Blog with Bryan Smithson http://bryansmithson.com/blog/ This weblog is here to invite conversation. I hope you join in. en Copyright 2010 Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:03:19 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.2ysb5-20051201 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Back To the Court I had a doctors appointment a couple weeks ago and he basically said that there was not much more he could do from a medical standpoint besides monitor my tendon on the ultra sound.  I figured it would go this way.  He also advised me to go ahead and progress to on- the- court activities and try to work myself into a position where I can play at as close to 100 % as possible.  That Sounded good to me, so i took some time to make sure my body was ready for on the court activities and then I started very slow on the court with a lot more movement than basketball.  I have begin doing some things with the ball again and working out on the court.  It is the best feeling I have had in a long time, so I wanted to share it with everybody. Occasionally I film my first couple workouts when I am returning from some time off to make sure that my movements are healthy and to see deficiencies.  I decided to edit the video into a couple clips to post on here just so everyone can see a brief part of what I am doing to get back.  I am far from where I want to be but just being able to workout again is great and hopefully the game will come back to me quickly with the proper work.  I will continue to progress in my activities and will be sure to update on here so everyone can keep up. Thanks

 Video Clip is in the link below!!!

comments and conversation are always welcome on these posts

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-YhybTcRW8

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/12/back_to_the_court.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/12/back_to_the_court.html Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:03:19 -0500 GOODNEWS: doc, gym, HOFame Hello everybody! So since the last post I have been continuing with a very strict weight training regimen as well as doing plenty of physical therapy.  I have decided to do the first several weeks of my physical therapy on my own and for very good reason.  I went to an appointment a couple weeks ago and the girl had no idea what she was doing and I actually ended up telling her exactly what I needed to do.  This happened on two different occasions in two different places here in Georgia, so because not many people have worked with the cutting edge PRP procedure yet it would be best that I begin my own treatment.  I am not crazy but I am obsessed with returning to the court so I can reassure everyone that my obsession with healing has overeducated me on the subject.  However, I did go see my doctor today for a checkup and an ultra sound in order to track the progression of the treatment and to re-evaluate where to go from here.  The doc was pleased with what I had been doing on my own but found me a great physical therapist that I will begin to work with at least 1-2x a week in Atlanta.  As for the tendonosis itself - I am progressing normally.  I am cleared to begin taking more of an aggressive approach to the therapy which is always a good sign.  If anybody is interested in reading more about tendonosis here is a short briefing   http://www.tendonosis.com/index.html.  With all that said,  I am glad to say I am moving in the right direction and as long as I am getting closer to feeling great on the court again, I am happy.

As I have previously mentioned I have been very focused in the weight room and lately I have gotten even more into customizing my workouts to fix deficiency areas.  Funny how things work because I guess the employees at the gym I work out at have been watching me for a while and ended up asking me to do some personal training for them.  They have started expanding out into group training (hs bball teams, military, sorority, fraternity, etc.) and were interested in having me head up some of these programs.  I was actually pleased with the offer because I enjoy helping people reach physical goals and I told them I would consider it.  Although, I cannot do my thing on the court yet, I would be able to fill a little bit of that void by being around training.  It also never hurts to put something in the piggy bank :).  So, I am definitely thinking about doing that, but not positive yet.

MORE GOOD NEWS:

Onto a more interesting and exciting event.  Well, at least for ME!! I visited my old high school (North Cobb) a couple days ago to check on the basketball team and to catch up with coach a little bit.  I am very happy to learn that North Cobb has some very talented young players coming up and they will be able to sustain a good reputation in the county.  It's always good to hear when a program that I was involved in is doing well.  I am very proud of that.  I also recieved some personal good news.  He told me that he and the athletic program were going to be nominating me for the Hall of Fame!! This will be happening in this year's school term.  The news caught me off guard so I just responded with a "thank you".  After thinking about it I am very excited because this means my name could be in the books forever and nobody can take that from me.  My family and I are also very happy and proud to hear the news bc I could be the first basketball player to accomplish this feat at North Cobb. I am honored to even be considered for such an honorary position. 

So from here I am going to continue trying to get back to 100% on the court and breaking down game film, I will keep everyone updated!!! thanks for all the support

THIS POST INVITES ALL COMMENTS AND CONVERSATION

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]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/10/doc_gym_hofame.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/10/doc_gym_hofame.html Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:34:18 -0500 Fuel The title of this is entry is very appropriate and by the time you finish it, you will understand more.  From an outside perspective it may not seem like much has changed since I lasted posted, but for me, plenty has changed.  Vegas ended up being great as far as gaining experience and being around the best pros in the world.  I ended up working out with several and/or being around several workouts with guys like KG, Chauncey Billups, Quincy Douby, Ty Lue, Antoine Wright, Alan Anderson, Oj Mayo, and some guys I already knew from playing w/against at some point or another.  So obviously, it was a great atmosphere.  However, since I have continuosly been battling tendonosis in my quad tendon I ended up spending a lot of time doing physical therapy in addition to working out.  It's a very tricky thing because it may feel better one day and then strictly prohibit me from activity the next.  It has gotten to the point where I do not feel comfortable taking a job because I want to be able to give no less than 100% and play the way I love to play.  Since I have back in GA I have told my agent to hold off just for a little bit while i grind this out and get back to being 100.  I have had to turn down a couple jobs and turn down interest because of the situation.  Everyone can imagine how tough this can be, but it is the nature of the business so I'll leave it at that.  The good thing is I got the new tendon procedure done-PRP (platelet rich plasma).  This is a cutting edge procedure where the doctor draws blood from me and enhances the platelet content and injects it back into the infected tendon.  Sounds crazy right.  Here is a link if anyone is interested in hearing more about it http://www.steadman-hawkins.com/plateletRichPlasma.asp.  I am taking the therapy very slow in order to get maximum effects. 

Besides all of that, everybody knows that I cannot just sit around.  I have put my focus into the weight room for now and am challenging myself in many ways with that.  As I am getting older I am realizing how to translate the weight room onto the court more effectively.  When your younger you are always told to lift bench press, squats, cleans, and arms.  Obviously, this is terrible if your a basketball player.  For me, core work is essential to playing with the big boys.  Without a doubt you have to strengthen the rest of your body but it all depends on who you are and where your body needs improvement.  With this quad tendon issue I have learned that my hips and hamstrings just aren't where they need to be from a strenghthening standpoint, so that has been a focal point for me.   In addition to all that, I am trying to put on about 5-10lbs of lean muscle. 

Now I will get to the title of this entry. I do not want to direct this to basketball specifically, but rather life in general.   FUEL.  Life is crazy.  When things go bad, people dissappear and are nowhere to be found "when it rains it pours" (eg. "your hurt" "your broke" "your not doing anything for me" "your no fun" etc.) With that said, some of you are thinking -"Welcome to the world we live in!" Let me reassure you, this is not my first introduction and I am not complaining. See because without tough times,  I would never have made it as far as I have, but rest assured I am nowhere near where I want to be.  The key is to keep pushing.  As of late, I was feeling down about not being 100% healthy and some other small things, and looking up was getting tough.  Right when I looked for a hand to pull me up -- not from any particular direction I recieved several kicks simultaneously from people and the world.  I know. I know.  I should have known.  This only drives me harder in every aspect of life.  Several younger kids that I mentor often ask me what I do when i don't feel like working out.  This question is always a tough one because for me, its times like these that get me out of bed and into the weightroom, gym, swimming pool, track, etc.  It's FUEL. I store it deep inside and anytime I need it its there to help me.  There are many times in my life where I am self driven and I don't need any push because i push myself, but there are also several times where I don't have the motivation and I have to pull this stuff out from inside to get me through and push me where I need to be as a person and/or as an athlete.  Don't get me wrong, it is not always pretty, and I would be lying if I said I didn't feel bitter toward certain people or situations that feed me this fuel.  Things even spin out of control from time to time but this is when it is important to take some time to embrace the moment because one day you will look back on it and need it to get you through work, practice, a relationship, or to say it plainly -- more "tough times".  Whether it be life or sports its a battle everyday and I cannot wait until its time to step back out on the court bc I am more hungry than I have been in a long time.  A special thanks to all those who have contributed to my fuel, if you haven't said it already -- one day you can say you are a part of my success  !!!!  And of course I cannot leave out my thanks to all of you who have been there for me through thick and thin (you know who you are) And to my true fans thanks.  I will be updating my progress regularly so check back and find out where I will be signing next!!

***If you have not signed my guestbook please do so and let me know your keeping up!! Comments are invited on this entry!!!

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/09/fuel.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/09/fuel.html Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:13:28 -0500 Back on it!! It's that time of the year again.  Everybody is signing contracts, working out, flying around the world, and adjusting to new environments.  Very exciting time for me, but at the same time it is also tough preparing to leave family, friends, my girl, and the US.  Well actually i am not going anywhere quite yet.  This summer has been exhausting because of some tendonosis I have been battling in my quad tendon.  It's one of those things that comes from overwork and I would guess this was from the constant practice with no rest i did in Bosnia.  I know , I know-- if i had an easy, healthy summer-I wouldn't be me!  

Anyways, I am in Las Vegas right now working out with Joe and his staff.  Things are going well and they have been so helpful in working me out on the court and in the weightroom and taking care of my needs from a physical therapy standpoint.  Tomorrow for example, I will be lifting in the am, followed by an on the court workout, then I will eat lunch, and finally instead of playing pick-up I will go see the PT here and get on a machine called BodiHelath.  If you have never heard of this machine, you should look it up.  BodiHealth is extremely cutting edge and very, very complex in creating a great environment for quick healing.  I am hoping that next week I can began playing pick up with the guys here.  There have been some great games and I am looking forward to being a part of them soon.  My last workout was with Tremmell Darden (Niagara grad and playing in France 1 this season) Antoine Wright(Toronto raptors) and Ty Lue (Orlando Magic 09 but unsigned right now)  It was a great shooting workout and we did a bunch of shooting competitions.  There is several other high level (NBA) players here which makes for good workouts bc everybody is so competitive.  My main focus right now is to get back into the best shape possible and prepare for a season that could begin with a simple phone call.  My agent and I have talked a couple times about some possibilities for the 09/10 season but nothing we have pulled the trigger on yet.  That means I will just continue to prepare my body for another grueling season.  I am back on a strict diet and after meeting with the nutritionist here I feel very ignorant in the subject of nutrition.  He filled me in on several things I didn't know but will be extremely helpful in the big scheme of things.  For example, Grapes and Bananas are the worst fruit to eat!!! I bet you didn't know that.  Me either.  haha.  Something to do with how much sugar is in them and how they break down in your body.  Very interesting stuff. 

It feels good to be in an environment where everybody has a goal they are working towards, and there is people who provide you with the resources you need to get there.  Though it is a job and can get tough, it is fun. I will be posting from now through the season, so stick with me as I continue to climb the ladder!!

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/08/back_on_it.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/08/back_on_it.html Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:16:38 -0500 Arrival!! The Day finally came!!!! My departure flight was from Split, Croatia at 615am.  From my apartment, it takes almost two hours to get to the airport.  So, I left my apartment at 3am in order to get to the airport on time.  I decided to fool around on the computer until it was time to leave since I wouldn't have gotten much sleep anyway.  By the time I got onto the plane I was  exhausted.   I barely remember my first two flights - Split, Croatia to Zagreb, Croatia and from Zagreb to Frankfurt, Germany.   The most difficult flight was from Germany to Atlanta.  9 HOURS!!!!  I slept a lot, ate a lot and watched part of the flight movie, "Australia."  Not a bad movie.  Even with the long flight, cramped quarters, and bad food, nothing could break my spirits about returning to Atlanta.  When we finally arrived I thought I was home free.  Wrong!! I forgot about customs and security.  After another hour or so I finally made it through the "zoo" and saw my mom and brother at the baggage claim waiting for me.  We got out of the airport pretty quickly and immediately went to Olive Garden to satisfy 5 months of "food fantasies".  The chicken alfredo was everything I thought it could be and more! 

As for being home, the past week has been nice and relaxing, but I would be lying if I said I was not ready to get back to work.  I am working on my plans and schedule for the next couple months right now so I cannot say exactly what is next except I will begin working out on the court and in the weight room again on Monday.  I do not have a car, phone, or house right now so it has been pretty difficult getting back in the loop.  But I hear horror stories about guys paying extreme amounts of money on car and house notes they have that they do not even use.  I am going to wait until i get a more clear plan of where I will be spending most of my time this summer before I make any long term investments.  However, there is no excuses for my procrastination on getting a phone, so I will be hooked up shortly.!

***PLEASE SIGN THE GUESTBOOK AND LET BRYAN KNOW YOU VISITED THE SITE*** THANKS! 

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/04/arrival.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/04/arrival.html Sat, 25 Apr 2009 10:49:50 -0500 Goodbye Well the last week things have been very interesting for me over here in Bosnia and Herzegovina.  1 week ago I played my final game here.  I recorded 6 minutes in the game, and I was concerned about the severe decrease in playing time that I have seen.  I decided to approach the coach in a business like manner just to find out what happened, and if there was something that I was doing wrong. I didn't really get a clear answer.  After further discussion with the coach it was a mutual decision to part ways.  Although I'm not all the way pleased that I am no longer with the team.  The decision was necessary.  After coach Vrankovic quit (the coach who brought me in), things changed within the team and after discussing my "new" role with the new coach he also felt the same way.  There is no bad feelings between the club and I and I am sure they feel the same way.  It was a business decision on both ends. I hope the city of Siroki and the club found my performance satisfying in the time that they were in need of my help.  I thank the management and coaching staff of Siroki Eronet and the city for the opportunity to play for a great club. From my time here I have learned that sometimes in Europe it just turns out this way.  Friends of mine have told me this and now I am now experiencing it myself.  I am pulling for the team to bring home the championship because I know how hard they have worked and how up and down the season has been for us all. Because of my contribution to the team, I will continue to feel connected.  Also, my two dudes are still playing --Chet Mason, Charles Thomas.  With those two guys the team will do very well.  Although my season with Siroki has ended sooner than expected I still got a season of European basketball under my belt and now feel like I have quite a bit of experience.  Also, I am very excited about my return to the USA--- it will be an unbelievable feeling when I step of that airplane.  I'm just trying to figure out what food I'm going to eat first!!!! ANY SUGGESTIONS??? Leave Suggestions in COMMENTS!!!!! THANKS.  The details of departure are being worked out.

CHECK OUT MY COMPLETE HIGHLIGHT TAPE FOR THE 2008-2009 SEASON AT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0rmmsP9TZw

***Due to YouTube's copyright policies they pick music for you ***If foul language in music offends you please click your mute button before starting video***

 

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/04/goodbye.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/04/goodbye.html Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:17:57 -0500 BiH league Highlights If you are offended by cursing in music please click the mute on your volume controls. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qwlhk99YS8

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/04/bih_league_highlights.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/04/bih_league_highlights.html Sun, 12 Apr 2009 18:26:00 -0500 Surprises and league update Since the last entry we have had two games beginning league 8.  The first one was vs. Sloboda Dita who finished just ahead of us (3rd) in the regular season.  We beat them by about 10 points and looked really good as a team.  We have added two new players, one pg and one big man.  Both nice additions to the team.  The big guy goes by the name of Ivan Grgat and is supposedly a legend in Croatia.  I didn't believe it until his first game with us when he was absolutely unstoppable.  He is not athletic, looks out of shape, 34 years old, but is flat out STRONG and can play.  Great for our team and definitely an inside presence that we were missing.  The pg is Chester Mason who went to Miami of Ohio, and has been in the game for a while being 28 years old this year.  He is a very good athlete and stands about 6ft 4 so he has some size.  Also a good adddition to the team bc who cant use a big guard?  Anyway getting to the second game we played on Tuesday vs. Bosna.  Bosna is based out of the capital of Bosnia, Sarejevo.  They are rated as the best team in the league and played their season in the Adriatic League (very good league) until we began our league 8 and then they joined back in our league.  So, we had them beat but  made some very bad mistakes in the closing seconds of regulation and allowed them to force overtime where they carried the momentum and buried us.   I only played 10 minutes in the game, but sometimes, in Europe, thats how it goes.  You don't always know why, but you just keep plugging away and being a good teammate, because the time will come again where you have to perform at a high level.  So, with all that said, I want to get back to the title of this entry "Surprises." The title is very necessary.  After the loss, the city took it very hard as did us as players.  We had practice the next day at 6pm.  When I arrived at the gym there was a buzz, but no a good one.  Coach quit!!!  I was extremely surprised and this caught me way off guard!  The president of the club came to talk to us and then coach talked to us.  The translation I got wasn't very clear but I know there was a lot of pressure on him and I believe some things happened behind the scenes that I don't know about.  Pretty disappointing considering he brought me in and put the ball in my hand, but its one of those things that reminds me that this is a business and you have to treat it that way.  Although I am disappointed, frustrated, and nervous its important to stay focused on the task at hand (winnning) in order to reach the goals I have and in order to reach the goals of our team.  There is no doubt in my mind that Coach will get another job in the future, because he is a good coach.  So its just another day in European basketball -- You never know whats going to happen next !!!! Next game Sunday !!!!

****IF YOU HAVE NOT SIGNED THE GUESTBOOK PLEASE DO*******CHECK OUT HIGHLIGHT TAPE IN LAST ENTRY******

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/04/surprises_and_league_update.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/04/surprises_and_league_update.html Thu, 02 Apr 2009 05:37:48 -0500 Beginning of BiH League 8 So living in Siroki has been quite different the last couple months.  Just the European culture alone is very different, but you throw in a tiny city on the line of bosnia and croatia in the mix and things can get extremely interesting.  Although there is not much to do here, everybody has been welcoming and sensitive to the fact this is my first job in Europe.  The days are very tough because we mostly practice 2x a day and sometimes lift weights as well.  When I am not practicing or working out I am usually in my apartment with my feet up resting for whatever is next.  I would have to say the most difficult adjustment since I have been here has been the food.  I have not been able to follow my diet as I would like due to the lack of options.  I eat a lot of cereal (special K).  Due to the fact that I have not been able to eat as well as I would like to, I have found it to be important to make sure I am at least eating adequate amounts of food.  So, at this point I am eating whatever I can get my hands on!!  However, I do have to say that Siroki treats their players very well and they have done everything they said they would do before I got here.  I have a very nice apartment, car, phone, etc.  So there is no complaints as far as that.  Enough about all that, on to some basketball.

We just wrapped up the regular season and we finished 4th among 15 teams in the league.  However, since I have been here we have steadily moved up in the standings.  We will begin the final 8 on Saturday.  The way this works (pay attention) is the top 8 teams move on and the remaining teams' seasons are over.  Each of the 8 teams will play the other remaining teams 2x each- home and away.  We will play 2 games a week - Wednesday and Saturday.  So, that is a total of 14 games.  Following this, the 4 teams with the best records will move on to the final 4.  It is to my understanding that in the final four each game will be a best of 3 series.  That brings us to the Championship game which will also be a best of 3 series.  Got it?  All of this is confusing to me, so I am sure if your not familiar with the system it is a bit confusing, but I will be updating the blog regularly during this last stretch so everybody can keep up with me and Siroki Eronet. 

In my down time I put together a highlight tape from 4 of my games.  You can see it by clicking on the link   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fhx639YMh4k

Thanks for all the Support in the GuestBook and the comments..Keep it COMING!!!

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/03/beginning_of_bih_league_8.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/03/beginning_of_bih_league_8.html Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:41:04 -0500 SIROKI HKK SIROKI ERONET!!!

 

  This is a special blog to address "Siroki" who responded to the previous blog.  I apologize for incorrectly reporting the name of Bryan's new team.  I was trying to update his fans and misunderstood the name.

I stand corrected. 

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/03/siroki.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/03/siroki.html Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:38:59 -0500 BOSNIA ERONET! OFF TO EUROPE

 

I am writing this blog entry for Bryan, per his request, to those of you who have been keeping up with his road to success. 

Bryan signed a contract just before Christmas to play for a team in Europe.  He was officially cleared to step on the court with no restrictions at the first of December.  His agent, Andrew Vye of ASM presented Bryan with a contract to play for Bosnia Eronet in Bosnia and he accepted.  Within a week he was packed and left for Bosnia.  He departed on December 26, 2008.  Since arriving he has been making adjustments to his new life in Europe and enjoying the new culture and above all, his new team, including the players, coach and staff!  Also, since arriving he has already been an important part of his teams success.  (As if we would expect anything different!)  His ability to control the game and his explosiveness have returned.  Bryan said they had a very important game and it placed them in the final four within one of the leagues (they play within two different leagues).  Some of you might understand how this works in Europe, but I for one do not!  I haven't figured out the workings of the European League.  I will try to get better informed through Bryan. 

His contract ends at the end of the season, which is in May.  At that time his agent will have the next career move options available for him. 

I hope everyone will continue to comment and sign his guestbook. 

Bryan will be blogging as soon as his laptop arrives.  At this time he doesn't have the ability to write on here.  He is able to see this website and read comments on both this blog and the guestbook.  

Take a peek at the newest page in his website, "Off To Europe".  They will keep up with his progress and news on this page.  

 

Thanks To All,

Bry's MOM

 

 

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/01/bosnia_eronet.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2009/01/bosnia_eronet.html Sun, 25 Jan 2009 12:29:10 -0500 florida So I have been staying back in kennesaw now and the last week or so I have really been focused in the weight room.  Gaining strength and adding some lean muscle in order to be able to take on the grind of a season when the opportunity arises.  I haven't been able to find any good pick up games because almost all players are in season right now- from high school all the way up to the nba.  Not many teams are too excited about permitting me to practice with them because they are in the middle of the season and there are rules and liabilities involved, which I understand.  So, instead of going to the gym by myself and not getting the most out of my days I have traveled down here to Bradenton Florida to work out with my guy Dan Barto.  I have mentioned Dan's name on here before and how effective he is when it comes to skill development and just all-out knowledge of the game.  I got here late last night and I already had one workout this morning, which I don't think I was properly hydrated for!!  However, I am excited because I haven't been able to work out on the court more than once a day since I have been back.  When I have multiple workouts in a day it really creates a focus for recovery similar to what you would go through in a long season.  Especially if I go overseas where they are known for their long practices multiple times throughout a day. 

I am glad to be here so I can bury myself in basketball.  I have found it to be very effective to change things up, especially when you feel yourself getting comfortable in routine.  Not to leave out that it is almost 80 degrees here today.  Im not sure how long I will be here because I could get signed somewhere as early as tomorrow or in a couple weeks.  I've heard from a couple teams overseas but no decisions have been made yet.  I am just waiting on the phone call that will put me on an airplane (going somewhere!!) so I might as well be prepared to step in and play without much practice time with a particular team. 

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2008/12/post_2.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2008/12/post_2.html Sun, 14 Dec 2008 15:26:14 -0500 Lets Continue Wow! It has been such a long time since I posted something on the website.  I will be posting regularly again so I hope everybody finds time to check the site for updates and use the message boards to talk amongst each other about anything that may come up.  With that said, many things have happened in the past couple months and I want to take the time to get everybody caught up.  During a pre draft workout I ran into some knee problems that I had to have taken care of immediately.  Obviously, the decision to do this dropped my stock a ton because I was not able to work out for any teams nor was I able to negotiate any deals because I wasn't 100%.  I spent the next couple months living in Pensacola florida where I was able to both rehabilitate as well as keep my body in prime shape.  To anybody who runs into injuries- major or minor- I recommend checking out the facilities in Gulf Breeze Florida.  It is called Athletes Performance and Baptist Rehabilitation.  They work together to make sure your body is being taken care of with attention to rehab, weights, speed, agility, power, conditioning, performance, nutrition, and anything else you may need or want when training.  I made the decision to work out 8 hour days (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner breaks) in order to get back to 100% as well as work on my strength and movement patterns.  When I left there in October my body was completely transformed as far as the way i moved and I gained 10 lbs while losing 2 % body fat.  It was a very difficult experience but very necessary in order to get to the next step in my career. 

As I said before I left Florida in October just on time to attend my sister's wedding.  Her and her new husband are from Arizona but decided to have their wedding in Georgia which was very nice.  I couldn't have been happier for the two of them and wish them the best of luck.  In order to prepare for the wedding and attend I took 3 days off and after that it was right back to training.  Although, I was done in florida I began my on the court training again to get my coordination and wind back.  So I have spent the last month and a half working out with Ken Potasnak in Atlanta who recently ended his stint as the South Carolina asst coach.  We had around 30 sessions of intense training and conditioning, while I lifted weights and worked on movement stuff in between.  He is very intelligent when it comes to skill development and shooting mechanics so I enjoyed working with him.   See November's issue of ESPN the magazine because he has an article in there.  I had my last session with him this past saturday.  I had to do some shooting drills and pass a conditioning test, which i did, in order to be free from those. 

It actually upsets me that I was able to sum up the last couple months above in two paragraphs because it seems like so much more has happened but I think it is just all the attention to detail i have had to deal with in all this.  I got cleared yesterday to start playing live 5 on 5 so I am extremely excited about that.  My next challenge is finding organized basketball for the next couple weeks to get my timing back.  The plan is to sign a deal in the next month but one thing i have learned in this whole time of recovery is you can't look to far forward.  In fact, I find it detramental to even take it day by day.  It has to be minute by minute and rep by rep or I will sell myself short at this point.  I know everyone reading this is like - O I know Bryan has been doing more than this-- and actually it may be sad to some, but with all honesty this is all i have done and I have just made myself even more hungry.  So, hopefully from here on out I can keep everybody updated on what is going on in my life and I know there is several people that hoped i dropped off the face of the Earth but Im sorry, I have only just began.   

*** PLEASE SIGN THE GUESTBOOK IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY AND FEEL FREE TO USE THE MESSAGE BOARDS ***

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2008/12/lets_continue.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2008/12/lets_continue.html Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:49:21 -0500 The Right Way 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. 

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2008/04/is_the_right_way_always_right.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2008/04/is_the_right_way_always_right.html Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:10:13 -0500 Agent Conclusion and prep 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!!!

]]> http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2008/04/agent_conclusion_and_prep.html http://bryansmithson.com/blog/2008/04/agent_conclusion_and_prep.html Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:17:46 -0500