The good life
Hi everybody!
Things started really good this season!
I had a career-high 26 points in the Euroleague as my team FC Barcelona won in Istanbul against Fenerbahce Ulker. My last scoring record was in a game played in Istanbul too! Hey, maybe they get smart and sign me or something… Just joking. I like Istanbul, but right now nothing can beat my current status: playing basketball in a powerhouse and living in a city like Barcelona.
I feel good when I’m in Istanbul. I got friends there and I’m always looking to go over there. Every year I’ve been in the Euroleague I’ve played against this team. It’s a challenge to play against all these guys that are fresh off the NBA. Players like former Jazz Gordan Giricek - good player, good contract - and Tarence Kinsey, who played with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. Two guys that play the three spot and competed against me. I’m a competitor so I was looking to take that challenge.
Real Prigioni
In the Spanish League front, we’ve started well although Real Madrid - coached by Ettore Messina - leads the standings. With the great coach they have and with Pablo Prigioni playing the point guard, they are gonna win a lot of games. And I don’t even mention other players like Jorge Garbajosa, Louis Bullock, Sergi Vidal, Darjus Lavrinovic… Pablo doesn’t have to shoot the ball to have a good valuation. To me, they have a world superstar in Prigioni. He’s done it in Europe, he’s done it with his National Team, leading Argentina to great success. They were my teammates in Vitoria last year and I’m happy that they are in Madrid.
Those two guys, with me and Will McDonald… Amazing. Four of the five starters, we all left the team who set the best record in the history of the ACB in the regular season. Money had nothing to do with it, that’s my personal opinion. I never had a negotiation with the club but now I’m 100 percent sure that I made the right decision to sign with Barcelona.
You can compare Pablo to a guy like Jason Kidd. He’s not as tall as Kidd, but both of them play for the assist, and Pablo has a better outside shot. Both are tough in defense, very tricky with the ball (behind-the-back passes and behind-the-head passes!) and they are great in screen-and-roll. When he played with Tiago Splitter, it was a like Euroleague version of Stockton and Malone. Tiago is a great player and the whole world needs to see him in the NBA. I hope in two years he go to the NBA and maybe he will replace Tim Duncan in a few years when he’s done playing.
Last weekend we played a tough game in Madrid against Estudiantes. I’ve been on small teams so I understand what it feels like to play against the team that won the championship the year before. I understand that kind of motivation. We suffered a couple of injuries - Juan Carlos Navarro got hurt - but we knew it was going to be a tough game with or without injuries. We did our job and got away with a W.
I learned a lot about Juan Carlos this season, about the way he plays. Navarro is very smart. He doesn’t rush anything. He scores his points in the flow of the offense, that’s why I have so much respect about him. Some players, they just go one-on -ive to score, but he is a complete player and in defense he’s been good. It’s great he’s with us instead of playing in the NBA.
One teammate that that will play there one day is Ricky Rubio.
I had never traveled with a rock star until now. To me, Ricky’s nickname is Rock Star. When I got drafted to New York, I played with Latrell Sprewell and I thought that was something. Everybody wanted a piece of Spree, everybody wanted an autograph, but there’s no comparison on the attention Ricky commands. It doesn’t matter where we’re at. Anywhere in Spain, in Europe… We can be in Turkey, everywhere. That’s why I call him the Rock Star, because I actually see people crying over him. I’ve never seen it! Girls crying! People want pictures, they come to the hotel to find him… It’s unbelievable. And he’s such a good kid though. He handles all these situations so well. His parents did a great job raising him because he’s such a humble and nice kid. He’s special.
Celts all the way
The Boston Celtics are going to win the NBA. Period. They play consistent defense. But they have to find that player who comes in and changes the game like James Posey did. Maybe they have it in Marquis Daniels, I don’t know. When they won the championship, Posey had to guard Kobe and he made open three-pointers too. He’s an intangible guy, like Sergi Vidal when I played in Vitoria. Posey did the same when he won the title with the Miami Heat. Playing D, rebounding, making open threes and guarding the best player. Guarding Kobe Bryant is difficult enough in one game. Being able to do that throughout the Finals was unbelievable. When he won the title against the Mavs, he guarded guys like Dirk Nowitzki. You know, Posey is 6-foot-7! He did the dirty job. Once some guy gets that role on a winning team, they are gonna be unstoppable. I know Posey personally. He’s a great guy and he deserved the contract he got with the Hornets.
It’s hard accepting your role sometimes. Take our team, Barcelona. We have so many guys who can score. Our coach Xavi Pascual has done a great job of keeping everybody unselfish. He creates a great environment for us to practice and play. This year I feel great everyday about going to practice. Last year was totally opposite: I didn’t.
Done for today. Talk to you soon!
Vitoria BBall Said,
November 2, 2009 @ 5:52 pm
Ivanovic was really torturing you guys in practice. Old fashion, ex-Yugo style…I feel bad for Carl English and Brad Oleson, they’ve regretted their move already… :)))
Redhopeful Said,
November 2, 2009 @ 6:33 pm
Good to hear things are going well for you Pete! As a faithful Bearcat Alum for almost 20 years, you were 1 of my favorites - really is a shame you guys were robbed with Martin’s horrific injury.
Do you think there’s a chance you’ll end up in the NBA again?
Greg Said,
November 2, 2009 @ 6:59 pm
Hey Pete,
Sounds like things are going really well for you and I couldn’t be happier.
I’m a Bearcat as well (Class of 04) and I was wondering if, in your next blog, you could direct us to a website where we can check out your games?
And I’m not just asking for myself, but about 10 other Bearcat faithful who would be amped to see you play again.
Tim Said,
November 2, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
Hey Pete
Glad for you. Keep dooin ‘em. from T Shea.. drop a line to us when u have the time. bballbrain@hotmail.com
JWight Said,
November 2, 2009 @ 9:24 pm
I love the way you explain the different playing environments and mention the cities and players.
Doesn’t the NBA need to make some contract exceptions for guys like Splitter who are established stars but then can only sign rookie contracts in the NBA? The Spurs could use him now.
Alex Said,
November 2, 2009 @ 11:21 pm
Pete, great story!
Thank you for the shearing info about the best players in ASB. As far as i know, Splitter’s agent looking for something about 8 mil for him, that is why he is not yet it NBA.
Thank you again
Jaume from Barcelona Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 4:08 am
We are really enjonig with your game hre in Barcelona pete. I’m glad you are happy here. I think this year we can repeat the acb championship, la copa and try to win the Euroleague. We have a great team.
If someone want see some videos of FC Barcelona (Mickael’s team) and others from league our league just go to acbtv.acb.com
There is Highlights of every macht and the top 10 plays. If you se in the top there are a squares whith logo teams. The fc Barcelona logo is the 5th from right to left.
Enjoy
ACB y a great league.
RJeter Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 4:50 am
Aye Pete,
I’m glad you’re letting the world know that the Euroleague is not a easy league and cakewalk. There are many players including yourself that are good enough to play in the NBA and contribute in a major way. Unfortunately this game is more political than any other sport on the planet.
Antón Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 6:34 am
Great Job Pete!
Steve Walters Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 7:37 am
Great blog Pete!
I recently lost my job (yep the economy sucks right now!) and I’ve been considering using basketball to pay the bills. I played ball at college and still play in a local league, so I’ve got ability and I’m not too old (29) to get a career going.
I know I’m not good enough play in the NBA or even the NBDL but I figured maybe there were some opportunties in Europe. I kinda like the idea of playing in Barcelona or Rome too!
How do I get in contact with European teams, do they have an e-mail address? Will they come over to visit me in the States, if I let them know I’m interested?
Thanks
Steve
Gerard Himself Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 10:11 am
Really enjoyed this article Pete. I’ve been in Barcelona once, and it seems like such a nice place to live. I’m from The Netherlands, so believe me when I say we need some of that Barcelona sun over here! Keep ‘em coming Pete, love to read more blogs.
Keith Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 10:13 am
Steve Walters — Barcelona, Roma, etc. would squash NBADL teams. For real. You might be able to play in the Yukutan though!
Good luck, not trying to poke fun at ya, but these top European teams are nothing to sneeze at!
Porky Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 10:21 am
Mr. Mickeal-
Thank you for your well thought conclusion that the Celtics will win the title. You hit the nail on the head as the Celtics will be unstoppable given their DEFENSE, which wins titles. Thank you!
Rasheed Wallace Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 11:49 am
Ivanovic torturing players in practice is a myth, an urban legend. He does not eat children. Do you think that there will be significant differences among coaches with so high level of exigency? Do you think Messina is run&fun?
Pete, great job here in Vitoria. Looking at the rosters of Barcelona and Real Madrid, it seems that there is no chance for other teams, but Baskonia is quite good at exceeding expectations, isn’t it?
Yankeevicar Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 11:55 am
I have grown up in Washington DC and have had a life long love affair with the NBA. You are wrong about the Celtics. Put your money on the longshot Wizards and remember me when you are rolling in the rewards.
That being said, I attended a FCB game on October 24th to see quality basketball live for the first time since leaving the States for the UK and could not believe the quality of play and the atmosphere in the gym. It was as good and better than any game I have been to see. You guys played amazing team ball with brilliant passing and shooting. Guys were waving giant flags just above my head and beating drums. It was crazy. I loved it. I would root for FCB over any team but the Wiz.
Jose Said,
November 4, 2009 @ 6:13 am
Go Pete Go!!
Very nice blog
gammov Said,
November 4, 2009 @ 7:06 am
I agree when you say you never had a negotiation with the club (baskonia), you were too busy having those negotiations with barcelona while the matches from the finals were happening.
Thanks for your job here (some childleaders still missing you), and good luck at Barcelona.
BR
Mikeltxo Said,
November 4, 2009 @ 7:44 am
A question Pete for you, a man who likes to say the truth.
Is true that you were bargaining your contract with Barcelona team while you was playing the final with your former team TAU?
Is not this very grave? And what about the polite of speaking bad over a team which help you in your career in order to get a very good contract?
Thanks.
dusko Said,
November 4, 2009 @ 9:51 am
hey pete,
If you are 100 percent sure that you made the right decision to sign with barcelona, I’m sure we will be better without you. Probably we won’t set the best record in the history of the ACB but sure we will be proud of our team and our players.
Are you also 100 percent sure that you were honest signing with barcelona while we were playing the finals against them? Think about that, please…
Good luck in your future…
Baskonia Said,
November 4, 2009 @ 11:42 am
Hi Pete, i Was your fan 10 minutes ago.When you played for Baskonia I bought your t-shirt, i went to all matches to cheer up you and the team. I was proud of you. But man, now that you have quitted us that way, signing and negociating your contract while you were playing the final vs Barça and all that shit…
i will omit some bad words, but you just spent last year in Tau complaining of your trainer and your knee etc etc..Here fans we dont care about records we care about loyality, playing your best everyday..not just doing good in some matches..and that is what you did last year. Thanks for everything and good luck in barça but be sure i wont keep your T-shirt anymore.
inthedistance Said,
November 4, 2009 @ 5:16 pm
Hi there:
This reply is referred to what Steve Walters wrote on the 3rd Nov.
I hope you are kidding with your comment about playing in Barcelona or Rome. Please tell me it was a joke using ironic style or I would think that ignorance has not limits or that you live beyond the limits of it. Please take your time to find more about FC Barcelona baskeball team or ask your friend Pete how easy is to get there!
Lolo#12 Said,
November 4, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
Hey Pete!
I didn’t know you were a blogger there in hoppshype!
I’m from Seville -a place you should know very well- and you’re one of my favs ACB players, for sure, since you were in Breogán. You’re kinda MVP here in Spain.
Well, its nice to read you and the way you describe the ACB, the Regal Barcelona and Euroleague and also I’m a bit amazed yo know that you follow the NBA in a very close way.
Last year I though we had (in ACB) a couple of Small Fowards, Centers and Guards that could play in the NBA and you already mention some of them (Juan Carlos Navarro, Ricky Rubio, “Garbo”, Prigioni, Splitter…) well… you forgot yourself!
PS: I have to say I don’t want the title for Boston… even LA… Lets go Rockets!! (btw, you think T-Mac will comeback in good shape and be the player -or almost- he was?)
NICE TO READ YOU, really !!!
Steve Walters Said,
November 5, 2009 @ 10:19 am
Inthedistance,
I’m sorry you seem to have taken exception to my previous comment.
What I failed to mention was that I’m 6′9 and used to play the 5 at college. Now, obviously I know there are a few 7-footers in Europe, but I’d imagine there would still be teams who would covet someone of my height, maybe just as a back-up center.
Also, the fact that I have played at a US college makes me a pretty attractive prospect.
As for Barcelona and Rome, well they were just my preference.
I believe in you Said,
November 12, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
Hi ‘33′,
as I told you today, congratulatios for your great blog. It’s always interesting to know the opinion and the point of view of a player like you. I wish you a great season, you will do a fantastic year, I’m sure of it. It’s no an excuse, but I didn’t have money to ink you in Supermanager before this match, but now I have money and you in the team, and, you know, I believe in you! Dont’ be late writing your next article!
Good luck saturday against Tau!
Lolo#12 Said,
November 13, 2009 @ 11:46 am
“Steve Walters Said,
November 3, 2009 @ 7:37 am
(…)
I know I’m not good enough play in the NBA or even the NBDL but I figured maybe there were some opportunties in Europe.(…)”
Steve Walters, seems you dont know what Europe basketball is.
Some -even lot- of European players dont make the NBA just cause they don’t want (even undersized centers -Felipe Reyes is a good example 6′9 and member of the Spanish National Team-).
If you think you’re not good enough for the NBDL I guarantee that you’re not good enough to play here in Europe, at least in the 1st division (I don’t have to mention you wouldn’t be good enough 4 Euroleague).
For sure weak for Spanish, Italian, Greek or Russian league, maybe you can try another not-bad payed league (French, German or British) or try a 2nd division. Here in Spain we’ve something called LEB Oro.
I played with and against players who played in that level so you could earn some money (forget millions or hundred-thousand dollars) playing there.
I’m very honest.
mp1204 Said,
November 15, 2009 @ 4:38 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLTgw5hbges
Gasteiz Said,
November 16, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
Oh Pete, Pete… it’s sad to read some of your last words about Baskonia.
I thought you knew that people loved your game in Vitoria, you gave us great nights playing basketball here. As you should know, we appreciate very much the good basketbal. So when a good player like you leaves our team, it’s really easy for him to keep a good memory on Baskonia’s people and history.
You only had to be a little bit respectful with your ex-team, that was all… it wasn’t so difficult…
You are doing a great job, in a great team like Barcelona. In my opinion you didn’t need to wash dirty linen about your ex-team in public. My english is not very good (and I’m sorry for that), but I’m sure you’ve understood what I mean. Most of the people who loves a team like Baskonia does’t have nothing to do with the matters you have suggested, but lots of them have readen your words about that. And it’s sad to read words like those.
When you left Vitoria you didn’t say goodbye in Fernando Buesa like Igor, you didn’t write a letter like Sergi, or you didn’t say beautiful words like Pablo in media… but in spite of that, here most of the people had a good memory of you, we liked you. You gave a lot of good things to Baskonia, and we appreciate that. But Baskonia also gave you the chance to show your game. You should’t forget that. Players like Luis Scola or Andres Nocioni understood very well what I’m talking about. That’s one of the reasons why people doesn’t forget them here in Vitoria.
Anybody is essential in Baskonia, although lots of good players have gone from here to best teams… but we still remember most of them with affection. Maybe because any of those ex-players we appreciate have said bad words of our team in public.
There are diferent ways of leaving a team, or speaking about a team when you have left it, and I fear that you haven’t chosen the best, Pete.
In my case, I’m not going to boo in your “introduction” when you come back to Vitoria, but I’m sure you have lost lots of applauses with those statements. Your friend McDonald knows that we usually receive our ex-players with applauses when they come back to Vitoria, it’s a kind of appreciation about the job they did here. It’s a pity to bungle that.
That was all. By the way, congratulations for the victory versus Baskonia the last saturday. Our Baskonia it’s allready “under construction” and Barça has a great team, so you won in a fair way. I hope the next time it won’t be so easy for Barcelona. In fact, I’m quite sure of that.
Good luck Pete. At least until you find Baskonia on your way, of course.
Gora Baskonia, Beti Baskonia
anen Said,
November 20, 2009 @ 7:05 pm
Lol @ girls crying WTF hahaha i met this girl in twitter she’s like in love with him i think she’s a stalker xP