Thu, Jan 3rd 2008, 10:52
Que paso? I want to wish everyone a happy New Year. My wish is that all of you are truly blessed this coming year. My New Year’s night was pretty uneventful. We got back from Chicago around 930 and I met up with some friends a little later to ring in the New Year. I have never been a big fan of New Year’s Eve celebrations. For whatever reason, I just don’t think it’s that big of a deal that everyone needs to go out and act-a-fool. I would rank New Year’s 2nd in terms of my least favorite holidays. My least favorite is Halloween and third on my list is Valentine’s Day. It could be because of the fact I’ve spent just about every Valentine’s Day sans girlfriend. But mostly it’s because I don’t need a special day to tell my loved ones that I love them. I’m too grown for that. Anyway, basketball is not going well for me right now- let’s be honest here. In the last 8 games, I’ve gotten six DNPs and the other two games I played a total of twelve minutes. Not exactly the way I envisioned this year going.
But I have not given up hope. I heard Barack Obama talk about hope the other day and it reminded me of how important that word is. Isn’t hope the reason that we get up every morning, the reason we work hard, the reason we laugh, and the reason we cry? Aren’t we all working and hoping for something more? For something greater? I know I am. It’s why no matter what happens in my basketball career, I refuse to give up hope. And I refuse to be defined as simply a basketball player.
Believe me, I will keep working and keep fighting to make an impact in the NBA. To my fans, I thank you for your patience and your support. I know most of you became fans because you were most likely Duke fans, so I thank you for your continued interest in my career. At some point in time, I’ll get my chance, and when that day comes I will be ready.
In other news, I’ll be watching the Orange Bowl tonight and rooting for a Virginia Tech win. It’s been a good year for the Hokies and I’m hoping they can finish off the season with an exclamation point. My brother and some of his friends are gonna be at the game tonight. I wish I could have gone but we have a game tomorrow against the Rockets.
Aight, be good. Thanks for stopping by, planet earth. And here’s a little top-five list in honor of Sportscenter’s “Greatest Highlight” contest:
My top-five favorite sports highlights of ALL-TIME:
1) Laettner’s shot to beat Kentucky (come on, you knew that would be #1).
2) Tiger Woods chip-in to secure a win at the 2005 Masters (the ball hung for a second on the cusp of the hole and then gently dropped in).
3) Kirk Gibson’s home run for the Dodgers in the World Series (I didn’t see this game live, have never been a Dodgers fan, and generally don’t like Kirk Gibson- but he gave perhaps the greatest fist pump of all-time).
4) Jordan’s cross-over dribble and pull-up jumper to beat the Jazz in the 1998 Finals (It’s MJ. Come on.)
5) Ortiz’s walk-off to beat the Yankees in Game 4 of the 2004 ALCS (As soon as Boston won game 4, I just knew they would come back to win that series. Truly a team of destiny.)
Erika Anderholm | on 14/2/08
By far the best top five ever. However Papi would have been my number two.
Tim | on 8/2/08
Good luck with the Nba. I hope your team will let you play more.
Betsy | on 8/2/08
I had the pleasure of meeting JJ at an event for corporate sponsors (I tagged along with my sister). He is a very down to earth guy, a bit serious but you can tell that he is passionate about what he does. He took the time to take pics & sign autographs for his fans. I agree with most of the fans, he’s great at what he does and he should hang in there with the Magic, his time will come. Good luck! The new website looks great!
Chelsey | on 8/2/08
Hey J.J. I just wanted to let you know how much I love your perspective on hope. When I read it, it really touched me because I am a huge fan and also because I have not been able to play on my high school basketball team this year because of unexplainable chronic foot pain. I just really love the quote, so I printed it off so that I can read it every morning when I wake up. Anways, thanks for being such a great role model and best of luck with your career. I know it is going to be great!
Ashley Burns | on 2/2/08
JJ Redick…good luck with the NBA. I was at the sixers game last night..even though you didn’t play :( It was so funny because I was talking to an usher who let me come on court to take a picture of you, but I couldn’t get a good one because you were moving too fast…LOL...maybe you could send me one sometime?? Thanks…and if your still lonely on V-day gimme a call LOL.
Chad Michael Murray | on 1/2/08
Obama? Come on man, Mccain!
Sheila Moorhouse | on 29/1/08
OK J.J. This is a mom’s attempt to make a dream come true for her kids! We are a basketball family with 6 kids…. (I have written in the “ask a question” section…. Anyway, Our oldest daughter is getting ready to begin her college basketball career… ... You are definately her favorite player and we are coming to watch you in the 76’ers game in Orlando on Mar. 21…. Is there any way at all to meet you in person for her as well as the rest of our family? I know this is somthing that you probably get all the time however, it would definately be a dream come true for all of our kids…. Your determination, your drive, and your love of the game is well shared by all of our kids especially her….. Thanks Sheila