Seth Curry graduate of Duke University has began to make his impact on the game and NBA. Coming into the league after college, Seth has had opportunities to play for different NBA teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers  and the Golden State Warriors.

Seth has really flourished in the D-League and continuously developing his game and becoming better. Seth has always had the talent to play and shooting ability and it’s awesome to see him come into his own.

This summer he played for the New Orleans Pelicans Summer League Team which was undefeated until the quarterfinals of the tournament where they lost to the Phoenix Suns. Seth’s play throughout the tournament proved why he deserves to be in this league. Averaging over 25 points per game, he solidified his chances to earn a spot in the NBA and for the Pelicans at that. He will be a good asset at that.

I am so proud to see how far he has come and where he will go. This is only the beginning for Seth who has been on a long journey to really show what he can do. It is exciting and I am excited for him.

People may think I’m only a supporter of Seth because of his brother Stephen, Nope certainly not the case. I’ve been watching Seth since college wanting to see him in the NBA for a long time and now it is his time and he will leave an impact so if your not watching him you better just keep your eye on him. 🙂 He will surprise you.

Everyone’s journey to their career goal will be different than the next person, so it is all about hard work, persistence, faith, belief, and most importantly confidence that you will accomplish what you put your mind to.

Personal Short Story:

I am now senior in college. I will be graduating from Radford University with a Bachelor’s in Marketing. At one point I felt like I wouldn’t get to this point and wanted to just give up. Giving up only puts you at the bottom like the rest , but I had to just buckle down and not worry about the timetable to finish school. So now I was able to experience college and help make an impact rather than just wanting to leave. One of my biggest goals was to finish college and now I am 2 semesters away from achieving my goal. Never let anyone or anything stop you. Only you stand in the way of your destiny.

Good Luck to Seth on the next steps in his NBA Journey!! 🙂 I will be watching!

*Thanks for reading this week, Pictures/Videos courtesy of Google Images*

Heyyy

I hope you guys have been enjoying my NBA Player Series so far.

I am in the process of coming up with a new focus and direction for this on going series.

If you would like to contribute in any way, I would love suggestions, please feel free to tweet me @bballmypassion.

I will respond directly or comment on this blog below.

In the past few weeks, I have discussed many players such as John Wall, Stephen Curry, Lebron James, & Chris Paul.

It has been a lot of fun to read and write about each players accomplishments and what they will be doing in the offseason.

With the draft already taken place and new talent among us for the upcoming season, I will be highlighting a few key players who were drafted and how their impact may or may not help the team they are on.

I enjoy what I do and look forward to receiving your feedback.:)

Thanks for reading-Mariah B.

Lebron, Lebron James

A man, husband, father, friend and a phenomenal basketball player.

2003- Lebron was drafted into the NBA and wowed us with his spectacular dunks, shots and years later game winners.

I personally wasn’t a fan of Lebron at first, yes he is from my hometown of Ohio and yes he is a great player but I was and still am a die hard Washington Wizards fan.

From 2005-2007 Cleveland and Washington crossed paths and of course I went for Washington. I actually got the opportunity thanks to my dad to attend a few games during Lebron’s first stint with Cleveland. I must say watching him in person is way better plus my respect for him began to grow.

side note: I love attending basketball games of all sorts,but my favorite are NBA Playoff Games. 🙂

As you all know Lebron left Cleveland in 2010 and took his talents to Miami where he won 2 rings and yet again earned my respect and likeness for him. At this point it is really hard not to be a fan of Lebron. ( My family would be happy lol)

In 2014, however Lebron decided he needed to return home to help his city rebuild and bring a title to Cleveland. Although it didn’t happen in 2015, I am sure Cleveland will see a title within the next 2-3 years.

I love the city of Ohio and I can’t wait for the day a title of any sort is earned for the city! It’s coming but for now we will have to wait.

One of my favorite Lebron moments was when he won his first title in 2012 and I saw the relief in his face not only that but how happy he was. The media who can be a fireball finally let up a bit because now he was a champion and you couldn’t tell him anything.

Lebron works hard on and off the court and I’m proud of him for never giving in to the haters and always proving time and time again why he will be in the hall of fame once his career comes to a close.

To all the Lebron fans this is for you!! I wanted to show appreciation for a legend, talent, and honestly an amazing guy!!

Thanks for reading and be sure to be on the lookout for next week blog.

Topic:TBA

*Pictures courtesy of Google Images*

As I continue my NBA Player Series be sure to let me know who I should write about if you have a favorite player in mind. You can tweet me your thoughts @bballmypassion 🙂

This week we highlight LA Clippers Guard Chris Paul.

Chris is a beast on the court with his handles and ability to create plays for himself.

Before going to the LA Clippers, Chris was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) in 2005.

August 2005 tragedy struck the New Orleans area by way of Hurricane Katrina. Everything you could possibly think of was destroyed. During this difficult the time, the entire NBA with the Hornets and Chris worked together to help rebuild what was left after the hurricane hit. It was a devastating blow for the world, to see the images and families suffering as well as people dying. The Hornets were relocated to Oklahoma for Chris’s rookie season where he flourished. During his years with the Hornets until he was traded, Chris was an All-Star, top scorer in the league, as well as leading in assists per game.

Off the court was the same story …

Chris is an amazing person off the court. A father and husband, he is always willing to help someone else in their time of need or just be there for support. He served as the NBA Players Association President in 2013 and 2014 during the Donald Sterling incident. Chris has overcome a lot of adversity to get where he is today and I enjoy watching him play and can’t wait to see what the future holds. I could see him coaching or being a analyst of a team.

See you next season Chris !!

*Pictures courtesy of google images*

I know it’s been awhile since I have posted but I am back.

This week my mom wanted to share her thoughts on the MVP Race this past NBA Season.

Please Enjoy 🙂

NBA MVP

By T.E. Brooks

 The NBA road to the MVP was filled with too many analytical opinions. The NBA MVP is a prestigious award given to the player that exhibits the best qualities of the most valuable player for the season. Personally, I do not enjoy all of the hype that surrounds comparing professional basketball players to one another. Yes, I do understand that there has to be specific criteria used in order to select the NBA MVP. However, all of the going back and forth among sports analysts, sports writers, sports blogs and the like, place too much emphasis with comparing one individual player to the next individual player. The list for those that were in the running for the MVP this year was indeed an impressive list to include Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis James Harden, LeBron James, Chris Paul, and Russell Westbrook. Each of these players has indeed represented the MVP qualities well. But I will not even begin to compare these players to one another. Growing up, my parents instilled in my brothers, sister, and me that we were not to compare ourselves to absolutely, positively no one. Our parents knew that once you begin to compare yourself to someone else you will begin to feel inferior. By no means are you inferior to anybody else because you are unique, there is only one of you, and you have skills, talents,and gifts that will help you to succeed and pursue your dreams. With that said, I am not a fan of the hype trying to make the comparison between Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Jordan is Jordan and he changed the way that basketball has been played. Jordan’s legacy will never be erased from any basketball arena, basketball floor, or basketball team because even today thereare glimpses of one of the greatest basketball players to play the game, still seen continuouslyimpacting the day. There will never be another Jordan. Therefore, in my opinion, Curry is Curry, Davis is Davis, Harden is Harden, James is James, Paul is Paul, and Westbrook is Westbrook.I will not compare these players because each player impacts the way that the game is playedgame after game. Each of these players has taken the game of professional basketball to anotherelectrifying level. Yes, someone had to win the award. Before the vote was in, I had narrowed my choices down to two, Curry and Harden. Curry mesmerizes you with his quick, creative behind the back passes and now the King of the 3. Harden, wow, after leaving OKC, we can see the explosive player that he truly is. Harden’s personalized move with the stutter steps is more evident, which I say that he walks every time that he does his move (but I like it), continues down the lane to score. I will mention LeBron here because I am a fellow Ohioan that didn’t hateon him when he left to play for Miami. LeBron, we all know is a NBA MVP because he is ateam player, seeks to make his teammates better, and is willing to pass the MVP award unselfishly along to another player. Also, in my opinion, the NBA should create an Honorary MVP award for the basketball greats that retire from the game, coaches included, with the first going to Coach Pop and Tim Duncan, a dynamic duo, whenever they decide to leave the game. Finally, the NBA MVP award is an award worth being selected for and a proud moment for the winners. Congratulations to MVP Steph Curry, #30, Golden State Warriors. Thank you for representing the NBA on and off the court.

I hope you enjoy this week’s blog from my mom 🙂

*Pictures courtesy of Google Images*

Moms are everything!

The support and love they provide on a daily basis is more than what a job can bring.

NBA moms are wonderful because they can be seen on and off the court supporting their children. They are often the reason behind a player’s success and the sacrifices they make for their children. A few mother’s stick out in my head that sacrificed their lives for the success and love for their children. It is evident when players such as Kevin Durant who came from very little to being a MVP in the NBA. During his speech he thanked his mom for everything she did to allow him to play the game.

On this special day please take time out to thank the person that birthed you. 🙂

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and my mom included, without you we wouldn’t be able to survive let alone follow our dreams!

You are awesome and we love you!

Thanks for reading! A short quick blog for mothers

*pics and videos courtesy of google images/youtube*

Sooooo…..

The playoffs have begun. The top 16 teams in the Eastern and Western Conferences have squared off.

The Matchups are as follows with current results

Western Conference:

Golden State vs New Orleans; Golden State won series 4-0

Houston Rockets vs Dallas Mavericks; Houston leads 3-1

Los Angeles Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs; series tied 2-2

Memphis Grizzlies vs Portland Trailblazers; Memphis leads 3-0

Eastern Conference

Atlanta Hawks vs Brooklyn Nets; Atlanta leads 2-1

Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors; Washington won series 4-0

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics; Cleveland won series 4-0

Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks; Chicago leads 3-1

The playoffs so far have been a sweep fest within the western conference having the top teams sweep early to get rest. In the eastern conference however two out of the eight teams have already ended their series and are now resting waiting for their opponent. If you have been watching playoffs so far which teams have surprised you? Which teams did you know were going to sweep? For me the teams that have surprised me thus far are Brooklyn with how dominant they are playing and Washington with how strong they played in their series. I am a die hard Wizards fan and the fact they swept Toronto is a testament to the hard work on and off the court as well as the coaching staff and leaders of the team in John Wall , Bradley Beal, and Paul Pierce. Otto Porter,Drew Gooden III, and Ramon Sessions have also been great pieces to this Washington team. I am excited to see how far they will go this year. They have to take it one game at a time. In the west, I was not surprised at Golden State sweeping but I was surprised at how close they came to losing Game 3. Stephen Curry stepped up big for his team dropping 40 points and willing his team to a overtime victory that would have been won at the end of regulation had the refs called the foul while Curry shot the three and made it to force game into the extra period. It will be fun to see how far the Warriors will go with the expectations placed upon them.

Notable News:

Some key injuries and suspensions may cause some adjustments to be made within the Cleveland squad. During Sunday’s Game 4 victory multiple injuries and physical play boiled over into the game. Kevin Love left the game early in the first quarter due to a dislocated shoulder and will miss the entire Eastern Conference Semi-Finals which can hurt Cleveland as they try to make a run deep in the playoffs. On the flip side of things, a injury to Boston’s Jae Crowder caused by JR Smith could hurt Cleveland as well because he will  be suspended for two games.

Overall, I am really enjoying the playoffs as it comes on the heels of my semester winding down. We are in the last week of classes with finals being the following week.The playoffs often indicate to me that summer is right around the corner and I can spend time with my family. I am very excited to get a much needed break from school and really enjoy the playoffs and root for my teams!!.. Although my blogs have been required for a class project assignment, I will continue to blog each week about different basketball topics and the impact it will have on my life in the long run. So I really do appreciate all the love and support and feedback from reading my blogs. Please if you have any suggestions or topic suggestions please tweet me @bballmypassion 🙂

See you next week….!!

*Pictures/Videos Courtesy of Youtube & Google Images*

Craig Sager

Craig Sager is one of the most ecentric dressers that I know as a NBA Analyst. His outfits are always ones worth waiting for on game day. His many colorful outfits also showcases his personality and players and coaches always love talking with him. Late last year, Craig was diagnosed with Leukemia. This cancer is found in the blood and can be deadly if not treated properly. Craig’s son with the biggest heart he had, gave his bone marrow to his dad which helped him and the treatments . For one year Craig fought hard and long. Christmas 2014, Craig found out his cancer was in remission and could be close to returning to TV. I was excited because him fighting and never giving up was a testament to him wanting to live and be with his family. During his small return, it was great to see him back in action, working and smiling. Craig was back for good so I thought. Sadly, right before the NCAA tournament was supposed to begin, Craig found out that his cancer had yet again returned. Craig is resilient and I know he will make it through this. Their is a foundation that was started in his name #SAGERStrong. You can use this hashtag on all social media to send well wishes to the Sager Family as he continues to battle. I know he will get better but for now all we can do is pray and continue to have a positive mindset.

Personal Story:

Cancer has been around my life many times. I have known family members and friends who have had to battle this disease which has many types. My grandmother( on my mom’s side) right now is battling breast cancer. When I found out about it I immediately was sad. The thoughts that started to trickle in my mind were beginning to consume me. Questions like Will she be okay?, How is she feeling? Will her hair fall out? Will I be able to see her? My mind was racing because the one person who inspired me to cook was now fighting for her life. She was on medications and changed her eating habits, thanks to my mom’s help and constant encouragement. I am to say that the cancer is still there but the lump in her breast has shrunk to a size of a dime. I talked to her a few weeks ago and she sounds great, she is happy upbeat and most importantly positive. I always like to see how she is doing and I always makes sure I let her know I love her. She inspires me to never give up in anything that I do and I am grateful for her. I live for people who have had to overcome adversity. I love hearing their stories and what they did to continue to motivate themselves to keep fighting. I have often wanted to do a breast cancer walk but just encouraging someone with the disease is sometimes all they need to get through their tough day.

Words of Encouragement

Don’t Ever Give up….Smile…Stay Positive even on days you don’t want too…

Thanks for reading my blog this week!! If you have any suggestions please feel free to tweet me @bballmypassion

*Pictures/Videos courtesy of Google Images&Youtube*