Updates
Wed, Feb 25th 2009, 11:22
Hoops, Shoes, and Tattoos
Hey now, it’s been a minute since I actually posted a blog and I have a lot to get you guys caught up on. First of all, my best wishes go out to Jameer Nelson in his recovery from shoulder surgery. His injury is a tough break for a guy who is both a great basketball player and a great person. I wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him on the court next year. We are a different team without him- Jameer obviously provides scoring at the point guard position. However, he’s a great leader and over the course of the season became the heart of our team. We’re going to miss his scoring but we’re also going to miss his hustle, his leadership, and his toughness. All is not lost though. We made a couple deals before the trading deadline and acquired Ty Lue and Rafer “Skip to my Lou” Alston. I used to watch Skip’s AND1 mix-tapes when I was in high school. My friends and I would go out to the court and try and imitate all of his dribbling moves. We weren’t nearly as talented at that as he was. It’s pretty cool that he’s now a teammate. I’m excited for our team right now because we are finally facing some adversity (we are just 8-7 in our last 15 games) and I know we will be a better team because of it come playoff time.
We recently had All-Star break and I got to take a nice four-day vacation. I went to Mexico and had a very relaxing time (I was up at the pool by 9 am every morning and asleep by 11 pm). As odd as our travel schedule is we don’t always get into a routine in terms of sleeping so it was nice to catch up on some shut-eye. I didn’t watch any of the All-Star weekend festivities. In fact, I turned my Blackberry off and didn’t watch any TV for four days. It was nice to get away.
Duke had a big win Sunday night against Wake. I didn’t have a chance to watch (I was kind of busy trying to hold D-Wade to under 50 points haha) but I saw the highlights and it sounded like Cameron was as loud as it has been in a long time. I’m happy that my boy Jon Scheyer had a great game- he had been off for a few weeks and it looks like he’s starting to get his groove back. We have to get a win tonight vs. Maryland! Go Duke!
So a bunch of y’all responded to my last blog and one of the things I want to do is start giving random tips at the end of my blog (fashion, fitness, nutrition, etc.). Here’s my first tip and it has to do with shoes:
Without sounding too metrosexual, I am a huge fan of men’s fashion. One of my biggest pet peeves is the lack of interest men take in the shoes they wear. I see a guy wearing a nicely tailored suit with some square-toed dress shoes that look horrible. Shoes make an outfit. It’s that simple. So here’s my tip- INVEST in a pair of pointed dress shoes. If you take care of them they can last 10-15 years and a nice pair of cap-toed oxfords or wingtips NEVER go out of style. You don’t have to spend an absurd amount on a nice pair either. There are plenty of brands that carry reasonably priced shoes. I would recommend getting them in brown but most people prefer black shoes for whatever reason (I own two pairs of black dress shoes. I probably own 20 pairs of brown ones.) Ok, I could literally go on about this topic for another one thousand words but I’m just going to say one more thing about shoes- for a casual outfit get a pair of all-white vans or all-white Converse Chuck Taylors (they are 30 or 40 bucks and look great with everything). That’s my tip of this blog- if you have questions or comments please don’t hesitate to send them in.
I recently saw some pics on jjredick.net of me getting my last tattoo (I have no idea where they came from!). Anyway, there is a debate going about how many tattoos I have. Apparently some of you are quite curious about my tattoos so I’ll clear up any questions you may have. I have FIVE tattoos- my first tattoo is on my chest and it’s the Japanese word for courage with 1:9 underneath it. 1:9 is for Joshua 1:9- “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be discouraged. Do not be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” That is one tattoo. I got it in Raleigh before my junior year of college. My second tattoo I got before my senior year of college. It is simply “Isaiah 40:31” and it is located on my right abdomen. My third tattoo is located on the inside of my left wrist. This tattoo is probably my favorite word- “faith”. I got this tattoo a week after my rookie year. My fourth tattoo I got the week before my 2nd season in the NBA started. This tattoo is probably my favorite- it’s an eagle with its wings spread and it’s located on my upper back from one shoulder blade to the other. The significance of this tattoo relates to Isaiah 40:31- “But those that wait upon the Lord will rise high on wings like eagles.” And finally, my fifth tattoo is written down my left rib cage from just under my armpit to my waistline. The tattoo reads, “Tu ne cede malis” which is a Latin phrase that means, “Yield not to misfortunes.” I had this tattoo done a few weeks before the start of my 3rd NBA season. That’s all I got kids. Now, I’m not advocating tattoos because they are not for everyone. I also understand that some people hate tattoos and think they are “stupid” or “ugly” or “foolish”. Good for you, we are all entitled to our opinion.
It’s been real, talk with you soon!
Comments
Kathy Moore | on 26/3/09
I just caught up on the latest blogs and now feel the need to share. The year following J.J.‘s last a Duke, right after his number was retired, I got my 4th and final tat. It is by far my fav. It is an iron “D” on my right shoulder blade that has the number “4” in the middle. Yes that right I have a J.J. tattoo. Don’t worry iis not a wierd stalker thing. I have spent my entire life watching, reading and breathing Duke athletics. Truly it is a family obssesion and has been since 1956 when my grandmother started listening to the games on her AM radio. With that being said it is my opinon that J.J. is the greatest player to ever play for Duke, therfore the tattoo is a tribute to him, Duke basketball and my grandmother, God rest her soul.
Layne | on 20/3/09
JJ- I just wanted to tell you that I also have the word faith written on the inside of my left wrist. I got it when I came to college to help remind me that God is my number 1. I have seen other words written on people’s wrists, but never faith like mine, so I think it is pretty sweet you have it. It is so wonderful to hear about other’s journeys in life with God, I have been praying things go well for you in the NBA. When you played at Duke you really showed a professionalism on the court and I commend you for that. I would love to hear from you, but I am sure you get so many of these things it is not really possible. :)
love much
Layne
J-Man | on 15/3/09
It’s a great day in college hoops!! Duke wins the ACC. Scheyer takes the MVP. Purdue even wins the Big 10. It’s going to be a busy, but fun, Thursday!!
Isaiah 40:31- “But those that wait upon the Lord will rise high on wings like eagles.”
Taylor | on 14/3/09
Hey,
Long-time Duke fan here. I was ecstatic to see you knock down that game tying three at the end of regulation a few weeks ago. I like to see that you still have the confidence to knock down the big shot that changes the game, just like the Duke days. It’s been nice seeing you make the ESPN highlight reels lately, meaning things must be going well. I don’t get to watch Magic games that often since they aren’t widely broadcasted where I go to school, but I’m always checking the box score to see what’s going on. With the playoffs quickly approaching, I have to wish you luck. Keep knocking down the J, and keep up the tenacious D. I know you spent so much time working on that at Duke, and now I hope it pays off this year when you guys make a playoff run. I’ll be wearing my No. 4 jersey tomorrow afternoon when Duke takes on FSU for the ACC crown. I’ll always be a Cameron Crazy at heart. Best of luck with everything you have coming up. Keep working hard and keep up the faith. I know you’ll persevere, it’s been engrained into your DNA, after getting through all those ACC fans during the road games.
Kari Lynn | on 11/3/09
LoVe the shoe advice.I have been trying to tell my boyfriend about nice dress shoes forever now!He thinks good dress shoes are his NiKeS.good luck the rest of the season!wanted to see a game against MiL-ToWn but college graduation is coming up soon!Go DuKe!cant watch the AcC tOuRnEy but I have people taping the most important game!
BeSt Of WiShEs.
KeEp LoOkInG gOoD
Maggie | on 11/3/09
Hey, JJ! I know this comment is a bit late (like two weeks haha) and I wanted to comment when you first posted this but I kept on not having time to so I never got around to it. So, I decided to finally comment on this blog so I could tell you that I will be at your game vs. the Wizards this Friday! I can’t wait to finally see you in person! I’m so excited. I’ll be screaming for you as loud as I can so I hope you hear. My friend who’s coming with me wants to make a sign for you and also make shirts but I don’t know if we will. You should definitely try to see if you can hear me cheering for you. Anyway, I’m so happy to see that you’ve been playing a lot lately. That’s so awesome that you got to play for 30 minutes against the Pistons! I hope you get to play a lot when I see you on Friday. I’m glad that you had a nice time in Mexico. I’m so happy that Duke won all of their last few games, but I really wish that we could’ve beaten UNC though. I hope we will win the ACC tournament this year and also maybe the NCAA too. I think it’s great that you know how to be fashionable haha. All your outfits are awesome. Good tip on the shoes, but seriously don’t ever buy dress shoes called dirty bucks. They’re the most uncomfortable shoes ever and are ugly and fall apart easily. They feel like you’re walking in cardboard shoes. I love all your tattoos. I think that it’s great that they have such special meanings to you and that they also are about your faith in God. Well, I hope you’re doing great and I hope to hear from you soon. I can’t wait to see you on Friday!! I love you!
Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of love,
Maggie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Ashley | on 10/3/09
I sat behind the team during Friday night’s game against the Piston’s. I caught a glimpse of you & barely watched the rest of the game. I even took a picture of you, and my friend said you chuckled when you caught me. Haha You had a sweat shirt over your jersey so I couldnt’ see your name. The group we were with are season ticket holders and avid fans. I got the scoop on you when we got back in the car. Over the weekend I did a little reasearch and have found that people have nothing but good things to say about you. I don’t know if you even have time for a social life, or are involved with some1, but I had to try to reach you. Maybe it’s my boisterous imagination and wishful thinking that got the best of me, but we only learn through trial and error right? Have a good day, and if you have time I would love to hear back. If not, it’s completely understandable. Just know you now have another fan that will be watching from the sidelines.
Lauren | on 8/3/09
Hey JJ,
So glad to see you on Friday night versus the Nets. Thanks for the wave. I’m glad you got to play and I can see how many fans you had by the noise they made when the announcement came on! I can’t wait for another season of watching you grow and see you when you come to Minnesota!
Lauren.
Mike | on 8/3/09
btw, where were you in Mexico? I just got back from there today, was near Playa del Carmen. Was down there for a wedding, it was awesome.
Mike | on 8/3/09
Hey man, just found this site, it’s great you do all this. I am from Orlando but went to Virginia, so I of course hated seeing you whip up on us in Charlottesville, but am pumped to have you down here now.
Also liked the book recommendations you gave as an answer to someone’s question – have read all of those and loved them. Blue Like Jazz is good too – ever read that?
Anyway, just wanted to give a shout. You’re the man.
Djacks | on 7/3/09
Any way in the world you would tell everyone what happened with the ejection? I mean I know its old news by now, but I’m interested with what went down. Living outside of Orlando I didnt get to see it and it didnt make any recaps.
Ellie | on 6/3/09
J.J. – I get to go and sit with my best friend Jacqueline (she is probably your BIGGEST fan, AND a Duke fan!!) in her floor seats and we sit right across from you!! We’re the ones always snapping pictures with our iPhones. :)> We’re watching the Duke vs. UNC game Sunday… hope you’ll tune in!
Alicia | on 6/3/09
I like your response for people that don’t like tattoos. I also have a religious tattoo, and sometimes people try to make me feel like it is wrong to have one. Anyways, I like your attitude, and you have a great opportunity to be a christian influence in the public media. It’s awesome that you are so open about your faith.
Anne | on 5/3/09
It is great seeing you on the court.
diana | on 4/3/09
i have to tell you i am going deep sea fishing just to come see you play and im scared to death of being on a boat in the middle of the ocean. hahah ive came a bunch of other times but youve never played ugh.. ill be there friday and next wensday!!!yay im so excited
Courtney Hunt | on 1/3/09
Nice tats…Good win over Philly wish you would get more playin time tho…Nice fashion tips lol…Hopefully Duke can beat UNC this coming sunday!! GO DUKE AND MAGIC!!
M. tolentino | on 1/3/09
Just a little old lady that has followed you since you were a feshman at Duke. It makes me so happy that you are showing our youngsters that a nice clean cut individual has style and faith inhis professional and personal life. Good luck in the play offs
Marilyn
Rebecca | on 28/2/09
It was great to see you play in Charlotte a week ago. I had to fend off UNC fans around me…Yuck! I have a really great pic you might want. Just shoot me an email…it would look good on your website. I didn’t know you had so many tatoos. They sound interesting…and what can I say, gotta love a guy who knows about shoes. What more could a girl ask of ya.
Blessings In Christ,
Rebecca
Kat | on 28/2/09
I like the tattoos. I, in fact, have a cross on my back above my right shoulder blade as a symbol of my faith. The fact that yours all have some sort of spiritual meaning is great, Definitely not something you will regret as you get older, as I am sure many people do when they simply get things that are a passing interest.
Kestrel | on 27/2/09
First off I’d like too send my best wishes as well to Jameer Nelson in hopes of a speedy recovery. nice fashion tips!!! good advise on the Chucks!! Duke has looked hot since the little 2 game skid, and I’m hoping that we’ll win out!!! I love that your tattoos all mean a great deal to you, that, I believe, is how it should be. Keep playing well, and keep up the hard work GO DUKE!! GO MAGIC!!! peace and love always, kestrel
Lindsey | on 27/2/09
I watched the Duke/Maryland game while sitting and eating dinner in Applebee’s, great way to watch a game while eating! You played a great game the other night too when you made that 3 when Orlando was down by a few points and needed it. I’m glad you’ve been getting more playing time this season. Who cares if people don’t like your tattoos, it’s your body you can do what you want to with it, I think your tattoos are sweet though, not many guys would admit to having religious tattoos and such, so thumbs up to you for that. Hope all’s been well with you, take care. :)
Emma Taylor | on 26/2/09
Thank you for being a straight man who wears shoes that actually match his outfits. My fiance will never wear anything but athletic shoes and it drives me crazy. I’m going to make him start reading your tips! Go Duke!
Sheila Carpenter | on 26/2/09
Thanks for the detailed tattoo info…. I have one on my lower back and I will probably get 2 more at least… I love the different ones ya have those verses are amazing. I’m a huge Duke fan. Hope your doing well…later.
Laura | on 26/2/09
duke beat maryland yay! but unfortunately nolan smith suffered a bad concussion. im just prayin he has a speedy recovery.
I heart ur tattoos. I just got one for my 18th bday last week. It says “have faith” in cursive and its on the inside of my foot on my arch….i love it and im considereing another one already :)
keep playing hard!
laura
diana | on 26/2/09
love your tatts super cuutte (: i cant stand when guys dont dress nice it drives me crazy haha shoes are definetly important thats one of the first things i look at haha.. well good luck in the next couple of games im being at amway on the 6th and 11th woo hoo!!!
peace it easyyy =]
matt plew omg jj ur my idol and fav playa | on 25/2/09
JJ ur my idol forever and for life.I wanna be just like u when it comes to basketball i love basketbalkl so much and its my favorite sport and i play it everyday even in the winter.If u went into my room u would think im obsessed with u cause i have posters pictures ur name and clothes all over my room.Your mad awsome and i know ur the best idol and fav palyer for me cause we play the same position and have the heart for the game dedicated to it and always look to get better.go jj #7 comment me back if you can good luck man ur on my fantasy team hahah random but pzz man
Nicole | on 25/2/09
GOOOOOOO DUKE!!!! I so hope they beat Maryland tonight! I like your eagle tattoo it sounds kool & I like the verse that it represents. I hope that Jameer can come back next season with a full recovery…playoffs are getting closer but Orlando will do fine, I have “FAITH” ; )
Beverly J. Thomas | on 25/2/09
DEAR J.J.
I KEEP UP WITH YOUR PAGE EVERY WEE. I STILL MISS YOU ON THE DUKE COURT. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER LIKE YOU. WHILE IT APPEARS THAT HANSBROUGH WILL BEAT YOUR SCORING RECORD IN THE ACC HE’S GOT A LONG WAY TO GO TO BE A PLAYER LIKE YOU, IF YOU DON’T BELIEVE ME JUST AS COACH K. HA! HA! I TRY TO CATCH AS MANY MAGIC GAMES AS POSSSIBLE IN OUR AREA,BUT STILL PREFER THE ACC GAMES. JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT A FAN I AM AND LAST YEAR WHEN I GOT MY KITTEN I NAMED IT J. J. GEEZE DON’T BE OFFENDED THERE IS AN ANIMAL NAMED AFTER YOU. KEEP WRITING MORE COMMENTS ABIOUT DUKE ON YOUR PAGE. HOPE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO CATCH THE ACC TOURNAMENT. NOW THAT SCHEYER IS AT POINT GUARD I THINK DUKE WILL DO MUCH BETTER. THAT AND KEEPING ZOUBECK OUT. I LOVE TO HEAR BOB KNIGHT COMMENT ON DUKE. WILL THAT IS ABOUT ALL I HAVE TO SAY. TAKE CARE AND GOD BLESS YOU!!
Megan | on 25/2/09
Hey! I just wanted to give a shoutout to Penn State’s THON! Over the weekend it raised 7.5 million dollars for pediatric cancer. You probably don’t know much about it because no one really does, but its an amazing thing. We have raised over 52 million dollars since we first started in the late 70s. The most amazing thing is that is completely organized and run by Penn State Students. I know that you are passionate about many causes and I just wanted you to hear about THON. Check it out Thon.org! Thanks for the update!
For the Kids and God Bless <3
alaina | on 25/2/09
JJ… crazy stuff… I am getting a tattoo on my left rib cage too!. Just like you … I wanted a latin phrase too but can’t choose one. What do you think I should get???
love aways
Alaina
Mallory | on 25/2/09
I agree that tattoos are not for everyone. I also think that if a person is going to get a tattoo it should hold a special meaning to the person and not just be something that looks cool.
Jim | on 25/2/09
Hi JJ,
Thanks for sharing the meaning of all your tatoos.
I used to dislike tatoos alot because they were usually distastefull ones people have done.
But you as a christain man of faith are an inspiration with your tatoos.
You are telling the world I am not going back to the ways of the world.
You have Gods words of faith ingraved upon you.
It is good to see a godly man with these tatoos.
Will you ever post a picture of the eagle tatoo on your back on your web site.
It sound like it is awesome and an inspiration.
Will you get ever one on each upper arm where we can see them while you are playing. I have seen the camera man focus in on other players tatoos or photograph them for all to read or see.
Anyway I appreciate you and pray for your physical and spiritual strength daily.
God bless you my brother in Christ.
Cody Minton | on 25/2/09
Hey JJ…when you were still playing @ Duke University, do you remember a girl that was about 10 or 11 yrs old, that sang the National Anthem for you guys every once-in-a-while before you started a game?
Ryan Acuff | on 25/2/09
I agree 100%. Shoes are extremely important in an outfit and I also think people today do not dress up enough especially for nice occasions like church or a formal party.