Why I’m not there?
You know this is the only time of the year I really regret not being in the NBA. If for no other reason because of the immense difference of the playoffs and what I am doing at the time. See, because during the year (you know, September through April) I don’t see a difference between what I’m doing and what guys in the States are doing. Making good money and having fun. But see, now… Now is the time I bite my lip and the basketball fan in me comes back out. Now basketball is being played. Real, raw, unadulterated basketball. And even if I accepted the scraps I was offered to stay at Tau and play in the Final Four of Europe, there is little doubt I wouldn’t be as “straightjacketed” there as I am now.
Every time I see a playoff game, it resurrects that feeling I swear I never get any other time. I sit here with my beautiful family trying to squeeze time between keeping my boy from maiming the rest of the kids at my daughter’s birthday party and putting together the trampoline we got her, to sneak a peek at the Boston-Atlanta series. And all I can do is bite my lip when I see a juvenile turnover at a crucial time by a guy who would be cut in a heartbeat from any team I’ve played for overseas. And I blurt out things like, “Geezus Christmas… What the hell are you doing?” in the middle of cutting a cake and singing. And I get the “look” from all the 9-5ers enjoying the non-athletic festivities.
But what can I say? Have you seen some of the basketball juggernauts playing right now? I mean with guys like Devean George, the abominable combination of James Augustine and Marcin Gortat, the dominant Rasho Nesterovic, Joey Graham, DJ Mbenga (kosilika te mon cher c’est un blague) and of course the utterly brilliant Reggie Evans (although I must say you are playing well, you’re still a rhino, or was it a triceratops?), how could I possibly make a case of being good enough to hang? I mean these guys are, dare I say, Jordan-esque.
But as it stands, I do still get that itch to get on a court and dismantle the athletically superb but basketball dumb with a culmination of the things I’ve learned playing everywhere except Afghanistan (but let them offer enough shiiiiii). So I get up now and take offers to play, just so I can do exactly that. And it’s not the money, although I do make more for a two-week tourney in Kuwait than I would in a month for a top Euro team. Money hasn’t been my driving force since 2003. My friend and I just started a business in Central Africa and it’s moving like a freight train. Everyone says, “Yeah you make money in Africa but is it stable?” Read this very carefully… The people saying, “Don’t fish in the pond” are the ones harvesting the fish. In short, I’m happy with what I make and more than comfortable but I just gotta play when the playoffs come around.
Man! I take an offer to some asininely non-basketball part of the world to get rid of that itch, then the level of play there is so plainly not what I see on ESPN, my presence there simply exacerbates the frustration of not playing on an NBA playoff team. It’s a vicious cycle. So why do I do it? Well, I like putting on a show… For myself. Wherever I am. But (and this is a big but) will I do it for pennies on the dollar of what I’m worth (easily half of an Asian team) in a country that looks at me as less than a man just because the country or league “looks” big-time? And for a non-championship team? Basically give you million dollar basketball for cheap? Survey says… Yes? “I’m sorry the correct answer was ‘hell to the naw… That’s hell to the naw’. Thanks for playing we do have some parting gifts for you.”
Quick…
This is not really a quick, just something I thought about while watching the Toronto-Orlando series. (Dwight, please stop it. You’re scaring the children). You know how on TV you always heard how competitive Michael Jordan is? I used to see that on TV and thought it was just a media facade. Until I met him and got to hang out with him. His level of competitiveness is scratching the surface of being uncanny (seriously, look that word up as to really comprehend what I mean). I mean, it like made me slightly uncomfortable if not scared. Then I remembered watching the game, Mo Evans is exactly the same. I had to jab him when I saw how mad he got when he missed a corner three wide open. He went 4-for-6 from beyond the arc for the night, but knowing him the two he missed will keep him up til 3 am playing dominoes until he beats poor Papa Evans bad enough to satisfy that frustration of missing them two 3’s. So I guess that’s the quick… Mo is the best domino player in the NBA. I don’t really know if that’s true, but he’s damn good. I think we won a NBAer tourney once… Anyway…
Back…
To put in plain words without telling you exactly what an individual makes… My contract this year in Spain paid me more than I would have made playing for Charlotte this year. No exaggeration. Fact. There were three guys that went through my spot and guess who was the lowest paid (by far)? Yep, mois. Now I defy you to go to the stats for yourself and see who played the best. Mind you, sans the “tag” (that’s hoops lingo for guys with the played-in-NBA for substantial time tag). I was given little to no respect, even less chance and fought my way to getting 20 minutes a game in a style unbecoming of my skills. On the contrary, the other two guys were simply given that time. To make matters worse, I am older and much more experienced than the other two guys (and there are plenty that would make the argument, simply better. I said it and my cologne is Versace. You know the routine).
I did all this and I swear to all that is Hoopery, I took a substantial pay cut from what I make in Asia. Simply because the season in Europe is longer so more stable. It’s obviously more desirable to make 500K-a million over 10 months than to make 300K-500K over 4 months. Give or take. I’m not stupid. 500K over 4 in Asia or 500K over 10 months in Europe is a no-brainer but it’s not always that plain. I took that pay cut to prove myself in Europe because they hadn’t seen me in five years. So I proved myself. Gabe can play. Duh. Like they didn’t know that.
So why hadn’t they seen me in five years? I had never gotten all my money playing in Europe. Let me repeat; Nunca cogio todo plata mia jugando en Europa CON-YO! Shall I repeat? Jamias na monaki mbongo ya ngai mobimba tangu nazalaki kobeta basquet na Europe. (I can do this all day). Conversely, my fine feathered friends, I am not owed one cent, not one kobo, ni un puto centavo, from any team in Asia (not even in Iran).
Sure, culture and belief systems are different wherever I go. But blatant lying as an attempt to keep $200 bucks here, $800 there, $50 over yonder is a trait that one would experience, not in Asia. Oops… Am I insinuating something? Naw, if you’re a moron. So what now? Yep, I go play. Puerto Rico (another place I’m not owed a penny), China (which I love), Kuwait, anywhere but I just can’t keep watching these playoff games, not be a part of them and satisfy my basketball yearning dunking on my Brazilian Ju-jitsu teacher at 24-hour fitness. For some reason it’s just not the same. Don’t ask me why. So I’m off somewhere that I probably wont have Internet in turn, incommunicado. Then I’ll come back home for two months, sign a deal somewhere in June and this basketball ride will start again. Only this time it will be a lot more detailed and (ha ha) fun! Cuz I’ll have nada to lose and I’ll still be rich… Bit… You get the point. Nwa agu adi ataa ahihia. And I am the son of a lion.
Shalom.
Fenix Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
I have played in europe for 5 years, and in the NBA 1 year, and i have NEVER SEEN in my life player with that kinda skills(not only as a basketball player, but as a person also), yet so much Underestimated. I guarantee, with all my reputation, that this dude would kick ass in NBA if he get a chance….He proved his skill in europe, in TAU, he played MOST Important games BEST. Cold as Ice, i will never forget his 3pt made, from like 9 Meters, in crutial moment of final series of ”kings cup” in Spain(TAU didnt resign him, and nearly lost from Partizan in quarter finals of euroleague)….Yet, he dont have a deal in Top europe team….and i cant understand why.
Anyways…..there is 1 GOOD saying that came from ALBERT EINSTAIN
“‘There are only 2 infinite things- space, and human stupidity…for the first one, i am not sure”……..
FENIX
Raps Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
Man, how can you go calling out NBA players? That’s weak. There’s a reason why they’re in the NBA and you’re not. Maybe it’s cause some of them are 7 footers or maybe it’s cause they were first rounders. (Or maybe they’re actually better than you?!?! Nahh that could never be true could it Gabe???) Bottom line is I respected your writing until you called out guys who have earned their way into the NBA whether you think so or not . Man up and earn an NBA regular season paycheck before you go ripping on guys in the L.
Brian Boitono Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 5:48 pm
Fenix who are you? gabes homeboy? did you atleast offer Gabe dinner befor you made love to him?
Juan - REAL Madrid fan Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
Yo Gabe,
TAU were very close to losing the deciding game against Partizan Belgrade and went thru to the final 4 only thanks to the refs, but would they have lost the game, I think they would have had a huge regret for not keeping you around.
That’s still possible to happen, because without you they don’t stand a chance against CSKA in the semis, nor in the ACB against us or FCB.
Good luck, and hope to see you in Madrid in the royal colors next year.
franco Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
Gabe,
I’m in total ‘agreeance’ with Raps.
I love your writing, I’ve been a fan of yours since 96 when i saw you play in the Texas high school all star game. I’m a naija man as well and my cousin states you and him became boys at UT.
All that is well and good but ain’t no need to start calling out some cats. You don’t know why they’re there but its the nba, just like any other sport. The guys at the top have their reasons, sometimes they want a guy at a certain height or in a certain position. My cousin played for the cowboys last year but got cut after preseason for a 1st rd draft pick, despite outplaying the guy in preseason. Thats how it is in sports. You get over it.
I’ll use DJ Mbenga as an example. I’m cool with DJ and I spoke with him and a member of the Lakers after they signed him. Dude is on the Lakers because he’s a 7 FOOTER! He’s a big body that plays center. They needed that, so thats why you’re not suiting up for the Lakers at Center over DJ Mbenga. Same thing probably with Rasho.
As for Devean George, the rings he won with the Lakers are why he’s playing for the mavs, despite the fact that if they had to do it again, the mavs would definitely not have signed him. In fact, i’m sure most mavs fans would rather have you, or even any Small forward that plays NCAA DivI-III basketball over Devean.
Thats just the way things go. I love you man( No homo), but c’mon, you’re better than that.
sprightx Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 6:49 pm
Somebody’s ego needs some looking into…
Steven Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 7:37 pm
Man, The guy who left that second comment read my freakin mind. Didn’t you say game recognizes game? well wouldn’t the NBA’s game recognize yours if you are truly that caliber player as you say?
FanIAm Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 8:21 pm
Gabe you dont have to say much about your game, cause nigga you cold! you just never got your break. But good thing you still making that cheese.
Good to see that you are a family man too. Heard you got a good looking family, especially wifey. (heard it thru the grapevine) seriously, I played in Europe too and you are 100% right, NO ONE GETS ALL THEIR MONEY IN EUROPE! Them niggas are thieves. Teams fine players for BS just to keep money. its amazing and i cant explain it to people unless you see it for yourself. Like a rich team like TAU..why the hell would they take chump change from their players? Sometimes i feel its like teams see us (especially black men) as idiots! straight up son. Its like the owner, the president., the GM sit around sippin wine playing a game called “fine dat nigga” (finding different ways to fine their players). Its crazy how they fine players and get away with it . My boy played in south korea and he loved it! he said he got all his money and plenty of respect. As a matter of fact hes leaving a big name team in Europe to go back to Asia. To sum it all up, Europe pays a ton in 10 months, but you dont get all of it!
I
bballman Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 8:32 pm
DID U ALL READ THIS BLOG??? THE NAMES HE DROPPED WERE THE ONES HE PRAISED! HE SAID, THERE ARE SEVERAL BAD PLAYERS BUT THE ONES HE LISTED WERE GOOD! ie JORDAN-ESQUE!
Brian Boitono:WHY CANT ANOTHER MAN PRAISE A GOOD MAN? R U GAY?
Raps: Re- read this blog
kulit Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 9:51 pm
hey gabe! you played here in the philippines for purefoods a few years ago. although you did not finish the tournamnet, (i think because of just not being the right match, not because of lack of talent) i sure do hope you had a blast. as far as i can remember you were best noted for being really physically strong and superior. a beast among men i must say. well imports have been increasing the level of our local clubs, thanks to the likes of you. hope you can hook up again with one of the local clubs.
Philip Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 10:10 pm
Hola Gabriel. Hit ALT 164 so you can get the coño right!!!! Playoffs in Puerto Rico start soon, hope someone here signs you. Love your game!!
john Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
go gabe…cy falls for life
todd higbie Said,
April 29, 2008 @ 11:50 pm
we got into a fight back in summer league houston, you obviously had a temper issue(as did i) and i think my working through all that emotion there is no stoping u. ill root 4 u inthe nba
Raul Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:12 am
Hi Gabe from Vitoria,
First of all, I want to say thank you for your time here, I’m sure you enjoyed your time here and i´m also think that you understand the reasons why TAU don´t re-sign you (J Singleton and P Mickeal have all-season contracts).
For the Real Madrid fan, the Final Four is in Madrid and they´re not there it´s a pitty but it´s not TAU´s fault, so stop crying please. As Gabe knows (He played and won once there) if Madrid loose is referees fault is just his way of living.
Good luck for the future Gabe, and if you have the opportunity watch the Euroleague Final Four.
Edu - Spanish Lakers Fan Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 2:58 am
Muoneke: skilled, fine shooter, good athlete but not a TAU starter. Why?
Devean George: not so skilled, not a killer, great athlete and playing minutes in his 3 NBA Championships. Why?
It could be coz playin` defense or coz working for the team or whatever…. or just luck. What do you think Gabe?
P.S. I really think G. Muoneke can play D and be an starter in almost every team in Europe but that´s up to him and his effort.
Gatez Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 3:32 am
Why are you talking shit? your ass is lucky to be playing Basketball period and getting paid. Face it, your ass just not good enough to play in the NBA and nobody cares about your whining either, other then the huge amount of posters (4) who wasted a minute to read this shit. F a Gabe Mounkakakeake or whoever the hell you are, you couldn’t ever be a 1/4 as good as a Joey Gramn or a Devan George.
vince d Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 4:08 am
Gabe you’s a hater mayne!!!!. just be happy with where u at and keep it movin…..please ..no more b@#ch@ssness!
Arthur Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 4:50 am
Typical entitlement mentality from an NBA wanna-be. I have always enjoyed Gabe’s writing but this one was over the top. Are some of the players in the NBA weak? Of course. Are their tons of guys in Europe who could play big minutes in the NBA? Yes. That said, Gabe had a shot and did not impress anyone enough. As for Reggie Evans, I would take him on my team any day of the week. That dude is a bust ass player who leaves it all on the court (I love him when he played here for the Sonics).
rex Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:18 am
You’re being weak man, I really thought highly of you, but after this blog, you lost my respect (not that it matters much to you, but)! Calling out names like that, that just shows weak character. Life ain’t fair my man, as simple as that! Get over it, shit happens, be thankful to God for you happy family and the fact that you’re healthy enough to provide for them (you said you’re rich, so). And by the way, if you don’t need money as much as anybody else, since your African freight train is moving forward, if you really wanna be in the NBA you could just take that pay-cut and work your ass until you do get that chance to prove yourself. But that’s just me, I might be wrong, I just know you through your writings, and you have your way of looking at things. That’s just my two cents…
hi Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 5:38 am
wondering what the point of this article is…?
Garry Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 7:11 am
Gabe,
if I was your shrink i’d say “let it go, son”! That NBA ship/boat/train has long since moved on. Next year you’ll be another year older, by that time Tyler Hansbrough will be out to claim your minutes.
c’est la vie mon frere!
Gotta just say “Lord, bless those that got the opportunity to play wherever they played” and cash that Euro/Yen paycheck.
If you don’t let that bitterness go, my child, you will carry it on your back until you’re that 65 year old guy in the barber shop ranting and raving about how he got screwed over by the system and how he could’ve been a contender.
Advice: 1. make as much $$$ as you can playing ball (you’re doing that already good job), 2. invest & make a positive difference in africa, this is the generation to invest in education, education is the key.
later,
g
Jeff Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 8:15 am
It sounds like you just don’t get that getting your “break” has a lot to do with being a great teammate and playing solid “D”. That’s it. The League can have it’s pick of talented guys and it sounds like your attitude would be poison to a team’s chemistry. Teams NEVER look for scoring from guys out of the league. They want great man/team defense (not flashy, gambling fake hustle), rebounding and a great attitude.
Sir Dunkalot and the Round Table of Rebounds Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 8:22 am
Ohhh look at me, look at how much money I make for playing a game but I still deserve more.
Interesting to see that people are getting bored of your whining, boasting and feeble attempts to be intelligent.
Mondo in San Antonio Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 8:48 am
Hey Gabe…
Why not do me a favor and write up a critique on the playoff teams…?
Come on, do a team by team breakdown of the remaining 4 teams in each conference. Strengths/Weaknesses… I am curious what an “outsider/insider” has to say different than the talking heads on ESPN/TNT/Fox…
Why not get your boy Udoka (love the way he has shown up, hope he stays here for a bit) to drop your name to RC Buford…? This roster is going to be changing at the end of the season.
Keep it up…
i Fux aka Etheraldinho aka Farouq Obama Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 9:59 am
Yo Gabe, Man my homie lost the ‘PR tape’ wow For some reason I think he did it on purpose lots of incriminating ish in there, good times. Hey Gabe would you play in Summer League again? Tell me you couldnt slow down Joe Johnson somewhat? Word to Walter Ray Allen. Hold your head homie. Peace.
i Fux aka Etheraldinho aka Farouq Obama Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 10:07 am
BTW, click the name I got the funniest Youtube clip ever on there. Sad but Funny.
gabe Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 10:28 am
the blog is to laugh…sniff sniff
Gabe Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 11:02 am
I don’t name the blogs. I just write them AS a fan for fans. So when the Rockets lose I can get mad at the players just like you and love em when they win just like you. I just so happen to still play so it looks worse than it is. When I’m 40…no one will remember “a Gabe Muonekyayayeyeyeyayyreeh” even played. But for those who really, really just hate I picked on guys I KNOW are good…boo hoo. Trust me they don’t care. Have fun gnashing your respective teeth and there is always an open invitation to converse further. I’m easy to find.
A-Train from Queens Said,
April 30, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
Gabe,
First off, I like you blogging. Secondly, I’m with the others on the name-calling, although I can see where you’re coming from (Devean George is fucking awful– how the hell he’s been in the league this long is crazy).
Truth is, it’s all about momentum, exposure, marketing, etc. If you come out of college a hot topic, you’re going to get more chances. if you come out of college a no-name, you only really get one shot.
About you, the thing is this… you’re a tweener. You’re like a power forward in a small forward/big guard’s body. Unless you drop to 220 pounds and develop a sick outside jumper (off the dribble), or grow three more inches (not happening), you’re in a tough spot. There’s a long list of players just like you, man. Remember Byron Houston?
I’m not knocking you. It is what it is. It’s not just about skill anymore. You need to have the size, athleticism, etc. People running these teams are morons. If it were me, I’d take ballers before athletes– but you know it doesn’t work this way.
You’re a smart dude. Make some phone calls, do some favors, market yourself like a mo-fo. If you think your play is going to speak for itself, you’ll never get back to the pros. Make yourself visible, man. Truth is there are a lot of players out there like you. Separate yourself.
Chris Said,
May 1, 2008 @ 10:06 am
Woooooow.
Sure lot of either;
a) 12 year olds going through puberty and get all excited when they try to insult someone online, (without the understanding that Gabe most surely does not care what some rando types in his blog),
b) ame thing as above but some looser who needs to get a job, or
c) someone who has no idea the workings of the NBA.
It’s too bad Gabe that you can’t get your chance. I know that every team has there Ndudi Ebi. The wolves took him with a late 1st round pick (our first in a while because of Joe Smith), and he was a total dud. You could tell that from the first minute he played, and I don’t care if he was a high schooler. We gave him three years and not one moment throughout his career did he improve.
There are a lot of misconceptions about peoples knowledge and skills when it comes to the NBA. It a boys club and no one wants anyone that didn’t go through what they did to get into the club.
Gabe, keep writing to us fans with sanity.
Chris
Raps Said,
May 1, 2008 @ 4:17 pm
“There are a lot of misconceptions about peoples knowledge and skills when it comes to the NBA. It a boys club and no one wants anyone that didn’t go through what they did to get into the club.”
Hey Chris,
Please explain to me how Jamario Moon can bounce around every league in the world and make the NBA as a 27 year old? How does Kasib Powell, a player who has been the last cut on more than one occassion finally crack an NBA roster at 27 years old as well? How does a player like Ben Wallace go undrafted, play in Italy and become an NBA All Star? How does it take Darrell Armstrong 5 years to crack the NBA and then churn out a 13 year career (and counting…)?
Boys Club? Give me a break. If you’re good enough to ball in the L then they’ll find you and pay you. End of Story.
Chris Said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:04 pm
Dear Raps,
You should understand that it is a boy’s club. There are exceptions to every rule. Calangelo is one of the few that go against the grain. Ben Wallace…not going to even touch what I think of him.
And it’s nice you named 4 guys. I say you keep counting and tell me how it goes. You get a reputation, no matter where it comes from, and it sticks with you (no matter how true or untrue). Kind of like how from now on, if you keep signing your comment as ‘Raps’, you will get the reputation that you’re an idiot.
I’ve talked with former General Managers, and they think the only way to know talent is to play professional ball (or in some cases college) and then be a coach for 15 years, because that is how they did it.
If you think different, then we will just have to disagree with each other.
-chris
Chris Said,
May 1, 2008 @ 6:10 pm
Forgot to say Raps, explain why Mark Madsen is in the league? I’ve watched his suck for the past 5 years (I realize he is a good guy and all that comes with it)?
What does Madsen have the Gabe doesn’t? Two inches.
What does Gabe have that Madsen doesn’t? Offensive Talent.
There is no reason why anyone in thier right mind would want (if they had the choice) to take Madsen over Gabe. Their is no reason other than a lasting reputation that seemingly does not fit the crime.
-Chris
Jason Wightman Said,
May 1, 2008 @ 9:21 pm
I watch a lot of international basketball. You make a great point that after the top 8 players on an NBA roster there isn’t much difference between the 9-15 players and top players for international clubs. Watch pre-season exibition matches and you’ll see. Last fall I caught the Magic vs. a team from China (don’t remember there name) in Macau. The Chinese club had former NBA player Wang Zhu Zhu and two American players all of who seemed capable of competing for a roster spot with the Magic (Gortat played and didn’t look very good).
So Gabe - very valid and interesting point you make.
I’m a Jazz fan and last year they had Dee Brown backing up D-Will and he wasn’t any better or worse than Jason Hart. Brown went to play in Turkey and probably earned more than the NBA minimum (if he got all of it). Keep educating the public!!! Love your Blog
Rashidi Said,
May 1, 2008 @ 10:53 pm
What does Madsen have the Gabe doesn’t? Two inches.”
Actually, it’s a guaranteed contract.
Mark Madsen played 4 years at Stanford and helped the team get to the Final Four with his rebounding and intensity. He was drafted by the Lakers and was a contributor on two championship teams in his first two seasons.
He then signed a 5 year deal with Minnesota worth approximately 10 million. He basically agreed to spend the next 5 years making slightly more than the veteran’s minimum, ensuring himself a spot in the league for the duration of his prime.
Gabe Muoneke never took his team to the Final Four. He never played for Stanford. He was never considered a pro prospect in any of the four years he went to college. He went undrafted by the NBA but at least was the 54th pick of the CBA draft and 42nd pick in the ABA draft. He spent the next 7 years of his career playing overseas. After seven years he got his chance and was not able to crack a lottery team (the Bobcats) in training camp.
The biggest difference between Madsen and Muoneke is Madsen put himself in a better position to get drafted and get the guaranteed contract that comes with it. He went to a high profile school known for pushing out pros and having success in the NCAA tourney. Mouneke went local and stayed with Texas from 1997-2000. Texas is much more known for it’s football program, and the basketball team did not start having success until after Mouneke left.
Frankly, it’s comical that a career minor league journeyman would actually have the audacity to call out someone like Reggie Evans who is a top 3 rebounder in the NBA thanks to his intensity and desire to get to every board. Evans earned his spot in the league and Muoneke has yet to do so. Guys like Devean George and Rasho Nesterovic were starters on championship teams. And here we have a career journeyman criticizing them as if he knows anything about what it takes to win at a high level. South Korea the NBA ain’t.
Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich obviously didn’t know what they were missing out on.
franco Said,
May 2, 2008 @ 9:11 am
“You get a reputation, no matter where it comes from, and it sticks with you (no matter how true or untrue). Kind of like how from now on, if you keep signing your comment as ‘Raps’, you will get the reputation that you’re an idiot.”
No Chris, you are the one that already has the reputation of being an Idiot.
I mean, damn, why are you getting heated and throwing insults at the Raps. You can’t simply disagree without resorting to insults? Chill out bro.
Anyway, I understand what you are saying and I get what Raps is saying. IMHO its a little bit of both. Thats how it is in all sports. You do develop a reputation and in Mark Madsen’s case he’s got a good rep in the league and it does help that he played with Shaq, kobe and for Phil Jackson. If any of his coaches or GM’s ever needed a character assessment, who better than any of those 3?
I also feel one can overcome such a reputation. It takes time but if you have a reputation as a punk, then you get on your grind and stay on your best behavior. It ain’t gonna change in 1 month or 1 year but the reputation will change.
And there are reasons beside Gabe’s reputation that someone might take another player over him. Not based on Skill but based on what the team needs, perhaps more height or someone more defense oriented. (Gabe is the complete package as a player though so it would be stupid not to take him) but these GMs and Coaches have different things they are looking for.
isaac Said,
May 2, 2008 @ 9:29 am
Best bball blog on the planet. Keep it comin Gabe.
I was in Kuwait recently… hopefully you won’t have to stay too long. Nothing pretty about that place. I’m just south of Kuwait, in Dubai. I’ve met a few Americans playing over here for the UAE pro (if you can call it that) teams. They absolutely kill it. Each UAE team has 2 foreign players… and those guys have it made over here. Nothing but hoops and night clubbin’. Bums.
Mike Said,
May 2, 2008 @ 10:54 am
Maybe it has something to do with your attitude - it sucks. Rasho Nesterovic wouldn’t be calling out other guys. He’s a great teammate in the locker room, and you aren’t. Plus, he wasn’t too bad down the stretch this year.
Just a quick question for you. Judging by your writing skills, there’s no doubt that you’re a pretty smart dude. How did taking your frustrations out on other players help you in your attempt to land a roster spot in the NBA? The players you called out may be guys that you have to share a bench with sometime down the road. That wasn’t very rational.
Yuh right... Said,
May 3, 2008 @ 6:50 am
Gabe, I know you as a player well, and while you make some great points, and we applaud the way you write (UTexas is a great school, no doubt), you simply cannot argue that you “deserve” to play in the NBA. You are selfish offensively, never meeting a shot you didn’t like…you can’t handle on the perimeter, and can’t guard 3’s at the NBA level. You are under-sized at the 4…You’re a lot like bubble players…you make great money outside of the NBA, but don’t appreciate it…your resume suggests that the minute things go bad, you’re on the next plane home…You think you’re an expert…You’ve gone through more than 5 agencies and have no loyalty except to your beautiful family…so get aggravated watching play off basketball, but a nice long hard look in the mirror should tell you you never really were an NBA prospect, yet blessed to have a chance to make a lot of money elsewhere. Even then you’ve left a lot of money on the table bouncing around…word
Al Said,
May 3, 2008 @ 4:15 pm
Wow. First of all Gabe, let me congraulate you on that finely tuned ego you have there. International basketball vagabond, but by choice of course. And better than all those guys that the other teams keep on mysteriously favoring and keeping around. Makes sense. Its perhaps an international conspiracy against guys named Gabe. What I do know is that it couldn’t possibly have anything to do with being a 30yr old 6′7″ tweener forward without amazing athleticism, but possessing a wonderfully overblown opinion of himself. Those guys are always highly sought after.
Supporter Said,
May 4, 2008 @ 3:12 am
Do your thing, man… Don’t listen to these fools. Time is money. But money ain’t time…
Sir Dunkalot and the Round Table of Rebounds Said,
May 4, 2008 @ 12:14 pm
WOW
‘Time is money. But Money ain’t time’
That’s deep and is also utter nonsense.
Rob from AUSTRALIA Said,
May 5, 2008 @ 2:30 am
Gabe, Ive never seen you play, but man, your articles are entertainin as hell!! these “negativiens” (lol u like tht one? you can use it ;)) who dont feel the love, dont understand what urve done in your basketball career, to say yourve accomplishd is an understatmnt, millions of people have game, hardly any get the oppotunity to live off the ball, or to show thier tallent around the world!!!… say what you want man, urve earned it all!! AND YES “I said it and my cologne is Versace. You know the routine”…
david Said,
May 5, 2008 @ 7:52 am
Gabe,
You took it on the chin here, dude.
Anyway your old buddy Ice sends you his best. Saw him a couple of nights ago and gave him this website, but he didn’t write it down, so you never know.
Brian Boitono Said,
May 5, 2008 @ 3:56 pm
the fall of Gabe Muoneke as a Hoopshyper
hope you keep writing
all the best writers get pounded here and there
Caceres CB Fan´s Said,
May 5, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
In Cáceres(Spain) will be always remenber by your match againts Barcelona recordamos tu partido
bballman Said,
May 6, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
pound Gabe all you want.. at the end of the day you all are stuck in a cubicle insulting him and he is ENJOYIN lIFE WITH HIS WIFE AND KIDS making money playing b-ball. haha GET A LIFE GUYS!
franco Said,
May 7, 2008 @ 10:04 am
bballman
you are such a dumbazz
do you really think some of us aren’t playing other pro sports and making our money. Not everyone is working in an office pimpin.
Now I’m a big Gabe fan but I ain’t on his nuts like you so get off before his wife finds out.
Jon Said,
May 7, 2008 @ 11:03 am
dont blog tipsy, ive enjoy all of your postings but your buggin with this one, 1st you broke a few major rules of the game, 1. dont ever mention money (the words slightly exagerated apply here, I have been in all of the places you mentioned and you didnt get the money your talking about, plain and simple) 2., dont ever hate on the next man, you can think your better then someone else and point is you might even be right, but to each his own, everyone is where they should be until their not.
D'Andre Said,
May 7, 2008 @ 8:28 pm
Gabe,
What those guys have that you seem to lack is character. DJ Mbenga for example will have a NBA job as long as he wants to play. Not only is he a 7fter, but the guy works as hard as anyone on the Lakers and his attitude is second to none. That was pretty low of you to call out names.
It’s all good though. I always thought you were a pretty solid player for Texas 10 years ago.
Ronald Said,
May 8, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
WHATEVER!
baskonia always with you Said,
May 8, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
puedes con todo Gabe!
besos desde Vitoria!
te echamos de menos…
Y en la Final Four no conseguimos nada,
pero lucharon y mucho, hehe!
AUPA BASKONIA!!
que todo vaya bien!
Porky Said,
May 9, 2008 @ 2:10 pm
Translation from last post:
Yo, Andrian
Can you please pass the salt
I am too far away from the table
Beer is a good thing
I wish I had more
Baseball is America’s sport
Hoop is for dummies!
Chris R Said,
May 16, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
Now I’m sure of it, there are only three personalities who are writing in as though they are insulted with this posting;
1) It’s the same person using a different name with either; a grudge against Gabe.
2) Some guy who doesn’t breath fresh air often.
3) 15 year old (already mentioned that).
I’m not going to waste anymore time discussing how horrendous Mark Madsen is (I live in Minnesota and have watched numerous bad performances), or any other 10-15th person on the bench of any other team. There is no way anyone can convince me that a Mark Madsen who is offensively imcompetent is so good defensively that he is more valuable than someone who can play offensive well and at least any sort of defense.
I will continue to enjoy your postings Gabe and good luck in the future.
-Chris
Sdrawkcab Ebag Said,
May 26, 2008 @ 7:27 pm
“who’s” = “who is”
Get a clue or a dictionary.