Fri, Sep 11th 2009, 21:51
Hey now, what’s going on? It’s been a long few weeks of workouts for me. I’m in great shape right now- I’m definitely ready to roll for the season. I feel that I’ve gotten a lot stronger this summer and as good of shape as I was in going into last year’s training camp I feel that when September 29 rolls around I’ll be in even better shape. Not only that- but all the work I’ve done on my shot the past two months is going to pay off!! We started doing “voluntary” team workouts this past week with the coaches. Basically, we are allowed to work in groups of three with Stan and the assistants in order to get a jump-start on understanding our defensive and offensive concepts. We’ve done this September “mini-camp” the last two years and I really believe it has been instrumental in us getting off to such torrid starts the last couple of seasons. I haven’t been this excited about the start of the year since I’ve been in the league- it’s probably a combination of wanting to win a championship so bad and the experience I gained in playing so much in last year’s playoffs. It’s going to be a great year- I’m definitely counting down the days until our first game!
So I’ve been trying to gain a few pounds recently and it’s been kind of difficult. I want to weigh around 198-200 (which is what I played last year at) but I’m weighing in around 195 these days (due in part, I think, to my workout schedule and my metabolism). It’s funny though, because in the weight room I am a monster- I’ve never been able to lift as much as I can now. For those that are familiar with me, I follow a fairly strict diet and allow myself only 2-3 cheat meals a month. However, I’ve had more than my share of cheat meals lately in an effort to gain some weight. My favorite cheat meal is a burger from Five Guys Burgers and Fries. For those not familiar, Five Guys is a casual dining franchise predominantly located in the Southeast. And it’s the deal. It’s amazing. Their burgers are a little slice of heaven. And trust me, I know that Five Guys is not healthy but I need a little fat in my diet- I eat too healthy!! My two favorite burgers in the world (and I rarely eat burgers) are Five Guys and In-N-Out Burger. Two classics. I don’t even know if I can decide which one is better. Ok, just wanted to express my enjoyment of Five Guys Burgers.
Off the court, it’s the same old same old. The the most interesting thing I’ve done in the last month is go on a deep sea fishing excursion off the coast of Florida. It was my first time going and I was a little apprehensive. A lot of people told me I would get sea sick and that I should take some dramamine beforehand. I didn’t. And I didn’t get sea sick. Fishing was awesome though. I caught a bunch of sea bass and a few red snappers but the highlight of the day was me battling a rather large sailfish. I had it on the line and fought it for about 15 minutes and it ripped itself off the hook. Ah, the one that got away! It was pretty darn cool to watch that sucker jump in and out of the water though. All in all, a very fun day.
Okay y’all, it’s Friday night- y’all enjoy your weekend. I’m turning in early- I’m exhausted and my body needs rest. Be well, amigos.
Jay | on 22/9/09
Don’t hit the burger joints just to add pounds. Muscle is one thing, but by just adding a few pounds, I find that I lose that quickness that I rely on when I play. Now I know you are more of a shooter, but that quickness is still very important!
Luke | on 20/9/09
hey jj, the magic have gone through alot of changes this offseason and i was wondering how all this affects you. are you moving up in the roster? Starter? Sixth man?
Evan | on 18/9/09
Dude, JJ, I feel you on the weight thing. I have the same white southern boy metabolism that you do, except in my case I only weigh about 98 pounds. What is a good way to put on some pounds with high metabolism? Alot of guys use muscle milk and stuff like that. I go to five guys like twice a week and it does absolutely nothing. I really respect your hard work on and off the court, JJ. Coaches really notice that hard work and effort you put in, And I think they have. This is your year. Good luck
Joey | on 17/9/09
Hey JJ! Can’t wait for basketball season so I can watch you play at Orlando (and so I can cheer on my favorite college team, which is of course Duke!) I say stick to those burgers if they’re really that delicious, but make sure you don’t get fat! Haha jk :)...Anyway good luck to you and the rest of the team!
<3 Joey
Nick Evans | on 17/9/09
Your a great player JJ, but i agree with Farley you should be getting more play time on the court because watching from T.V i think your a better player than what pepole give you credit for, and when you are on the court i think the team plays better. good luck in the new season i hope your a little more lucky and go all the way this season ill be supporting you and the team all the way even though i live far far away from you. GOOD LUCK!!!!
Kestrel | on 16/9/09
I am so happy to hear all of this great news about how happy you are and how fit you are and how great and all that good stuff! I’m am confident that you will have a great year not just because your in great shape but also your positive mindset, that will further enhance your playing ability!!! now about 5 guys, you could not be more right, they are so good, they should endorse you, your very enthusiastic about them, i think you could sell a lot for them…haha. JJ i am so happy that your happy, and i think that you are going to have an amazing season, i am so much looking forward to the start of the season , best of luck to you keep up the hard/great work…and the weight (haha) peace and love always, kestrel
Farley | on 14/9/09
JJ, since you left Duke (I’m a State Alumni) I have been a fan of yours and I think you are a very under rated player for the Magic. I’m a season ticket holder and
I don’t think Van Gundy has given you the play time that you certainly could use to improve. Keep up the work and let’s see what this year will bring. Don’t be afraid to shot that ball. Forget about the weight and the advertisement about “America runs on doughnuts”. You may run for a while but not for long before the by-pass and stints.. Going fishing is a great way to unwind, relax and fun too. I’m like you, I have my tickets and can’t wait for the season to start. See you at the next game….....
Wade Ojala | on 14/9/09
JJ,
I am a huge fan and have been following your career since you started at Duke. I enjoyed watching you in the Boston series. Even though I was hoping Boston would win, I was pulling for you personally to do well and you did! I have heard nothing but great reviews about 5 Guys and we have one opening in NH very soon and am looking forward to trying it out. Goodluck with this season and I am looking forward to watching all of your nationally televised games.
Wade
Dee | on 14/9/09
JJ, babe, you gotta find those Krispie Kreme doughnuts if you wanna gain weight!! lol
PJ | on 13/9/09
I’d have to say In ‘N Out Burger is the best ever. Never had Five Guys Burgers. Unfortunately, I live in Mass and the closest In ‘N Out to me is in Arizona. Oh well. Looking forward to this season. Best of luck to you and the Magic. I’m still hoping you’ll eventually play for the Celtics someday. Then I won’t get busted on by my friends for wearing your Duke jersey when you play the C’s. Ah well, DUKE FOR LIFE!!!
Jenna | on 13/9/09
We just got a 5 Guys up here in PA and it is pretty good!!
J-Man | on 13/9/09
I know what you mean about the weight and the metabolism. I’ve been 6’ and 183 lbs forever. Doesn’t matter whether it’s salads or junk food. I never pack it on!! That could been a blessing when I get older! lol They’re opening a Five Guys up here this fall near the Notre Dame campus, I guess I’ll have to go check out the good eats!!
Ryan Acuff | on 13/9/09
thanks for the update man! and we are really glad to see you excited for the season!!
coby | on 13/9/09
jj! great to hear from you, as always. sounds like you’re working hard – i’m sure it will pay off this season! i have a feeling you guys are going to be great :) it’s always good to hear that you’re doing well. keep up the great work and i can’t wait to see you play again! love coby <3 xoxo
aadamm87 | on 13/9/09
I can’t wait to see you in action! :)
Mike | on 12/9/09
Hi JJ
Greetings from Poland
Nice to hear that you are ready for the season, I can’t wait to watch your first game. I hope that we will see many great actions :)
Until NBA season begins I enjoy Eurobasket 2009, and your teammate, Gortat plays well (he’s among leaders in blocks and rebounds)., so waiting for NBA isn’t that painful :)
By the way – it’s great to hear that you work so hard on your game, it motivates me to work on my game harder and harder, so thanks for that extra motivation :)
I should go now, it’s 2.30 A.M. here in Europe :)
Good Luck and bye :)
Andrea | on 12/9/09
I’m first! Anyways, I’m glad you’re enjoying your offseason! Hopefully I can make it to the Magic-Thunder game the 8th of Nov…Oh, what happened to your Twitter account?
Philip | on 12/9/09
Nice fish story. The last time I did the same thing with my grandparents I sort of caught a King Mackerel. I worked on bringing it in for an hour when suddenly it raced towards me. I saw it streak by the boat and something was chasing it. When I reeled it in all I got of it was the head lol. A Barracuda had taken the rest of my fish.
Time for you to go back to dairy so that you can gain some weight it worked for me when I went through cancer treatments. I actually gained 16 pounds the Dr’s were shocked. So maybe that would work for you. Plenty of milkshakes for a couple of weeks and you will gain that weight.
Have a great weekend
Peace and Love