Updates
Tue, Sep 23rd 2008, 14:38
Preseason Update
I know it’s been a couple weeks since my last blog so I’d thought I’d give y’all a quick rundown on what’s been going on here in Orlando. We started in early September with some informal team workouts- basically reviewing and amending our offensive and defensive concepts. We’ve done a lot of organized 2 on 2 and 3 on 3 drills and also worked on our “drive and kick” game. These workouts have been three days a week and have lasted about 2 hours each. Afterwards, we’ve done conditioning and agility work with our strength coach, Joe Rogowski. All good stuff. Now, these workouts aren’t mandatory but the turnout for them has been great. Generally speaking, there’s been 10-14 guys there everyday and it’s been intense and competitive. On days we don’t have these team workouts, everybody has come in and we’ve played full court pick up games. The goal is for everyone to be in great shape and us to be able to scrimmage when training camp starts next week. I’d say we’ll reach that goal.
The season starts a week from today and I’m really excited. Things haven’t gone all that well for me these first two years but every new season brings a sense of excitement and hope. The Magic are going to have a great season this year- I like our additions to the team and everyone coming back has improved. I get asked all the time, “How are things looking for you this year, J? Are you going to get to play?” I honestly can’t answer those questions but I will say I’m as mentally and physically in shape as I’ve ever been. I got a great word in church about a month ago- “You can’t always change your circumstances but you can change your perspective.” Despite the uncertainty heading into training camp, my perspective on things is great. I’m going into training camp in great shape and ready to fight for a role on the Magic. I’m blessed and very lucky to be playing basketball for a living. I know the work I put in this summer will pay off in some way. Let’s get the season started already! It’s been a long off-season and I’m ready to go.
Other than training, not much is happening. My golf game is horrible right now- haven’t played much lately. I went and played 9 holes with a friend today and I can honestly say I’ve never played worse. I think I hit a couple of my balls backwards. I’m not lying. I wish I was lying but I’m not. It’s all good though- we had good fellowship and I got to be outside for a couple hours.
I went home to Virginia this past weekend to spend some time with family and friends. Dad and I went up to the mountains to fish and hike. It wasn’t all rugged activity though, we stayed at a nice resort and got a massage at the spa haha. It was so good to be home- I hadn’t spent any time in Virginia since June of 2007 and I have to say- I miss the place. There’s a slower pace to life and I kinda like it up there.
Ok, I think I’ve shared enough thoughts with you guys for one day. I will say that I’ve missed doing my “top-five lists” at the end of every blog. I want to do another “top five blog” so leave some of your ideas for lists. Now that summer is officially over, I’ll leave you with this:
Top Five Most Played Songs on my Ipod this summer:
1) Anything by Kings of Leon
2) T.I. “Whatever You Like”
3) Jeezy and Kanye “Put On”
4) The entire “Carter III” album
5) MGMT “Electric Feel”
“Your beginning was small but your latter days will be great”- Job 8:7
Comments
Maggie | on 26/9/08
Hey, JJ, I know I already commented on this blog but I just randomly wanted to say that I found out today that you met a guy from my school at the Duke basketball camp. I dunno if you remember him or not but his name is Dylan and he’s maybe like 5“11 and he has blond hair. Sorry for the complete and total randomness :) . I love you :) .
lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of LOVE,
Maggie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Jeff | on 26/9/08
“You can’t always change your circumstances but you can change your perspective.”
My 2 cents to contribute…feel free to agree or disagree. Hope changes your attitude about the circumstances. Faith changes your circumstances. How fast your circumstances change is directly related to how strong your faith is. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom. 10:7) The Word of God reveals God’s promises and His will for you. He wants you to have the best. Find scripture that supports that what you ask for in prayer. Believe that you have received it when you pray for it. Don’t doubt having received it by expressing uncertainty or by praying for the same thing again…that’s actually doubting that God heard you the first time. Let every word and thought support and edify that you have indeed received it in the spiritual realm. The stronger your faith (and not your doubt) in having received it will allow that promise to manifest itself quicker in the physical realm. God is moved by your faith not by vain repetitions. It took me 3 years before I got my breakthrough and finally got the job I wanted this week. I guess God wanted me to wait until I could receive His best for me. Stay strong in your faith and enjoy the journey until your breakthrough!!
carlyn perry | on 26/9/08
“Some people succeed because they are ‘destined’ to, but most people succeed
because they are determined.” —Elmer Towns . seminary professor who has
published more than 50 books. You are working hard and are determined
and you will succeed.
diana | on 25/9/08
they are some get songs i actually love all of them hahaha, glad to hear your workouts are going well, and thats awesome that you got to go back to VA and hang with your dad the spa and hiking sound amazing. and just spend time with your family in general it must be nice. well have a great pre season and peace it easy.
Kristen | on 24/9/08
JJ, I hope this year brings great things for you, as well as the Magic. I can’t wait to see you when you guys play in Detroit.
Keep your head up!
Jen | on 24/9/08
JJ, love the top songs, especially T.I.‘s “Whatever you like”. I can’t sit steal when I hear that song!!! Also thanks for sharing the word you got in church with us. Reading any words of encouragment at this point in my life, really helps with the situation I am going through. Virginia is an awesome place, even though I haven’t lived here my whole life it’s defenitly beautiful and I love the slower pace of things! Take care:)
Evan | on 24/9/08
Hey JJ! Yeah I’m from VA too and I think it’s great here. Listen to some different
kinds of bands, here are some suggestions: Needtobreathe: they are a christian rock band and my personal favorite, great melodies and dynamics 2: if you like kings of leon listen to some syuff by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Boys like girls is another good one.3: you would also like Family force 5, they are a crazy cool christian rock and rap band who are convinced jesus can break dance. And how bout a top 5 favorite ice cream flavors, or a top 5 citys.
LML | on 24/9/08
I am seriously interested to learn how one can hit a ball backwards in golf?! Hahaha!!!! Good luck in the upcoming season!
Maggie | on 23/9/08
Hey, JJ! What’s up? Those drills sound like fun and also really hard. But I hope they’re helping you out a lot. Good luck with training camp this year. I’m really excited about the season starting too. I can’t wait to see you play again and more picture of you to add to my collection of 1731 pictures of you hehehe (not trying to freak you out or anything lol). I’ve probably said this a billion times, but I really hope you get a LOT of playing time this year. You’re so amazing at basketball and you deserve to show off your skills more than anyone! I’m glad you’re having a positive attitude towards this. I’m sorry about your golf game not being very good. I hope it gets a lot better lol! That’s awesome that you went back to Virginia and got to hang out with your family and friends. Fishing and hiking and a massage all sound really fun. But I gotta admit, I’m totally and completely jealous of the person who gave you the massage haha. I’m glad you had a good time in Virginia. Though you should come visit me some time…. (just kidding, well sort of.) Oh, and don’t you like the Killers? They’re coming out with a new CD November 25. I’m so excited! They’re my second favorite band ever. Their best song ever is “Leave the Bourbon on the Shelf”. Anyway, yeah you haven’t done a top five in a while. How about top five favorite scenes from the Dark Knight? I’m so obsessed with that movie. Top five favorite bands? I don’t know any of the song you mentioned, but here are my top five favorite songs of the moment:
1. “Time is Running Out” by Muse (I don’t know if that should really count because that’s pretty much my favorite song ever)
2. “Fer Sure” by The Medic Droid (that is seriously the most amazing song ever!)
3. “I Miss You” by Blink 182
4. “Jesus of Suburbia” by Green Day
5. “Crush” by David Archuleta (that song reminds me of you)
6. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Muse
7. “Hysteria” by Muse (that song reminds me so much of you, too)
Okay…Maybe that was seven instead of five. So, I hope you’re doing amazing and everything. Hope to hear from you soon! I love you so much.
Lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of LOVE,
Maggie
Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
P.S. I’m sorry this comment was so long haha.
Catherine | on 23/9/08
JJ im glad you are excited and pumped for this season. I know everyone is rooting for you. Thanks for keeping us updated while your so busy . Good luck this season
Jim | on 23/9/08
good to hear how your doing JJ. i know most of us are ready for basketball to start, ive been ready for it to start for quite a while. ok i got a top 5 for you, you 5 favorite movie quotes.
Daniela | on 23/9/08
Hey JJ its to hear that the Magic team looks great this year. I admire you for having such a good perspective on things. Keep believing and never lose your faith. Wish you the best of luck in the 2008-09 season
PeAcE
Kestrel | on 23/9/08
I’m glad to hear that training has been going well, I think you will play a good amount this year, how can you not, I mean your the best shooter in the HISTORY of basketball, your a great asset to the Magic (the best asset anyone could ask for). I’m from a tiny county in Virginia, so I know exactly what your saying about a slower pace of life…I like it to. sorry about your golf game, (at least your AMAZING at basketball not everyone can say that!!) have a great week and enjoy training camp!! GO MAGIC!! Peace and Love, Kestrel how about your top 5 things you love about playing in the NBA