Updates
Wed, Jun 25th 2008, 23:29
Happy Birthdays- literally
Thanks to all of you that sent me birthday wishes this week. I really appreciate it. I’m 24 now. That’s a good number and I feel it’s going to be a good year. I had one of the weirdest birthdays ever. The car I drove up to North Carolina decided to die on me yesterday so I had to wait three hours for a tow truck. A group of Duke basketball campers were there to witness my car getting towed and I’m pretty sure some of them captured it on video. Hopefully, that clip makes it on youtube. It would be hilarious. While I was waiting for one of my sisters to come pick me up, my other sister went into labor. She was in labor throughout the night and morning. Finally, at 2:06 PM this afternoon she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Congratulations to my sister and my brother-in-law, who are going to be terrific parents. Also, happy birthday to their newborn daughter, Chloe. She is so precious. I got to spend some time with her this evening and it was such a treat for me. God is good and He works miracles every day!
Besides workouts I’ve been done some speaking at basketball camps the last two weeks. I spoke twice at Duke’s camp for kids and this afternoon I drove up to Roanoke to speak at my high school’s camp. Doing that kind of stuff has always been fun for me. Hopefully, the kids take something away from what I say.
Aight, I’m out. Had a long day and I’ve got a long day ahead of me tomorrow. Y’all be good.
Comments
Larry Deel | on 5/7/08
Hey JJ,
Your old sunday school teacher, Larry Deel. I’m glad things out worked well for you on the trip up and especially glad for that new baby, “Uncle JJ”. Keep up the good work; it will be a good year for you. God will put you on the stage of the NBA in His time; just keep doing the things you do need to and keep your focus. God Bless.
corey | on 5/7/08
WHAT UP JJ I BEEN A FAN OF URS SINCE U WAS A DUKE I REALLY WANTED THE MAGIC TO GET YOU MAN AND THE GOT AND U CAN SHOOT U NEVER MISS BUT MAN IMPORVE AND I HOPE THE PLAY U THIS YEAR MAN CUZ U CAN PLAY
Michael Hawn | on 4/7/08
Hey JJ, longtime fan as I lived in O-town 17 years. My wife’s dad as well as her uncle are big time boosters and fans. (a Duke M.D.who bleeds Blue Devil Blue). Years of frustration was lifted when OM drafted you, then came back down again as I watched you dealing with not playing and seeing the “Magi” struggle at points in the year. It’s tough watching from a distance, cant’ imagine what the ins and outs are like. Was really glad to catch you and the team in Phoenix drop some bombs and almost take it away from the Suns. I was getting yelled at all around me for cheering for you home boys. It was all good as I hung out with some fans after the game and caught up with what’s happening in Orlando. On the side and most importantly, I was hoping to share some insights that have helped me deal with disappointment and hang on during transitional times.
I really dig into the Psalms especially the one the coincides with my age and pray it through for the year as I have watched God really open up His reality and purposes in my life. It seems that the Lord is causing this “time of hiddeness” to come to an end, and the work He’s done in your heart will prepare you to deal with the pressure that is ahead. Pressure of success, change and expectations. You have been an important role model for many, and I trust God will shine his light through you in a very real way..Blessings bro!
Kestrel | on 1/7/08
congrats on being an uncle!! you’ll be great I’m sure. Sorry to hear about your car.
Good Luck to your sister and brother-in-law as they enter the life of motherhood and fatherhood and you to unclehood (I don’t know if that is the right way of putting it)
peace and love
kestrel
Kristen | on 27/6/08
Congratulations JJ !!!!!!!!!! Your going to be a great uncle…..
diana | on 27/6/08
congratulations on being an uncle, I’m suppose to be a aunt in a couple of months but my sister-in-law had miscarriage. which totally sucked. you better spoil her and treat her like a princess also chloe is a very cute name! but yeah that must of sucked being stuck on the side of the road for that long, anyways glad to hear you kinda had a good birthday. haha i wish people from my area would come speak to people but whatever well peace it easy. and have fun with your new niece!
Ciera | on 27/6/08
Congrats on becoming an uncle! What a thrill for your family. I love the name Chloe! That’s a crazy long drive. Your patience must be outstanding. I would love to see those videos. Haha.
Ryan Jones | on 27/6/08
What’s up JJ, i just wanted to say that i was at one of the duke basketball camps you talked at, you did a great job and i also took a picture and got your autograph
Jeff | on 27/6/08
Hey, JJ!! Wassup?
I swung by here to see how the post-draft buzz was doing. I hope you had an awesome birthday this week!! I thought you did a great job with your stint over at 850 The Buzz. They shoulda showed ya a little love and let you have Diane Lane in the cougar draft as a post birthday present!! C’mon!! lol. I bet Josh is pumped about getting back here and hooking up with the Pacers! Keep us in the loop on how things are going with you when ya can!! Be cool. Be confident. Be yourself.
Beatrice | on 27/6/08
Congratulations on becoming an uncle…...I can’t believe you drove from Orlando to NC….....I’d die to if I were your car….hahaha….
Josh | on 26/6/08
I saw your video a couple years ago when u were still playing for Duke against miami. You hi the longest 3 pointer i have ever seen and you did it so leisurly. MAn you are incredible i wish you played more.
Josh Kadish | on 26/6/08
I hope you come to Toronto
Maggie | on 26/6/08
Hey, JJ! You’re beyond welcome for the birthday wishes! I hope you do have a good year! I’m sorry about you’re car dying on you. I hope the video does end up on youtube cause I’d love to see that haha. Speaking of videos and youtube, I’m gonna make some more videos about you soon. Congrats to your sister and brother-in-law! Also, congrats to you for becoming an uncle haha! Your niece sounds to adorable! I hope you have fun at the camps. Good luck with your long day tomorrow…actually i guess it would be today cause you posted this blog yesterday. By the way, this is completely random, but I saw on your Q and A that you mentioned Joe Alexander. Well, I just randomly wanted to say that he’s from around where I live so that’s pretty cool. Well, I’m gonna go watch the draft now. Hope to talk/hear from you soon!
lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of LOVE,
Maggie
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Katie | on 26/6/08
Congratulations Uncle JJ! It sounds like you had a very eventful and wonderful birthday.
Hope all is well for you and training is going well. I know you’ll be watching the draft tonight. I hope everything goes as you hope.
Take care and God bless! :)
Claire | on 26/6/08
forgot to say that your new niece Chloe shares the same birthday as my mom, who actually grew up near Roanoke in Pulaski…i’m sure you know where that is.
Danny | on 26/6/08
Hey J.J. I was one of the campers that you spoke to last week, and I just wanted to say that was one of the best lectures I have heard. And also, thanks for answering my question, I really appreciate it. I actually saw you when you were waiting for the tow truck, and I hope that ended up working out well for you. Congratulations to your sister, that is some great news. Have a great summer and I wish you good luck in the off-season.
Lucas | on 26/6/08
JJ, thanks for speaking at my camp this week all the drills you talked about seemed really good and im definently going to try them, all my friends at camp were talking about your car.
D.B. | on 26/6/08
Congratulations to your sister and brother-in-law! Chloe is such a pretty name. It’s so cool that your niece’s birthday is so close to your’s!
KRISTEN BROOKE | on 26/6/08
I was just at the camp and I knew you were there!
Casie | on 26/6/08
Congrats on the new baby niece!!! Being an Uncle/Aunt is the greatest gift in the entire world! Make sure to spoil her because before you realize it she will be walking and talking!
Matt Goldman | on 26/6/08
Yeah JJ I was one of the campers who saw you outside Cameron Indoor. We exchanged a few words.
Claire | on 26/6/08
Haha, i too hope that video makes it to youtube. I saw a clip of you yesterday speaking in Cameron and i was wondering when it was. It would kill me to find out you were down there when I was and I didn’t find you! haha. Well i’ll be down there july 13-18 but probably mostly on east campus for a college prep thing. Hopefully you’re in town! :) Take care, and congratulations on the new addition to your familiy.
CarolAnn | on 26/6/08
I’ll be darned! I swore that was you waiting along the highway! I wanted to stop but my friend told me I was nuts. I’m really making all this up!
Wonderful that you got to be an Uncle JJ. We are still holding out hope you might get traded to someone that knows how to play you correctly and uses your talent and determination to help the team. If you are stuck in Orlando this year again dont get down! Just remember how many times you may get to come back and “whup up on them” in the future. (Hahahaha)
LML | on 26/6/08
Sounds like you had quite an adventure on your birthday! ;)
Congrats to your sister and brother-in-law on their newborn daughter, and also to you being an uncle!!!!
Patrick Garrett | on 26/6/08
I sent you somthing to be autograohed and got a preprint back.I understand though.Theres no clue how many you get a day.Your a true inspiration man.You dont know how much I look up to you.One day,my number will hang in those rapters right next to yours.
Joe | on 25/6/08
Hey JJ, i live up in seattle. (well bellingham to be exact) i play basketball for western washing university.
im a shooting guard at 6’5 195 pounds. my question is, how do you get your shots off?! i get called out where i go and can never get any attempts that are half decent. how do (did) you do it?!
Christina | on 25/6/08
I think it is great that you are speaking at the camps. Not everyone would take the time out to help others like that. I am sure it means alot to the kids.