Thanks, Kenny
Hello everybody!
Just got back from our European trip. Paris is definitely is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and although I didn’t play I enjoyed watching the game there. We got the win and it was definitely a good time.
In London, Jay-Z showed up to our practice and he was at the game as well. That’s was pretty cool.
I played in the second game in Europe. We got the win too. I was out there and I made a couple of mistakes, but when you’re a point guard in this League you must have a short-term memory. My motto is, “never get too high on yourself but never get too low.” It was just one bad day. I just have to be ready to pick it up next game versus Boston.
The HoopsHype guys told me what Ben Couch said about the game at London… That even when things weren’t going well for me, I supported my teammates. That’s me. I’m definitely a team player, the way I play the game it’s never about my success or failure, it is about the team success. If I’m on the court I will do everything I can to help my teammates in situations where they can score easily and to be successful both offensively and defensively.
And if I’m on the bench, I’m going to be out there clapping the hardest and rooting my teammates on. I’ve never been a selfish player.
After the game I was sitting by myself, you know, still thinking about some plays in the game where I could have been better at… Then Kenny Smith and Ahmad Rashad walked by.
Kenny, who was the commentator in college during my first three years, told me: “What was it in college, the one thing you had that nobody else had?” And I was thinking and my first response was, “Was the heart?”
Kenny replied: “You had that… But the one thing you had that nobody else had was whenever you stepped on the court you felt that you were the best player. Your mindset then, right now for [making] the NBA, it works. When you are on the court defending Kobe, or playing at the poing guard, you’ve got to have the mindset that you are the best player. Tonight you have a couple of TO’s, and you could have the jitters, but I know the player you are. You’ve got to have a short-term memory at the point guard. Let it go, just be ready not just to do it in every game but in every pratice as well.”
Kenny finally said: “It was just pretty much your first or second game being a PG in the NBA. Just continue to work.”
You know, I took that to heart. From then on, I’ll continue to keep my head up. I know this is a long process and I definitely be better the next game.
Kenny also told me a story about him and Sam Cassell when they played together with the Houston Rockets.
Sam was a rookie and he was complaining about how Rudy Tomjanovich didn’t like his game and how he would always send him to the bench at the sixth minute mark.
Kenny told Cassell: “Look, when you’re out there and I’m on the bench, and you make a mistake, don’t look over to the bench to see if I’m rooting against you or I want you to mess up. I’m here for the rings. When you’re out there, you know the minutes you’re gonna get every night. So play your game, be successful. That’s gonna help the team. Be aggresive, be loose, be fluid.”
I picked up that advice and I’m gonna make sure to use it every time I’m on the court.
By the way, I saw a lot of improvement on the team during this trip. Coach Frank has the flexibility to play many different rotations. When you have a team full of guys so versatile not only on offense but on defense as well, it gives the coach a freedom most coaches would love to have.
That’s all folks, we must practice and prepare to face the world champions, the Boston Celtics.
Bye!
J Lyles Said,
October 13, 2008 @ 8:09 pm
That was great advice from Kenny Smith, Julius. You will do great next time you get on the court in a game, I know it. Thanks for continuing to reach out to your fans via blog! Can’t wait for you to play next!
J Lyles
Maximust Said,
October 13, 2008 @ 9:28 pm
It’s not Over until you Win!!!
Keep up the good attitude, thanks for sharing this great advice from Kenny and yes own it, Kenny remember where you from..make sure you do to when you step on the court…One!
Ivan
bubs Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 12:57 am
that good advice by kenny the jet smith julius play like the kid that play at st. rays and NC state. No fear. good luck the rest of the season and i know u will do fine.
Barry from Brooklyn Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 1:29 am
Hang tough my brother, you can do this. I’m rooting for you, I want you to be in that lineup when the Nets get to Brooklyn….and they will
Gerard Himself Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 4:50 am
Hey Julius,
I saw the game on TV where you played. It’s like what Kenny said, yeah, you might’ve made some mistakes, but I really can envision you being a PG on this team. Your height and versatility is really your advantage. We all know you have the talent and the right mindset, so I’m rooting foor you man.
Gerard Himself Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 4:51 am
I typed “where”, but meant “when”
so uhm, yeah.
Luke Gibbons Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 5:04 am
Hey Julius, I was there to watch the game in London and didn’t think your game was too bad, you definately deserve a full time contract in the league. Also how much will you be playing the 1 this season.
Good luck dude!
Buck Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
Julius:
You dominated games in college - you just took them over and willed NCSU to win, even when they weren’t the best team on the court.
You were ACC player of the year - no one was better.
Go onto the court with these things in mind.
You won’t fail - can’t wait to watch you on TV
Junior Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 3:48 pm
Julius, you’re no a point gaurd you can do better at the 2 or 3 good luck.
Harlow Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 4:52 pm
Great advice from Kenny.
Keep up the work Julius!
BRockin25 Said,
October 14, 2008 @ 5:59 pm
Kenny Smith comes off like a real good guy from the quotes
Stay positive Julius…size, defense, and mistake-free basketball is what wins championships, and you can bring those assets to any team
Mel Said,
October 15, 2008 @ 4:11 am
Sup man, def saw you too, just keep practicing and live up to your potential, remember, as MJ said, “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something, but I can’t accept not trying.” Try and try til you succeed man, always here to root for you, and I do hope you visit the forums too, peace out.
p Said,
October 15, 2008 @ 5:49 am
hey julius have you been working on your 3’s in australia ur range only went out to about 18 feet.
Drake Said,
October 16, 2008 @ 2:51 am
Maybe Julius can sign with the Knicks!
http://www.probasketballnews.com/amico_101608.html
Paul Said,
October 17, 2008 @ 2:22 am
I still think you’re a SG/SF, not a PG. However, keep up the great work and enjoy the journey.
Luciano Said,
October 17, 2008 @ 5:52 am
Julius, I’m from Italy and I remember I used to watch your college games from there.
You really seemed to have alla the skills to become a great player…so don’t give up… you can handle the ball…you can shot, you can drive…so just get into the court beliving you still are the same player I loved to watch…
Best Luck
Luciano
Rod Said,
October 17, 2008 @ 6:00 am
hey Julius,
I think you really need to play for a Euroleague team.
You will get loads of experience over there and you will develop better as a player, come on you’re not a PG!
Just look at Anthony Parker from Toronto, he used to be “The athletic American” when he first came to Europe and now he is one great shooter in the NBA.
Even Will Bynum and Roger Mason who were’nt “brilliant” in Europe developed as players here in Israel and came back more complete to the NBA.
Just an advice,
Good Luck!
craig Said,
October 17, 2008 @ 6:46 am
Wht up Jules. hang in there dude, things can only get better. but remember one important thing, put God first and all other things will fall into place. I played against and with you in Raleigh at the summer league and also with you at NC State. Currently I do workouts with Duhon, and I’m telling you just like I tell him, put God first and everything else will workout. Be encouraged and I’m praying for you doc!!!!
black lightning Said,
October 18, 2008 @ 6:58 pm
Son you did work in college and now it’s your time. Its no coincidence that you are at this level–no news to you I’m sure–so get out there and play ball!! Good luck my dude. Stay up.
Lisa Dyer Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 6:34 pm
Of course Kenny Smith is a class act; he’s a Tar Heel! Hang in there,
Jules.
J Lyles Said,
October 20, 2008 @ 10:01 pm
Great game tonight, Julius!
J Lyles Said,
October 24, 2008 @ 12:47 pm
Sorry about getting cut, man. Keep your head up, that was not your last chance. Keep working hard and no one can deny you a roster spot.