Going Boricua
The only thing negative about being in Puerto Rico is Family Guy, my favorite show today, is in Spanish. You can imagine my discontent when I patiently sat through the agonizing dry humor of King of the Hill, only to have my garnered excitement thrown out of my window when I heard Stewie say, “idiota,” instead of “you bovine lummox.” Even though I can understand, it’s just not as funny sans the New England/English accent Seth McFarlen masters. But I’ll get over it. I got Slingbox (an overseas baller’s best friend… Get on it if you already have not).
Moving forward… I suppose I owe somewhat of an explanation as to where the bloody hell I’ve been. The best way I can describe it is, the rebounding position between the top of the key and half court. That’s right good ol’ “no man’s land.” Or just plain ol’ purgatory. After China, I just couldn’t bring myself to travel very far to play. Yes, I broke my hand but I was cleared over a month ago. I just kept talking to teams and never pulling the trigger on any deals. The CBA experience can do that to you. To get into every nick and cranny of what that was like would just be futile negativity, so let’s just forget it happened. Please.
I just read, thought, played with kids, read and read some more. The last thing I should ever do is have too much time to think. Why? Because so many things I tried to avoid thinking about, I actually find myself considering. I remember reading my boy Paul Shirley’s blog about a year ago. In it he was talking about retiring and I thought he was just thinking too much. Thing is, he could still play and I don’t even think he was 30 at the time. So why would he retire? Well, Paul my friend, I get it. Not that I am thinking of retirement but I can see why one would.
I think I was so deep in my own weird mental, I knew the only place I could go play right now was a place I would actually enjoy, so… Soy con boricuas, pa’s k 2 lo sepa! ( I picked that chant up nine years ago when I first started here. Can’t separate it from the island).
When I’m out here, I am a fan and a student all in one. I watch more TV here than anywhere else I play for obvious reasons… I think. So I watch more ESPN and turn into NBA games and then like a kid, get to try what I see Kobe glide through. Then I proceed to trip over my own Adidas. The mind is willing and the feet are weak.
So as I’m watching ESPN, I hear (blank) say LeBron James is head over heels better than Kobe? What?! Then I catch myself screaming at some electronic visage who can’t hear a word I’m saying. I speculated on it before and now I’m certain… They should add a third commentator on Pardon the Interruption, Stewie Griffin. Just so he can be there to elegantly point out the madness within some of these assessments. LeBron is definitely insane… But Kobe? Did any of you see him turn gamma green and rip his shirt off when Ron Artest pissed him off? Let that sleeping dog sleep.
This is the good time of year. The time I wish I was a basketball commentator. Just so I could get the chance to make Tim Legler and Chuck proud. Ready for my Legler quote of the year? “Guess they don’t get the MSG network down in South Florida.” DAAAAYUM.
And Chuck’s is simple, “that’s terrible.”
Chuck’s accent makes that a classic every time he says it. Although I love playoff time and time for predictions, I concede that I have a rather tattered track record. Well, I did say the Lakers and Jazz would meet in the playoffs, right? So I was off on the round. It’s because they got an Aggie jersey somewhere in the locker room jinxing all the karma.
Anyways here goes. NBA Finals… Lakers vs. Sixers. And Sixers in 7! OK… Now MVP… LeBron just barely edging Brian Cardinal in the tightest race in NBA history. Finals MVP… Kobe. That’s it. No punchline, just Kobe. First pick in 09 draft… Blake Griffin. As much as I hate OU, have you seen that mammoth? Is it just me, or does he not have as much hype as he should? Maybe if his jersey were a bit more burnt orange. He’ll be number 1 unless the team picking needs a point, in which case it’ll be Ricky Rubio (hate to say a told you so… But I did).
I am beyond excited right now with this time of year. No more traveling to the other side of the globe and paying $1,000 for excess luggage (strangely enough, all my excess poundage is food). And no more hustles… Just basketball. I needed this to rejuvenate my mental approach for next season. It’s been a wild ride from France, to Utah, to China. But in the following months I look forward to doing something stable. Too old for this caca. But I’ve said it before and I mean it. This crazy globetrotting has helped me beyond belief. And if it takes the nonsense to open my eyes, I’ll take it now rather than later.
Sorry for the dry blog. It’s just been so long. In turn, I have way too many things to talk about. Rather than bombard your eyes with all the details that flood my brain and confuse many to a point of anger… I’ll just accomadate with the usual. Duh… I like basketball… Duh… I scored a lot. That should satisfy the desired perception of all. My apologies for rockin’ the boat. I’ll keep those who care updated on my PR escapades.
ShalObama!
Corsley Edwards Said,
April 21, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
Boy you are insane but I feel ya 100%.
Porky Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 8:20 am
You, my good man, have better writing skills than James Joyce. OK- maybe an exaggeration, but your passion, humor and intelligence are a delight in the world of drab, typical hoop dialogue. Thanks for the breath of fresh air and good luck in the world of roundball.
Bertie Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 8:56 am
Gabe:
UT-EX living in Ocean Park. If you have questions or need help while in the island feel free to contact me at cabre@prtc.net.
David Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 9:51 am
Porky,
I agree with you here — love Gabe’s writing. Comes from University of Texas
So is there now harmony in the world?
Porky Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 10:13 am
Harmony is a concept that our socialist President (who you voted for) expounds. Harmony is also a concept that does not exist in rap “music”- music that reminds me of your primitive thinking. Yes, I will have a nice day today. Got milk? I bet you do.
Jose F. Miro Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 11:49 am
Hey Gabriel!!
Hi! I’m Jose, from Bayamon PR. Just a question. First, I’m a die hard Bayamon Cowboys fan (vaqueros) and I still remember the way you killed us in that 2004 semifinals while you were playing for Coamo. Man, I hated you back then (just kidding). Are you planning on playing for any team in PR? If you are, strongly consider the cowbowys….we would love to have you there.. Hope everything worksout. See ya!!
gmoney Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
16 pts and 4 rb???s…… u usually kill this league!!!! i hope u keep ur cosistent play in our puerto rican league!!! there has been a lot of good players ” refuerzos ” and ur one of them!!!! good luck!!! if u like mofongo and seafood…. try salinas…. near guayama and ponce…. rest. arcoiris!!! best mofongo and mariscos in south side!!! if u like wine.. i know some pretty good cellars to go to……jeje!!! finally I want to ask u… u’ll play a foward named vassallo!! he played for virginia tech… i want to know wat are his chances of becoming a Nba player!!! thanx!!! peace… and God bless!!
Michael Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
This is the first time I have read your blog, and it is brilliant.
Farouq Obama aka Fux Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
YO GAbe what up my dude. Glad youre doing well. I was just in Fajardo last week stayed at EL CONQUISTADOR(great times), the serendipity. The Homie Jojo Jones Camacho is going to get it in as usual(he told me Marcus Williams of uconn is on his squad, damn NBA roster one month next month Puerto Rico to Ball, who could even hate on that). I hope you have a great season and hopefully another shot in the summer with The League. I tried and tried to unearth that gem of a clip of you banging on PARUCO but I couldnt for the life of me find it. I think I may have accidentally parted with it, do to some other random incriminating footage of the KID. Tell JoJo - ARAM-FAROUQ el ARABE’ MEXICANO said what is up! I got some boys that just touched down in San Juan From Diego they will be playin Entourage with JOJO …. go get it in with them Boys. *daps*
brofmfa Said,
April 22, 2009 @ 9:09 pm
Yey bro, great sharing. Don’t ever never feel bother to throw things to our eyes. Peace.
Jaredallas Said,
April 23, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
Gabe, I really value your views. It’s a great perspective that your average Joe (or Jared) doesn’t typically get to witness.
So, I go way off topic to ask you this: What do you think of my Mavericks?
Charlie H. Said,
April 24, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
LeBron over Cardinal??? Not a chance.
It’s between Cardinal and Adam Morrison (who is the reason LA is doing well).
HAH
"L Boogie" Said,
April 30, 2009 @ 10:14 pm
great game the other night soso!!!
Bernard Said,
May 3, 2009 @ 1:34 am
Finally!! Great writing as usual.Keep ‘em coming!
Peace.
Sean Said,
May 8, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
Gabe,
Always a good read cuz you’re brutally honest. With that said, I wanna put you on the spot.
I would LOVE to hear your opinion on the integrity of the NBA game!!!
From the Tim Donaghy scandal, to Stern instantly dismissing it as a rouge official & refusing to investigate, to the general night in & night out officiating, to the incredibly curious double standards that appear to permeate from the league office at playoff time when it comes to suspensions.