Abstract City By Christoph Niemann

 I came across this article a while back in the New York Times and it's so fitting to the trip I'm preparing to take...back to the Deutschland. This will have to hold you over until I kick off the new season of Meet The Team because I'm going to spend the next few weeks getting ready to win games...until then, as always...do what you do...

"Do What You Do" --blackhercules21

Are You Going To Miss Me?

Dear America,

Could it work out any better that on the day where I spent 12 hours in my house doing last minute stuff (which meant frequent TV/Internet breaks) people on TV and online were talking about this new video? Some people love Drake and some people hate on Drake but for a 23 year old he's in a league all his own. I respect the work he puts out and want to know the same thing he does...

Drake Feat. Lil Wayne - Miss Me [NEW]
Uploaded by wonderful-life1989. - Explore more music videos.

...As I leave you...I just hope that you MISS ME a little when I'm gone...

I'm going to miss you

"Do What You Do" --blackhercules21

48 Hours

As I count down my last 48 hours in America, I can only think about these three questions.

The first one being, did I do everything I wanted to do this summer? Looking back, it's been a great one. I rehabbed this bum ankle and finger. I went to Las Vegas, I attended my first bachelor party and my first wedding. I got to figure out which friendships were worth holding onto and which ones it was time to let go of. But most importantly, I finally made the effort to spend quality time with my family. In years past I was in such a rush to get back to America and see college friends, girlfriends, high school friends etc etc that I always returned to Europe thinking I should have spent more time with my FAMILY. As much as I never wanted to be, I was always that guy who went back to visit High School teachers and college coaches because, well sh*t Life Was Good and I needed to be reassured that what I was doing...they knew about. But I finally got over that. Although a European Challenge Championship is more than enough to brag about it wasn't something I really found myself doing. (Probably because my father had it done by the time I got home but whatever the case may be) I think I enjoyed this summer more than anyone thus far because I finally wasn't worried about rushing and doing a ton of things for other people but more about just doing whatever it was I wanted. I understand my situation is unique but I was telling my brother that if there is something out there you want to do, at the end of the day, you are the only one that stands between you and doing it. And I feel good knowing I took that advice to heart this summer. So I can honestly say, I did everything I wanted to do this summer...and some.

The next question I keep asking myself is Am I ready to go back? I've been very fortunate in my career to not have to deal with serious injuries, and maybe that's why I couldn't deal with being injured this past season. After all the work I put in, all the sprints I ran, all the laps I swam, part of me feels like I'm right back where I was last season. And for guys that have been injured, they know how it is to rehab...you're working harder than you ever worked just to get back where you WERE. The whole concept is crazy. But if it taught me anything it's that I need to keep up this work ethic all season long. I would NEVER, and let me repeat this...NEVER say any of the guys I played with last year took the easy route out by leaving...there are a ton of reasons why some players didn't come back...but for me, personally, there was no other choice. I'm the kind of player that needs to be pushed everyday and I know winning that title last year has now become a standard. I'm not going to go online and make any guarantees but the truth of the matter is that the people of Gottingen have now gotten used to winning. And when people come to expect something of you, it's the perfect "pressure" to perform. I obviously look forward to getting back out there, seeing my friends from the city, eating great food, but most importantly get to work with the new TEAM. So although this was my best summer, I'd have to say I am ready to get back.

The last question that's rattling around in this brain of mine is what am I going to do to escape from basketball this year. Because let's be honest...even if you are like me, and have the best job in the world, there is a negative outcome associted with making your job = your life. Everyone needs to get away from what they do fulltime for a little. My first year in Gottingen I really tried to travel every chance I got, last year I dedicated myself to blogging everyday but this year I was thinking about picking up another skill. Anyone that knows me knows that I'm on a few business ventures right now (which will be blogged about on a later date) but "other work" shouldn't be a release from "work." They also know that music is the only other thing I'm as passionate about as basketball. And that's why this year, I want to learn how to play the piano. So now my mission becomes finding someone in Gottingen to give piano lessons, probably no more than once a week, for a reasonable price. Escapes can often change but that's what it is right now.

So I just took myself (and you, the reader) on a journey of my past (summer) present (season) and future (new skill). Stay tuned to how it turns out. I'll be launching a new blog theme this year and although I won't be blogging as much, I'm hoping you'll still enjoy the content.

"Do What You Do" --blackhercules21

My New Toy

I've been going back and forth the past couple of days trying to decide whether or not I wanted this new iPad but as is normally the case with Apple (and it's not a bad thing if you are a "mac-person") they keep everything proprietary. So being a PC guy I've decided to take my business to Archos and get that new Tablet # 9...it's a little more condusive to what I need it for. Lightweight, portable, wi-fi, touchscreen, windows already installed etc etc etc...I'm looking forward to when it gets here and I can play with it.

And I'm only blogging about this because for $500 it's going to be attached at the hip at all times

                                                                                            "Do What You Do" --blackhercules21

Who Is Antoine Dodson?

Quick Background: There was an attempted rape in Alabama and once the Internet got hold of the story...the Internet did what the Internet does...I love the Internet

Interview 1

Interview 2

Bed Intruder Song

Antoine Dodson Reaction

Only In America

"Do What You Do" --blackhercules21

Stuedabakerbrown

When you are out of the country as long as I am you need to make your time as memorable as possible...that's why when I come back I like to get roles in Movies (see Just Wright) and TV Commercials (see Rajon Rondo 2on2 Tournament). I'm currently in the process of learning how to play an instrument so I can take the musical world by storm and that's why my Talk Show appearance this summer was a great transition. It was half-serious half-joking but full-fun...and it was with some friends of mine from back in the day. The group is called Stuedabakerbrown and if you haven't heard of them...GET FAMILIAR...

If you like the Gin Blossoms and/or Kings of Leon you should have their CD Strangers We'll Become ...it's available on iTunes. Anyway, since the interview I've gotten the chance to catch up with my boys at a free show they put on at a NYC Best Buy.It was mainly for some exposure during their cross country tour that ends with the singing of the National Anthem at the LA Dodgers-San Diego Padres Game on August 5th...Keep Doing Your Thing Fellas...usually I'm the one getting recognized for something and so it feels nice being able to say I'm truly proud of how hard these guys worked to get where they are at...it's inspiring

"Do What You Do" --blackhercules21