J-SMOOTH UPDATES!!

I know it's been a while since any updates were posted. Here's what I've been up to lately. Mostly grinding. :-)

Thanksgiving: Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!  Though it's not celebrated in Iceland, I had to cook a little sumchin myself.  They don't have turkey's here so I had to go with a chicken, and some macaroni & cheese.  Also chatted with the fam on Facetime while watching some Auburn Football. #WarEagle

Basketball: We have games every Friday.  We lost the last game 114 - 124 in double overtime.  I had 42 pts, 10 ast, 5 rebs, and 4 stls.  Of course, in between games I continue to work out to get better.

Music: I'm literally making music everyday!  I've created 9 news songs just this month alone.  Keep an eye out for some new music soon.  Oh, also one of my songs is going to be played on either KissFM or FM957 radio in Iceland.  Ya boy doing bigs things!! Shout out to Marino for helping out.
I've also got a new music video coming in the next week or so, produced by yours truly.

Stay tuned!!

MIXTAPE RELEASE DATE!!!

My "Walk With Me" mixtape hosted by ASAP Money Gang and DJ Plugg is scheduled for release on Wednesday, November 13, 2013! 
Stay tuned for the link to download.

"Big Things Poppin" - T.I.

DISTURBING THE NORMAL ARRANGEMENT

We started the game off sluggish, allowing our opponents to jump out to a 12 point lead in the first quarter. It would have possibly been more had we not picked up our defensive intensity towards the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter I dislocated my ring finger on my left hand on a hustle play. They rushed me out of the gym into the hallway, where one of the coaches popped it back in place and taped it up.  Now it did hurt, and even more so when he popped it back in place, but you know I went back in the game!  I'm a 'thug first'! LOL!  It took a little bit of adjusting to the flow, but once back in hit a few shots.  We went into the half down 8.

 In the third, we came out with the same intensity that we left with at half-time. Within three minutes of action we had taken the lead back. From there, the lead was back and forth through the end of the game. With one minute left in the game I was able to get a couple of quick back to back baskets but we were still trailing. With 11 secs remaining and down by 2, there was a huge hustle play where a few players from each team were scrambling on the floor after the ball.  One of my teammates ended up with the ball and through it out to me.  I made it past two defenders and got a clean look but missed the floater to tie the game.  We lost 73-71. I ended with 31 points and 4 assist.

LET'S WORK!!

Now that we are in the season, we have two games a week.  I spend my week having two practices a day; one with the team and one on my own or with a teammate.  In my downtime, I like to try out new food around town, shop at the American grocery store (oh boy!!), or laying down tracks.

Friday was game day and we had to approach the game with the same mindset as we had in the first two games.  Compete first and foremost.  Leave it all out on the floor.  And it was evident that the other team had the same mentality.  It was a very competitive game, with a close score for the duration if the first quarter. In the second we put the petal to the metal a little more to cushion the lead, though never letting our guard down as to get comfortable.

In the third quarter we took complete control of the game and from there on rode that wave to a victory of 110-90. I finished with 43 points 9 assist and 5 rebounds.

Tomorrow I will be right back in the gym, because as writer Paul Arden says, "It's not how good you are, it's how good you want to be."

SEE ME? SEE CP3? WE SEE 40!

Today was definitely a point guard type of day in the world of basketball.  Chris Paul and I both hit 40 in our games yesterday!

Our opponent's in yesterday's game weren't that good, but we made sure to approach the game as if we were playing the division champions. 
Besides, if you show up slipping a team like this can end up sucking you into their game and beating you.

Like I said, we came out "bussin"! The score was 25-12 at the end of the first quarter and the second quarter was no different.  We took a 50-24 lead into the locker room at the half.

We busted it wide open in the second half, ending the game with a 99-60 victory. I ended the game with 40 points, 11 ast, 6 rebounds, and 5 steals.

2-0 sounds like a good start to me

HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY TO MY ACE BOON COON!!!!!

Wow!  I still remember you at 9 years old sitting next to me on the Gainesville High School floor while I signed my college scholarship to play basketball at Georgia State.  Now, look at you, a quarter of a century!! A profesional basketball player yourself!!

I am SO proud of you for sticking it out and chasing your dreams.  I wish you the best 25th birthday ever!!

Love you!!  Your big sister, Marica :)

To send your own birthday wishes, email Jamarco at maddoxcreative@gmail.com. We will post the best ones on the site.

FIRST PROFESSIONAL GAME!

Mama, "I Made It!"

Yesterday was my first professional game of my career. That's right, no exhibitions, no tour games, this was the 'Real Deal HolyField'!

I still can't think but how blessed I am to be here, especially given the past week's events. And yeah, I had a chip on my shoulder, and a message to send to all those who doubted me. I'm here suckas!!!

From the start of the game we came out with a lot of energy, taking the lead and never giving way. Our opponents were fired up too, so the game wasn't a walk in the park. The first half was a back and forth battle; one minute we would be up by 8 or 9 and the next they would cut our lead to 2 or 3. Only up by 3 at the half, we made certain to come back out with the same intensity and energy that we started with. In the fourth we went on a run that increased the lead to 19 and we never looked back. The final score was 99-86.

The biggest adjustment to my new team and the coaches game strategy was that most of the plays are run through me, whether it be a pick and roll, give and go, etc. And let's just say ya boy was on point and more than ready to lead the way.

"TODAY WAS A GOOD DAY!" - Dr. Dre

I ended the game with 46 points, 6 assist, and 6 rebounds. A great early b-day present!!

LESSONS IN FAITH

After support from my family, coach, agent, and friends along with listening to some "My Life is In Your Hands" by Kirk Franklin, I stayed patient and prayed up that good things were still in store for me.

Two days after being cut, I was standing in my kitchen getting ready to fry some chicken...You know your boy does his thizzle!...anyway, I was standing there opening the pack of chicken when my phone rang. 

It was my agent telling me another team in Iceland was interested and would be at my apartment in an hour to pick me up. 

The plan for them to have me participate in some free play to see if they thought I was a good fit.  The way I put in work must have "made them feel some type of way", cause they signed ya boy to a contract!!

What a worldwind of events over the past few days, but I can truly say that I know God has his hands on this entire situation.  I'm now a part of the Akranes (IA) pro basketball team in Iceland.  Just an hour down the road from where I was before.

God is good!  

LESSON IN BUSINESS

I was called into the coaches office on Oct. 5th.  Unexpectedly, I was cut from the team.  The coach stressed that "it's not a question of talent or anything that I did specifically, but that the team wasn't coming together like he thought."

Basically, the reason being due to loses and not my performance.


This reasoning confused me and seemed as if I never had control over my own situation.  My agent described it as if you win the Icelanders did their job, but if you lose then the American didn't do his.
 
So, in an attempt to show management that adjustments were being made to address the issue and given that I'm the only player they can change, they decided to let me go and bring in a 2 guard who can also play the 3 and 1.  I don't feel this move addressed our real issue of defense, but it's all good.  I definitely believe in my heart that I did my best and was not the problem.  It's just a part of the business side of professional basketball.
 
All I can do now is understand that things are actually not in my control.  God is in control and all I can do is understand this lesson in business and await the next steps on my journey.
 
After all, under God's control, when one door closes another one opens.

PUMPS IN A BUMP!

Bus rides from games are always so interesting.  Really dark nights, no street lights, quiet from everyone listening to their own music through headphones, and VERY BUMPY! 

On the latest road trip back home from a road game we hit a bump that must have thrown everyone on the bus in the air for like 4 secs.  It was like we were all MJ up in that piece! 

Just like this video here: http://youtu.be/I3moJyr3QfM 

FACT: A large portion of Iceland's road system is made up of gravel roads, even some the main highways, and more so as you get further away from the Reykjavik and larger towns. The main highway around Iceland, Route 1, circles Iceland in 1428 kilometers of which 272km is dirt road. Most of the population lives in or around Reykjavik so the further you get from the capital the less traffic. On gravel roads you may encounter stretches with potholes or “washboards” and occasionally some sand.

OFFENSE UP, DEFENSE DOWN

Today's game was crazier than some sprayed roaches!  Offensive plays weren't run right, nor were we in our spots on defense.  Yeah, defense was definitely a problem as it has been all preseason.  Despite the many scrambles not ending in our favor, we somehow wheeled our way to a win.

We came out strong for a change and led by double digits at the end of the first quarter, but they went on a tremendous run in the second quarter and taking a small lead into halftime.

I ended the half with 13 and a couple of assists. Approaching the third with a little more focus allowed us to hang in the back in forth, eventually taking the lead and holding them off for the win.  The final score was 97-85.  I ended the game with 21 points and 7 assists.

MAMA SAID...

Today we played 'KR' the same team that beat us by 2 at home. It is clear now that they are the better "team". We ended the first quarter up by one and from there they took control. At halftime we trailed by 11. We came out in the third with a little more intensity sparking a run that lead to cutting their lead to 6. After spending so much energy to get back into the game, we gave out of gas and they pulled away for a 91-78 victory. I ended the game with 17 pts 4 assist and 3 rebounds. Not a great shooting night to say the least.

"ANYONE CAN WIN..."

On Friday we played the same team that we beat by 50 points earlier in the preseason. Given the beatdown that was handed to them in the last game and the fact that they had a new starting five, we expected a better game this time around.  They came out fired up, sticking with us for most of the first half.  At one point we were able to gain a 14 point lead, but ended the half only up by 5.  Their American player scored 27 points and I ended the half with 13 points.

Coach gave us the wake up call pep talk that we needed at half-time and we came out and took control of the game in the second half.  We accomplished this by speeeding up the pace and getting in to our running game instead of playing half court ball.  We ran them out of the gym with this strategy. The final score was 102-64.  Their American ended with 34 and I ended with 22.

A pretty easy win for us if I must say, but still room to get better. We realized an old rule of thumb in sports, which is that "anyone can win on any given night".  You have to come ready to play every game! 

FAME

So, in my first week here I realized there weren't many black people here much less one's with dreads. LOL! 

People would stare as they drove by, almost running into other cars.  Those walking on the streets would stare as they crossed over to the other side of the street and not speak.  Well, I guess as your status in the world goes along so does fame.

Today while walking to practice I noticed this same old man that I saw a few weeks back walking on the opposite side of the street. When he noticed me, he crossed over to MY side of the street and walked up to me. He said, "Hey! Keep doing what you are doing out there on that court!" And so it begins...FAME!

 

PUT ME IN COACH!

We came out really slow tonight and were in for a rude awakening. The team we were up against were armed and ready for war. Us on the other hand? Not so much. They took control of the game from the beginning and it remained that way the entire first half. Nothing was going our way. We ended the first half down 18 and I only had 5 points at halftime.

At this point I went up to coach and asked, "What am I doing wrong? What do you need from me?"  His response: "You're not playing with intensity.  Slacking on defense and dribbling to much on offense."  I told him I was following the game plan as instructed before the game, but would address his concerns once I got back in the game.

I didn't start the second half due to my performance, but once coach put me in with 7 minutes left in the third quarter I didn't come off until the end. I looked and felt like a completely different player, constantly in attack mode and freeing up my teammates like I do best. By the 5 minute mark of the fourth we had wiggled ourselves back into the game and were only down by 8. I hit a 3 pointer falling out of bounds in the left corner with one second on the shot clock to cut deeper into the lead. They answered back with a couple of buckets; however, we were finally able to make it a two possession game cutting the lead to 5.  From there we played the fouling game. The game came within 2, but with only 3 secs left we missed the shot to send the game into overtime or win it.

I ended the game with 26 points 7 assist, 9 rebounds., and 2 steals.  Coach told me after the game that he respected me coming to him at the halftime. 

SLUGGISH PLAY

 

Tonight was our first bad game. We started of sluggish and could never overcome to keep up with our opponents intensity. A combination of unforced turnovers along with terrible shooting allowed them to keep a slight lead in the third.  We were down by 8 at the end of the quarter.  The game came as close as two, but they continued to hit their shots extending their lead back to ten. I ended the game with 21 points in our first loss (81-88) of the preseason.

DENMARK - GAME 1

I came out on fire tonight. Hit my first three 3 point shots right out the gate.

The other team came hung in with us by scoring a few baskets of their own, which resulted in a back and forth battle for the entire first quarter.  I hit three more buckets to close out the quarter, one of which was a buzzar beater.  16 in the first quarter...like I said, I came out on fire!

In the second quarter I wanted to focus more on getting my teammates more involved.  I felt like I was Jason Kidd out there. We weren't able to capitalize on a few shots, which let our opponents back into the game, ending the half only up 58-50.

In the third, the other team went on a big run but we were able to withstand the impact and take a 10 point lead into the 4th quarter.  From that point we continued to play smart and hold onto the lead. In desparation attempts they hit some crucial 3's, but I was able to answer with a few of my own.  We won 110-101. I ended the game with 32 points, 5 assists, and 2 steals.

ROUND 2

Same team, similar results!  I'm on my MJ flow!

20 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 steals.  We won 97-72.

Next...

GAME ON

I now have my first pro game under my belt!

The game started out really slow in the first quarter, but fortunately our opponents didn't take advantage. We ended the first quarter only down by 5 pts. In the second quarter we played more uptempo on offense, although we continued to struggle on defense.  Our opponents capitalized by taking an 11 point lead into halftime.   I had 11 points and 2 assists at the half, but knew we needed more to get us back into the game. 

I decided to lead by example in the second half and we started to look like a different team.

After a couple of back to back stops we were able to cut the lead to 5 by end of the third.  At five minutes left in the fourth quarter we finally took the lead before trading baskets up until a minute left in the game.  I took over and hit a stepback jumper for the final tie of the game. - Did I mention the guy almost fell on the step back! - GAME ON!

 With 20 secs left and down by one, I drove to the basket and got fouled as I made the lay up.  I missed the free throw but we got the rebound. I was fouled as I received the pass. I hit the second to put us up by two. They came right back at us with a quick inbounds pass down court, for a drive to the basket and to get fouled. They made both free-throws sending us into overtime.

We finally took control the game in overtime, winning 103-95. I ended the game with 27 and a hand full of assist. 

PRACTICE

Today wraps up my first week of practice as a professional athlete. I've got to say that I am very pleased with the way I have been playing. It looks as if I haven't lost a step. In fact I may have gained a few. The thought of me playing in an actual game bring tears to my eyes. I know that it is only preseason, but I have been waiting on this moment for what seems like forever and a day. I will probably cry before the game, but i think that is applicable to the situation. It has been a long time coming and the time is finally here.

CHASING MY DREAM

"In two days I leave to begin a journey I been working towards since the day before forever.  Getting over the hump that at times seemed to tall to conquer, but I refused to give up. Many told me I was wasting time, I should've got a job with my degree, and that I was choosing to struggle. Those were nothing but words of encouragement. Two years without a deal, working at lil Caesars and still finding time to focus on my game. I saw what the bottom felt like and now I'm ready to head in the other direction. For those who stuck behind me and always believed I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. For those who doubted and thought the kid was out... Well lets just say the time is now."

I've chased this dream and will never give up. The struggle is nothing. I will persevere through it all. This is only the beginning!  Momma, I made it!