care… I’ll keep and eye out for you =)
Evan | on 29/10/08
Tough luck, rays. I just watched it end about 5 minutes ago. The batter got screwed on that check swing. I think the ref just wanted it to end sooner so he could go home.
Alaina | on 29/10/08
Hey JJ. I really hope you get into night. That would make the first game be amazing! I know you’ve been working hard and I think you deserve it. Best of luck!
Much love, Alaina
Maggie | on 29/10/08
Hey, JJ! What’s up? Good luck at your opening game tonight :) . I hope you get a lot of playing time and a lot of points! I hope you guys win and that you finally get into the rotation! I understand about you not posting a blog for a while. That does sound like a lot of work. That’s cool that you got to go to a playoff game and a World Series game. I don’t really watch baseball so I don’t care who wins. Though, a lot of my friends want the Phillies to win. I’m really hoping to go to see you play when you play the Wizards sometime this year. Ya better watch out ;) haha. I listened to both those bands and they’re pretty good. You should listen to the band Bright Eyes. They’re really good. I think you might like them. Some other bands you might like are the Early November, Hot Hot Heat, and the LostProphets. I’m like obsessed with a band called The Medic Droid now. They’re amazing. They’re kinda techno-ish type music. Their song “Fer Sure” is like the best song ever. The band Muse is amazing too. They’re my third favorite band ever. Number one is My Chemical Romance and my second favorite is the Killers. I’m a music addict :) . Well have a good nap (haha) and good luck tonight! I hope you have an amazing season. I love you so much.
lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of LOVE,
Maggie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
diana | on 29/10/08
good luck you will do amazing!!!