Updates
Mon, Nov 24th 2008, 13:13
November 24 Blog
Last week was a better week for me in terms of playing time. I had my first NBA start against Toronto and we got a win- it was definitely an exciting night for me. As a player, there’s something special about having your name announced in the starting intros and getting to begin the game on the court. I thought I played solid- if I had hit a couple more shots I would have played very well. That seemed to be the theme for all three games last week for me- I played solid but would have had a huge impact if I had knocked down some shots that I am capable of making. When Stan told me I was starting against Toronto I thought he was messing with me. We were walking off the court after shootaround and he said, “If MP can’t go tonight you’re starting.” I didn’t even know Pietrus was hurt. On cue, our trainer walked up to Stan and told him that MP couldn’t play that night. Without question, I was more amped and nervous than any other NBA game I had ever played in. Hopefully, it won’t be my last start of my career but you never know haha. I do know that it was a moment I’ll remember for a long time.
As some of you have heard already, Keith Bogans is going to be out of the lineup for a few weeks because of a thumb injury. His absence gives me an opportunity for some playing time and I have to take advantage. Having said that, I wish Keith a speedy recovery. No one likes to see a teammate go down and Bogs and I have become good friends over the last two years so I feel for the guy.
I didn’t cover the results of the Presidential Election in my last blog but a congrats is in order to Barack Obama and the Democratic party. I will admit that I did not vote for him but I feel strongly that he has the potential to unite this country and get us headed in the right direction. For those of you eligible to vote who didn’t: shame on you. I didn’t vote in 2004 and I’m still kicking myself for it. This was my first time voting and the process was empowering. People say, “Well, my one vote doesn’t matter.” But what if everyone felt that way? It could sway the results in one direction or another. I had a bunch of friends get involved in both McCain and Obama’s campaign and that’s something I’d like to do in 2012.
Ok, y’all be good and if I don’t blog again before Thursday then I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! Take it easy.
Top Five Holidays:
1A) Christmas- most everyone’s famous holiday including mine. I got over the excitement of getting gifts when I was about 13. Christmas to me is about celebrating the greatest gift of all- God’s son.
1B) Thanksgiving- my favorite childhood memories are from sitting around the dinner table as a family and telling each other what we were thankful for. We have a game in DC this Thursday so I’m going to miss my family a bunch.
2) Easter- the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. The best Sunday of the year.
3) 4th of July
4) Labor Day
As a bonus- my three least favorite holidays:
1) Halloween- I never went trick or treating as a kid. I’ve never dressed up for Halloween. After 24 years, I don’t think I’ve missed out on anything.
2) Valentine’s Day- stupid, stupid, stupid.
3) New Year’s- a higher degree of stupidity than Valentine’s day.
Comments
Paul Toth | on 11/12/08
We have never missed a Duke game whether on TV or in person, Are greatest moments are watching you JJ. You are one of the best. To bad Orlando is blind.
We have had the opportunity to watch you in person for Duke and Orlando. Keep up the hard work, we feel for you.
Jen | on 11/12/08
Haha, I love the Valentine’s Day-stupid stupid stupid, that cracked me up because it’s soooo true!!! What a waist of money that day is!
Joseph L Jones III | on 6/12/08
I have been a huge Duke fan since 92 I have always had the utmost respect 4 Coach K & that entire program. I admire so many players that played @ Duke B4 you but you are by far my favorite Dukie ever. Your hard work on the court is an inspiration 2 many kids coming up. I often tell people that nobody in college basketball had 2 work as hard as you just 2 get a shot off. I just want 2 wish u the best of luck throughout your career. Go BLUE DEVILS!!!
Joe from PittsburghKimberly | on 5/12/08
JJ!
This is really exciting that you might actually read these comments! I’ve just been exposed to this site and well, again I’m really excited! Haha, but yeah, I think Valentine’s Day is stupid as well, and I’m not bitter I just think people should tell their loved ones they appreciate and love them without a holiday reminding them:) But congrats on your big start…(I know I’m behind)....it’s really exciting for all your fans too! Good luck with the rest of the season!
Kimberly
Kevin Kerr | on 30/11/08
Hello,
I am among the many that miss seeing you on TV playing for Duke and unlike most fans, have yet to see you play for Orlando. (I am busy teaching Ecology and Biology to high schoolers in Cleveland TN.).
I will try to over look your vote for McCain and for your disdain for Halloween but we all have faults. lol Luck with the career and enjoy life!
Kevin
Joe | on 27/11/08
JJ!
Man, it is forreal great seeing you play these days
2 things if you don’t mind:
You need to tell Hedo to get you the ball, as a matter of fact, tell hedo to get ANYONE the ball, granted he is a very good player, you had a lot of looks where hedo drove it in and opened you up but refused to pass it to you (or anyone else for that matter)
We need that JJ swagger at 110%, i’m talkin about 30 foot threes and those awesome pump-fake, step-bak threes, i really believe that is one of the most beautiful shots
goodluck brotha
Shane Jordan | on 26/11/08
Hey JJ,
Just wanted to stop by and say hi. Congrats on your start. Your Blog is cool. I’m a huge Duke fan – my grandfather was capitan of a few sports at Duke during his day.
I would be great to see you play in Orlando someday.
Thanks again for everything you have done for Duke and Basketball.
Keep up the hard work and enjoy the Holidays’
Shane Jordan
Kestrel | on 26/11/08
I’m so happy for you, so Congrats on your first (of many) starts! I thought that you have been playing very well, and I’m exited for the games to come and to watch you progress everyday, everygame. Keep up the hard work and I wish you the best of luck tonight vs. Philly! GOOD LUCK!!! stay classy!!! peace and love always….& Happy Thanksgiving (sorry you wont be with your family) kestrel
Jordan | on 25/11/08
Congrats on the start JJ! I was just as pumped as you were!!! Well probably not but you get the point. Keep knockin em down! Love watching you play. And i love it even more knowing your a christian. Enjoy your thanksgiving. Take Care
Jordan
Jessica | on 25/11/08
Congratulations on another good game!! I hope you know how much the fans desire for your success. You can feel it in the air in the arena at every game. It sucks about Bogans and Nelson being hurt, but I know you will take this opportunity and TEAR IT UP!! I’m looking forward to seeing you get more playing time this season….you’ve got a special cheering squad in the O-Zone! Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!Beatrice | on 25/11/08
Congrats on starting….....My brother and I had an election conversation the other day and he said people that contribute thousands and thousands of dollars to a campaign still only get 1 vote!! Very true and very empowering!! Keep up the hard work.
Bea
Blair | on 25/11/08
Hey JJ!
I saw you a couple weeks ago in OKC..Im glad your doing well and getting some good playing time!! I hope you continue to succeed and do well. Good Luck and I look forward to watching you play!!!
BEKA | on 25/11/08
JJ,
I AM SO GLAD THAT YOU’VE GOTTEN SOME PLAYING TIME AND SCORED SOME GOALS. I ALMOST SCREAMED WHEN I SAW ONLINE THAT YOU HAD STARTED, PLAYED 34 MIN. AND SCORED 10 POINTS. I WAS CALLING EVERYONE (EVEN SOME THAT I KNEW WOULDN’T CARE) AND TELLING THEM. I’VE BEEN PRAYING FOR YOU AND THE GUYS EVERY DAY, AND AM SO HAPPY THAT THINGS ARE STARTING TO TURN AROUND FOR YOU. I’M SORRY FOR THE INJURIES, BUT HAPPY FOR YOU.
I MUST SAY, THAT I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION, BUT I KNOW THAT GOD ALREADY KNEW THE OUTCOME WAY BEFORE WE EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT THIS ELECTION AND HE IS IN CONTROL. I WORKED WITH THE MCCAIN CAMPAIGN IN WINSTON-SALEM, AND IT WAS A BAD NIGHT ALL AROUND FOR US, BECAUSE ALMOST ALL OF OUR CANDIDATES LOST. IT’S OK THOUGH, WE’VE ALWAYS GOT 2012.
ANYWAY, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Pete | on 25/11/08
JJ, im thinking that thanks giving in DC is going to be a big game for you, after playing well the last few nights you should be up for some minutes.
Good luck with it mate.
Australia’s #1 JJ fan.
Francesca | on 24/11/08
Congrats on starting last Tuesday’s game against Toronto! I was also at Saturday’s game at Amway against the Rockets & despite the loss I thought you played great! Keep it up! I’m a big fan & admire your commitment and passion for the game as well as your faith in God. I wish you all the best for the rest of the season. Good luck on tonight’s game & God Bless!! I also totally agree with your least favorite holidays…funny but true…LOL :-)
Evan | on 24/11/08
Great game tonight JJ! 3 three-pointers, that’s solid. you’re gonna be the sixth man if you keep this up, double digits in 3 of the last 4 games, and rebounds too. Bravo! have a great thanksgiving and never, ever watch the detroit lions on thanksgiving (even detroit natives don’t watch them, they’re that bad.)
Here’s a challenge,
set aside a time to read you’re bible and pray! The lord is setting it all in place for you. keep it real.
Alaina | on 24/11/08
JJ
Congrats on the recent success with the magic. Hope you are watching Duke cuz they are owning. keep it real <33
Catherine | on 24/11/08
I was able to catch your game on saturday on the nba channel because magic games are never on espn but it was great! I am really glad to see you playing time go up and it can only get better. I’m very excited for the rest of your season.
Francesca | on 24/11/08
Congrats on starting last Tuesday’s game against Toronto! I was also at Saturday’s game at Amway against the Rockets & despite the loss I thought you played great! Keep it up! I’m a big fan & admire your commitment and passion for the game as well as your faith in God. I wish you all the best for the rest of the season. Good luck on tonight’s game & God Bless!! I also totally agree with your least favorite holidays…funny but true…LOL :-)
Maggie | on 24/11/08
Hey, JJ! What’s up? I want to first start off to say that I wanted so badly to post a comment on your blog from November 15th but everytime I tried the computer kept on not letting me comment and freezing and stuff. Okay, now for my comment about this blog. JJ, I’m so proud and unbelievably happy for you for getting to start in the game! I’m so happy for you and I’m even happier knowing how you must have felt when you found out when you were going to be starting in the game. I didn’t actually see the game because Orlando isn’t on very much where I live, but I saw the interview with you from after the game and it sounds like you did awesome! I watched the interview with you after the game like 10 thousand times (haha). I hope you start to start in the games a lot more and get a lot of playing time and do insanely amazing like you were in college. To me you’re better and shine brighter than anyone in the NBA or in any basketball league. I always say that you’re the best basketball player ever. When I was watching Duke play on Thursday it really made me start to miss you playing for Duke. Speaking of Duke, could you possibly tell us what you think of this year’s team and how we’re gonna do this year? I’m so happy to find out you didn’t vote for Obama haha. I really really really really really really really really don’t like him at all. Me and my friend all got into a lot of political debates and arguments and stuff like that with each other. Well, I have to admit that I’m worried about Obama being president. Well, I hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving with lots of playing time! Ya know, I live like an hour from DC so you should come to my house on Thanksgiving after your game ;) . Haha just kidding (umm..sort of :) )! My top 5 holidays:
1. Christmas
2. Easter
3. Thanksgiving
4. My bday :) haha
5. I’m not sure,,,
I agree that Valentine’s day is stupid. I think that Halloween and New Year’s are pretty lame. Well, again, I hope you have an awesome Thanksgiving! I love you so much.
lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of LOVE,
Maggie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Brad Johnson | on 24/11/08
JJ -your biggest fans in TN (my son visited with you at shootaround in Memphis)have been ecstatic about your playing time. I wish you could have seen my son jumping around when they announced you as a starter. We watch every game on NBA League Pass and sometimes my kids start the “put in JJ” chant from our couch. Congrats on hanging in there and staying ready. I was hurting for you during those first games, but you kept it together. We are anxious to see you filling it up when we come to Orlando in December.
*Victoria* | on 24/11/08
Hi JJ,
Thanks for the update. Good luck tonight and Happy Thanksgiving to you.
LML | on 24/11/08
Your reactions to your least favorite holidays CRACK ME UP, especially #2 & #3!!!! LMAO!!!!
Indeed, a speedy recovery to Keith Bogans, however, here’s to you in making a significant impact to your team’s upcoming games.
Best of luck JJ!!!
Ken | on 24/11/08
What’s up J.J. I went to the game last week against Toronto and it was great to hear your name called in the starting lineup. You played well even though you passed up some open shots. Keep shooting! It’s unfortuante that Bogans got injured but it will be exciting to see you and Courtney Lee get more playing time. Best of luck. Keep winning. We share the same sentiments when it comes to favorite and least favorite holidays.