So it's been a few weeks since I have last posted a blog. I spent two weeks in Dublin, Ireland with my second family the Westbrooks. Let's just say that I haven't a time like that in a while. I originally had the intention of going over and just kickin it with my Westbrooks boys, but the trip turned into much more than that. Unexpectedly, I was offered tickets to the U2 concert at Croke Park in Dublin. I mean I;m not really a big U2 fan, since I maybe know 2 of their songs, but I decided to go for the experience. Michael and I met up with some of his friends about and hour or so before heading to the pitch at a local pub where we put down a good 5 or 6 pints of Guiness (my new favorite beer). Then on the walk over we decided to grab one more for the road, since you can drink in public in Europe (hint hint USA). Michael also bought a bottle of Captain for us to sneak in, but of course in his state of mind did not hide the bottle well enough haha. So the bottle never made it in, but that's ok because Mike's friend managed to get his flask past security. Then inside we got 2 more beers at the vendors, so about 8 or 9 pints in, we were good for the remainder of the concert. We made it to the pitch surrounded by thousands of people having fun already, even without the famous group on stage yet. Luckily for us, one of Mike's friends came up with the genius plan to created our own stamps for to enter the pit. The pit was an sectioned off area in the front as close to the stage as you could get, where fans had to pay extra and pretty much cue all day to get their spots up front. Anyway, a friend of Michael's friend sent us a picture message with the simple stamp design, which we proceeded to forge onto each and every one of our wrists with a blue sharpie. Then we walked confidently up to the security outside the pit, flashed our amateur (but Pro in our minds) stamps and got in no problem. Minutes later, U2 came out on stage to an 80,000 large audience and rocked the city for 2 hours. I did not know one lyric, but still had the time of my life. Thanks to Mike and his friends for a great experience. Then we ended the night off in the pub where we had a couple more pints before returning home. After I hopped out the cab and onto the porch of the Westbrooks residence, I struggle for about 5 minutes to find the key and open the door. Finally I made it inside and upstairs, only to be bombarded with Westbrooks and questions of how my night was. I was giddy and chatty, until Mr. Westbrooks came in to join the conference. That is when I tried to put on my sober act to answer his questions, but immediately started slurring my speech and forgetting what I was trying to say haha. Big J did not care at all, I was a little nervice, but they all just had a good laugh at me. Part one of my Irish journey: SUCCESS.
The next morning (more like 4 hours later for me),me, Mike, Aaron, and Issac had a 3 hour drive down to Cork for the National team tryouts. I wasn't in the mood for a 3 hour practice, but after being asked twice by the coach to put on my sneaks I agreed and laced up. I am glad I made the decision to play, because I sweat out the night before, and I proved to myself that I could hang with Pro's in Europe. I played pretty well and hopefully opened up some eyes while I was there. Mike, Aaron, and Isaac all made the team last I heard, so I am excited for them, and know they will not let their country down when they hit the court for Green, White, and Orange.
I also worked two camps over there, just to make a couple extra bucks, Euro to be exact. The first week was great, since it was run by Michael and siblings. It was real easy, but the kids were little 'messers'. The kids in my group were about 12-13 years old and were just all over the place all week. They were crazy, swearing up a storm like I've never heard. I can't recall the last time I heard kids this young telling each other to 'piss off' and 'go to hell' every two seconds. Either way, the week went by quickly and I had a great time. The second week I worked a camp for the Westbrooks' family friend. This camp was just as easy and I had a lot of fun working it. These kids were a little older, going all the way up to 17, and were much more relaxed/happy to coached. Half the group thought I was in the NBA, while the other half said I was a Chris Brown look-a-like. I'll take both compliments, but unfortunately I won't see that league except for in my dreams, and I will never do what Chris did. I also met a great coach/ ex player, Gerald "G" Kennedy. We co-coached the Sr. kids for the week and had a great time telling stories, and talking about our futures. He was nice back in the day and probably would have been an NBA household name if it wasn't for his 8 knee surgeries. Anyway, hopefully he will be able to help me out in the future with my Professional career overseas.
I also played in the North Side Summer League at St. Fintans, the old stomping grounds of all the Westbrooks boys, which was a lot of fun. We ended up losing in the semi's to Malahide, which was a huge upset since we were undefeated up until that point. That was very disappointing for all of us, because not only were we favored to win the league, but the winners of the league received about 200 Euro each as the prize. O well, maybe next year for the Baldoyle fellas. O ya and I can't forget to mention that Big J was still doing his thing out on the court, beastin down low in the post. Killester ended up winning the league, which led to the most epic night I have experienced in a while, maybe even ever. We started the night off at the Beachcomber (spellcheck?), with the whole league as a closing ceremony for the summer league. Mike did a great job running the league this summer, so much respect to him. After we all got about 4 or 5 pints into our systems, we all headed into the city of Dublin to a club called Dicees (spellcheck #2?). WOW....That's how that night can be summed up. Once the Westbrooks boys (and I include myself in that category)hit the dance floor, it was a wrap for that point on. Next thing you know, everybody up in the club was out on the dance floor struttin their stuff. I don't think we left the floor until the closing call around 3:30am. I'll never forget that night. However, next morning I woke up to Aaron yelling, "Choice what time is it?" It was 10:45, yup 45 minutes after I was supposed to be at my last day of camp. I made it 2 hours later, but thank God the other coaches understood and appreciated the night that took place beforehand.
The reast of my trip was pretty relaxing and great fun still. I got to chill with my boy Gavo, who I dominated in Pro Ev all 2 weeks haha. I even took down the champ, Eric in a match 4-2, which was the highlight of my Pro Ev experience. I was treated as a part of the family the whole time, even to the point where I had to do the dishes haha. Leah took me into the city, which was a lot of fun. I found some great presents for my family and my girl. I even went to church twice, which was the first time for me in about 5 years. Emily cooked some of the best meals I have ever had, as well as Mrs. Westbrooks. And on my last night, Gavo introduced me to White Russians, one of the tastiest drinks I've ever had. Downed 3 in about 20 minutes haha. All in all, I had the time of my life over in Ireland. I can't wait to go back. Thank you to the whole Westbrooks family, my boy Gavo, Gerald, and all the other great people I met or hung out with, that made my stay so special. I'll never forget those two weeks, and can't wait to do it again!
