‘Almond Joy?’ (Melissa Majchrzak - NBAE/Getty Images)
Hello, world. I decided to dedicate this blog to all the good folks out there who’ve left comments asking questions about my previous entries. I appreciate everybody who’s taken the time out to do so—I read them all, so it means a lot. Below, I’ll just go down the list and address some questions/comments that I’ve read in the “reader feedback section.”
Question #1: Do you write these blogs yourself or do you call in and speak to a NBA.com/Jazzbots.com representative who types out the conversation?
Good question. I learned enough in college about how to express my thoughts on paper through basic literary techniques, so I always write these ‘web logs’ myself. I do in fact know how to use a computer, and I can even type without looking at the keyboard, so it’s not too difficult. I always write these blogs on the plane, because it’s (usually) quiet and there aren’t too many distractions. A few of my teammates sometimes ask me about the blog when they see me typing on the plane; and coupled with the fact that some of them are from Texas, and know of Rice’s ‘academic’ reputation, I’ve earned the nickname “The Scholar” (which narrowly beats out “Almond Joy.” But I’ll save that topic for another blog.) So anyway, that’s the whole story. I just type it on this Mac Book, email it in, and it’s usually on the website in less than 24 hours. Simple as that.
Question #2: You should aim to be more personal in your blogs—and write more often.
This is a very good point. I try and make each entry as interesting and personal as I can. I really do. But at the same time, I also realize that there’s a wide range of (potential) readers who may come across these blogs, so I can’t make them too personal. Feel me? (The NBA has a standard and level of professionalism to maintain, so I can’t just write like I’m talking to one of my ‘homeboys’.) My mother reads this. Friends in my hometown of Atlanta read this. People in China. Opponents from around the League. My teammates. The GM of the Utah Jazz. Old girlfriends. Who knows? I try and keep this in mind when I write, because I don’t want to embarrass anybody—namely myself. So needless to say, I try not to be too reckless with my words.
I try to submit all the entries in a timely manner. Sometimes things get hectic for a brotha, and I get behind schedule, but I always do the best I can when writing these things.
Question #3: Which one of your teammates dumped the cooler of ice water on you in the locker room after you played in your first game?
Umm, that was Jarron Collins. And that’s all I have to say about that particular incident.
Question #4: What do you learn from being around your teammates on a daily basis?
The guys on my team maintain a level of professionalism and work ethic like you wouldn’t believe. Our entire organization is like that—from the ball boys, to Carlos Boozer, to the coaching staff. Everyone’s always early. Shirts tucked in. Practicing after practice. Little things like that add up and rub off on you, so you can’t help but fall in line. I was fortunate to land in such a positive situation, because those are hard to find these days.
So that’s about all I’ve got for this edition. Again, I appreciate all the comments. Later.
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Linda McFarland on December 08, 2007 said:
Glad to see you will get more playing time so you can really develop into a well rounded Jazz player. Show them what you’ve got while you are there and you’ll be ready when the call comes.