Let The Playoffs Begin.

A 4-5 record was not how we planned to end the elimination games. Thank God that we are in the playoffs though. In sports, you have to respect every opponent no matter what place they're in. Losing to the last place team was embarrassing because we have the most talent in the PBA. Defense is the key for us to to wen games in the playoffs. Our offensive firepower won't matter if we can't stop anyone. Working on our defensive rotations today in practice was a great start. Beating San Mig Coffee twice is not going to be easy but nothing in life is. The group of guys we have are up for the challenge and that's all that matters. With that being said……………………… Let the playoffs begin.

Battle For 4th Place

The game against Petron set the tone for how we'll play for the remainder of the Governor's Cup. We won't give up if opposing teams are on a run and we aren't scoring. Before the game Coach Luigi told us that Barako's starting guard wouldn't be playing. I knew then that it was going to be a tough battle. The most dangerous animal is a wounded one. They were ready from the start and we played from behind for 47 minutes. Mike Singeltary is a prolific scorer and showed up in a big game. I also commend Barako's coach for having a great game plan. They packed the paint due to our size advantage and it worked for them. That's until JVee showed up.

I've stated before that JVee Casio is my favorite player. I call him SA (Silent Assassin). His big shots are like payday, they come exactly wen you need it. Cyrus makes his points look effortless. My time with the Alaska family has been unforgettable.This wen was exactly what we needed before the playoffs begin. With that being said, on to flight Air21.

I Respect It.

I was raised in the bay area of California so I've had my share of hard times but being in the Philippines has changed my point of view of what a survivor is. If you were to walk into a mini mart there would be a child trying to sell you flowers. A cab ride can be uncomfortable wen there's a kid knocking on the window asking for money. If your looking at an item at a store there will be someone right by your side ready to take you to the register. My favorite place to be is green hills because of the culture and prices. I don't like that they over charge foreigners but I respect it. The physicality of the PBA translates off of the court because everyone is fighting for survival. 

Poor areas may look bad at first sight but if you really look you will see that it has to be a work of art to even be standing. I've stated before that I respect the physicality of the PBA but I respect the physicality of life off of the court even more.

Continuing To Improve.

At the end of everyday if you can look in the mirror and say that you got better, then you can go to sleep with a clear conscious. Last night we did exactly that against the first place team. The game was hard fought and went down to the final second. Look for us to play this way for the remainder of the conference. Teams will have to beat us opposed to us beating ourselves. Yes, we must improve on our turnovers but we will not lose games due to lack of effort. Everyone felt as though we took a step forward. Watch as we continue to improve.

Getting Better

First and foremost I want to apologize for the delayed update. We have played three games since the last time I've posted, losing to Meralco and San Mig Coffee but beating Talk and Text. The game against Meralco opened my eyes on how basketball is played here. I am used to a rough style of basketball because I admired how the Detroit Pistons played in the 1980's. Frustration can't describe my mental against Meralco. All in all It was a lesson learned and I will apply it to my future. With me being able to see how far the physicality can goe I wasn't surprised to see the Global Port and San Mig Coffee fight. I guess It's the culture here so I have no choice but to embrace it.

We're currently in 6th place with a 3-3 record. Tomorrow night is an opportunity for us to show who we really are against Petron who's in first place. Playing hard for four quarters is our goal. If we continue to focus on getting better theres a chance that we will peak at the right time. Look for us to get better tomorrow night.

What A Game

My teammates told me that tonight's game was going to be physical from the start and not to expect foul calls. They said "Ginebra's fans are loud but Gatas Republic have more heart". Dior Lowhorn (Ginebras Import)  whom I've known since the 9th grade played inspirational basketball tonight. Ginebra wanted to wen this game but we wanted it more.Unfortunately we almost gave it away due to a terrible third quater but even wen we were down with under 3 minutes left in regulation there was still a quiet confidence within the team. Thank Coach for not allowing anyone to panic, he kept his composure and we did the same. Cyrus and Calvin made two big three pointers late in the game. I enjoyed watching Calvin play tonight because he fed off the crowd. Ginebra's fans think they are distracting him by booing but they were doing to total opposite. He played great by scoring 18 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and handing out 5 assist. That's MVP caliber numbers.

As an import I realize that the PBA is not about individually scoring the most points. It's about making the right plays in order to help your team wen. We played as a cohesive unit tonight especially during crunch time. After wenning a championship I'm sure Alaska expects to wen these types of games. I'm happy that we notched another victory as we continue to improve but before you go to sleep you have to think………. Next game.

The Battle Of Identities

After reading comments and mentions over the past two days I can tell that tomorrow is a big game.I won't be the one to guarantee a victory but I can say that we are focused. Coach Alex Compton talked with the team about integrity, which means to remain the same internally regardless of the circumstances externally. Alaska personifies integrity because wenning is the topic of most of our conversation. Ginebra is coming off a tough lost to Barako so we know that they're going to be ready to play. Ginebra places second in field goal percentage (offense) and we are second in opponents field goal percentage (defense). This game will be "The battle of Identities". I've heard that their fans are very intense so we will see how loud it gets. 

Alaska is the first team I've been on to have defense as it's identity. Of course I've been on teams with a lot of individual talent but we were not a cohesive unit on the defensive end. For the first time in my career basketball is equally as fun on both ends of the floor. Alaska is a professional organization where every player works to get better before and after practice with coaches. I am blessed to be apart of this team and accept their culture with open arms. Like I've said before I will not guarantee victory, I just want you to enjoy watching us fight for one another. See you tomorrow.

The Story Of Team Wensday.

I remember like it was yesterday. My junior year of high school a group of us on team were deciding where to eat lunch. Of course me thinking of myself said "were going to get burritoes". James said "Who do you think you are, today is not Wensday", I snapped back and said "Everyday is Wensday" and I have been saying it ever since. See, It started from me being a self centered teen ager but through the years it began to mean something significant to me. Wen life would test me I believed that  "Everyday is Wensday" and I could over come any obstacle. Wensday became my shield. You can call it a placebo but it worked lol.

There was a time wen I was too full of myself to let anyone else be apart of Wensday. I was obsessed with the fact that I made it out of Richmond California but it was rubbing some people the wrong way.I should have listened every time my college coach Marvin Menzies would say "Don't get too high with the highs or too low with the lows". Meaning that throughout life theres going to be ups and downs but as long as you remain at an even keel you'll be fine. I know now that you have to have support from others to achieve any kind of success. The decision to change "Everyday is Wensday" to "Team Wensday" was made my red shirt senior year of college because Wensday is for everyone who loves life and Wens each day. Are you one of those people? Well get your Team Wensday shirt today by going to http://www.teamwensday.com . Thank you.

First Wen On Wensday

We are naturally a fun loving team but tonight we were about business. I got that vibe as soon as I walked into the locker room. Tonight we were serious during warm up and determined not to lose. In my opinion we dominated the game. Joachim Thoss (Sonnie) is the most patient player I've ever played with. I get points from him because my man falls asleep. I seal him underneath the basket and get an easy two points. Joseph Casio (JVee) is an incredible player. He can get to the paint at will and also knock down crucial three pointers. He reminds me a lot of Tony Parker. With Jvee, Rj, Cyrus, and Donaldo I believe that we have the best backcourt in the PBA. 

     The way we defended tonight was impressive. I have never been known as a great defender but I don't want to hurt our team. If I mess up it's not going to be for lack of effort.  Coach Luigi preaches defense and being accountable. Individually as well as for the team. I think his passive aggressive approach fits well with the teams personality. Coach will tell us what were doing wrong but you can tell it's coming from a sincere point of view. Off the court he is a funny guy. Coach is one of those people who are funny without trying to be. Well Alaska Nation I'm relieved that we have our first wen but it doesn't stop here. Hard work, dedication, and team work will place us exactly where we want to be at the end of the Governors cup. Let's do it together.

Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone Today!!

I love life because everyday it gives us an opportunity to grow. The opportunities come from what may seem as simple decisions but can affect us long term in either a positive or negative way. It starts with our train of thought. For example, after film today we were brought Krispy Kreme doughnuts. I wanted to eat two, wait for a while, then eat two more without anyone noticing. I had to say to myself "It's not Barley Grass" in order to get myself out of that frame of mind. Fortunately I didn't have a doughnut and before I knew it they were all gone. My example may be extreme but we all are tested to see what we want out of life. Passing those test validates our thoughts which preparers us for the next lesson. 

The biggest opportunities comes wen we have a legitimate excuse not to do what we know will help us grow."I just got off of work", "practice is over", " I'll do it tomorrow so I can have a fresh start". Before you know it tomorrow turns into a month. Starting is the only obstacle here because once you get going you feel an immediate sense of accomplishment. For example, everyday after practice Coach Compton does ball handling drills with the guards. I try to come up with every excuse to validate me not participating but I know the right thing to do. After the first bounce I feel better because I'm growing as a player. I guess the old saying is true "You have to get uncomfortable in order to get comfortable". It's about pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and there is no better day to start than today.

The Family Team

My teammate Anthony De La Cruz (Tony) birthday was yesterday. He has a wife and three beautiful children. Tony has played a pivotal role in my family getting acclimated in Manilla. I hope he had a great birthday and wish many more. Sable (my wife) Kendell (my daughter) and I were invited to Joachim Thoss's two year old son Aiden's birthday party yesterday at Active Fun Fort Bonifacio. The theme was cowboy/ wild west, there were balloon cactuses and horses all around. The food was also good. A couple players like Cyrus, Nick, RJ and Sam showed up with their children. It was a great turnout filled with kids playing, wives together, and the team talking about the game. I've been apart of close knit teams before but Alaska is on a higher level because we have a bunch of veterans who are focused on being professional as well as taking care of their family. I receive knowledge just by being a fly on the wall. My nickname for Alaska is "The Family Team"."Team full of families". lol

Next Game

Well there you have it, our opening game as well as my PBA debut. We ended up losing to Globalport Batang 88-91 from a three pointer with nine seconds left in regulation. The lost was because of the shots we missed as a team. We were 14-30 form the free throw line as well as 4-18 from three point range. I personally was not impressed with my performance, shooting 4-10 from the free throw line is unacceptable.
     Not taking anything away from Global Port, they played together and made some big shots. I worked out with Markieth Cummings over the summer so I'm glad to see him doing well, but I never want it to be at our expense. As long as we continue to play to our strengths and execute we will be fine. Let's take this as a lesson for the next game. With that being said, next game.

No More Days Without Stretching.

I remember my freshman year at Richmond high school like it was yesterday. Open gym was at 6:30 in the morning, so I would get up around 5:45 am and walk because my house was down the street. My routine would be to walk in the gym without stretching or warming up while still being able to jump as if I was on a trampoline.  I'm talking windmills, tomahawks , reverse dunks, you name it. That lack of discipline followed me into college as well as my first year as a professional (last year). 

The days of doing that are over. Not just as an athlete but life in general. If you push yourself as a person by getting uncomfortable and stay consistent, you will grow because of it. That goes for your muscles as well. I know the stereo types about athletes but thats due to the media focusing on negative stories in order to sell papers and get clicks on the internet. We should picture athletes as being apart of a community. Not everyone in the community get's into trouble I guess it's a juicier story. We all have lessons to learn and tests to pass in order to reach our full potential in life. One of my lessons is realizing that I'm not 15 anymore and better stretch. lol

Appreciation/ Game Delay.

Our first game of the Governors cup was scheduled for today ( Wensday) unfortunately it was postponed due to flooding throughout Manilla. Part of me is dissappointed for the simple fact that I am anxious to play. I commend the PBA for making the people that were affected by this tragic event top priority. If you were to compare poverty here to lower income housing in America, America is much better off. I understand why we have to appreciate what we have before you can receive anything more. If your not happy with what you have and take care of it, you won't be equipped internally to handle more if the opportunity presents itself.

  Im nervous before every game, a good nervous though. For some reason I picture everything that can go wrong in the game. Then I go out with my teammates and play as hard as I can to make sure that those things do not happen. I'll tell you one thing, I'm anxious to begin my career in the PBA. The fans here are very supportive and you can tell that it's genuine. They make you wan't to fight for them. I've gotten so many Facebook friend request and Twitter followers since I've been here. I get up everyday happy to play basketball. The coaching staff, trainers, and players all are supportive.  Our first game is in two days. Wen, lose, or draw we are going out there and play as one. It's about time for the Governors Cup to begin.

Rain Rain Go Away

Last night we had a players only dinner at Circles, Makati Shangri-La. It was a great team bonding experience as we talked about our goals for the upcoming Governors cup and how we're going to wen another championship. It was raining wen I got home around 9:30 pm but it gradually got worse. It seemed as if lighting was striking every ten minutes. Although I pride my self in loving the thrills that life presents, last night was a little different. I woke up to a text saying that practice was cancelled because certain areas were flooded. I'm taking this is a reminder to appreciate life and the good things that it brings because we don't know what the future holds. My thoughts and prayers goes out to the families that were affected by the flood.

Die-eat

In the second grade I remember changing my favorite sport from football to basketball. I credit my mother and father for giving me great genes because I was able to be a natural athlete before I can remember. Staying in Richmond California, Oakland California, and Baton Rouge Louisiana I had to play with a certain tenacity for survival purposes. I wasn't born with a silver spoon so I appreciate every meal I have. The highlight of my day used to be wen I was at the dinner table. Some people feel as though they are Gods gift to the world, I felt as though Gods gift was food. Great food at that. Soul food, Gumbo, Chinese Food, Cheese burgers, ribs, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, hot links, and fried fish. If it came in the form of fast food that made it all the more better because it was the sooner I got to eat. 

     After turning 25 I'm at a crossroad in my career. Yes I've heard about proper dieting but I wasn't ready. Now I realize that you are in deed what you eat. If I'm going to inhale rebounds and exhale points at a high level I have to monitor what goes into my system.I'm no nutritionist but food can have an affect your blood pressure and in some cases cause cancer. With that being said a few days ago I've decided to eat to live opposed to living to eat (protein and less carbs).My teammate Joachim Thoss told me about Barley grass, its a powdered form of protein that goes great with orange juice (Breakfast) . I'm going to cut out bread and rice for a while as well. Rice might be tough in Manilla though.

Happy Birthday to me.

I turned 25 years old today. Coming from Richmond, California I feel that I'm blessed to see 25 but deep down I know that I have a lot more living to do. Being here in Manilla, Philippines has been a great experience. The Alaska Aces are a great organization and I know that we are going to wen the "Governors Cup". I'm here with my wife, Sable, and one-year old, Kendell Rose. I have been in awe of her development. This is the third country she's been to since she was born (USA, France, and Philippines) and you can see all the culture in her. Her personality is fun loving but she will get an attitude quickly if you annoy her. The angle Sable and I are trying to take with her is to give her all the freedom she needs without hurting herself. Its like Picasso - you have to let him paint - and Kendell's development is truly a work of art. I am not here to pretend like marriage is the easiest thing in the world because we all know that it's not. As humans we sometimes fall short but forgiveness and perseverance turn those shortcomings into lessons to be taught to others. I've learned that everyone has problems in their lives but what's bigger - the problem or you? 

         Our first game is this coming Wensday. I am looking forward to playing with a positive team that wants the best for the team. I see that it's all about the team and everyone fights for each other. That is true from our owner to the trainers. The slogan is "We not me" - that's the culture - and I'm a believer in the phrase "If it's not broke then don't try to fix it". Thank you to every one that has been with me on this journey and I promise that this blog will be more consistent. 

Follow me on Twitter @Mr_Wensday