Pressing Toward the Mark

Hey, how is everybody doing in cyberland?  I know I missed a couple posts to my site, but things have been very busy for me over the past couple of weeks.  But I'm back in full swing mode now. 

I had a great opportunity to do an All Star Job Shadow with 23 kids from Percy L. Julian Elementary school in Phoenix, AZ during All Star Weekend.  It was a blast.  These are the types of opportunities I live for.  As an NBA player I understand that it's a reality that everyone that desires to play in the NBA will not make it.  I quickly learned that as I saw players that were more skilled than I was fall short of making it to the top level of sports for one reason or other.

So I wanted to give 23 youth an opportunity to see the NBA in a way rarely seen by most fans, "Behind the Scenes".  I wanted them to understand that even if they don't make it to the league as a player on the hardwood; there were tons of other ways they could be a part of the NBA, including production, media, marketing, advertising, and management.  These youth were able to meet most of the members of my personal management team (check 'em out at JRich23.com), talk with members of the Suns Organization and received a personal tour of the NBA 'on-site' offices, as I lead them through my "All Star Job Shadow Program". They also hung out with me at the Celebrity All Star Game and Jam Session.(Thanks Erin for the VIP access).  Be on the look out for the reports these students are writing about their experience.  They'll be posted on my website (JRich23.com).

Now it's back to business!  Our team has been showing a small glimmer of the team that I know we are.  We're running again, (which makes me smile from ear to ear) and we're exciting to watch.  The only thing that I wish at this point is that Amare was able to be out there with us.  He has been so integral to our teams' success, but his long-term health comes first.  This means that we simply have to find new ways to win games. Shaq has been amazing!!!  How did you like that 45 on last night?  He's one of the greatest guys I've ever met in the league.

Tommorrow we face off with the Lakers.  They really put it on us on Thursday in LA, so I'm hoping we turn the tables on 'em.  At this point it's all about winning.  We are Pressing toward our mark for this season, the playoffs.  I believe without a doubt that we're in.  All the guys are getting focused on playing our best basketball.  The hot hand gets the ball.  There's no "I" in team.  It all about winning at this point.  We've had an opportunity to see what some of our reserves are able to do.  They've been playing big minutes for us, but that's good because they'll be a major part of our success in the post-season.  LOL  I hope you caught that.  SMILE.

Thanks for hanging in there with me.  I'll be back on my regular blog schedule this coming Monday.  We'll be on the road and I'll definitely need my fans with me.  I just wanted to make sure that I connected with you guys ASAP. C-ya soon!

JRich23

Comments

[GEORGE B]

j-rich ur fans are still here. we love u man and wish u all the best... i know its a tough time for u but hopefully u can pick up your game and substitute for amare's loss. but your right, who ever is hot should get the ball. it don't matter about personal stats no more, all that matters is winning. im hoping you are the man with the ball because when your in that zone you are untouchable. you have a lot of fans down here in the land down under (australia) take care and god bless

[CHOPPUM]

Man your still the hottest. Haha that "this aint no champion music" comment was funny, where'd it go? ANYWAY you just stay focused man. All the way from JAPAN! BE EASY

[Motor City's Finest]

This s**t is Cold! I love your site JayR23. Hey can't wait till you come back to the palace and whoop on the sorry a$$ pistons!

Hey tell your rapper to try and get on board for the concert @ the Cobo Hall this weekend. They should know about him. I like his wordplay

[DMa]

JRich! You are the man! That's dope what your doing for the kids, I appreciate that. It's cool to see that you recognize your privilege and am willing to give back.
Ps. No matter what, you're always a Warrior to me! haha

[UTAH-Cash]

I have some questions..what is your favorite color? And what's the best part off the off season.

[Justin]

Hey JRich, I don't know if you remember me but we met at the Doubletree Inn in LA back in the preseason when the Bobcats were playing a back-to-back set vs. the Lakers. I asked you which team you were going to hit more 3's against during Week 1 of the season - the Heat or Cavs. You told me the Cavs and wouldn't you know it - you were right! My friends were pretty stoked to hear I got "inside information" from one of my very own fantasy players.

Anyway (more dorky fantasy talk), you were our league's Finals MVP last season when you lead my team to the championship and I'm back in the playoffs next week with you on my squad once again.

Good luck, keep up the good work and JACK MORE 3'S!!!

PS: Amare was on my team too, so I feel your pain (obviously to a much lesser extent though).

[order drugs]

JRich is one of the best dunker of all time.. Wish you luck this coming season.. Hope that Amare will back and can help you guys to make it to the playoffs..