The Darius Rice show
Hi! This is the 2006-07 D-League champion you’re reading. We won the championship game Sunday and it was an incredible night. We were al witnesses of the Darius Rice show. He took us, the Dakota Wizards, to the title with an amazing performance. 52 points, people. 52 points. He got on a roll in the second quarter and there was no stopping him after that. I’ve never in my life seen a guy step up at such an impressive level with the stakes so high. I’m talking about a guy who was averaging like 9 or 10 points per game this year. But last night… Wow. He was in a zone. If he doesn’t get a contract in the NBA after that next season, he’s never getting to the NBA. That’s clear.
I was nervous in the fourth quarter because we were close to losing the game. Once Darius hit the trey to force overtime, though, I was absolutely sure we were winning this thing. I wasn’t wrong.
I had a good game myself. I contributed 11 points, which is nice. The greatest thing for me was that my mom was in the stands. She flew to Bismarck to see me play and it meant a lot. She saw me get the MVP at Rucker Park playing against Ron Artest; she also saw me win the Last Man Standing thing… But this is much better. She was there watching as I won a championship. It’s just a whole different level. Although the night life in Bismarck is far from great, we had a lot of fun celebrating the title. We had friends, co-workers and all kind of people partying with us. And it was a long party! I probably slept just a couple of hours, but I’m not even feeling the effects of it.
We have a team banquet today and that will be the end of the celebrations. Tuesday morning, I’m back to Denver. I’ll be there spending time with my kids and evaluating my situation. I’m going to look at the offers and see what I do next. The only thing that’s clear is that I’m done with minor league basketball. Got to make some money now playing at the highest level I can. I’ll try to get into training camp with some NBA team next season, but I’m pretty much open to anything. I know I have some fans down in Australia wanting me to play there and I think that would be cool. Australia, Europe… Anywhere I’m wanted is OK with me.
You’ll hear from me again soon. Bye!
Chris Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 12:41 am
Congratulations on the win! Damn right you got some fans in Oz. You should definately come to play down here. It’s a great place to be for yourslef and your family. Im not trying to lure you to perth……..wait yeah i think i am ahaha but we are definately looking for an import pg. Bottom line is plenty of people would love to see you play in Australia, for whoever. Enjoy the celebrations mate!
Frank Lavorato Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 1:24 am
ye well done. im fomr australia aswell and it would b sik if u came down here 2 play. ive been folowin u since u were in trainin camp with the raptors and u r a gun playa. hav fun with ur kids in denver
Mr Black Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 4:37 am
GRATZ on the awesome win !!!!
Hope to see you in a Melbourne Tigers jersey for the new NBL season
peace
MrB
DirkaDirkaMohammedJihad Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 5:53 am
Congrats Mate. Yep, ANOTHER aussie fan, and from Perth no less. Well done and good luck in the next stage of your career, if not the Big Show, maybe you should scout the Wildcats roster, add your name, and an NBL title to your resume.
Mr Black Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 9:16 am
I have really opened the door for the Aussie fans on this blog i see
I don’t recall seeing any of you guys on here prior to me mentioning the NBL or the Melbourne Tigers?
You guys from Perth must be trying to steal my scouting thunder
JYG Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 10:52 am
Hey Corey,
Congrats bro…I have been reading about you and watching clips of you for the last few years man and as a Toronto guy born and raised I was a litle disappointed your not a Raptor right now…but enjoy the Championship and I know that you will be doing big things in the years to come!!!
Vincent Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 1:00 pm
Hey Corey,
you might wanna consider playing in the NBL for the Singapore Slingers! Yea, it’s a tiny tropical cosmopolitan island in South East Asia. We do have a team in the NBL though, and you’re welcome to come don the red and yellow!
Vincent Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 1:01 pm
oops, it should be the red and orange!
The Other MJ Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 5:11 pm
I guess I already said this on your last blog, but great game and congratulations on the championship!
No more minor league ball? Well, I understand, but I sure would’ve liked to see you back next season if you didn’t make the NBA. Well, good luck wherever you go next.
Dewey Said,
May 1, 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Corey Williams A.K.A Homicide
What’s up man this Dewey, im very proud of your accomplishments in the D-league. You have the talent to go as far as possible you know i know this. When i heard what you did I was very happy for you, but it wasn’t a suprise. what people dont understand is that you can do this night in and night out…anyway just keep up the work…lata
P.S. I hope they know why they call you HOMICIDE
Ra Said,
May 2, 2007 @ 8:11 am
Rice Raiders Baby!!! I see that you are doing it big! I’m proud of ya man, I will inform Bro. Walderman.
HORHAY Said,
May 2, 2007 @ 3:24 pm
You are a Winner…and you do what you’re supposed to. WIN! HOMICIDE for PRESIDENT
Eric E. Said,
May 2, 2007 @ 4:03 pm
That had to have been one of the best games in Dakota Wizards history! I’m really glad that you got to be a part of the team. I don’t know what the Skyforce were thinking when they released you earlier this season. You sure showed them by dropping 16 points on them in the Eastern Division Final along with 6 assists, 4 boards, and 2 steals! I’ve enjoyed watching you play for the best team in the D-League this season. The lady that sat with your mom during the game, Mickey, introduced my mother and me to her before the game started. I’m glad she got to see you win a championship! Again, great job this season, Corey! I hope you make it to the NBA.
-Eric E.
The Other MJ Said,
May 2, 2007 @ 4:56 pm
Funny that I find you here Eric. I’m sure you can guess who this is. *hint Bri*
I think I saw your mom at the game also. It’s awesome that she got to come. Too bad you weren’t the star of the game though.
HC Said,
May 3, 2007 @ 10:51 am
Congrats on the win! That is great your mom was able to come and watch. You had a great season Corey. Best of luck in the future wherever you go. Have a nice summer!!
RM # 0 Said,
May 3, 2007 @ 3:43 pm
Hey Corey,
I’ve been reading your blog since the beginning and I think it’s cool that you seemed to be positive and upbeat throughout the season ( getting cut by Denver despite working out there the whole summer).
Best of luck in whatever you’ll do , you’ll be fine ( and I’ve never seen you play)
RM #0
Chris Shaq Said,
May 3, 2007 @ 8:36 pm
Hey Corey,
Stay in the states and forget Toronto or Australia. Atl needs some guards besides Joe johnson.
luck Said,
May 3, 2007 @ 10:38 pm
Darius miles was great at miami and he should have been dafted him and durant have the same type of 1 on 1 game he’s nice with his handle I wish him da best
And u I was there for that mvp award at rucker
Eric Fogle Said,
May 4, 2007 @ 4:30 pm
I’ve seen the the player in you as a athletic 17 year old without a real position, Lets see..NJCAA D-2 National Champs( You Forgot). I’m more than proud of you Corey…Wherever you land next season..that League is trouble.
AJAYE Said,
May 4, 2007 @ 11:10 pm
COREY AKA THUMBS EITHER WAY HOMIE YOUR STILL GOING TO BE MY BOY AND I’M PROUD OF YOU!!!!KEEP DOING YOUR THING AND SKY IS THE LIMIT..YOUR BOY AJAYE I LOVE HOMIE…SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET BACK HOME..
Edward Simms Said,
June 27, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
Whats up Corey. This is E.Simms from ASU. I am happy to see you win your championship and I looking forward to seeing you in the League this season. It’s always good to see someone form ASU make it. Hit me up on my Email account when you get time.
R Phoenix Said,
July 27, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
how was your run with the warriors summer team? camp invite?