The games opened last friday with a beautiful yet rainy ceremony closed out by the return of Celine Dion. She performed in the middle of the Eiffel Tower. It was cool to watch all of the countries and athletes represented. Team USA.. showed up and showed with over 594 athletes from different sports, backgrounds selected. Lebron & Coco Gauff were the flag bearers.
From rugby to gymnastics to basketball to swimming, you name it I am doing my best to catch a little bit of all the action. It is overwhelming but fun all at the same time. Cheering on Team USA and watching them medal.
Congrats to the US Men’s & Women’s Gymnastics teams for medaling. The US men solidified the bronze medal for the first time since 2008.
Swimming is well underway and Team USA is picking up medals like infinity stones. With the likes of Katy Ledecky, Caleb Dressel, and Lilly King I am pretty dialed in and also always stressed out watching the events.
Basketball is also well underway with both the men’s and women’s teams winning their opening games. I’m excited to continue to watch the upcoming games.
I wanted to keep this first post short and sweet 🙂
Let me know what you are excited to see in the comments.
Summer is here, which means the Olympics are on the way…
I am super excited and gearing up to blog about it.
The Olympics are scheduled July 26- August 11 in Paris, France. I have always wanted to attend an Olympic games in person, it’s still on my bucket list.
Team USA is getting prepped and ready to qualify for the games as the Olympics Trials are underway. Some of my favorite sports to watch are Track & Field, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, and tennis to name a few. It’s so many sports being covered, it’s hard to keep track of all of them.
I’m excited to see Sha’carri ,Simone, Noah compete for Team USA as well the Men’s USA Basketball Team. We finally get to see Steph on the big Olympic stage and I know he is going to show up and show out.
So much to anticipate.. Let me know what you are most looking forward too this upcoming olympics in the comments below 🙂
I’ll be back July 26, as always thanks for reading
The NBA is back in full swing. To help keep the audience and fans engaged, the NBA introduced an in season tournament that would include group play , knockout rounds, and the finals being played in Las Vegas. Group play has concluded. The remaining teams: Pacers, Bucks, Celtics, Knicks, Lakers, Pelicans, Kings, and Suns. At first when the tournament was announced, I was a tad bit skeptical but after watching a few games, the intensity and high scoring definitely felt like a tournament. Not to mention the new courts just for the tournament. With anything new, it takes time to take shape. Of the teams still left, I think the finals will be Lakers vs Suns. It wouldn’t surprise me. I will continue to watch as the single elimination knock out rounds commence. Who do you think will win the tourney. Let me know in the comments. 🙂
Life Lately
These past couple of months, I have been getting acclimated and settled with my new baby Batman. I adopted him on Oct 21, 2023 and it was the best decision I made. He is sweet, smart, loves to play and is learning a lot. He loves to chew on his antler bone. He is a year old. Spoiled rotten already I wouldn’t change anything with him though. People see him and instantly think he is an aggressive dog because of his breed but quite frankly it is the complete opposite. He is super protective only when we are outside walking but for the most part he is quiet and chill. He likes being outside and on a schedule. Since German Shepherds require at least 60-90 minutes of exercise, we walk at least 4-5 times a day. He is definitely keeping me fit and active. I named him batman because from the first moment I met him he was super protective of me. He chose me as his mom honestly. I love him and I’m excited to watch him grow. Life lately has been exciting but busy since we are still getting used to each other and training. Luckily for me, he is already house trained, so the biggest thing we are working on is his basic cues. He is super smart in terms of it only takes him a couple tries until he has a task figured out. With time everything will fall into place. Batman has helped me with my loneliness and has brought me so much joy. I knew I wouldn’t be alone forever. God knew I needed him and he needed me. My silent protector. My guardian, My bubs. If you want to know more about him, leave a question below.
“This is how I attacked each and every game. Stats didn’t matter to me. I broke it down by quarter and that’s how Agent Zero became Agent Zero” – Gilbert Arenas 10-27-22; No Chill Podcast with Victor Oladipo.
Happy Juneteenth !
Today, I am overflowing with excitement to be able to write about Gilbert Arenas formally known as Agent Zero of the Washington Wizards. First, I would like to thank Gil for allowing me to write about him. I have previously written about him before but this time I will go more in depth about his career.
Before social media became popular, having the opportunity to write about someone I have watched many times in person during their prime is awesome.
Social Media was not prevalent as it is today, we still had to read the paper, listen to games on the radio, and regularly tune into ESPN to see highlights. I would listen to Dave Johnson a long time radio broadcaster for the Wizards as he would call every game. He made you feel as if you were at the game with his excitement and the ability to explain the entire game as it’s happening.
Basketball has been my favorite sport since I was young, and by the time I saw my first professional game in 2003, I was completely immersed in the sport.
Today’s post will highlight Gil’s NBA career primarily his time in Washington where I saw him play the most, how I met him, and his current endeavor Gil’s Arena.
Gil’s NBA Career
In 2001, With the 31st pick in the 2nd round, The Golden State Warriors drafted Gilbert Arenas from Arizona. He averaged 19 pts. per game for his first couple seasons in the league. In 2003, he was traded to the Washington Wizards.
Who knew once Gilbert arrived in DC, it would change the trajectory of NBA basketball in the DC area. Players after him such as John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant all considered or even played in DC due to his impact during his time with the Wizards.
Gil played with the Wizards from 2003 -2010. At the age of 11, I saw him play in person for the first time and have kept up with his career ever since. I was in awe of his work ethic and his approach to the game so much so that I was keeping track of his stats in my head.
In his tenure in Washington, he averaged 25 points per game (ppg), 5.7 assists per game(apg), and 4.2 rebounds per game (rpg), as well as consecutive playoff appearances.
Gil’s other accolades while with the Wizards by the age of 25 included:
3x All NBA Team (2005-2007)- this honor was voted on at the end of each season.
3x NBA All Star (2005-2007)-this honor was voted on by the fans.
Top 5 NBA Scorer (2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07)
Some of his iconic games include game winners against the Milwaukee Bucks, Utah Jazz, Chicago Bulls (playoff game winner), and scoring 60 points against the late Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gilbert redefined basketball and how the game was played. He was difficult to guard due to his speed, ability to shoot mid-range as well elevating his long-range game. He was shooting from the logo effortlessly before Stephen Curry came on the scene
Playoffs
From 2004-2008 The Wizards made the playoffs consecutively being the first team under the Wizards name to do so since 1997. Their most memorable playoff win came during the 2004-2005 season, facing the Chicago Bulls. During this series the Wizards went down 0-2, tied the series, Gilbert hit a game winning shot in Chicago in Game 5 to force a Game 6 with the Wizards closing it out at home in 6 games. I was able to attend game 6. It was the most electrifying atmosphere I had been a part of during that season. The City of DC had its new face of DC basketball, and his name was Gilbert Arenas. In 2008, Gil extended his contract with the Wizards; a 6-year $111 million dollar deal. This would be the last contract former owner Mr. Abe Pollin, who loved and adored Gil, would sign before he passed away in 2009. In 2016, his contract payment with the Wizards ended.
Fun Fact
For the 2007 NBA All- Star Campaign, Adidas, and Gil were negotiating his shoe deal. Gil decided to throw a (fake) party to market himself and the All-Star game which was being held in Las Vegas. The marketing event worked when Gil bet on himself. His deal initially worth $15 million over the course of 5 years, ended up being agreed to for $40 million. Lesson: Don’t be afraid to bet on you and showcase your worth! In 2007, Gil was voted as a starter and headliner for the All- Star game.
My favorite memories
Pic 1: When I met Gil at a Mystics game, he signed my hat for me. 🙂 Fun Fact: Gil was the first official NBA Autograph I ever received. It was important and special to me because I was finally able to meet one of my favorite players. He was genuinely nice and approachable. Gil was sitting adjacent to where we were sitting in the stands. I just remember waving at him, and he motioned for me and my sister to come over, sign our hats and take a picture. I felt like I had a piece of DC basketball that I could keep with me for a lifetime.
Pic 2: 11/18/2022 The night he was honored for shaping DC basketball during the 25 year celebration. The hat we received at the game. It was long overdue but I’m so glad DC welcomed him back with open arms. It was Gil’s first time back in DC in 12 years.
Another favorite memory: The Martin Luther King Jr. Game against Utah. My mom, sisters, and I attended this game. Little did we know we were about to see a game winning shot from who else, Agent 0!! The shot went in, and I jumped with excitement because the Wizards just won the game. The Washington Wizards won 114-111 against Utah Jazz. The game winner gave Gil 51 points for the game.
Let it be known Adidas Campaign
This was so much fun to just take pictures in the shirts and support one of our favorite players.
What’s Gil up to now?
Gil played 11 seasons in the NBA. Outside of his basketball skills on the court, his knowledge and IQ of the game has ignited the NBA fanbase. He started his podcast NO Chill Gil (his newest nickname). He speaks his mind, has fun, and even ties in his own personal experiences with his guests.
Gil has expanded from a Podcast to a weekly basketball show called Gil’s Arena (WOO WOO) with Josiah Johnson. In the last few months, this show has grown tremendously. The show airs live on YouTube Tues/Wed/Thurs at 2:30pm EST. You can stream the episodes soon after it has aired live. The show is everything you can think of sports related, entertainment, debates, latest news, and loads of fun. The best part, the fans (subscribers are allowed to interact with them as well).
I am looking forward to what is to come for Gil. 🙂 Good luck with everything! I am glad I was able to connect with you!
Be sure to keep up with Gil
IG: no chill.gil
Twitter/ Tiktok : GilsArena
This blog was a special one for me. I appreciate everyone who took the time to read it.
I will be back friday with another one 😉
*Gil Pics courtesy of Google Images*
*Gil accolades courtesy of the official Washington Wizards instagram page, be sure to follow them @washwizards*
The NBA Finals are under way practically over at this point but I wanted to do a quick recap.
Denver has been super dominant throughout this series. Jokic is very difficult to guard as he averaging close to 30 ppg. Miami has its moments where they would grab small lead but then unable to sustain it.
I was at least hoping for a 6 game series but once down 3-1 it becomes really difficult to win. I am not saying Miami can’t do the impossible because we have seen it done in the finals with Cleveland beating Golden State after being down 3-1. Game 5 is must win and can be a series changer if Miami can pull it out.
Butler is going to have the game of his life.
The NBA has pretty much written it as if Denver will win the franchises first ever championship!.. I like the notion of a new team winning but not by being blown out every game.
As we get ready to crown a potential champion, I hope we get one more game to do so.. Extend this series out. lol..
Be sure to watch Game 5 tonight! Will Denver become the champs or will Miami force a game 6.
Let me know your thoughts…
I appreciate you for reading!
I will be back Monday at a special time 12pm! The Gilbert Arenas blog goes LIVE!!
Some announcements June 7- My first cookbook will be available for sale. I’m super excited about it & Agent 0 ( Gilbert Arenas) blog will be live June 19 🙂 So be on the lookout for those two things!
Let’s jump right in with another LEO! 🙂
A’ja Wilson who is now entering her 5th full year in the WNBA and coming off a championship for the Las Vegas Aces is currently in season. She is also the defending league MVP & Defensive Player of the year.
A’ja in the beginning wasn’t too fond of basketball, actually wasn’t too interested in it until late in highschool. But once she fell in love with the game it was a wrap lol.
A’ja attended South Carolina under coach Dawn Staley and let’s put it this way, when you hear South Carolina University you immediately think of A’ja Wilson. She is a household legend. She dominated in college and just fun to watch. She is a baller! Her legacy is cemented at the University with a statue.
How cool is that?!
Between 2020-2022, A’ja as a center averaged 19+ points per game, made the All- Star team every year with the exception of the covid year, and first team All WNBA. Not to mention she is super down to earth and never forgets the sacrifices she has made as well as her parents. The relationship she has with her family is everything.
Your support system is sometimes the extra push you need to keep going no matter what you are working on.
Also some of her endorsements include Nike, Ruffles, and Mountain Dew! 🙂 Always bet on yourself if you can, you never know where it will lead you.
Having a strong support system is just as vital too. It keeps you going, grounded, & motivated.
Happy Friday! We made it through another week and in this case a holiday weekend!..Enjoy the extended break.
Jalen Hurts a phenomenon in the NFL and has rose to superstardom while keeping his humility about him.
Jalen recently became the highest paid QB (prior to Lamar Jackson’s deal). A trip to the superbowl, averaging over 7,000 yards combined within the last two years with a 101.5 rating ending the 2022 season. Jalen doing all of this on the field while off the field he was in the process of completing his master’s degree!.
Let’s take a dive into his journey…
Jalen a fellow Leo (Aug.7) native of Houston, TX had quite the journey.
He dominated in highschool averaging over 2,000 passing yards,26 touchdown passes, rushing for 1,391 yards in his senior season.
Jalen ultimately committed to Alabama University where he would play for 3 years and dominate as a starter and backup to Tua Tagovailoa.( crazy to know they are team mates but how his NFL career is going)
Bama won the National Championship in 2017.
Jalen finished his bachelor’s degree but with one year left of eligibility he transferred to Oklahoma to complete his master’s degree in Human Relations as well. While at Oklahome he shined bright, continued to dominate as a quarterback and even finished 2nd in Heisman voting to Joe Burrow.
2020 was such a tragic, stressful year with the huge loss of Kobe Bryant-huge eagles fan, a pandemic that was spreading like wildfire with many lives lost, not to mention adjusting to those first few months of cabin fever quarantine, Tiger King binge anyone? lol
Sports was the thing keeping us together during it. The NBA bubble announcement for that summer was the excitement we needed as well as the NFL draft.
Jalen was drafted by the Eagles in the 2nd round, pick 53. Already having to prove his worth, he went from a third-string quarterback, to backup QB, to replacing Carson Wentz altogether as the STARTER. It doesn’t matter how you start but how you finish. Jalen had a breakout rookie season but was benched in a loss to Washington.
Coaching change and some faith Jalen was permanently named a starter and helped lead his team to the playoffs in 2021 & the superbowl in 2022. Although both ended in losses. I know the progression of success for him has continued to not only fuel him but his team. I mean look at his journey. From backup to permanent starter to one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league. Jalen has made himself a household name now, stepped out on faith by having an all female team (agent included), and earned another collegiate degree while being scrutinzed, doubted, praised,& loved. His journey is uniquely his.
Your journey is uniquely yours. Embrace it, Don’t be afraid from it, and take it from someone who had to jump through hoops in highschool just for my work to be taken seriously so I could graduate, no obstacle big or small was going to stop me from crossing the stage.
I love to write. I’ve embraced my ability more so now as an adult then when I was younger. This blog started as a college class assignment and now has turned into another passion of mine.
I appreciate all of my readers! Good Luck to Jalen & the Eagles on the upcoming season.
Happy Memorial Day! no blog Monday! see you next friday
-M.B.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 16: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on October 16, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
My dad sent me KG’s documentary Anything is possible, which I have seen a couple of times which gave me the information I needed for today’s post. Anything basketball related I will watch alot.
As I was listening to the documentary, I made the point that Kevin Garnett was Lebron before Lebron. What I mean by that is, he was drafted straight from highschool to the pros after having faith and writing a letter to David Stern. Stern was the commissioner of the league at the time until 2014. Prior to KG being drafted in 1995 from highschool, the last NBA player drafted from the same caliber was in 1975. Crazy how the game has changed. Bron was drafted in 2003.
Kevin grew up in a small town in South Carolina and instantly fell in love with the game of basketball. His mom however didn’t want him playing at all. He had to sneak and play the game he loved so much. Eventually his mom would see him play and be in awe of him, so much so his family moved to chicago where he would become a household name.
KG was tall, long wingspan and could dominate both ends of the floor. Like most household names in sports there came doubters if KG would even do well in the NBA.
In 1995, Kevin would receive his dream opportunity! With the 5th pick The Minnesota Timberwolves select Kevin Garnett! He did it! Now it was time to go to work.
Coming into the Timberwolves organization, Kevin had to work to become a starter. Once a starter he would remain one for his entire 12 years with Minnesota. KG dominance earned him the nickname: The Big Ticket!
Although Minnesota was winning games and making the playoffs, they could never get over the hump for a championship shot.
Kevin had a decision to make. This decision would ultimately lead him to the promise land.
2008
Boston Celtics vs Los Angeles Lakers- what are the odds. A legendary rivalry renewed but this time KG, Allen,& Pierce up against the Black Mamba.
It was a battle with Boston winning in 6 games. Kevin finally achieved the dream. NBA Champion, he captured his win by saying Anything is Possible!!
He is right! Hard work, dedication, blocking out the haters(secret supporters) You will always be destined for great things.
Boston & LA would meet in the Finals again in 2010, Lakers would win in 7 games.
Kevin has since retired from the NBA, had his jersey retired by Boston & is a hall of famer! Same hall of fame class as Kobe.
Now in his post NBA career, Kevin has his own podcast KG Certified. (full episodes on youtube) I thoroughly enjoy his episodes. He is a great storyteller, advice giver, and someone with a good spirit. He also spends his time mentoring young rising players in the league through his various basketball camps.
I hope to meet and chat with him someday!
I appreciate you guys for reading! I will be back friday!
This blog won’t be super long so let’s jump right in.
The NFL released it’s football schedule for every team.
As I was just doing a dive on each team’s schedule, I wanted to go over a few of my favorite matchups.
Week 1: 9/7/23
Lions/Chiefs- chiefs winning- Defending Superbowl Champs start their quest for another one! Let’s go Mahomes!
Bills/ Jets- Jets winning (Aaron Rodgers debut) I think he will do well in NY. New Team, Fresh Start. Let’s See!
For my steelers fans:
3 games I’m looking at
09/24- in LasVegas vs the Raiders
10/08- at home against Lamar Jackson (Ravens)- Division matchup. I love those games. They are lowkey to me rivalry games.
11/26- in Cincy vs the Bengals. My family being from ohio they love the bengals!( more than the browns on some days lol).. My late uncle was a die hard steelers fan. I’ve always loved watching both teams play honestly. Coach Tomlin is a good one! & How fitting this game falls on one of my best friends birthdays 🥳! I will definitely be tuned in.
Alright let’s head to the DMV!
Washington Commanders
First let me say Hallelujah!! The team finally is sold!! Took way too long but hey it’s done and now we can focus on rebuilding, and bringing the fun back to this franchise. They were really being held back. I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Week 4: 10-1- Eagles in Philly.. I love watching Jalen Hurts..! so let’s see how this rivalry game goes 🙂
Week 5-10-5- at home against Justin Fields(OSU alumn) I love watching former buckeyes dominate 🙂
My hope for Washington this season is just to win as many games as possible! Outside of hockey & the WNBA; The NBA, Football, & Baseball teams have all been struggling to make the post season. So I’m hoping with the Snyder era ending we can bring playoff sports back to the DC area. We need it!!
Honorable Mention Games:
Week 3: 09/24- Texans at Jaguars- Let’s go CJ Stroud!
I got the opportunity to watch him play for Ohio State in person! He is the real deal! I wish him all the best!
Week 1: 09-10- Raiders at Broncos
Week 9: 11/05- Bills at Bengals- Damar Hamlin! Hopefully he will back on the field this season! Wishing him all the best!
Let me know your thoughts for the season!
Who are your top picks! Drop a comment below or hit me on twitter:@bballmypassion
As always I appreciate my readers!
I have a real special blog coming end of next month :)!
Teams are prepping to begin the season this coming week. Crazy how fast time flies, seems like the Las Vegas Aces just won the championship!
They will be defending their title win.
The big news all season will be the return of Brittney Griner. As many of you know she was detained in Russia for months and with the help of President Biden, She is now home, healing and returning to the game. Mistake on her part, I’m just glad she is safe and can be back on US Soil. I wish her the best of luck. The only reason she was playing over seas like most of her WNBA counterparts is due to lack of salary the league offers.
If you were unaware the NBA salaries to WNBA are vastly different by milllions of dollars. The #1 overall draft pick for the WNBA averages a salary of rougly $78,000 a year not including endorsements or now NIL deals. It’s sad that for as long as the WNBA has been established, the money, resources to keep players and their families happy. Playing overseas has most often than not been an option once the regular season ends. After the Griner situation, most WNBA players were reconsidering the thought of traveling to play.
I hope in years to come to the WNBA can be just as lucrative as the NBA. They also need more teams. 12 WNBA teams isn’t going to cut it especially if the players that are drafted don’t actually make the the roster.
This was somewhat news to me, I didn’t realize if you are drafted late you aren’t guaranteed a roster spot even if the team really wants you and markets you.
A direct example of this was shown with the Conneticut Sun. They drafted Alexis Morris from the National Championship LSU Tigers. She was had to basically try out to make the team only for Connecticut to waive her. You work so hard to make it to your dream job, have them promote you, only to be let go.
I’m sure it is a frustrating process but I know Alexis will get picked up somewhere if not , her next option is overseas.
We will have to wait and see how everything comes together for her. I know it will! Good Luck to you Alexis, BG and all of the WNBA players on the upcoming season.
Never give up and if anything always bet on yourself:)
That will wrap up today’s blog! See you guys for Football Friday!! The new schedule is here! Let’s talk about it!!
Sports Impact Everyone 