Blog with Bryan Smithson

Plans have changed a bit in the last couple of days.  I am still fighting with some injuries that I endured during the season and I am not able to train with the intensity that I want so I have chill out a little bit and get it looked at.  The Portsmouth rosters came out on April 4th and as I suspected I didn't make one.  8 teams of 8 seniors and I wasn't one of them.  The situation is a disappointing one, but when I reflect back on my senior season I definitely gave everything I could to my team and school.  I did not sell my team short, as some do, by talking to agents or by recieving any favors.  Although this may have been a bit more beneficial in the short-run, I think doing things the right way is much more important.  In addition to that, I also accomplished many individual/team goals that I set after my junior season. 

I played well against some of the best teams in the country with

@UNC 25pts 5assts 

@Tennessee 21points 5assts

@Ohio State 17pts 5assts 3steals

As a team we We were able to go on the road to South Carolina and win (guarenteed game)

We were the regular season champions of the Big South after being picked 5th preseason

Made it to the postseason (NIT)

I made 1st team All conference

NCCSIA 2nd team

All-Tournament Team 

Led the conference in FT shooting 2nd year in a row

I even got an article in the Atlanta Journal- which is pretty big considering I have been in school for 5 years now and this is the first one. 

These were a couple notable goals that I had for myself and my teammates that were achieved.  Of course there were some goals that my team and I fell short of but we, in the midst of aiming high, accomplished a lot. 

I bring up the topic "the right way" because there is a lot more to playing pro basketball than just playing basketball.  After talking to several agents and many people in the pro basketball world (NBA and Overseas),  I have learned what a pro really is.  A pro is a person who does the right things and prepares himself for the next day, everyday.  A pro is aware that surrounding himself with family and the right people is very important in having a lasting career.  However, there are many exceptions to the rule when a guy's talent level is through the roof.  

I was fortunate enough to surround myself with family and people who care.  I also had a good relationship with a loyal coach who believed in me. Not many players in the country had these experiences and I am thankful for them because they are a jumpstart to what I am trying to do.

Its very tough taking this break right now but I have been learning new things about the basketball world everyday and I will continue to listen and aim high. 

Posted by bryan at 08:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The agent selection process has been long and grueling.  It makes today a much more laid back one considering I just signed.  I chose ASM Sports to represent me.  I heard many good things from many good people but at the end of the day I have to consider my situation and who is best for me.  ASM was the best choice. 

I found out that I am an alternate right now for the Portsmouth Invitational.  I am a bit dissappointed that I didn't get the "clean" invite considering it is the best 60 seniors in America.  However, there is two ways to respond to this news: 1)  Sulk about it and continue to take time off until I hear about something that is concrete.  or 2) Understand the opportunity that has presented itself and prepare my body and my game for a tough camp. I have decided to go with option number 2.  It is a 50/50 possibility that I will get a call and an invite to PIT and if I wasn't prepared for it - I would definitely regret not being at my best in front of some important people.  With that said, I have began to train and get my body back into shape.  My injuries aren't 100% still, but like I said before - these type of opportunities only come so often, if they ever come at all.  Of course a lot of my critics look at it from a different point of view- what if you don't get an invite? My answer is easy-- thats okay!!!  It won't change my outlook on training and preparation one bit.  Sleep is about to get extremely limited the next couple weeks!- - time to grind!!!

Posted by bryan at 08:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)