I am happy to say that I'm posting this blog from France! That's right! I am in Poitiers, France where I am going to be playing this season. A lot has happened since my last blog, so I will not waste anytime with the small talk.
The most important thing to talk/type about is Kyndall's 1st birthday! It seems like the first year of her life just flew by. If this is any indication of how fast she is going to grow up, then I want to hit slow motion on the remote control lol! We went all out for her birthday party. Monica cooked the most beautiful cakes that you ever wanna see! She was up all night working on them. I will try to include some pictures of these great tasting cakes at the end of the blog! I was on the job as well. I was running all over the place to get balloons, banners, presents, and other material for days, smh! I enjoyed it all though! Kyndall had a ball. She started walking about a week before her birthday but we did not tell anyone so that she could surprise everyone at her party. She did just that! We brought her downstairs in her absolutely adorable birthday costume (picture included) and she was the life of the party as she should be! As you can tell, I am a very proud father. Anyway, I stood on one side of the room and Monica stood on the other and we let her go. I must admit I was a little apprehensive because I thought that all the people watching would scare her. I think they did a little but that just made her walk faster to get to me, lol! Long story short, she did great and everybody cheered which really did scare her. All in All, it was the best day of the summer! We thank God everyday for blessing us with such a wonderful, sweet, and loving little girl!
As for basketball, things were really moving this summer. I was in negotiations with several teams this summer! This is a very rewarding experience because it is great to know that there are people out there that really value what you do on the basketball court! My decision process actually came down to the last few hours! I decided to accept an offer to play for Poitiers Basket 86. This is a team in the top league of France and they are known for treating there players well. It also helped that one of my best friends already played for the team. I am really excited to be playing along side Rasheed Wright for the second time in my career. We played together a few years back for the Paris team which is in the same league that we are playing in now. I was also attracted to this team because I know several of the players and I am familiar with the coach. I think that we have a real shot to achieve some big things this season and EXCEED EXPECTATIONS! I have already started practicing with the team but I will blog about that as well as the city in my next post.
As for summer workouts and hoops, things really went great! I was able to really get a lot of work in this summer. I am feeling great physically and mentally. I am in great shape and looking forward to training camp to get in even better shape before the season starts. One of the things that I did this summer to stay in shape was play in the Chavis Summer League in Raleigh, NC. This is a very well known summer league and it is pretty competitive. I am proud to say that our team won the championship! It was a tough game but we were able to pull it out and raise that trophy. Hopefully, this is an indication of things to come in the French league as well. I have included a picture of the team in this blog and I just want to say "Great Job Fellas!"
Also, JJ MILLER'S ELITE HOOPS BASKETBALL CAMP was a huge success! The kids had a great time, as did the counselors! We had guest visitors from the NBA and European leagues as well as top College players from the area. Tons of prizes and gifts were given out, and the kids really had a chance to play and interact with other kids from different backgrounds. It was a win for everybody involved! I am looking forward to next year. Thanks to all our sponsors and everyone who contributed a helping hand.
It's also worthy to mention that I got to spend some quality time with my mother over the last few weeks. It was awesome. My mother is not only one of my biggest fans but she is also my hero! I often find myself looking at her in amazement. Her strength is immeasurable and I am blessed to have her in my life. Mom if you are reading this "Thanks" for being who you are.
Well the summer for me is now over. This vacation (if i can call it that) felt like one of the shortest breaks I have ever had. It was also a trying summer full of things that required me to make some tough decisions. However, that is what being an adult is about and I am glad that I have a great wife to help me make those decisions! My life can be a fast pace race sometimes, but that comes with my profession. I would not change it for the world because I simply love what I do! I want to Thank everybody for all the support! I would like to send a special Thanks to my wife Monica for always being there even if it is behind the scenes. I know the contributions that you make, sweetheart, and I am grateful.
Well that's it for this week. I have to get to bed some because we are hitting the track in the morning for what promises to be a tough session, lol! Take care and thanks for stopping through. Have a great week and as always "EXCEED EXPECTATIONS!"
