We're Coming Home! (In my diddy dirty money voice)

Medias-Cluj 78-84 (M4)

I woke up this morning to the sun shining, and my stomach rumbling. What to eat, what to eat? I think I'll start the day off with a little omelette and some recovery time at Aquina. For those of you that aren't from Romania, Aquina is the part YMCA part spa/sauna here in Cluj. There's no better place to mend your war wounds and clear your mind. Moreover, the players of the club get in free, because Aquina is one of our many sponsors. Win, Win for everyone involved as far as I'm concerned...but enough of this jibber jabber, let's get to the real news of the day shall we?

Aquina Spa (Cluj-Napoca)

We're coming home. We're Coming home. Tell the world that we're coming home. With the game 4 victory last night, we not only force another decisive game, but we are playing at our place this time. I'm anticipating a standing room only crowd at Horia Damien Arena, and it will no doubt be a wild ride all the way to the finish. Medias refuses to say die. They've already come in to our house once and taken a game. They know it's possible, and the cat is out of the bag - we're aren't invincible here in Cluj. Here's the thing though, the team that I saw in game 4 was a completely different Cluj "TEAM" then I saw in game 1. Tougher, more composed, and  overall positive attitude that was just seeping out of every player. Playing like that, I'll take our chances against any team. Let's finish the job.

Below is a link to my post game interview with Total Baschet. It should be translated already, but if it isn't, just use google translate.

Post Game (M4)

P.S. I want to say thank you to everyone that is supporting "U" Cluj at the moment. Especially all of the people that travelled to Medias this week. You guys are simply the best. 

Game Day! Game 3 "U" Cluj - Medias

Woke up around 9 A.M. this morning, to some rain... and breakfast at the Vila Flora Hotel in Medias. After the brief eating sessions, we spend most of the following two hours reviewing game film of game 2 and making the necessary adjustments for tonights game. Like I said before, we gave them a lot of present's last game and were really lucky to come away with a victory.

Vila Flora Hotel

I'm not going to sugar coat it, we would be making things very hard on ourselves if we have to play a decisive game 4 tomorrow for all the marbles. I would say this especially holds strong in regards to Medias. They like to make the game ugly, physical, and defensively oriented. This is not an issue (we play the same way), but in terms of playing back to back nights... it leaves a lot of things subject to each team's fatigue level in the second game. We want the win tonight.

We just finished lunch about an hour ago, and we don't get on the bus for the game until 4:30. Time to relax and get focused for what surely will be a battle of will's tonight. A little Gladiator and some gummies should do the trick. Let's grind it out!

See you on the flip side.

2 days until Game 3, and it's already May!

It's already May 2nd! Wow how time flies. Seems like just yesterday I was stepping off of that plane at Cluj International Airport, receiving nothing but blank looks and stares. I must say it has been quite the ride, let's just finish the story on a win. Just finished a salad and soup from Marty Society, and preparing my mind and body for tonights practice. After the brief shoot around this morning, it continues to become apparent that we shot ourselves in the foot both games and were really lucky to come away with a win in game two. We played very hard, just not very smart. I'm confident that we will come out focused in Game 3 ready to get after it and take one in Medias. I especially know I can bring way more to the table than I did in game 2, and its only a matter of asserting myself on the court. 

Let's have a blessed week shall we?! 

Peace

1-1, heading to Medias Tuesday

Just finished the first two games of the Semi's, and the series is tied 1-1. Man Medias is a tough team, and thats just the way I like it. Nitty, Gritty, Grinding until the wheels fall off type of series. Unfortunately I had to watch the Game 1 loss from the sidelines, as it was coaches choice to sit me as the 6th foreigner. I had too much experience watching my teams struggle from the sidelines in college. Although this time around was different, because I wasn't injured... only hungry and ready to come back hard game two. We came away with the W the second time around and I have posted the video highlights of the game below. Also, if you want to look at the box score or game commentary for either of the first two games, just click on the any of the links above.

Game 2 U Cluj- Medias

Other than ball, things in Cluj are warming up. I've been traveling the city a bit more, checking out the different restaurants and Cafe's. I'm not gonna lie, it's a pretty cool city... and it just keeps getting better. I just found out about a Salt Cave that is nearby, and the next time we have time off I am going to have to see what it's all about.

Easter here in Cluj was great. I had a chance to spend time with some of my teammates and "U" supporters and friends, but lets face it nothing is like Easter at home. This will be my 6th straight year I haven't been with the family for Easter, so I guess next year I'll just have to fly the family in to celebrate the holiday wherever I am! Once I have the chance, I will post some pictures of the Games, Easter events, and some other randoms.

Let's finish this series in Medias. Haide "U"

P.S. Below are some more video highlights of the first series against Sibiu. Sorry for the delay of the post.

* if you don't like rap music or profane language just mute...
haha

Peace

Highlights: U Mobitelco- BT CSM Bucharesti 100-73

Courtesy of Rudu Tenter

Midwest Hospitality, Must've been the shoes...Week 7

It's my seventh week here in Cluj and the weather is finally starting to warm up. The snow is gone, and I can finally walk around in something other than sweats and boots. We won both games last week, the first against Timisoara and the second coming against Otopeni. Both were decently easy W's (Timisoara by 40),  and if we finish off these next 2 games the way we should... we will lock down the 2nd seed for the playoffs. Looking to do damage against this next team though, I need a good game to get me back on track. No better place to do it than right on our home court. 

Received some much needed care packages from both the G rents and Parents last week. I'm loved what can I say. Along with the various gummies and various toiletry items, they managed to throw in some (much needed) game sneakers. The D Rose Adizero 1.5's and the Kevin Durant All-Star Edition. Both are very light, and we all know how important that is being white. I need all the help I can get... check them out. 

I won't be breaking the Durant's out until playoff time, just wouldn't seem right now would it?

I was nominated for the All-Star game that will be held in Sibiu at the end of the season. Although I'm honored, no shot I make it. I mean really. I've been here one month, and average 6 points and 4 assists in 5 games. I wouldn't say thats All-Star status, but hey... I'm flattered nonetheless. On top of that, the point guard from Targu Mures has had about 1,000 votes in the past 3 days. So I'm pretty sure it's Gata (over in Romanian) Last time I checked I was fifth in the voting, for the North. I would say most of that has less to do with my talent, and more to do with our fans. Oh well, I'll take what I can get. Keep Voting!

Laundry and Sleep is in my near future... followed by a lift at 9 A.M. I thought you were supposed to get used to less sleep as you get older. Sense we abbreviate everything, FTS... guess that one.

Night.

Another Win, 5 Games left in the Regular Season

First thing's first:

We beat Brasov this past weekend to earn our 19th win and close our record to 19-6 with 5 games left. We are currently 3rd in the standings, but with Mures still to play Medias, Ploiesti, and Oradea, there is a chance that we could move back up to second if we win out. To say we could have played better against Brasov this weekend would be an understatement, but at the end of the day a W is a W and it's on to the next game. Wednesday we have Timisoara at home, and Saturday we travel to Otopeni to finish what should be the most challenging week left on our schedule. Ready to get back on track, and hopefully start playing more consistent. Starts with a good week in practice!

BU Basketball! Enough said! The terriers are going to the dance, and it will be interesting to see the seeding breakdown tonight on selection Sunday. It was kind of bitter sweet for two reasons. Firstly, I would be lying if I wasn't a bit jealous that this years team cleared the hurdle I was never able to. It's the competitor speaking out, sue me. However, I couldn't be prouder and happier for a group of guys. I know the ups and downs, big losses, and adversity they had to go through. Big time fellas! ATTITUDE! You did it! Now let's just try to get that 15 seed for statistical reasons. (For all of you unfamiliar with college basketball or march madness, a 16 seed has never beaten a 1 seed in the history of the 72 year old tournament)

Here is Video of the team rushing the court...

The second reason it was a bit bitter sweet last night, was because my own Boston Terrier of 13 years died last night due to some heart trouble. Little guy was the man, but everyone has their time. R.I.P.  Phoenix, you will be missed.

Also, my friend and teammate from BU, Tunde Agboola, just created his own iPhone App called Spkeazy. It's a social application designed for users to share bar and club information regarding line length, girl to guy ratio, drink costs and everything in between over the mobile network via Facebook. It's free and can be downloaded at the app store. However, it is only available for Boston nightlife. If you are interested in a version for Cluj, Indy, or any other city, send either him or me the club/bar information, city and address and I'll make sure gets it. I'm not making any promises, but the kid is a genius and can multitask the hell out of just about anything. Below is a link to the app so you can check it out yourself.

Spkeazy

Signing off,

T

It's been a while...

Howdy sports fans,

Sorry its taken me about a year to get back on this thing, but they say absence makes the heart grow fonder. (or maybe out of sight out of mind)* Either way I'm back with a super long post whether you like it or not. 

This week has started out solidly. Beginning my 6th week over here, and I am feeling as comfortable as ever.   I'm steadily adjusting from sleeping on a queen to sleeping on a twin, and Nip Tuck is getting me through these cold days, until it is warm enough to walk around the city a bit. Last weekend we beat the 2 seed Gaz Metan Medias at home to take control of 2nd ourselves. It was a big time win for us for two reasons. First, seeing as we lost to Mures the week before, we couldn't afford to drop another game to a top 5 team. Second, beating Medias by more than the 8 points they beat us by in the earlier rounds means we have the tie break. Who knows, but that may come out to help us down the stretch. Highlights of the game are below. (Brought to you by Radu Tenter)

This saturday we play Brasov, who is currently 1- 20 in the league or something around there. I'm not sure who they beat, but that should be a relatively simple game for us if handle it right. The game is away, and with no huge interstates or highways in Romania, these trips can get a bit lengthy. I believe Brasov is only about 4 hours for us, but we play a game past Bucharest this month that will be about 10 hours. Mhmm, break out the Ipod extra battery pack, grab a pack of gummies, kick back and relax. 

On another note, the new Lupe Fiasco Album came out this week. Lasers. I must say I'm a fan.  I have posted a couple links of songs on the album, check them out and let me know what you think. 

Beautiful Lasers ft. MDMA

Never Forget You ft. John Legend

Letting Go ft. Sarah Green

Words I Never Said ft. Skylar Grey

The Show Goes On

The whole CD is good, those are just some of the better songs. 

Looks like it's time for some lunch. I think I'm going to order some Chinese. I know, Chinese in Romania? But hey, we have to see what they are working with. Oddly enough, and my Boston friends will enjoy this, the place is called Beijing. Hopefully they don't serve up the same crispy critters the 728 one does. Haha. 

Hello to the family and friends back in the states and in Europe,  thinking of you guys and I'll be seeing you soon enough. 

Talk to you guys soon. 

T

Took one on the Chin, LESSON'S LEARNED, Head up and on to Medias

I continue to learn everyday from my new experiences here in Cluj. Some are pleasant, and some not so much. Sometimes you get the beast, and sometimes the beast gets you (or something like that). Unfortunately, this weekend at Tg. Mures turned out differently than many of us here in Cluj may have hoped. But in any situation a loss should be viewed as a win, because the lessons learned from any loss become invaluable tools to be used for future obstacles. Me, myself, I learned something very valuable from this game at Mures. ALWAYS STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF, DON'T OVER THINK . Some may say this is two lessons, but I believe they go hand and hand. Tit for Tat.  I don't necessarily mean this statement in a selfish way, but in any situation where your character is tested you have to go back to what you know and who you are naturally. Trusting your instincts in times of pressure is key. Personally, I believe that this applies to all facets of life: Relationships, Sports, Teams, Jobs, anything. You can never be afraid to trust yourself, because one moment of hesitation can break a perfect situation in half. As soon as someone tries to do things in a manner that is designed to please or attempt to act in a way thats not natural, they are only setting themselves up to fail in a big way. I was a little disappointed with my lack of contribution to the game this weekend. No doubt. More disappointed on how this may or may not have affected the team,  but really disappointed that I played the game I love in a way that goes against my natural instincts. Nonetheless, that game is over. No excuses. The great thing is that it wasn't the last game of the year, and  I (and us as a team) have another chance to prove ourselves this weekend.

I was told this weekend, "Never, no matter what, let anyone take the pleasure out of playing the game of basketball. This is the first and only thing. Continue to work and get better, and things fall into place with time."

Again this quote can be applied to anything.

This weekend we have another tough game at home against Gaz Metan Medias. Nothing more really needs to be said.

Sorry I have been tardy on my posts and I will do a better job this week of keeping up on things.

Stocked up and ready for WEEK 3

Servus. Im going to start this post off with some pictures of the purchases I just made at the store tonight. I spent too much time going through carrefour market, searching for the correct milk (ok I got it now... Napolact), not to advertise the fruits of my labor.

And ask  how much this ran me? mmmm let's call it about 50 USD even. Have to love the generous exchange rate!

If you are from Cluj, and follow the team, then you obviously know Kyndall Dykes. Well let me tell you something about Mr. Dykes. He may be the only person I've ever met in my life, that likes gummies more than me. And the thing is, to get past me you have to put in work. Real work. I've had  a few people give me a run for my money, but this guy is ridiculous. He puts these things down. So if you want to know the way to show you are his number one fan, just get the man 10 assorted packages of gummies from Haribo and he will fall in love.

 Practice today consisted mainly of shooting drills and 3 on 3. I was happy with that though, my legs needed another light day. Tomorrow we have a lift in the morning, followed by Mr. Ienac's funeral. We shall see how that goes, but I am banking on everyone being emotionally drained for the night practice tomorrow. Hopefully we can still get some good work out of it.

Looking forward to the game this Saturday. A W this weekend means we will be locked into to second place. Mhmmm good. Thanks again to my supporters on FB and the "U" Cluj guestbook... lets get it done this week.

My one recommendation going away, is for all of you to see The King's Speech if you haven't already. Starts out slow, but finishes strong and is one of the best movies I've seen in a while. I'm also going to work on that highlight from the Rovinari game.

Peace

First game played on an honorable night

Just grabbed a late lunch with Rob at Restaurant Fair Play, and decided to come home and catch you guys up on the weekend. Before I do that though, I would like to apologize to all of my Romanian followers. It was thoughtfully brought my attention last evening that I've failed to realize that maybe, just maybe some of you may not be interested in reading my website links in all English. I have changed my neglectful ways and added a couple of the same Romanian Basketball website links in Romanian. This way, for those of you that don't know the websites off the top of your head, you can bypass the Google Translate mess and go right to the webpage. I'm sorry again, and I hope this helps.

Last night was my first game in Cluj and I must say it was quite the opening night for me. However, this may have been for reasons that may not seem so obvious. Of course it was great to actually be on the court again; great to actually play in a game that mattered. It was refreshing to still see I can compete at a high level, on a team and in a league that are both relevant. The fan's we awesome and my teammates were very supportive during this week leading up to the game, especially the younger guys. Furthermore, it was great that I had a decent performance, the fans enjoyed my talent enough to chant my name a bit at the end (pretty flattering) , and we got the win. What made it even more special was the fact that I was able to be a part of the remembrance of a man that I never had the pleasure of knowing, but that seemed to have touched the lives of so many people here in Cluj. Nicholas Ienac, who was one of the most influential and successful sports managers in Cluj history, died last week after falling into a coma due to some head and heart complications. Again, like I said, I had only shook the hand of Mr. Ienac one time, but the support at the game last night was amazing. Only a truly great individual could move a mass of people in this way. I would like to say Rest In Peace to Mr. Ienac and may you be with us for the rest of the season in spirit. I have posted some pictures below of the game and the memorial banners some of the fans showcased.

Picture Gallery (U vs. Rovinari)

I don't know if Radu (coach's son) has chopped up the game against Rovinari or not, but if he did I will have that up here on my next post.

All in all it was an great weekend, and I look forward to starting my third week here in Cluj.

P.S. The dunk contest last night was weak. I stayed up until 6 a.m. here just to see Blake Griffin win it by jumping over the hood of a car with bent legs. I'm not saying its easy, but C'mon SON! really? Could have been better.

Ready for my first game in Cluj

Just finished tonight's practice, and will spend some of what's left of the night looking over the scouting report and personnel. Cookie Crisp will be the cereal of choice before bed, and if I'm lucky maybe a few episodes of Weeds on vplay.ro.

I am pulling the trigger on the all red all-star Durants. Final Answer, and as a plus, a friend of mine from Cluj told me that "Red" is a significant color for U Cluj fans. In the 1940's all of the fans of U used to wear red hats at the games and were known as sepcile rosii (red hats). So ill be wearing the LUCKY #8 with RED Durants. I MEAAANN. Learning everyday.

Speaking of learning something new, I learned how to say "to go" or "Can I get my food to go?" in Romanian today.

La Pachet- To go

It's an important phrase for me, seeing as there is nothing more gratifying than to eat what I want to eat, while watching what I want to watch, in the comfort of my boxers and UGG Slippers. Yes, I said it, UGG SLIPPERS. Don't knock it until you try them. GuaranSHEED to keep those piggies warm.  I have these myself...

Anyways, I'm off to bed. Have a good night, lets get this W tomorrow.

Haide "U"

Day of Preparation

Today we opened up with a brief shoot around and preparation for Rovinari. We have another practice tonight at 7:30, where I think we will get more into the specifics of the plays and the personnel.

I am excited for my first game, but not nearly as excited as the "U" fans seem to be for me and the team. Like I said in a previous post, Rovinari is coming in determined to get a W because they currently sit in 12th place. They need wins to get into the playoffs, it's that simple. So we need to expect it to be a game for the full 40 minutes. 

I'm looking into buying some new shoes, and I have posted my top options below. Though they are all expensive,  its nothing to spend money on shoes if I feel good playing ;). Check them out, and Comment on which ones you think I should get. Thx.

Kevin Durant 3 All-Star West

Orange County Kobe's

East All-Star Kobe's

Chris Paul's

Ill post after tonight's practice, have a good one.

BOB KIZER

Hey everyone,

I unintentionally left one of my good buddies Bob Kizer out of the shout out list. He is a great man, and has been very supportive of me through this process. I would like to take the time to ask everyone following to please send Bob a message on facebook and friend him if you haven't already. Thank you, that is all.

Love ya Bob. lol

6 Reasons why McDonald's in Romania is just better

This post is dedicated to the McDonald's in the city center of Cluj-Napoca. You guys do it right, enough said. Below are the 7 reasons I have found the McDonald's here to be better than the McDonald's at home.

1.) Actual Good Service


In America, the individuals working at McDonald's usually either hate working there or do a good job acting like it. Sorry if this offends anyone that works at McDonald's in the U.S., but its true. There is usually someone with a horrible attitude on the other end of the mic at the drive through, hating that they are taking your order, and hating even more that they are supposed to get it right. Not only that, but if they do get it wrong, god forbid you say something or bring the food back. These days I just go into the situation expecting to walk away with a breakfast burrito when I order nuggets and if I get anything more I should be overly pleased. Here in Romania, people are generous, ready to help, and get your Big Mac to you with quickness.

2.) The food is ALWAYS Hot and Fresh


Title says it all. If I'm going to eat unhealthy, at least in Romania they make it more edible than a piece of cardboard.

3.) Down Sized Menu


I think this was what the Mcdonald's menu was always intended to look like until Americans found the need to drink a gallon of Hi-C at every meal. They literally have about 15 things you can order and thats counting the Mcflurry and Dollar-Menu selection. Streamlined ordering at its best. Bravo Romania.

4.) Put together like advertised


Their Big Mac's aren't 90% mac sauce, 10% burger, and missing one bun. What you see in the picture is what you get in the package. Just the right amount of everything... makes me actually think I'm eating at a restaurant.

5.) Calories are written on each package


If you order a 6 piece nug you know how many calories you are going to take in. If you want to order a  20 piece nugget, well sorry americans they don't option here. But atleast if you are willing to order 3 6 piece's you can see how fat you are getting while you eat them.

6.) More exotic dessert options


Uff the plain apple pie, they have blueberry pie's with vanilla cream filling. Yeah it's hot too. (lol- McPherson) The blueberry McFlurry takes the cake on any McFlurry flavor anywhere.

Romania just does it better. Oh and don't even get me started on the Pizza Hut over here. They have a never ending pizza and pasta dish that will run you about 6.50 USD. Top that America. And they serve beer. What...

Good workout this morning, practice tonight at 7 and catching up on a lot of Jersey Shore during the day.

Shout out to Don Magic, Coff, Reece, Scoo Magoo, Smo, Petur, McPherson, Los, C Lowe, Valdas, Scottie B, B macon, OP and whoever else I missed.

Peace

Romeo Travis Fight in Israeli Cup 2011

Had to post this before I went to bed...

Romeo Travis really tries to kill him, smh

Preparation for Rovinari

Finished the second practice of the day a little bit ago, and Coach preached mainly composure. Other than the main adjustments for Rovinari's plays, I think composure is the key focus point of our next game. The talent on our team is strong (to very strong-lol don), but well need to play better as a group when things don't go our way to really max out our potential. Rovinari is 12th in the league right now, but they have already beaten us once and seem to be desperate for a win after losing by 2 at home last game.

The team is holding only one practice tomorrow, but I've decided to get some extra shots up in the AM. Figured the extra free throws and conditioning can only help. Can't wait to play this weekend! Ill be looking good in the white uni with the number 8 on the back. They had to tape my name on there because I came to the club with such short notice. You cant really see any difference though, and it makes no difference to me either way. It's about the name on the front as they say. Haide "U".  A reporter told me today that the number 8 has some historical significance in Cluj, and hopes it will be LUCKY NUMBER 8 for me.

we shall see...

See you Saturday at the arena.

Peys

One down, One to go

Today's morning practice was good. Rob Thomson is back in town, and he seems like a good dude and I think I will get along with him really well. Now that he is back, the team is pretty much full and it will be interesting to see how practice progresses the rest of the week. The concepts of offense and defense are coming quicker now; Nonetheless, improving my knowledge on the timing and player iso's of Zokie, Silva, Kyndall, David, Cuic, etc. will benefit the team.

Two side notes to all my american buddies. Firstly, they have this Meat Ball soup over here that is crazy good. Ciorba de perisoare (Chore-ba de Perry-Shhh-war-ay). Check it out if you ever pop into Romania for a weekend getaway ;). I think it is one of Rob Thomson's favorite dishes, but Pop put me onto it actually. Secondly, vplay.ro. It's like the Romanian version of Channel 131, but wayyyy better. If you need to catch up on your TV series, that is the place to do it.

Couple more interviews to finish with the local papers before the next practice. I hope we get to run some full court tonight.

Signing off.

More Songs

A fellow "U" Cluj fan told me to add these to the songs below...

Enjoy!

INNA- Sun is UP
INNA- 10 Minutes

ONE

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!! I just spent half of the morning trying to look for Milk that had a picture of a cow on the front of the container. I don't even want to try the soy or goat milk yet. However,  they do have some variations of nestle cereal here that are pretttty solid though. (everyone that knows me, knows I love that). Their gummie selection is good as well. What else can I say. Two thumbs up to Romania on my top two food choices.

Practice tonight at 7 P.M. with the young fellows, and I have added 3 hot Romanian Club songs for your listening pleasure. (House Music)

Jimmy Dub-Monday
Dj Sava ft. Raluka & Connect r-Love You
Andra- Something New

P.S. Big thanks to the fans that followed us to Oradea Last Night. That was huge. Haide "U"

First Week in Cluj-Napoca

The first week here in Cluj has been great. The food is better than expected, even though I have continued to eat the majority of my meals at Mc D's and Sinaia (team's local spot). Practice has been good, and I was signed this past week to a two month deal which includes bonus money for series' won in the play-offs. Everyone on the team has been very welcoming, and it seems like the experience will be more than anything I could have asked. Though I have not been cleared as of yet, I should be giving people trouble early and often by no later than saturday at home.  Big win tonight against Oradea, lets keep it going.

P.S. Thanks to Don Magic for advising me to start this back up again. This should be hilarious and I hope you guys enjoy. Peace