Blog with Bryan Smithson

 October 26 finally came and the 3rd annual Jammin at the Justice is history.  The night kicked off with the women's volleyball team getting a much needed win vs. Charleston Southern.  This was followed by the introduction of both the mens and womens basketball teams.  There was a 3 point contest won by Matt Day (#31), a kids vs. players game, women's scrimmage, mens scrimmage, and what all the fans came for the DUNK CONTEST!  It was a great dunk contest and could have competed with any other team in the nation.  Everyone had 3 dunks with a runniing total of each score.  At the end I took home the crown for the second year in a row after I windmilled while jumping over a baseball player.  It was a fun night that we topped off with a autograph signing session at the end.  I will be posting my dunks from the contest on the Video's page in the next couple of days so check back bc they are sick.

As for our matchup vs Virginia Tech on December 1st : The Hokies were picked at a low 10 spot in the ACC  probably due to their recent loss of senior all conference players Zabian Dowdell, Jamon Gordon, and Coleman Collins- all are making money playing pro basketball.  They will fill the void in the backcourt with guards Hank Thorns and Malcom Delaney. Thorns is an undersized guard at 5'9 140lbs that is extremely quick, very good at getting into the lane, and a good on the ball defender.  Delaney is a combo guard that fits into the Hokie system very well with his unlimited range and good court vision.  However, both of these kids are young and are going to have to prove it to me.  In addition to these two kids they also have an extreme athlete in Deron Washiington.  He is a high jumper and good defender because of his length---(NBA prospect). A key for us is going to be containing Washington's athleticism and not letting him get the crowd into the game with a spectacular play early. We are going to Blacksburg to get a win and I am looking forward to getting off on some talented, but young guards.  If we can be effective in our halfcourt offense we will put ourselves in a position to win this game as planned.  Execution will be a big factor for both teams in this game and could be a great time for us to make a move on the national level.

Posted by bryan at 10:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Things are getting hectic.  The last couple of weeks things in school have been slow and now all of a sudden the management department wants to have a test, project, or paper due everyday.  I have several tests coming up next week as well as a presentation.  I have started studying already but sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to complete the things I wish to.  Practice has been good but because of the way our classes our scheduled our practice times are horrible.  Tuesday morning at 7am, Wed @ 8:00pm, Thursday at 8:30, and Friday @2:45.  Along with weight lifting sessions wherever we can fit them in.  Practicing that late at night makes it hard to get up in the morning, but obviously I don't have a choice-- Which is good because I need to get things done. 

It has been one year exactly since I begin my first season here at UNCA.  I want to take this opportunity to thank the coaching staff here for a variety of reasons.  When I left Middle Tennessee State I had several offers to go big and small.  Obviously. teams aren't usually excited when it comes to enrolling a transfer because the player is usually stereotyped as being "disruptive." This was definitely the case when I left because several teams did not want to give me a scholarship for my redshirt transfer year because they wanted me to prove myself first.  I can understand that, but it was disappointing that so many rumors were spread about me for leaving MTSU, and disgruntled fans who "Loved" me, were now "hating" me and trying to make it difficult for me to leave.   With that said, I also understand that this is a part of college basketball and when I decided to leave the team I asked for everything that came with it.  There were several people that could understand my situation, but one that stands out in my mind is the head coach here at UNCA Eddie Biedenbach.  He knew i wasn't a bad person or a disruption but that I was a kid who had plenty of potential to be a great basketball player and an even better person.  It was a tough adjustment for me to come into UNCA after being in a totally different environment at MTSU, but the coaching staff and players helped me make the adjustment and treated me like an adult.  They put the ball in my hand from the beginning and let me run the show without a doubt that it would be a great move for the team and myself.  I have made bad decisions in my life but i have learned, from being at UNCA,  that it is much more fulfilling to make a good decision because you want to make your coaching staff and those around you proud, than to make a good decision because you don't want to be embarrassed by your coaching staff for making a bad one.  Because in the end when the coach isn't there to embarrass you anymore, you revert back to making bad decisions instead of developing a professional way of life.   So thank you to the staff here at UNCA --- Tripp Cogburn, Nick McDevitt, Thomas Nash, and Eddie Biedenbach for taking me in and staying loyal to me as a basketball player and as a person.  All of you helped me rekindle my love for the game, which has ultimately given me an opportunity to soon play at the highest level.  Also, all my teammates who made it an easy transition for me and didn't frown upon my arrival here, but instead embraced it--thanks

I am looking forward to kicking the season off tonight with jammin at the justice and coming home with this dunk title again..  Shot out B Greezy

Posted by bryan at 09:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

We have had a couple practices and lifting sessions since I last wrote an entry.  Sunday was a chill day with a practice at 330 and a weight lifting session following.  Though practice went well, it was right in the middle of the Cowboys game, so I had to bust it to get home to finish watching them get another W.  Coach gave us Monday off --- I really dont like having a Monday off because I still have a bunch of classes and work to do, so its not really a day to rest.  But, its not my choice so I live with it.  Also, we had a 7am practice on Tuesday, so I had to begin preparing for this at about 12pm on Monday.  Our practice in the morning went well and we got a lot accomplished with regards to our offensive and defensive principles-- We are beginning to expand on both even more.  As for my individual game I feel very comfortable on the court and my conditioning is getting better everyday.  The game is slowing down for me and I am able to maintain my quickness.  Creating opportunities for my teammates has been a big contribution to the team in addition to my ability to score.  The mechanics of my shot are smooth and my balance is great.  I am looking forward to fan night --JAMMIN AT THE JUSTICE--- on Friday night where we will have a 3pt contest, dunk contest, and a blue-white scrimmage.  I am the returning dunk champ and there will be even more competition this time around with some really athletic newcomers.  It will be very entertaining, I guarentee it.  

Only one class to go today and then we have a late practice at 8pm tonight that I need to prepare my body for. 

Oh and I am very busy as of late with school and practice so I have delayed talking about another matchup until next entry.  UNCA vs. Virginia Tech 

Posted by bryan at 01:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Last night I got the news that we would not be playing our first 2 exhibition games this year.  From what I understand, NCAA has a rule that a Division 1 team can only play a certain amount of non-division 1 schools.  Somewhere there was a misunderstanding including several Division 1 schools, so there isn't any one person to put the blame on, but it is pretty disappointing for us as well as the other teams who have to suffer without proper exhibition games.  However, we are in the midst of organizing scrimmages with Division 1 opponents in place of the exhibitions, which will be good for our team and our coaches.  There is nothing else we can do about this so we have to just work even harder to prepare for our opening season game vs. Furman University. 

Today was another 2-a-day.  One practice at 10:30am (got some pretty good sleep), and finished the day off with a practice at 4:15.  The first practice was intense and we went really hard from start to finish.  I think coach could tell that the majority of the team is pretty fatigued and so we went lighter in the second practice.  We went over some new plays, press breaker, got shots up, but we did do some full court scrimmaging at the end with a little bit of running to finish the day off.  It was a productive day.  My body is feeling the effects of so many practices in a row but I actually feel better now than I ever have at this time of year.  Probably the results of a great summer program.

It is a good time of year because we are playing a lot of basketball.  However, that is almost all I do so it gets to be a grueling routine, but this is the only way to improve, and even though I would like to break off, in my minimized free time, I am staying disciplined.  I am going to just chill out at the apartment with my brother and watch tv.  This is the time that is most important to recover because my muscles are sore and they may begin compensating for each other, which ultimately causes injury---- I will be drinking plenty of fluids, consuming necessary nutrients, supplementing properly, and getting on the foam roll to roll out tight spots on my body.  Oh, but I will be going to get a reeses cup blizzard tonight------ I figure one per week won't kill me!!! and dieting without treating yourself may cause you to binge junk food--not good.

I will touch on another matchup on our schedule in the next blog,,,,,,check back for it 

Posted by bryan at 08:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, at 2:45pm today we will begin practice, and upon completion, one week of practice will be history.  We have had a good 1st week of practice.  When I compare the past week to each of my first two seasons here--- it definitely has been the best.  We have kept a good intensity level as well as improving execution every day.  When I look at my game individually, the big question I have to ask myself is - Do I see improvements in the areas that I focused on in the offseason?  The answer is yes, I definitely do.   It is a good feeling to be able to answer that question positively because it reinforces the fact that there is no substitue for hard work and its results.  I am in more control of my game as well as helping those around me get better.  Instead of playing at one full speed the whole time I am able to switch gears when necessary.  When I sat out the year before last because of transferring, though I didnt realize it at the time, I lost some court sense from not being involved in game situations.  When I reflected back on my first season here at UNCA I was able to recognize this and it is something that I have focused on in the offseason and I feel confident that it is returning and improving.  Going into the second week of practice, my focus is on team defense and making sure everybody is in touch with our defensive principles--including myself.

 My third matchup, also gets a lot of publicity because it is another power conference school and another opportunity for UNCA to make noise.  North Carolina vs. UNCA.  There is no need to go into detail about the UNC lineup because everybody in the country is familiar with it.  They have a couple preseason all americans in Tyler Hansborough and Ty Lawson.  They also have a great shooter in Wayne Ellington.  Obviously, these are not the Tarheels only weapons because in addition to these household names they have a bench full of McDonald's All Americans.  A very exciting game for my team and I but the game plan is very simple.  ----  Unc is very tough, especially in the Dean Dome.  When they play us, they come out of the gates quickly and try to bury us within a couple of minutes.  If we are able to sustain their intial push and defensive pressure, we will put ourselves in a position to compete to win the game.  Where we got ourselves into trouble last year was digging a deep hole from the start and against a good team like the Tarheels, there is no recovering.  7ft 9 Kenny George will be big factor in this game because of his size, which allows him to dominate anybody in the country when he is healthy.  He also opens things up for guys like myself to create from the outside --- this happened last year and it was tough for UNC to stop me.  However things turn out in this game, it is priceless experience for our team going into conference play.

Posted by bryan at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

7 am practice called for me to wake up at 545am to get something in my stomach before heading to the training room to get warmed up and stretched out thoroughly.  Hit the court promptly at 7 and much of practice consisted of putting together pieces of offensive sets.  And of course, defense is still an emphasis.  It went well and chemistry is starting to catch up to our intensity.  It is still early to have complete execution of the offense but we are making strides.  Following practice we lifted weights and I found myself ready for the day to end at about 1030am.  Just on time for class at 11am.  After class, I took it easy for most of the day and stayed of my feet.  We have a practice tomorrow night at 8pm so I will have time to get in some shooting and stuff tomorrow afternoon.

As for another matchup on our schedule--- UNCA @ Tennessee ---- On paper, nobody would give us a chance in hell to win this game considering what UT did in the tournament last year.  However, I feel differently.  Though, I do like thier team with the 3 gunners in the backcourt in Chris Lofton, JaJuan Smith, and freshman Ramar Smith.  All three averaging double figures in scoring with Lofton leading the way with 20ppg.  They are also creating for teammates with all three leading in assists as well.  Defensively, their style of play allows them to get steals and shoot a lot of shots.  Very good players.  With that said, I like us playing them because of our backcourt matchups.  Their press is very effective (especially in Knoxville) and our team will have TOs against it.  However, we are experienced enough to limit the TOs and control the game with our speed, quickness, and decision making abilities.  They also give up a lot of shots because of the full court press--- I am looking to capitalize on this.  Our frontcourt isn't quite as experienced and this is where we could see a problem---Unless, we recognize this quickly, as I just have, and reiterate to my big guys to run hard every play as if we have to play UT tomorrow--it starts today.  If they can run the floor effectively on both ends we will have the opportunity to surprise some people.  A game for me to do damage against a highly touted guard with similar career goals in his pursuit to play professional basketball.

Posted by bryan at 07:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As every Division 1 basketball team approached this weekend the excitement was through the roof.  Official practice began on Friday and many teams would begin with a couple two-a-days to start the season off right.  I know over here at UNCA went Friday night, Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday evening.  We got today (Monday) off to rest our legs and recover from the grueling weekend.  Our veterans are feeling the physical exhaust from 3practices in two days but our freshman are feeling the physical exhaustion as well as the mental exhaustion.  It was important for everyone to use today to get some studying done and recover physically. 

I spent today going to class, eating, resting, and I did make it to the gym for 2 quick sessions.  This afternoon I went in and did some ball handling just to keep in touch with the leather and work on some hand speed.  I also got in there later in the night with Jason and got up some light movement jumpers and stationary shots.  Its good for the mechanics to keep the repititions even on days off.  My legs are feeling pretty good right now and that is a good sign because we have a 7am practice in the morning that is going to come extremely quick.  I am making sure to drink plenty of fluids and get good rest.

Also, I went through the schedule today and picked out some interesting out of conference matchups.  To start, we have a very tough South Carolina team--- Zam Frederick(transfer from GTech) and Devon Downey (Cincinatti transfer) were both on the roster and I was unaware until I recently looked at it.  Definitely looking forward to this game because we have a similar backcourt with two point guards in KJ and I.  We can matchup either way and I think this gives us an advantage over most teams that may play them.  Looking forward to making my mark on this one.  -- I will touch on another matchup tomorrow night. 

Posted by bryan at 09:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The first practice is complete, and it went very well.  I am really excited about the intensity that our team has been bringing to the court the last couple of days.  I think everybody is hungry and that is something that cannot be taught.  We put in a little bit of offense but our main concentration has been on the defensive end.  KJ was back on the court today, but being sick all last week has taken a toll on him.  With one practice under his belt I expect him to be full force tomorrow and that will make practice even more competitive.  I felt good on the floor and my conditioning is coming slowly but surely.  The most important part of the day has been after practice and making sure I recover properly with protein, gatorade, and water to prepare for our two practices we have tomorrow.  So, things are about to get pretty busy and hectic but this is what I have been preparing for since last March. 

There is a couple of new pictures on my pictures page so check those out, and I am working on getting some more updated videos on the page so that everyone can stay current with the team and I.  O , and big Kenny George was really moving up and down the floor today, and I think he might have grown an inch.......maybe 7ft 9???!!! crazy  

Posted by bryan at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, after class today I was scheduled for a massage.  Yes a massage, because I pulled my hamstring last year right before we played North Carolina and it has been tender ever since.  No problems with it just precautionary so it doesn't tighten up on me at the wrong time.  After the massage, I went into the gym and worked on a lot of ballhandling stuff.  Mostly using 2 balls and doing many different creative drills with them.  After about 35 minutes of that I put up some shots and worked up a nice sweat.  Once again we had a nighttime practice at 8:45pm, but it was only for an hour because official practice doesn't begin until tomorrow.  We were much more efficient with our time today in practice and got a lot of stuff done including a bit of our offense and we put in our defensive principles so everybody can start thinking about those.  It went well and once again the intensity was there and people were listening so you cannot ask for too much more than that this early in the season.

Also, I recieved a call from a great friend telling me he was getting married--pretty exciting, and I heard from another close friend of mine that I hadn't heard from in a while and that was cool too.  And I Got the brakes in my car fixed so when you see me on the road now, don't be scared !

Posted by bryan at 11:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Well, with it being the first regular day back to school it was back to the routine of classes and basketball.  I had one early class that went pretty quickly and I headed to the gym to get up some shots with my teammate, Jason Ridenhour.  We both got up about 150 made shots in 1 1/2 hours while working on game situations--- pick and roll, pick and pop, transition 3's, etc.  We didn't want to burn out to bad because we had a team workout scheduled for 8:45pm.  However, before I could focus on that I had to concentrate on a presentation that I had to do at 2:45pm for my Human Resources class.  Presenting is not my favorite thing to do, but I did not have a choice because I needed a good grade so I got it done---- I might have turned a little bit red while doing it though, ha.---When that was completed, I shook off my excitement and went home to get a bit of rest and to rehydrate because the amount of sweat I lost during the presentation !! j/k.....But I did go get a lot of water in me and when the time came, I headed back to the gym to get in a stretch before we hit the floor. 

It was a very hectic workout because we had so much to cover in just an hour of time.  We are still not allowed to have full blown practice so time is limited.  Things were not too tough for me to pick up on being a returner from last year but I could see some of the newcomers getting confused so it is important, for me, to be patient with them and direct them in any way that I can.  We did some position skill development, defensive stops drill, transition offense 5 on 0, press break 5 on 0, then we did a bit of scrimmaging, and ended with a suicide (finished in 26seconds).  I have to say that the scrimmage was full of intensity but with a lack of execution, which can be expected for our team at this time.  Execution will come with practice but the intensity is what excited me the most from top to bottom.  This includes Kenny George 7ft 8inch 360lb center, who was moving better than he has since I've been a part of the program.  When I say WARNING !!! please believe I mean it because the sky is the limit for him----literally! The UNCA coaching staff brought their intensity and whether they know it or not, it was contagious (sp).  For that I am thankful because a workout at 8:45 pm is tough but they were leaders in making sure we were focused on the tasks at hand.

For next time, as a team, we have to execute better and be more organized on both sides of the floor.  I feel like both of these areas are areas where I can make a difference with my experience and leadership especially with the young guys.  Our other seniors did well being vocal today also--- Vincent James, Garrett Moles   (KJ Garland is sick--get better soon bro we need you). 

To wrap things up tonight I'd like to talk about the results of the Big South Media Days.  We were selected 5th out of 8 teams with our entire roster returning with the exception of 1 graduating senior.  We had no All Conference Selections on the first team.  I am not totally surprised after the incident last year where we were the only team in the conference without an all conference selection-- Charleston Southern had somebody on there and they won 2games!!!  With that said, I am not surprised at the turnout of selections, but I do take it a bit personal.  My dad (Les Smithson) always told me not to worry about these types of things and I won't.  He always said that the hard work will prevail in the end and people will not be able to deny me or the team any recognition we deserve.  With that said, it is important for us to win a lot of games and then things will fall into place.  This situation is no different than any other that I have ever been in--- I have been flying under the radar for years, but anybody who played against me knows exactly who I am and what I can do.  Therefore, nothing has changed because the only awards that matter are at the end of the season.  More of my Dad's advice.  Thanks

Posted by bryan at 12:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well the workouts could not have gone better.  It was tough for me to get to a computer while being down there but it is pretty simple --- workout, eat, sleep, workout, eat, sleep, workout, etc....... There was some things emphasized more than others though.  Dan uses the term "probe" .  Probe-- create opportunities for myself and others by using the dribble to keep my defender off balance.  The best example of this would be to picture Steve Nash and all his movements with the ball---- avoiding the defense while scanning the floor looking for defensive weaknesses to expose. This was the biggest emphasis of the weekend for me.  It seems pretty simple, but there are certain ways that prove more effective than others and these were what I concentrated on throughout all of the workouts.  In addition, we did a ton of conditioning, movement, and jumping, which is going to be a great advantage for me going into practice at the end of this week.  My overall grade for the trip = A.  Not only did I l get in better shape and gain useful basketball knowledge to help me progress as a player, but I also developed as a person and that is priceless.  To be a pro, you have to act like a pro in every aspect of life.  Sometimes certain people may need more coaching in this area than on the court. 

It is very close to 1 am and it has been a grueling day of travel and catch up.  One thing about being a college basketball player, that is very often overlooked, is the fact that we have to keep up with school work as well as continuing to develop as an athlete.  If you read  my last blog you already know that my travel plans did not go the way I planned on them to.  Why should this morning be any different?  I did not fly out the way I planned but I did eventually get to Atlanta  where my ride was waiting to take me back to Asheville.  I did not get back until about 9 pm and had a great amount of homework waiting for me on arrival.  I did not bring any work with me to Florida because I wanted to focus on my training without any distractions ---this includes homework----obviously a big reason for going to Bradenton is to get away and refocus as well as develop my skills on the court.  However, I have to pay the price now by catching up on work that I should have previously completed.  No regrets, but I am pretty tired.  

Posted by bryan at 12:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well it is 1:45 pm on Sunday and I was finally able to get to a computer to enter some thoughts.  Getting to Florida was HELL.  I had a flight at 805am on Saturday morning and the Air Tran baggage check line carried all the way into the street.  By the time I got up to the counter they said they closed checkings for my flight.  -Great!- But, they said they bumped me to the next flight at 910am so I wasn't to disappointed.  Then, as I approach the agents desk to board my flight they tell me that I have been bumped to standby and they will tell me if I am going to get a seat.  SURPISINGLY enough, no seat for me.  Customer Service could only be described as useless in this instance as they put me on another standby flight at 12pm.  After that, I had to give Air Tran's front office a call and tell them my situation and how they made me late for something I had to get done ---and I eventually got confirmed on the next flight which would arrive at 145pm in Florida.  So, I arrived 4 and 1/2 hours later then I was supposed to.  However, I did arrive and things could have been a lot worst so I shook it off and prepared to workout immediately with my "Airplane legs."

The workout went well and I worked on many pick and roll reads as well as mid range jumpers.  Also, when I thought I was exhausted, I was told to finish everything with a dunk (no more pull-up jumpers) .  I found a way to do it and felt great after.  How many 6ft white point guards do you know that can finish a workout with strictly dunks??? My guess is not many.  At least out of the draft class last year you have Jared Jordan (Marist), Petteri Koponen (Finland) both of whom are very good players, but do not have the athleticism to finish a workout dunking the ball.  A huge advantage  that I need to implement more into games in order to spark the attention that I deserve.  When you compare a guy like Jared Jordan to me the skill level is not even close----he just doesn't have the physical ability to do some of the things I can.  However, we all know he gets the job done on the court, by being saavy and very intelligent with the ball.  Both things that I have excelled in but also needs some fine tuning in, going into the season------- exactly what I am going to work on right now in my next workout with Dan Barto (IMG)

Posted by bryan at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

After our team weight lifting session at 745am my only class of the day was cancelled so I went back to bed for a little while.  At 1:30pm the guards were scheduled for a 4man workout but only two of us were able to make it because the other two have flu-like symptoms.  Brandon Davis and I got some really good work in and fed off each other's energy. 

While working out today, I got to thinking------imagining playing against the guys who are all "supposedly" better than me.  I'm talking about the guys in the mock drafts, on tv, in the NBA, etc.  It helps me improve my focus when I can reinvent my game situations against these guys.  I'll reference my workouts with Sebastian Telfair this summer for example----- Sebastian is extremely quick, strong, highly intelligent, and his shot has improved from last season.  Bassy is a true leader at heart.  In our matchups throughout the summer we had battles and often times had people crowd around the side of the court for two reasons:  1) because Sebastian Telfair was playing  2) because we had a great matchup --- people often wondered who I was because I am almost always underestimated due to my physical appearance, until they see what I have to offer, and then they get excited about my style.  There is no college point guard in America that is better than Sebastian at this time, however, Sebastian has been in the NBA for 4 years now and is very seasoned.  The top rated point guards this year include guys like Ty Lawson and Sean Singletary--- both who I matched up with last year.  Very good players, but if you focus on the NBA strictly, what is it that they can provide in that setting that I cannot? I can't think of anything, because I know what I am capable of at the highest level.  These are the things that I think about when I am comparing myself to the "best" and looking toward pre-draft workouts--- I am aware that they are an entire season away, but you can never be overly prepared mentally.  I am confident that when given the chance I can blow the right people's minds with my abilities.  Until then, I will be helping my team win games any way I can. 

-- 1 more class, 1 more workout, and I am headed home to ATL to hang out with my mom for a couple hours and catch my flight (Sat early am) to Florida.

Posted by bryan at 08:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

The morning came quick, when doesn't it?  Once again I had class at 9am and once again I found myself trying to stay interested.  Immediately after class, I went to the gym to work on my shooting mechanics----form shooting, footwork into shot, and jumpshot balance.  I was about 20 minutes in when my teammate John Williams came to me and asked if we could work on some things?  This always sparks my interest because I love working with people who want to get better just as I do.  So, we began working on simple pick and rolls.  John is an extreme athlete and will be a great player once he learns to use that athleticism intelligently.  What better way than practice right??  We worked strictly on pick and roll scenarios---rolling, popping, slipping, lobbing, rescreening.  I was very thankful that he asked me to work with him because whether he knew it or not it was helping me just as much as it was him.  ---- reading the screener, passing, footwork, decision making.  All things that can never be perfect.  Unfortunately, I had to bounce out of the gym after 45 minutes of that because i had an eye doctor appointment that I had to make in order to get my new contacts and see.  After that, I went home and had a good lunch and rested up for a little while before going back to the gym in the late pm to continue my conditioning sessions. 

My freshman and sophomore years of college I spent at Middle Tennessee State University.  When I transferred from there and somebody asked me what was my worst memory of Murfreesboro---my answer was always  "the LADDER"----Those of you who don't know, it is a conditioning exercise from baseline to baseline going from 1 touch, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 9, 7,5,3,1.  In other words it is brutal.  I remember my freshmen year we went all the way to 13 and back down----that means a 13, two sets of 11 and two sets of 9 then all the way back down again......CRAZY.  After a good warm up I ran the ladder to 11 and back down.  Although it was extremely difficult, it is a little bit funny when I think about what coach Kermit Davis (MTSU) would think if he walked in the gym and saw me running the ladder by myself.!!! He might think I have gone mad.  With that said, when people ask me "don't you feel like you wasted your time at MTSU?"  My answer is not at all, not only did I meet some of my friends there and gain invaluable experience, but I also took a select amount of the coaching staffs intelligence and ideas with me---which I'm sure I will touch on throughout the season.  I finished the night up with 100 free throws switching goals after every 10......the result :     97 makes.

Posted by bryan at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The am came early when I woke up at 645 to eat a quick breakfast before going to the gym for our team's weight lifting session.  There seemed to be pretty good energy in the weight room and guys weren't sulking about it being so early---this is a good sign for our team.  Obviously, nobody wants to get up that early but you fight through it in order to show the rest of the team and the coaches that you are dedicated, as well as getting yourself stronger.  After that, I had an am class and my next class was not until the late pm.  In between we had a four man workout that included myself, Kj Garland, Sean Smith, and freshman Brandon Davis.  It went well and overall I think we all worked hard.  Though it wasn't my best workout, I made sure to finish strong and not give in to any fatigue.  I'm pretty sore from running last night but I am going to foam roll my entire body before I go to bed tonight to make sure I am loosening up. 

I feel pretty good physically but mentally I am drained and I am ready for Fall Break on Friday.  Between school, contacts, team workouts, and my individual workouts ---I am looking forward to getting down to Florida to workout with Dan and change the scenery/pace a bit, but I will never cheat my team or coaches by shortchanging them for myself, so I am going to finish off the week with everything I have and make sure the rest of the team does the same.  Sometimes there is so much going on in my mind at one time it gets physically exhausting.  To top that off, at this point in my career/life its hard (when its not my immediate family) to know who I can trust with my thoughts and feelings, so i tend to keep it all to myself because I have been burned before when I opened up.  If my brother (Jason) gets home early enough I will vent to him but sometimes its better for me to work things out for myself (mental training).   However, my best friend (the basketball court) always seems to free my mind of everything, so I will be there alot these last couple days before the break. .  ---- And when I have a couple minutes to myself ( in the shower is always best for me) I will relax and reflect on the things that may be overloading my mind.

Posted by bryan at 08:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

So, this morning I had an extremely tough time waking up.  With that said, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following people:  Those who said I was too small, too skinny, one dimensional, too cocky, not good enough, don't go to the right school, too white ; the particular one who said "you play basketball, aren't you the wrong color?" ; the one who told me she loved me and would be by my side no matter what but when things got difficult, GONE! ; the specific ones who would not accept me because of my financial status; the ones who said I was going to be great and they would help me no matter what- when I committed to a mid-major-never heard from them again; those who doubted me when I had injury; the people who forgot about me when I transferred; The person who left me for pursuing my "far fetched" dream; the one who told me the best I would do my remaining two years of college would be 5pts 5asts; and I could go on forever but you get the point.   -------Without these people I would have stayed in bed this morning, but instead their words and actions spoke 1000000x louder than my little alarm clock.  So I went to class on time and was able to get my scheduled weight workout immediately after.  Following that I went to the court and concentrated on creating space for my jumpshot.  After my next class, I took it to the house to shower up before my night class and headed right back to campus.  I got out a little bit early so I headed to the gym for a conditioning session I had planned on completing.  Before I got on the court I was able to watch our womens team finish up their workouts and those girls work hard----So if you are in the womens bball big south conference please be working hard or those girls are going to smoke you!!!  My conditioning session went well too and I was able to expose my lack of wind when it comes to straight up running.  I pushed myself passed the limits and layed on the court for about 15min before I returned home for the night.  I am going to integrate this conditioning into my routine so I can be fully prepared to play 40+ minutes if I have to. 

Now its already 1130pm and definitely time to go to bed and get ready for 745am weight lifting witht the team!!!!   But once again SHOTS OUT TO EVERYBODY ABOVE----your just as important as my biggest fans................

Posted by bryan at 10:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)