Hello Everyone,
This weather is depressing, I have not seen the sun since I have been here. It gets light here around 8:30-9 and somewhere around 3:00 PM the night process begins. As I was walking the street lights turned on at 3:05!!!(It is crazy stuff). It has also been raining a lot which will change to snow in a few weeks I’m sure.
The weeks activities included a PR visit to a under privileged school in Sodertalje, a massage for the leg, and a plane ride to Lulea. The gym at the school was smaller then a cracker box, there soccer field was made of gravel and the school itself looked like it has been limping on a broken leg for a few years now. The kids were excited to see us and I was glad I could provide some excitement for them. They were around the ages of 4th grade to 1st grade. They spoke very little English (they all knew how to say “my name is”, “how are you”, and “I’m good”), but that did not keep us from having a good day. I took the girls and the other player took the boys. We had dribble races, shooting contest and a couple games of Simon says. It is amazing how much more girls listen then boys (I’m glad men grow out of this habit). At the end we signed autographs for the kids and handed them a little sheet (not sure what was on it) and called it a day. I really need to remember to bring a camera when I do things like this to liven up the blog and for my own memories.
The week also included a massage on my leg to help get the juices flowing around the injured area (I suffered a huge charley horse in practice). It was a very painful massage, but worth it at the end. The team has a chiropractor, massage people, and even that Chinese thing (acropuntcial or something). I will need to take advantage of these services to keep my body up and running. The interesting thing I have noticed is when you go into these nice offices or even the gym to watch practices, it is a custom to take your shoes off (we even do it at the entrance to our locker room). I’m sure it is pretty smart especially when the snow comes down a lot more. Another thing I have noticed in the countries I have been (France, Hungary, Germany, and Sweden) is that all the mail carriers are on bikes. Wouldn’t that be a smart to implement in America? I mean how many mail trucks are out there, and they almost walk all the time anyway. The government might as well give them a bike (just a thought, would not change much except have really fit mail carriers).
We flew to Lulea for the game on Friday. It was about a two hour flight. We left around 6:45 from Sodertalje to drive to Arlando Airport (about a 40 minute drive). The plane ride was quick and easy and those engines put me right to sleep. It was a lot colder up north, but I did finally see the sun (it only raised enough to get over the buildings). We stayed at comfort suites, it was very nice and cozy. We ate lunch, pre-game meal, and after game meal at the hotel (they were all good meals). I have started a new tradition which I started in Lulea, which is to buy a postcard at all away game sites and write the stats, result, and anything remember able from the game/place. This will be pretty cool to turn into a big poster or picture later. I will discuss the game in the team part.
The Team
We had an okay week of practice. The team struggles to stay focused for a whole practice. The longer we go the worse we become. I ran into one of our guys in practice getting a charley horse and twisting my ankle at the same time on Wednesday. It was not a fun time at all, but the charley horse turned out to be worse then the ankle sprain. It kept me out of the morning shoot around the next day. Like mentioned above the massage helped to get the soreness out and it did not hamper me at all in the game. After last weeks loss, coach has taken a lot of the freedom out of the offense. This actually has helped and in the game we did not jack up another 37 threes. He has spoke with me and would like me to still be aggressive and look for my shots.
The game started out a lot like my first game here where we got off to a very slow start. After we settled down we played a lot better. I came off the bench and scored three straight buckets including one three. The second quarter was filled with them getting fast break lay-up after lay-up. We were down 10 at half. I started the second half and we eliminated the fast break from them. We had the lead with 3 minutes to go (up 5) when they decided to make four threes consecutively. We went back and fourth until the end when they hit the game winning three with 1.7 seconds left. I heaved a shot just in front of the half court line that went long. The place and the team we played (Planja) is considered the best team in the league as well as the hardest place to play. If we keep the effort we showed that game I think we will win a lot more then we will lose.
Personally I ended up with 11 points (4-6, 2 FT) and 7 rebounds. I had a diving save in fourth quarter and an assist from my knees that was pretty nice. I played very well defensively playing their four man and also guarding there point and shooting guard. I had 3 strips and 1 steal. We have a quick turnaround with a game Tuesday. Again if we play with the same effort and stick to the offense we will be fine. I like this team and believe we have a chance to be good. It is still early in the season and we are playing without our American center that will be here in December. He will not be a savior, but he will help a lot on the boards and other teams’ bigs.
A side not from the game was one of the Americans on Planja was Dan Opperland. He played for Valparaiso last year.
This is BC gone for now
P.S. I'm working on adding a slide show along with mixing up the templates to find one that works for everyone. I have been having a hard time figuring everything out, but hopefully i will work out the kinks soon. Thanks for your patience.
Nov 25, 2007
Nov 19, 2007
Not the start I wanted
Hello Everyone,
I am officially back overseas. I had a great flight over, there were no delays and I had a whole row to myself. I had to wait a little bit at the airport for my ride, but it was nothing to sweat over. There were some traces of snow still on the ground and I was glad I came prepared with hat and gloves that I bought before I left.
My time at home was very enjoyable. I squeezed a lot into only twelve days. I spent a night in Monon with the grandparents, made it to St. Louis for two days, watched the first game of the season for Butler (which they coasted by and Ball State was not very good), Hung out with some old friends at Broad ripple, Watched American Gangster with the folks, met with some people for the Three on Three classic, and the list could keep going. I am not sure why I feel the need to put everything down, but it might be to validate to myself that I did get a lot accomplished. It is kind of weird knowing I won’t be home for 6 months while missing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. This will mark the first time I have not been home for all three. I guess it is just me growing up, but I will miss not being with the family. Morgan has booked her ticket to come over on the 26th of December and will be here for two weeks which I’m excited about. Hopefully, I will have my apartment by then.
There has been some complication with me getting an apartment. I knew they were not going to have one right away. The team originally thought another player would not be coming until January. They have found one that is unfurnished, and the GM’s daughter who is staying in the team apartment is moving to the unfurnished one and then I will move into the team one. I have been staying at the same hostel I was in on my last visit to Sodertalje. It is not that big of deal, but I do not have a TV or any way to watch movies right now. Also there is no internet connection so I have to come up to the gym or teammates apartment. The food think is hard as well because people in the hostel seem to eat or drink all your food. I have been having a lot of Pasta and oatmeal. We get lunch five days a week so that helps out a lot. I have been doing a lot of reading and just finished my second Dan Brown book. I really like this author, but I have not read his most famous book “Da Vinci Code”. Hopefully, I will be moved in by this coming weekend so I can do more important things like playing Playstation 3.
The Team
We had a light shooting practice the first day I was here which was good to get my legs up and moving again from the long flight. We then had three hard practices before the game on Sunday. I was not in as good of shape as I thought I was, but I think jet lag played a little part in keeping me winded. The team practices really hard, but it seems to not translate in the game.
We got beat by 14 points in my first game here (not the way you want to start). I can give you just a few stats and it should tell you how the game was. We shot 37 threes and went to the free throw line 8 times. They shot 18 threes and went to the line 47 times. I really hate blaming the refs and they were not fully to blame this game at all (they did not help either). During practices the players attack one another pretty hard even getting in little arguments, but in the game it is like they are scared of the opponent. We did not attack the team at all and they had no inside presence at all. They had 3 guards and 1 small forward who scored basically all their points. We will definitely need to attack teams a lot more or will be a long season. Personally I did not play very well for my first game. I was 1-4 from three (one was a desperation NBA three with shot clock low), 2-5 from two. I got hit pretty hard on two of them but there was no call. I was able to get 2 steals and a couple boards. I lost my wind pretty quickly in the first half. This will be an adjustment for a while as we are waiting for our center to come in the middle of December. I am playing a lot of post up and back to the basket here. I’m not very comfortable with this and picked up a charge in the game. I think in the long run it will only help and strengthen my game so I’m going to attack the challenge. We play Friday and then again on Tuesday both away (this week should go by pretty quickly).
Resources:
www.Eurobasket.com – drop down menu at the top, go down to Sweden and they usually have recaps of all the games.
http://www.sbbk.se/ - team website that has live game stats
This is BC gone for now
I am officially back overseas. I had a great flight over, there were no delays and I had a whole row to myself. I had to wait a little bit at the airport for my ride, but it was nothing to sweat over. There were some traces of snow still on the ground and I was glad I came prepared with hat and gloves that I bought before I left.
My time at home was very enjoyable. I squeezed a lot into only twelve days. I spent a night in Monon with the grandparents, made it to St. Louis for two days, watched the first game of the season for Butler (which they coasted by and Ball State was not very good), Hung out with some old friends at Broad ripple, Watched American Gangster with the folks, met with some people for the Three on Three classic, and the list could keep going. I am not sure why I feel the need to put everything down, but it might be to validate to myself that I did get a lot accomplished. It is kind of weird knowing I won’t be home for 6 months while missing Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. This will mark the first time I have not been home for all three. I guess it is just me growing up, but I will miss not being with the family. Morgan has booked her ticket to come over on the 26th of December and will be here for two weeks which I’m excited about. Hopefully, I will have my apartment by then.
There has been some complication with me getting an apartment. I knew they were not going to have one right away. The team originally thought another player would not be coming until January. They have found one that is unfurnished, and the GM’s daughter who is staying in the team apartment is moving to the unfurnished one and then I will move into the team one. I have been staying at the same hostel I was in on my last visit to Sodertalje. It is not that big of deal, but I do not have a TV or any way to watch movies right now. Also there is no internet connection so I have to come up to the gym or teammates apartment. The food think is hard as well because people in the hostel seem to eat or drink all your food. I have been having a lot of Pasta and oatmeal. We get lunch five days a week so that helps out a lot. I have been doing a lot of reading and just finished my second Dan Brown book. I really like this author, but I have not read his most famous book “Da Vinci Code”. Hopefully, I will be moved in by this coming weekend so I can do more important things like playing Playstation 3.
The Team
We had a light shooting practice the first day I was here which was good to get my legs up and moving again from the long flight. We then had three hard practices before the game on Sunday. I was not in as good of shape as I thought I was, but I think jet lag played a little part in keeping me winded. The team practices really hard, but it seems to not translate in the game.
We got beat by 14 points in my first game here (not the way you want to start). I can give you just a few stats and it should tell you how the game was. We shot 37 threes and went to the free throw line 8 times. They shot 18 threes and went to the line 47 times. I really hate blaming the refs and they were not fully to blame this game at all (they did not help either). During practices the players attack one another pretty hard even getting in little arguments, but in the game it is like they are scared of the opponent. We did not attack the team at all and they had no inside presence at all. They had 3 guards and 1 small forward who scored basically all their points. We will definitely need to attack teams a lot more or will be a long season. Personally I did not play very well for my first game. I was 1-4 from three (one was a desperation NBA three with shot clock low), 2-5 from two. I got hit pretty hard on two of them but there was no call. I was able to get 2 steals and a couple boards. I lost my wind pretty quickly in the first half. This will be an adjustment for a while as we are waiting for our center to come in the middle of December. I am playing a lot of post up and back to the basket here. I’m not very comfortable with this and picked up a charge in the game. I think in the long run it will only help and strengthen my game so I’m going to attack the challenge. We play Friday and then again on Tuesday both away (this week should go by pretty quickly).
Resources:
www.Eurobasket.com – drop down menu at the top, go down to Sweden and they usually have recaps of all the games.
http://www.sbbk.se/ - team website that has live game stats
This is BC gone for now
Nov 14, 2007
Pictures!!!
Ok, I am back in Sweden and thought I would post some Pictures so you did not think i was lying about being overseas. I have a lot more then this but most of these pictures go with stories that i have already written about in my other Blog posts. If you would like any further information on the pictures just ask. (The picture above are the biggest pancakes you may ever see.)
Nov 1, 2007
A Chance to get back in shape!!
Hello Everyone,
Germany has come and went; I spent a week in Giessen, Germany trying out for the 46ers. Surprisingly, I played very well considering only practicing twice in three weeks and a few beers from Ireland in me. The first practice, I scored 9 of the 15 points in a practice scrimmage. The second day was not as good as I had no legs under me and it was a morning practice. Thursday I picked up where I left off on Tuesday playing really well both offensively and defensively. After talking with my agent the only complaint coming from the team was that they were concerned about my athleticism because I did not jump very high on my jump shots. This made me laugh pretty hard because if players athleticism was based on jump shots would Shawn Marion be in the NBA? (A player for the phoenix suns that shoots like a five year old and that may be giving him a compliment, but can’t jump out of the gym). However on Friday the team decided not to pick me up for an extended contract. They had nothing but praises for me on how I play defense, my basketball intelligence, and work ethic along with my character (that is a given;)). The coach told me I should for sure pursue a pro career over here and that I must play in the high divisions because that is where other guys know how to play the game as well (not just one on one). He said many were wondering why he brought me in when I was only averaging 7 points in three games for a third division French league. He mentioned that he quickly shot those people down knowing that I am a player who knows and plays the game the right way (thanks for the help with that Butler).
After all the praises they still needed more of a four man to complete the team this year. This seems to be a pretty common occurrence recently, but I have made sure Chris (my agent) knows to market me as a 3 man who can play 2 or 4. I have had four coaches tell me since I have been over here that I am true three who can play a little four but can guard 2,3,4 (for those of you who read this and are not up with the basketball lingo it basically means I’m a small forward that is versatile). The coach in Gieseen mentioned staying in touch with me because I would be a player he would want in the future I just don’t fit the need of the team right now.
Luckily, on that same day I got word from Sweden that they would like me to play for them starting November 16th. This is good news for me for a couple of reasons. First, it means I get to come home for a couple weeks. This is exciting due to the fact that I get to see a couple Butler games, family, girlfriend, and tie up some lose ends. Second, I liked the situation in Sweden. It is a team that is playing well without any Americans and the other American they are bringing in I worked out with this summer. The town, coach, and players all seemed to fit with me in my short stay in Sodertalje. I would also be playing the small forward spot along with helping out on 2 and 4 position as well. The team is called the Sodertalje Kings. The season is shorter then most European countries however depending on how far you advance in the post season determines how much longer you stay. Finally, it is nice knowing I have a team and a place to play. I liked doing this traveling thing, but I came over here to keep playing and I have missed playing games.
I could not get home without having one minor setback which was at the airport when trying to get the ticket changed. I was able to change my ticket from Mulhouse to Paris with no problem. On the phone the airlines said it would be no problem to get a flight in Paris. Upon arrival that was a very different story. So I had 4 days in Paris until I could fly out. I took a train into the city and stayed at a hostel very close to the louver. Everything in Paris is actually really close and I did a lot of walking in the first day. It is not as fun without having a travel buddy or someone you can take pictures with, but I managed and now can guide people through Paris ( at least on how to get to the louver and Eiffel tower, anything else your on your own). I actually volunteered to take pictures for people (it reminded me of the coke commercial where someone does a helpful deed and it continues on).
It rained on Monday so I enjoyed about 7 hours at a Starbucks typing up the blog and catching up on some of the American shows I have been missing. Tuesday was spent seeing Norte dame, Eiffel tower, and some other monuments around Paris. As I’m typing this part I’m actually sitting across from Notre Damn after going to the top. The church is really magnificent. The very top was closed today so I guess that will have to go on the come back list. The inside of the church just really makes you wonder how they could build such a master piece back then. After touring Notre Damn I headed down to the Eiffel tower. I did not think it would be that far of a walk, but I think I was not heading exactly the right way and wound up about a forty minute walk from it. I talked with a hotel and they led me to the right bus to get there. I waited in line to climb the stairs, then to go to the very top, then to come down. It would not have been that bad if I would have had someone there to talk with. I was not awe struck bye the tower because you see so many pictures (plus Kings Island has one only theirs is lime green). My last hours in Paris were spent purchasing the most expensive banana split in the world (8.50 Euro but did taste pretty good after climbing over 1,000 stairs and walking half of the city) and spending my second night in Charles Da Gaulle. Most people don’t even make it to Paris once in a lifetime I have adorned there dirty floors with two sleepless nights now. I still have a lot I did not do here in Paris so I still have reason to come back.
There will be no blog updates until I return to Sweden and start winning games or at least playing. I’m going to enjoy my two weeks at home although I will be working to get myself back into game shape (may have to recruit some Butler help with that one). I will also be working on getting all my pictures on a slide show or something similar for your viewing pleasure.
Until then friends………
P.S. I know I mentioned about taken over the 3 on 3 tournament this summer in Frankfort. I will be doing a lot of work on this project while at home and if anyone has any interests in being a sponsor or a volunteer for the event (July 26th ) that will benefit the Boys & Girls club please give me a call or shoot me an email.
Phone #- 765-535-4905
Email- Croner_1@yahoo.com
Thanks for the help..
This is BC gone for now
Germany has come and went; I spent a week in Giessen, Germany trying out for the 46ers. Surprisingly, I played very well considering only practicing twice in three weeks and a few beers from Ireland in me. The first practice, I scored 9 of the 15 points in a practice scrimmage. The second day was not as good as I had no legs under me and it was a morning practice. Thursday I picked up where I left off on Tuesday playing really well both offensively and defensively. After talking with my agent the only complaint coming from the team was that they were concerned about my athleticism because I did not jump very high on my jump shots. This made me laugh pretty hard because if players athleticism was based on jump shots would Shawn Marion be in the NBA? (A player for the phoenix suns that shoots like a five year old and that may be giving him a compliment, but can’t jump out of the gym). However on Friday the team decided not to pick me up for an extended contract. They had nothing but praises for me on how I play defense, my basketball intelligence, and work ethic along with my character (that is a given;)). The coach told me I should for sure pursue a pro career over here and that I must play in the high divisions because that is where other guys know how to play the game as well (not just one on one). He said many were wondering why he brought me in when I was only averaging 7 points in three games for a third division French league. He mentioned that he quickly shot those people down knowing that I am a player who knows and plays the game the right way (thanks for the help with that Butler).
After all the praises they still needed more of a four man to complete the team this year. This seems to be a pretty common occurrence recently, but I have made sure Chris (my agent) knows to market me as a 3 man who can play 2 or 4. I have had four coaches tell me since I have been over here that I am true three who can play a little four but can guard 2,3,4 (for those of you who read this and are not up with the basketball lingo it basically means I’m a small forward that is versatile). The coach in Gieseen mentioned staying in touch with me because I would be a player he would want in the future I just don’t fit the need of the team right now.
Luckily, on that same day I got word from Sweden that they would like me to play for them starting November 16th. This is good news for me for a couple of reasons. First, it means I get to come home for a couple weeks. This is exciting due to the fact that I get to see a couple Butler games, family, girlfriend, and tie up some lose ends. Second, I liked the situation in Sweden. It is a team that is playing well without any Americans and the other American they are bringing in I worked out with this summer. The town, coach, and players all seemed to fit with me in my short stay in Sodertalje. I would also be playing the small forward spot along with helping out on 2 and 4 position as well. The team is called the Sodertalje Kings. The season is shorter then most European countries however depending on how far you advance in the post season determines how much longer you stay. Finally, it is nice knowing I have a team and a place to play. I liked doing this traveling thing, but I came over here to keep playing and I have missed playing games.
I could not get home without having one minor setback which was at the airport when trying to get the ticket changed. I was able to change my ticket from Mulhouse to Paris with no problem. On the phone the airlines said it would be no problem to get a flight in Paris. Upon arrival that was a very different story. So I had 4 days in Paris until I could fly out. I took a train into the city and stayed at a hostel very close to the louver. Everything in Paris is actually really close and I did a lot of walking in the first day. It is not as fun without having a travel buddy or someone you can take pictures with, but I managed and now can guide people through Paris ( at least on how to get to the louver and Eiffel tower, anything else your on your own). I actually volunteered to take pictures for people (it reminded me of the coke commercial where someone does a helpful deed and it continues on).
It rained on Monday so I enjoyed about 7 hours at a Starbucks typing up the blog and catching up on some of the American shows I have been missing. Tuesday was spent seeing Norte dame, Eiffel tower, and some other monuments around Paris. As I’m typing this part I’m actually sitting across from Notre Damn after going to the top. The church is really magnificent. The very top was closed today so I guess that will have to go on the come back list. The inside of the church just really makes you wonder how they could build such a master piece back then. After touring Notre Damn I headed down to the Eiffel tower. I did not think it would be that far of a walk, but I think I was not heading exactly the right way and wound up about a forty minute walk from it. I talked with a hotel and they led me to the right bus to get there. I waited in line to climb the stairs, then to go to the very top, then to come down. It would not have been that bad if I would have had someone there to talk with. I was not awe struck bye the tower because you see so many pictures (plus Kings Island has one only theirs is lime green). My last hours in Paris were spent purchasing the most expensive banana split in the world (8.50 Euro but did taste pretty good after climbing over 1,000 stairs and walking half of the city) and spending my second night in Charles Da Gaulle. Most people don’t even make it to Paris once in a lifetime I have adorned there dirty floors with two sleepless nights now. I still have a lot I did not do here in Paris so I still have reason to come back.
There will be no blog updates until I return to Sweden and start winning games or at least playing. I’m going to enjoy my two weeks at home although I will be working to get myself back into game shape (may have to recruit some Butler help with that one). I will also be working on getting all my pictures on a slide show or something similar for your viewing pleasure.
Until then friends………
P.S. I know I mentioned about taken over the 3 on 3 tournament this summer in Frankfort. I will be doing a lot of work on this project while at home and if anyone has any interests in being a sponsor or a volunteer for the event (July 26th ) that will benefit the Boys & Girls club please give me a call or shoot me an email.
Phone #- 765-535-4905
Email- Croner_1@yahoo.com
Thanks for the help..
This is BC gone for now
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