Leggo my ego
Hmmm. Let’s see. I just don’t seem to know where to begin. It’s probably prudent to remind myself this is a public diary of sorts. With that in mind, it’s just really hard to be insulted and/or angered by any of the negative comments. As much as Gabe would have loved to do a literally pointless back and forth of opinions at a younger age, it just makes more sense to hear what people feel, think and accept it.
So with that I say… I appreciate all the comments, concede a couple to be totally true and as for the rest… I respectfully disagree. I did love the one that talk about my fall as a HoopsHype blogger. I just cracked up. Seriously. Not sarcastically. I told you I have a morbid sense of humor. The ones that excommunicated me for “calling out” NBA players? Wow… I’m like still reeling. A player is a player. Because I play. I just don’t hold any distinction other than fame between NBA players and the guy at the Y telling me I ain’t ish and explaining to everyone in the gym how he should be playing overseas and I shouldn’t. But I suppose it makes sense.
Just read this for a sec… That some 5-foot-8 bonobo basketball analyst who’s never played basketball in his life can come on national TV and say LeBron James is overrated (actually happened) and people will actually give that colon chatter audience… But an actual player who’s basketball exploits has garnered him at least a minute amount of credibility can suggest the decision makers have no basis to unequivocally justify his choices unchallenged and be charged up like that? Pauley (Shirley) told me there’d be days like this. Paul, you told me not to be too honest and you were right but like I said… I just don’t care. As for one losing respect for me… Unfortunate. But I respect you for making them known.
(Sorry so serious… I’ll change it up. I just got back from winning the FIBA Asian Club Championship in Kuwait so you know that was just drained in humorous transpirings).
I’m an equal opportunity ripper. Sorry. I’m not Stephen Smith, but I will offer a non-bias opinion about a player’s basketball skills willfully as long as it doesn’t hurt his way of living. Because believe it or not, I want every brother of mine to get as much money as possible from the guys giving it. Overseas and NBA alike. But does that mean I’ll sit here and write online any different than I would talk to the very guys I mention? Nope.
Funny thing is, I really didn’t say what I really would say in person. But as long as Fox Sports News Radio will keep having me, you’ll eventually hear it. I’m sure that’ll end up being more than a mortal sin. All the guys I mention were intentionally big guys (save one… he was an inside joke. Sorry Joey… Wasn’t really directed at you. I’m sure it doesn’t matter but… Whatever).
I mean, did you guys not read the previous blogs? Did I not mention Reggie Evans was good enough to get me cut from Houston? And DJ (only DJ) translated what I said. Geez! This is getting stupid. Who cares? I’d love to apologize but I’d be lying so I’ll just address two more things and one I’ll pimply transition to the point of this entry. Anyone could use numbers to justify how good I am when compared to others or how bad I suck when used alone, but just because I say what I feel as a basketball fan and have a burning desire to experience a playoff court every time I watch the playoffs (same when I was a kid at my first NBA final series) doesn’t mean I’m bitter. Because if I was a billionaire president of the world tomorrow, I would still see a playoffs game and want to play in it.
However, thanks fan Dr. Phil for the cliche “get over it son” line. That was almost as funny as the hater comment (you might have as well called me a martian. It would have been as warranted and made about as much sense.) But the one comment I truly from the bottom of my heart agreed with and loved and I swear I took as a compliment was the two people commenting about “typical basketball player sense of entitlement” and my ego. See? Those were great. You just gotta love the individuality of people. It makes us all better. What do I deserve? No more or less than the man sitting on the street corner holding up the “will work for food sign.”
If you have ever intentionally hurt someone else (as I have and still do) I feel we are all deserving worse than what we for the most part get. I don’t deserve a damn thing. At least nothing good. That is obvious. But to simplify a basketball player (which often happens) as having a sense of entitlement for stating or believing egotistically what he’s worth is presumptuous and naive. I’ve got numerous friends overseas and NBA that always made statements about how good they were and how much they were going to get and yada yada yada. I was always the realistic one saying garbage like “Yeah, I know I’m good but I’m just happy to even be here.” I was the one staying humble and patiently absorbing all the nonsense people wanted me to accept and believe. While if you heard my boys, you’d have thought they were out of their minds (and at the time I’d have agreed).
Here’s what I’ve learned and I wish I learned it earlier. Humility’s only place on a basketball court is with refs and off it. Everyone of those friends of mine are successful. And, for the most part, got the exact deals that everyone said they were crazy for saying they were worth. (Did you get that? Worth. Not deserve). So when one comment sarcastically complimented me on my ego… Finally. It was the first time and about time. I have yet to see a hooper worth a damn that doesn’t have an ego. Two guys were close. Matt Carroll and Dirk Nowitzki. Matt is one of the kindest, most humble NBAer I know. Keep that belief about him when he pump fakes your teammate with that deadly jumper threat and comes baseline. Aww, here comes cool, kind, friendly, Billy Hoyle, shooter Matt coming in for a layup and boom! Yeah, he laid it up but he tried to dunk on you. Then gives you that look like, “Yep. Try it again. You’d better just let me shoot.” Or Dirk… He really got me. You get on the court and he’s just so unassuming. You push, he gives way. You bump, he falls. You give him a snide remark. He responds with a completely disarming statement, “Yeah, my feet are small for my size man, balance is an issue.” Then Mr. Hyde humble nice guy transforms into rip your nuts off, dot you in the eye Jekyll who just nailed a three when his team was up by 1 with 30 seconds left. Then he runs down the court pulling jersey laughing at you, tongue waggin’, asking you “What the (fudge) did you think this was?
I wish I had an ego when I was younger. That is believing I was better than everyone else not trying to make everyone believe it. Trying to get everyone to believe it is completely futile. I mean, look… Some clown actually said LeBron was overrated (again… really happened). So while I participated in the “I’ll make ‘em all see,” all my colleagues took the “I am” approach. I think it served them well. I started late. I went to Division 1 in Turkey my second job out of school and scored 39 in my first friendly game off the plane. I played in the Spanish League and averaged 14 when I was 24 years old. I got to start an NBA preseason game with the Rockets (don’t care what you say, it at least says something). I did a lot of things that sure in the big picture means nothing, but on the small scale (my own reality) should have acquired me a bigger ego, earlier. And I’m not just talking players here. Coaches, teachers, politicians (especially politicians. Otherwise how could they ever take themselves seriously)… All must have egos to be good at what they do. People will have enough criticism to keep them humble as long as he/she is listening. So why join the masses? To appease the public’s desire?
So to answer your question, if I ever thought I just wasn’t good enough for the NBA… Nope. But again. I appreciate your opinion. No matter how people try to down what I do or have done, my growing ego has done me a lot better than humility in basketball. You know like people insulting the South Korean league or the fact that I played there. Or I’m sure I’ll have the occasional quib about the competition in Kuwait. But having an ego while playing on the court is absolutely essential. I agree some of the places I’ve played are laughable, but when I played in Italy, Spain and Turkey my pockets were empty. Is it logical to continue at the level everyone respects if the only benefit is how it’s perceived? Think of how bad it would be if I approached playing in places like those small markets with humility and didn’t win or dominate the league… I’d have been done years ago. Laughed off the court. Is it hard to leave your ego on the court? Unfortunately it is. Especially when you are still talking about or somehow involved in basketball even though you’re not actually playing at the time.
Like on my way back from Kuwait, I really felt like such a prick. I caught myself tripping about how my team bought an economy class ticket returning to the States. Then when I reminded the GM of my contract, he quickly bought another on the same reference number. However he forgot to mention I had to actually pick up the paper ticket in Kuwait. Otherwise I was still on economy. I didn’t figure this out until I got to the airport. And even thought Emirates saw I had a business class ticket reserved, they “couldn’t” put me in business without the paper ticket which had been sitting in a Kuwaiti travel office for two days. Yeah! So now I was stuck to travel 17 hours straight to Houston from Dubai.
Quick…
Have you ever traveled to Dubai? Better question. Do you have any idea how hard it is to not feel like a sheik when taking a first or business class Emirate Airline vacation to Dubai? People, everyone must do it once. Those people make you feel like you actually deserve the treatment they offer you (for the price, you might have an argument). I mean their first class is actually an upgrade. Not like first class now on local flights, where you pay $200 extra for your peanuts to be warmed in a microwave and served on a glass plate. All the while, flight attendants and economy passengers alike look at you like a dumb decrepit camel for paying for that upgrade. Hardi har har.
Back…
But after traveling so often to these areas where every janitor to sheik feels like a prince, I actually started to believe, “I can’t travel in economy… It’s too cramped… I’m too tall… I play ball…” What the? Didn’t I travel economy four years at the University of Texas? And wasn’t I bigger then? But they do make those seats too narrow. I think they were designed by Kate Moss. It doesn’t help the fact the dude behind me doesn’t seem to know if the touch screen doesn’t work, the remote cleverly place inside the arm of your seat will let you watch any Arabic altered version of our favorite U.S. films. So your Woody Woodpecker impression at the back of my headrest can cease. Or that as I’m sleeping I get a cute little tickle under my chin… “He he…stop it. He he…stop it.” Oh I’m sorry I thought that was my daughter waking me up to make her pancakes. Didn’t know you could manage to fit your foot between the seats enough to rest your bigtoe in my beard, ma’am. Thanks. Can’t really complain to anyone about old Hagen and Daz, lady. Who would I complain to? The flight attendant, you say? The same lady I requested a napkin from and her response was, “Oh there are napkins in the bathroom you economy class animal.” Then she spit on my shoe and slapped me. OK, that last part was made up but she did tell me to get it from the bathroom. Which was no biggie, I guess. Other than the fact that Ray Lewis‘ twin sister just came out of there and left the door open to proud-fully astonish discourage me with her toiletrious achievements. Thanks, but I’ll just use my jacket.
So I guess I’ll add trying to leave my ego on the court with my offseason plans. This offseason the goal is to turn myself into a silverback. If you remember, I have been debating whether or not to completely eliminate meat from my diet. I haven’t eating beef, chicken or pork in over a year. But I have been exploring the whole evolution thing with Bantus probably being better off eating the meat they’ve evolved to eat. For example, goat, ram, sheep… Which I still think is better than the western domesticated animals. But I’ve gone ahead and decided never to eat any form of meat again. I don’t consider fish meat but even fish I will limit. So that’s my journey this summer as to see if I can find the fountain of youth and play this upcoming season like a contract year. But I promise thinking of me as an egotistical, whining hater might not be a beneficial assumption when meeting me in person. But if you’ll never know me and it serves you, by all means keep it up. Although I appreciate the ones advicing me, I actually know or have heard before what you’re telling me. Even so I ask for the comments to continue. You never know what I’ll learn. If you really really, really just think I’m a terrible person for saying something questionable, again, e-mail. It costs what one is willing to pay for it, it’s worth what one gets. I deserve nothing good. I give all well wishes and to the ones that gave me the ego subject, muchisimos gracias. If I am really the way you say I am, maybe this year it will translate to a man’s worth and by God’s grace I will not get what I deserve.
Shalom.
sasha Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 6:16 am
Mr. Muoneke, this blogging of yours and your response to the comments you are getting is plain ridiculous in the sense that it drew 54 (fifty-four) comments on this worldwide-popular website (from the whole world:) and you are getting so worked up about it. In other words, pretty much nobody in the world cares about whether your article was a jealousy attack or something else. That’s like playing in front of 54 fans in the NBA and caring about their opinion. My advice: stop taking this so seriously, unless you get some respectable quantity of comments (like 5,400 for example). Good luck in your future endeavors!
Stephan Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 6:23 am
Man, just walk your way. I don’t think you should spend hardly any second on any whimps who may be playing basketball in the back yard and never touched a real court. Thanks for so many insights, greetings from Germany
anonymous Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 7:14 am
gabe, i love your articles. i play ball myself and every true baller has an attitude and an ego. Atleast the good ones do. its the swagger that gives you the competiveness and presence to never back down. And if you getting paid for playin ball, then in my eyes your a legend, mad respect..keep doing what you do,
v
Junior Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 7:45 am
You’re one fukd up dude, but I agree, your ego will take you further then being humble. Good luck…
david Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 7:47 am
Your buddy George Gervin says Hi from San Antonio
moon Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 7:56 am
Gabe, here’s a very simple explanation of the whole conspiracy theory:
1. No coach in the world would take a bad player over a good one because that is not in his interest. That’s like taking a flat Goodyear tire over a good Michelin tire and then putting it on your car. Nobody does that, unless they really want to get fired
2. Therefore, the fact that you are not in the NBA means that you were not the NBA material
3. Time for the Reggie Evans case study. The fact that Reggie Evans was a huge contributor for the playoff team can be analyzed from my argument #1. Maurice Cheeks did not play him because he likes him as a person, but because Reggie is a good player. He was instrumental in the shocking 2-1 lead over the Pistons. All the commentators agreed with this, and you can also check either his individual stats or his Lenovo +- playoff stats (where he fared better than any team’s starter). Sixers lost to the Pistons only because Igoudala had a disastrous series. These facts prove that Reggie Evans is a good player. What are you arguments, other than “Reggie Evans? C’mon, give me a break?”
4. If you want to prove everyone wrong, there is a very simple solution: come back to the states in the summer and get a the summer league team of any NBA team where you think there aren’t 15 players better than you. I have never seen you play and maybe you are really that good. I know that you have tried on various occasions and so far the consensus has been that you are not an NBA player; however, this time maybe you will prove yourself, and then you will be in the NBA.
Good luck!
greg geisler Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 8:54 am
Gabe…
congrats on your blog and the FIBA victory…
and kudos to you for making the decision to eliminate meat from your diet…i wanted to respond before, when the topic originally came up, but thought “who really gives a damn what i think”…but, i figured it can’t hurt to provide another example…so, here goes.
i’m a 50 year old guy from your old stomping grounds of Austin…i’ve played ball all my life, mostly all playground…next year marks my 30th anniversary of not eating meat (mammal or foul) and i couldn’t be happier about the decision i made…my health is about as good as it could possibly be for someone my age…i exercise regularly, playing ball at Gregory or the Rec Center and riding my single-speed bike as transportation but i am not one of these people who can afford to spend 10-20 hours a week working out…but my stamina and recovery times are quite astonishing and i can only attribute that to my diet…i’m no muscleman and i was quite slow and weak as a youngster…now i wear down and blow past guys in their 20’s on the court…i’m not bragging (because i am often humbled by some young buck flying over the top of me) but just pointing out that if you pay closer attention to what foods you put into your human machine you can reap the rewards of being fit and vital well into old age…
in addition i rarely ever get sick (the occasional allergy, it is Austin) and i don’t wake up with aching ankles or knees…my diet is about 75% raw food, some soy products, a few eggs and a piece of wild-caught salmon once a week…very little processed crap…Austin also has a lot of organic farms springing up that are community-supported and we get amazing locally-grown produce at a price cheaper than in the stores…
if you have not been initiated in the writings of John Robbins (www.foodrevolution.org), you should grab a couple of his books (Diet for a New America, Healthy at 100) as i think you will find that many of the things you are expressing are shared by him…in particular you will enjoy reading about the scientific studies of other cultures and their diets (like the Okinawans)…
enough for now. keep up the great work and stay on course with your diet…
g
ERIC S. Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 8:58 am
A few things of note:
First - Everyone always wants candid responses/opinions from athletes, celebrities and people in the spotlight, but when we do, people freak because they didn’t hear the ‘humble’ response. You can’t have your cake and eat it too. I respect Gabe for his honesty. Trust me, your favorite players or actors or politicians are not the same person they appear to be during TV interviews or quotes in the paper. Gabe, Gilbert Arenas and all of the athletes on YardBarker are pretty legit and straight-shooters.
Secondly - Every player is in the NBA for a reason, even when most don’t agree. GM’s, Scouts, Directors of Player Personnel generally know a lot more than the public. It’s hard to say who deserves it more, but not only does it come down to pure skill, but the ability to impress the aforementioned front office people. It’s NBA/Office politics. Perhaps the other players have better agents with more influence, maybe they connected better during their face-to-face chats or friendships with current players. Same thing when you get mad that your coworker got a higher bonus or got the promotion when you feel you deserve it more. Skill is not the only factor…politics people.
Good Luck to you Gabe!
Garry Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 9:13 am
Hi gabe, dig the blog, just wanted to comment so your total would be closer to 5400.
that sasha’s a trip!
g
Garry Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 9:14 am
p.s. wait until you’re old and can’t ball to be humble, you’ll only hurt your paycheck bro
Nik Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 10:47 am
No matter what others say, you should bear in mind something that most Americans dont even know. Playing for a top Euroleague team isn’t easier than playing for an NBA team. It’s harder, because no good Euroleague team will ever sign you if they think you can’t bring victories.
About what you said concerning the playoffs and how much you wanted to be in them, I think it is totally understandable. Anyone that has ever touched a ball feels this way.
I remember i dreamed about playing in the NBA, or the Greek national team when I was a teenager. Then i had cancer, it was a dream destroyed, but even now, I think what would have happened if I had the chance to go pro. If you lose that fever, if you don’t feel that you WANT to be where the top is, then you should stop basketball. Not you, every player must feel thirsty for playoffs, final-4s, etc.
Bottomline, it is simple in basketball… you play to win and you want to be to the top. No matter who you are. That defines you as a player. Any player. And that thirst is obvious to the ones who have it.
John W. Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 10:49 am
Gabe,
What’s up with the hater’s? Sasha, aka, (Reggie Evan’s mother), calm down. Lose the hate and appreciate Gabe’s experiences. I’m still enjoyinging ALL of your stories, and have finally calmed down after the “Ray Lewis’ twin sister” comment. We (Spurs) could use another “big body” against the Lakers to knock around Gasol (120lbs drippin wet) and Odom. Good luck and take care!
Lupe Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 10:59 am
I think your bound to make a team next year. I’ve seen you play with the Vipers, back when you and CJ Watson were on the team tearing it up as the league’s highest scoring duo. Remember that one can not please everyone; so with that said keep up with your insightful, honest blogging. Congrats on the FIBA Asian Cup Championship, and keep up the good stuff.
Ms. Evans Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 11:52 am
DON’T TALK SHIZ ABOUT MY BOY
HE DESERVE TO BE WHAR HE GOT
Brent Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
Gabe,
I love your blogs. Practically the only thing I ever read on hoopshype besides the rumors page. I love your passion for the game and you actually know what you’re talking about. You’ve got some awesome stories and I’m sure you’ve lead a more interesting life than 99% of the population.
Keep it up.
Mo Smaidi Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
Gabe,
I’ve been to Dubai and absolutely love it!!!! Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to fly Emirates Airlines though. From all that I hear it’s one of the best airlines in the world. Plus, I hear the flight attendants pretty much all resemble supermodels. If you ever get to fly in their new private suites in first class you should definitely do it. But yes Dubai is one of my favorite cities and look forward to going back. Great job by the way and keep doing what you’re doing.
Peace,
Mo
P-Funk Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 1:00 pm
Yo! Keep get paid nephew. The cats on this blog that’s dissin don’t really understand anyways. So, keep putting in work whether overseas or in the states.
Peace!!!
moon Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 1:01 pm
I do appreciate Gabe’s European/Asian/Latin American experiences, but he has none in the NBA, which is why I, when it comes to the opinions on NBA players, prefer to hear experiences of people like, for example, Charles Barkley/Kenny Smith and their opinions about players like Reggie Evans. Everything else is on the level of D.Stevenson (12.3 PPG .367FG% 2.2 RPG 3.0 APG) looking down on L.James (29.8 PPG .483 FG% 9.5 RPG 7.7. APG)
jake Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 2:06 pm
sasha, moon, et al.
you guys are pathetic. please spare me the “every player is in the nba for a reason” argument. there is no clearcut line between nba and non-nba players. a ton of players are on the cusp, one way or another and GMs are not perfect evaluators of talent. i happen to think reggie evans is a poor example but i have no problem with gabe thinking/writing that he could outplay some of these guys. maybe he could or maybe he couldn’t but he has a blog which, i believe, is intended to convey his (entertaining, i might add) insights into playing professional basketball. i love how you rip someone’s blog post in the comments section and then put a snarky “good luck in life” jab at the end as if this makes the entire thing “nice”. get over yourselves. does ripping into overly sensitive bloggers and getting them to waste time responding to you helps you sleep at night? whatever works for you…
(sorry, gabe, love your blog but please don’t stoop to responding to pathetically overcritical commenters in your posts.)
Rashidi Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
This blog reeks of insecurity.
Doug Blecher Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 6:45 pm
I respect your honesty, although I dont agree with everything you say. However, no two humans have the exact same opinion on everything.
Anyone saying Lebron is overated, should just be ignored.
Most Americans really have no clue at the quality of play some of the leagues overseas. You have played in some damn good leagues. When you not only consider that, but the fact you have been very effective in them, it says alot about your ability to play the game of basketball. Starting one preseason NBA game in your life is a big deal, most can only dream of that.
No matter if you were kidding or not, the reason you arent in the NBA isnt because of the players you mentioned. I dont think you should be a starter in the NBA, but you are certainly better than alot of guys in the league and probably should be there. Why arent you there? Its my belief that alot of guys in the league that your better than are there based on “potential” and the NBA teams just can’t get rid of them because they have guaranteed deals. Did you ever have a guaranteed deal or anything long term? If not, so much easier to get rid of you, although you were better than some guys that were and still are in the NBA.
I’ll limit the list to shooting guards or small forwards, since that is the spot you would most likely play in the league. Who are you better than? Well I think you would have given more production to the Knicks last year than Renaldo Balkman and Jared Jeffries. Both of those guys have the reputation of being good defenders, but really werent. Being a diehard Knicks fan I watch every one of their games so I’m certainly an authority on this. Not only were they inconsistent defensively, but they certainly gave New York less offense than you would have.
Antoine Walker. He shot the ball terribly last year and as usual didnt guard anyone. I have a hard time believing you could have had less impact on Minnesota than he did.
Quincy Douby. He’s a very talented guy, but isnt strong enough to guard opposing NBA players at the 2 spot. I also think his ballhandling is suspect. You could have given more to the Kings this year.
Charlie Villanueva. Sure the guy can score, but shoots a low percentage because he has awful shot selection. He also can’t guard anyone. He’s more talented than you, but doesnt know the game. I know you would have helped out Milwaukee alot more than he did.
Pat Garrity. He’s had a solid NBA career, but really gave the Magic nothing this year. I’m sure you could have had more an impact.
Gerald Green. This is one of those “potential” players I was talking about. Really doesnt know how to play the game, inconsistent on both ends(particularly defensively). Gerald has so much talent, just wish he went to college so he could know how to play basketball. He would benefit so much in switching places from you and going over to Europe. What a waste of talent up to this point.
Daequan Cook. He had some big moments, but they were few and far between. He struggled so much that he was sent to the D-League. I know you could have given the Heat more production. I knew Daequan should shouldnt have went into the draft because being an Ohio State alum I saw him play alot and knew he wasnt ready for the league. Hopefully he learns how to play soon or he’ll be out of the league very shortly. I hope he is saving his money.
Shawne Williams. Very talented, had some good games this year, but very few of them. You know how to play the game, he doesn’t. Shawne could develop into a good NBA player, but you certainly would have helped the Pacers more this season.
Anfernee Hardaway. Is an explanation really necessary for this?
Steve Francis. Similiar to Penny in that he really had nothing left. Why the Rockets thought he did, I will never know. I know you would have been more help to Houston.
Marco Bellineli. I like Marco. However, he just never really adjusted to the NBA this year. I still think he’ll be a productive NBA player, but you certainly could have given more production than him to the Warriors.
Those are just a few off the top of the dome. I’m sure I could come up with another ten to twenty.
John O Said,
May 23, 2008 @ 11:46 pm
Gabe, love the blog! Love reading the true perspective of a real player on the grind with an intelligent and witty twist.
DJ Ho Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 3:29 am
gabe, love your blog. always been one to read but never to respond.
i like it how you are honest with your abilities, ego and your thoughts. every player in the game has an ego. They wouldn’t have got to where they are if they didnt think they were better than someone else. you’ve got to have that swagger when you walk on to the court.
i respect your love for the game and how you will go to the ends of the world to play. if anything, that shows you love the game more than those guys that have solely played in the U.S. you are prepared to play anywhere. and you’ve probably gained more life experience than 99% of ball players along the way.
i enjoy reading your blog because you offer a differnet perspective on the game than NBA analysts and NBA players. the perspective of a journey man player overseas, a true globe trotter and a player on the fringes of the NBA.
i’ve never seen you play. i’ve looked for some videos on youtube, but couldn’t find anything decent. maybe you could post something up?
you should consider playing in Australia. we’ve got a pretty good local league. it won’t pay as well as europe though!
peace from sydney, australia.
fabian Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 3:41 am
Gabe, i enjoyed reading your blog very much and must say that i am impressed!
keep up working hard and being who you are!
sonny Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 5:59 am
Gabe, you really don’t seem to understand what’s going on. I’ll try to illustrate it for you:
-imagine that there is a blogger in Spain, some player who has never made it to the ACB (Spanish first league) although he has always wanted to play there, so he plays his basketball now in the first league of Cyprus. The imaginary name: Juan Nadal
-imagine that this Nadal writes on his blog how Saski Baskonia (Tau Ceramica), your ex-club, had an ” abominable combination of Gabe Muoneke and MirzaTeletović ”
-imagine how you would feel upon reading this. If you would be completely fine with that, then I really apologize to you
Buena suerte
Farouq Obama aka Fux Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 9:11 am
Yo Gabe dont start watering shit down homie. Keep It All the Way live! There is some people that comment that just dont understand the concept of a critique(no hate). If I dont like it I dont like it, it doesnt mean that I am hating(c) Common. I also think you have game and No I havent been able to find the Paruco dunk tape. Salaam!
Farouq Obama aka Fux Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 9:12 am
Moon, I hope you arent Jamario, because you need to refine your game or you’re going to be out the league in 2years.
poopr Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 12:18 pm
GABE GO BE A TIGHT END
OR SHAQUILLE ONEAL BODY-GUARD
YOUR NOT A SMALL FORWARD, GET CHRIS KAMANS AGENTS NUMBER
AND GET ON STEROIDS, IF YOU WANT TO BE
REGGIE EVANS OR JASON MAXIELL, OR BRANDON BASS
GET IN THE LEAGUE HOMIE
Naijastudent Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 12:37 pm
Don’t listen to the haters Gabe and keep doing your thing. By the way, is Gabe ur real name or is it really something like Tunji, Ire, or Tunde. People pronounced my named differently in elementary school, so I switched it up to my middle name. Crazy acatas!!
Brian Boitono Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
gabe thankyou for referencing me in your article:
” I did love the one that talk about my fall as a HoopsHype blogger”
As a former world class figure skater with a horribly receeding hairline i my friend know what the criticism feels like. Best of luck to you.
in the words of a rasta smacked up on glue at a checkers drivethrew
shalamalona ding dong
GaBe
Brian Boitono Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 2:53 pm
PS: Doug Blecher
Are you serious with this? has anyone else laughed at your long winded list of stupidity? did you write this between games of NBA 2k8 on your ps3 and episodes of real world?
you make we want quit reading, a skill that took me 24 years to get to its current 8th grade level. Thanks
Ray Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 3:06 pm
I def enjoy reading your blogs. It is very refreshing to hear about your overseas experiments. I think it is the other side of pro basketball that is not talked about enough. I plan on buying paul shirley’s book in the near future. I understand your frustration with these haters. 8 out of 10 people who talk basketball/sports, etc don’t really know the game. They are just “espn babies” and all they do is spit up the trash espn feeds them. I use to love espn about 5 years ago until they just became sports media whores and had clowns saying the most ignorant stuff ever. When you have people like Bill Walton saying Lebron was jordan, bird, and magic combined during an espn televised high school game it gives way to more idiots believing it and running with it like its the gospel. Skip Bayless says Steve Nash is better then John Stockton! WTF!!!! They are the reason nowitzki gets an mvp and nash wins back to back mvps. I think you are one of the few basketball players the knows the game well on and off the court. And you not being so egotistical is the reason becuz ego maniac basketball players have the “WHAT CAN I DO” to get better or win and not what the coach can do and what a teammate can do. Examples are Jordan, Ainge, Barkley, Greg Anthony. They were great to solid players but they know NOTHING about the game from the outside and putting one together. The NBA like any other business is about politics. You have to be a certain height, weight, position etc. And whoever said Gabe would play the 2 obviously has never seen him play or doesnt know basketball. Gabe has lebron’s body type about 6-7 6-8 and 250-270 pound range. I know a lot of teams see you as a undersized pf and that probable is what hurt him. One of the many reasons i dont think talent evaluators do a good enuff job. Lokk at the chuck hayes, reggie evans, weatherspoon, jason maxiell, etc they all are small pf’s. I think maybe gabe has jus got caught up in the overseas basketball world becuz it seems like it never stops. I have a friend who plays overseas and they have more benefits then nba players. They dont have to pay for NOTHING really. They get free housing, food, car etc. Were NBA or american players have to buy a house, a car, etc. Look at Allan Ray he left the celtics who were offering him about 500,000 -800, 000 salary but he left to play overseas were his making a couple million. You do the math of that salary and the money he would have to put out if he would have stayed in the NBA. And lets not forget that some overseas currency is worth more then american dollars. So they make more money when they transfer it to US dollars (if that is part of there contract) Maybe Gabe is not making the money he truly wants but you can blame him everybody always wants to make extra money. But i am willing to bet Gabe has made more money then quite a few low level nba players and some of his draft class if you add it all up. Keep doing your thing man.
P.S. I also think the whole comments thing should be eliminated from ALL websites. It just brings about haters and negatiivty for no reason
Sir Dunkalot and the Round Table of Rebounds Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
I used to be a world class this and champion that, so I’m just like you Gabe HONESTLY
MC Welk Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
Seaganism is where it’s at: vive les fruits de mer! I wish you played for the Jazz.
Rashidi Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 9:02 pm
Yes there are lots of players in the league because of their “potential”.
And ultimately that is why Gabe isn’t in the league, he has already reached his potential.
The league has made a serious trend of only calling up players from the D-League when they need a stop gap. The ONLY way Gabe is going to make the NBA is playing in the D-League and hoping for an opportunity.
Gabe has already played in the D-League, but ultimately decided to take the bigger paychecks overseas rather than waiting for his opportunity in the D-League.
The guy was averaged 26 ppg in 12 games before heading overseas.
Here are last year’s D-League all-stars
Morris Almond, Utah (Team contract)
Lance Allred, Idaho (Called up, played playoff mins with Cavs)
Sean Banks, Los Angeles (Called up)
Elton Brown, Colorado (Called up)
Andre Barrett, Bakersfield (Called up)
Kaniel Dickens, Colorado (Called up)
Rod Benson, Dakota (Called up)
Nick Fazekas, Tulsa (Team contract)
Kyrylo Fesenko, Utah (Team contract)
Eddie Gill, Colorado (Called up)
Keith Langford, Austin (Called up)
Randy Livingston, Idaho
Ian Mahinmi, Austin (Team contract)
Dwayne Mitchell, Iowa
Jelani McCoy, Los Angeles (Called up)
Kasib Powell, Sioux Falls (Called up, finished year with Heat)
Carlos Powell, Dakota (Called up)
Billy Thomas, Colorado (Called up, played playoff mins with Cavs)
Jeremy Richardson, Fort Wayne (Called up, played playoff mins with Hawks)
Cory Violette, Idaho
Only two of these players weren’t called up, and three of them played in the playoffs, Gabe’s ultimate goal.
So Gabe has no one to blame except himself for why he’s not in the league. A couple more weeks of hard work and he likely gets called up. Hell, Miami’s roster for the last month was comprised almost entirely of D-Leaguers, Gabe blew his chance big time. Was the paycheck worth it?
Rashidi Said,
May 24, 2008 @ 9:07 pm
Btw I’m not a hater and I wish you luck with the rest of your career, but seriously, heed my words. The D-League is your path to the NBA. Playing overseas is not.
It comes down to what’s more important, the paycheck, or your playoff dream.
Dan Said,
May 25, 2008 @ 1:47 am
Gabe, i was surprised that you went to my current high school cypress fall, interesting to see you still number one in many category’s in the stats. it would be nice one day if you came back to visit
Luke Ridnour Said,
May 25, 2008 @ 9:42 am
If Miami are left with Michael Beasley at #2, they should select him and trade Udonis Haslem for Luke Ridnour plus a future 2nd round pick, since the Sonics are more likely to go with Earl Watson as their starting PG making Ridnour expendable.
C - Alonzo Mourning
PF - Michael Beasley
SF - Shawn Marion
SG - Dwayne Wade
PG - Luke Ridnour
= Championship
Doug blecher Said,
May 25, 2008 @ 11:07 am
Rashidi made a good point about the D-League being the best place to be to get a shot at the NBA. However, guys go over to Europe, improve their game and get a shot at the NBA because their are scouts everywhere now. Look at a guy like Anthony Parker. He gets drafted by the 76ers, doesnt have a great showing for them during his time there and then goes over to Europe. He becomes one of the best players there playing for Maccabi Tel Aviv and then gets to return to the NBA and is a much more effective player. There are many others like Ime Udoka who took a similiar path. I’m not saying Gabe is as good as those players, but the D-League isnt the only path.
Brian Boitano, thats cool that you want to insult me. However, I think its funny that you did that instead of disputing anything I said about those other players that I thought Gabe could have played as well as or better than in the NBA this past season. Now, you dont know enough about basketball to dispute what I said, but there really wasnt a need for the insults, just giving my opinion. Even if you think I’m wrong at least I said something that prompted discussion instead of just insulting someone.
you ll never know how much i love you Said,
May 25, 2008 @ 11:07 am
[...] keep it up. Although I appreciate the ones advicing me, I actually know or have heard before …http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/muoneke/index.php/2008/05/23/leggo-my-ego/Dirty Jobs: Game prep with NBA stopper Raja Bell The Sporting News via Yahoo! News Every [...]
David Said,
May 26, 2008 @ 6:24 am
Hi Gabe!!!
This is David González from Vitoria. I don’t have any way more to contact with you. First, congratulations for you tittle in Asia. As you know, TAU will play the final of ACB against Barcelona from this thursday. Would you like to write me something about this for our newspaper?
Thank you very much in advance.
Best regards.
franco Said,
May 26, 2008 @ 1:11 pm
Doug Blecher,
You can’t really compare Anthony parker and Ime udoka,
Parker was drafted, he was a known commodity and after messing about with two nba teams and one cba team he moved to Europe and got more experience.
Ime decided to go the USBL and NBDL route. He played a couple of seasons in Europe but not enough to get a chance in the NBA like Anthony Parker. Ime went the D-league route, worked hard and got called up. Parker went the Europe route and became a legit balla in europe and then got a decent contract and good chance with the raps.
Ray- no one is hating on Gabe, I’m a huge fan of his, I’ve always been a big fan since his high school ball days and I’ll always be a big fan, Myself and others( I believe) just feel that there was no need to go calling out other players on here. Gabe is above that and there should be no need for hating.
We just want Gabe to “Stay Classy”.
dawson Said,
May 27, 2008 @ 9:30 am
Gabe, I really enjoy your articles and overseas experiences, as long as they are not about the NBA, because those turn to be really bitter. Keep playing the ball and keep trying in the summer league.
Jim Said,
May 28, 2008 @ 8:03 am
Gabe, just found your blog - I looked you up after I watched you play with Fajardo against Santurce (I have season tickets for Santurce). It’s an interesting read - don’t change a thing. Question - where does the SBL rank in terms of skill level of the players compared to the other leagues you’ve played in?
Hope you’re enjoying your “paid vacation” in PR. Good luck the rest of the season.
Tully Said,
May 30, 2008 @ 5:32 pm
Gabe– What do you think of Tiago Splitter resigning with Tau rather than joining the Spurs? How often do you hear guys in Europe say they’d rather stay in Europe for lifestyle & language reasons? I know in Splitter’s case, he can actually make more money (at least in the short run) playing for Tau than playing for Rookie scale in the nba….
I think the new trend will be to draft euroleague guys in the second round as more Euro teams try to keep their stars by offering more money…
Tully Said,
May 30, 2008 @ 10:54 pm
Gabe– what do you think of Tiago Splitter’s decision to stay with Tau instead of coming over to play with the Spurs? I think this situation might make teams shy away from drafting european players in the first round of the draft. I understand Splitter’s desire to make more money– it’s an unfortunate loophole that the Spurs are locked in to the nba rookie pay scale… did you hear many players in Europe say they’d prefer to stay in Europe due to lifestyle & language issues? Thought I would ask you, since you’re in a better position to judge than most…. congrats on the FIBA Asian club championship.
Nestor Said,
June 3, 2008 @ 6:03 pm
we won Gabe! I would like to say thank you for your time in Vitoria. This cup is also yours. I hope we will see you again. Good luck.
mikel Said,
June 8, 2008 @ 3:49 pm
Hi Gabe!
It was a pity you left Spain, and that’s why we remember you. I suppose you know that TAU has won the ACB League and some of us (I mean supporters) didn’t want to forget your great help and game in the team, that’s why when the celebratinos took place, we shouted; Gabe MVP, Gabe MVP… It was nothing… even stupid… but anyway, it was just the fact: GO MUONEKE!!
Thank you for everything man!! Good luck
Regards from Vitoria!! (Sorry for my English)
Asian Asian Hotties Asian School Girl Said,
June 17, 2008 @ 5:04 am
Asian Asian Hotties Asian School Girl…
I can not agree with you in 100% regarding some thoughts, but you got good point of view…
SometimesIDoodle Said,
June 18, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
I really think that what you said really hits home with the people who are in here with the internet using their computers who are watching this right now in their homes and mansions, but I don’t agree with the fact that you are going in a seperate direction from the other people?? Now, tell me what. I once was in a cafe, and I had some apple juice. The lady who was serving me, kindly asked if I would like a refill. I said yes - and she brought me a cup of apple juice that was filled up so high, I don’t know how she didn’t spill any of it. Maybe she did - but that is not the point. My question to her… How did you know that the refill was coming? I didn’t at this point - I just ate and ate what was on the plate. Who cares about the food! I mean, how does the apple juice come in a cup so small, yet has enough juice in it for even someone who likes apple juice to be satisfied? That’s the real question here, everybody… Where is your apple juice?
Now, here comes the SLAM DUNK (this is called a PUN in the UK). I looked at my check - and it said 79 cents for one apple juice, and 79 cents for one apple juice. I asked her what this meant, and she said that I was charged for 2 cups of juice. NOW CAREFULLY RE-READ THIS ENTIRE STORY — she used the same cup, but claimed that I purchased the second cup. I kept the cup. Now, when they try and pull a stunt like this again, they will think - Will I get my cup back?
Think. Act. Question.
Will YOU get YOUR cup back?