Hope everyone had a very nice Easter. I sure did. The weather was fantastic and I got to go to church with my wife and daughter. Can’t ask for more than that. March Madness is over and Duke wins another one as does the UCONN women’s team. Congratulations to both of them. The NBA is winding down and the playoffs will begin shortly. It will be interesting to see who enters the draft. What agents will the guys sign with and then see who’s stock rises and who’s stock drops during the workouts before the draft. I am looking forward to the playoffs as I always am. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out.Things should also be interesting this summer with all of the free agents. Where will they go? Will they stay? There is always something going on with the NBA. That’s what makes it such a great game, there is never a dull moment. After the draft there is the summer league. Never understood why the NBA has it there, when they are so anti-gambling. I guess if they had it somewhere else the players wouldn’t want to go. Maybe I will do an NBA shooting camp in Vegas. Will let you know about that.Enjoy the next couple of months and let’s see who ends up playing for the championship this year. Will it be the Lakers and Cavs? Remember the summer time is when you make the most improvement in your game. As always look forward to working with players speaking at camps and running my camps this summer. Hopefully our paths will cross. Take care and God Bless.

March Madness is here and I am sure everyone has their brackets filled out. There also is talk about the NCAA expanding the field in the future. If the NCAA expands the field it will probably be the end of the NIT. Money is what this is all about, everyone wants to go to the “Dance”. Will there be another “Cinderella” team like George Mason a few years ago? I feel that there are already enough teams in the field of 64 who should not be there, what’s it going to be like with more “bad” teams being in the tournament with no shot of winning. Now the selection committee won’t have to worry about who they leave out and other teams won’t have to worry about making the tourney, because everyone will be in the tourney. Once they expand it they will continue expanding it until everyone gets a shot at the tournament. What happened to “earning it”? Enough of the college madness. Strange that it actually ends in April. I have the chance to go again this year, but I would much rather spend time with my wife and daughter over Easter weekend. Years ago I would never have missed the chance to go to the NCAA Final Four, but now my priorities have changed. The NBA has it’s version of March Madness as well. The New Jersey Nets are trying to win a few more games so that they don’t go down with the worst record in NBA history, they already own the most losses in a row with 18. These are not records that you want associated with your franchise. Other teams are trying to make the playoffs and others are trying to position themselves for a higher seeding in the playoffs that will begin in April and end in June. The NBA season is long and so are the playoffs. Speaking of Madness how about the weather, it has been crazy. Here in Maine the weather has been outstanding 50’s and 60’s of late. The weather in Florida has not been much warmer. Yesterday I took my daughter to Old Orchard Beach to run around and to hang out in the park. There were alot of people out enjoying the weather. I, too have been enjoying it, taking the Harley out for a spin. Never thought I would be riding a motorcycle but I must say that it is alot of fun and it clears your mind and you are out of reach from others, no cell phone, emails, etc.. Everyone needs some time to themselves. Enjoy the Madness but enjoy and cherish your loved ones more. They are what you care for and what you would do anything for. Pray for your loved ones and others that need them and remember that prayers never hurt.

Just returned home on Monday evening from a trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland. I left on Wednesday the 24th of February at 9:30 pm and arrived in Belfast on Thursday morning. It was a very short trip but it felt like I never left. Everyone involved with St. Gall’s makes you feel special. It was great seeing all of my former teammates and friends. Thursday night we all got together and had a couple of pints and plenty of laughs. On Friday I had an Ulster fry over at Pattie”s and Kathy’s. It was just as good as I remembered it to be. Then Kathy took me on a tour of the city. Belfast sure has changed since I was last there. The city center is no longer closed off with check points. They have a large ferris wheel next to city hall and it does not fit in with the architecture of the city. Friday night was the old timers game and it was a blast seeing everyone. It seemed like old times at Andersonstown, there was a very nice crowd at the game. Unfortunately there were a couple of injuries, hopefully nothing was too serious. After the game we all went back to St. Gall’s for an unforgettable evening. It was a night that you didn’t want to end. The turnout was something else. There are so many people to thank for putting on the basketball event, I don’t know where to start and I am sure that I will probably leave someone out so I am just going to say thanks to everyone in the entire organization and I would also like to thank everyone for having me over and putting up with me. Saturday I was up and off to have lunch with Ed White who plays for the Belfast Tropic in the Premier League. Years ago I had the opportunity to work him out when he was a young kid. Most of St. Gall’s was off to Dublin for a Gaelic Football match which St. Gall’s won and now they will be playing for all the marbles on ST. PATRICK’s DAY. It doesn’t get any better than that. Saturday I did a couple of clinics one for Claire Mckee who was a former player with St. Gall’s and then I did a clinic for Breda Dick who was the best female player in Ireland. They both do an amazing job with there programs. Keep up the good work. After the clinics I went to dinner with a couple of teammates and then it was back to Micky and Marie’s for an early night and a good sleep. Sunday came and it hit me that I would be going back home on Monday. Sunday we had a great luncheon at Bernie’s club, it was sad when it was time to leave. Back at Micky and Marie’s we watched Saving Private Ryan and it seemed like 1982 all over again sitting there with two of the greatest people in the world who opened up there home to me and have been like a family to me. I love you two very much and miss you dearly. Take care and God Bless to everyone in Northern Ireland. I hope to be back soon and bring my wife and daughter back to meet the friendliest people in the world.

There was alot of talk about alot of trades that didin’t happen. There also was alot of activity too. In Washington DC, the Wizards cleaned house. They got rid off two all stars and some very professional guys. I am so happy for DSTEVE, Caron Butler, BWOOD for going to a winning team in Dallas. I know that the losing was wearing on them. Now they are with a playoff team and I expect them to do well there. Then there is Antawn Jameson going to the Cleveland Cavaliers. This is a blessing for him, Antawn has a chance to pay with LeBron James, SHAQ and a shot at a title. He must be ecstatic. I am sure all of the guys will be positive influences on their new teammates. Dominic McGuire gets to go out west to Sacramento, I am happy for him as he is a California guy.  The only guys left in DC from when I was there are Andray Blatche, Nick Young and JaVale McGee. I wish nothing but the best for Mike James who is waiting for a buyout so he can move on to another team. Mike is another veteran who works his tail off. Good luck to you as well. The season is coming down to the last month and a half, as always it will be an exciting time to see who makes the playoffs. Well I’m off to Belfast, Northern Ireland to play in an Old Timers Game with my teammates from when I played over there in the eighties. I never thought that I would be in an Old Timers Game because I never thought I was Old or considered myself old. What was I thinking? Time doesn’t wait for anyone. Hope everyone that plays in the game has fun (which they will) and avoids injuries (not sure about this). We are definitely not in the shape that we used to be.  I return from Ireland on the 1st of March I will keep everyone posted on my trip. Take care and God Bless.

     This past Sunday was Super Bowl Sunday and i was on a flight from Portland, Maine to Moses Lake, Washington. My flights were as follows Portland to Newark, Newark to Seattle and Seattle to Moses Lake. On the flight from Newark to Seattle I was able to watch the Super Bowl. Congratulations to the Saints. Watching the game sure made the trip go quickly.I was on this trip to Washington to go and speak to a couple of High Schools in eastern Washington. Ben Addink the head girls coach at ACH High School contacted me about coming out and speaking to his girls team and also if I would speak at Ephrata HS as well. Ben said that when he was a player growing up he remembered me doing my shooting demo at several camps that he attended and that it was inspirational to him. I have never been to this part of Washington state but I am looking forward to coming back and doing a camp or clinic there. The girls at Ben’s school were very attentive and I wish them luck in the upcoming games. After speaking at ACH it was off to Ephrata High School to speak to all of their basketball teams. They had a nice turnout and the kids asked some very good questions after the demo. At ACH I shot 408 for 412 and Ephrata I shot 497 for 505. It was a pleasure coming out to Washington and the people were all so nice and friendly. Then it was off to get a bowl of soup and some sleep. I had a 5:35 AM flight out of Moses Lake the next morning. I was up and ready to go as was my man Ben. Got to the airport thru security and then they said the flight was going to be delayed two hours. Now I am missing my connection from Seattle to Denver and then Denver to Eagle, CO. The joy of traveling. It would’ve been nice to have slept in or to have had breakfast with Ben. Thank goodness I had a book to read and I have a book to write. Once I got to Seattle I had more time to sit and wait. Almost three hours. The flight to Denver went well and now all I had to do in Denver was wait again for another flight. I thought of driving to Eagle but I was too tired. Got to Eagle at 7:15 PM I should’ve been there at 2:40 PM then when I did arrive no bag. Isn’t traveling fun.  The bag finally arrived at 11:15 pm when I was sound asleep.Too bad they don’t have hoops up at the gates, then I could’ve gotten some shots up. Remember to enjoy each day and live it to the fullest. Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you.  Take care and God Bless.

    January has been a very busy month for me. Started out in Florida after leaving Toronto. Was in Melbourne, Florida for a few days and got to see my good friend John Reynolds (women’s coach Florida Tech). Then it was back to Boothbay Harbor for a couple of days. It is always nice to get home and spend time there with my wife and daughter. Then it was off to Vail, CO to do some work. While I was working my wife did a little skiing and McKenna went to ski school. I myself never learned how to ski and I am not about to learn at this stage of my life. After a week in Vail it was time to get home for a few more days and then it was back down to Florida. This trip was to Naples and during my time there I ran into Rollie Massimino who is now coaching at Northwood University in West Palm Beach, FL. Coach Mass let me speak to the team for a couple of minutes at his shootaround. It is nice to get away from the cold and get down to the Sunshine state for a little while, but I also miss my wife and daughter when I am traveling alone. Would much rather be with them. Everybody tells me that kids grow up too fast and that is so true. McKenna is four already, hard to believe. I try to cherish and treasure every moment. By not being in the NBA (fulltime) it gives me the opportunity to spend more time with my family. I am so blessed to be able to do what I am doing but also to be able to spend time with the family. This past week I was on my way to Louisville to do a corporate speaking engagement and had a five and a half hour delay due to bad weather in Newark. I should’ve been in Louisville on Monday afternoon but instead I got to the hotel around 10:30 pm. When I got to Newark I ran into coach Tom Green (former coach at FDU) and he was also traveling to Louisville. Coach Green is a great guy and I hope to see him back on the sidelines soon. I cannot thank him enough for always having me at his basketball camps. It was nice to talking with him and getting to spend time with him. On Tuesday I did my speaking engagement and then it was off to the airport to catch a flight back to Maine. Needless to say the flight back to Maine was delayed as well. Last night which was Friday night I spoke to a group of kids in Morristown, NJ. There were approximately 50 boys and girls there grades 4 thru 8. They were a very good group, they listened and worked hard. That is all you can ask of anyone. Today I will be back there as well with a different bunch of kids. Looking forward to it. The guys that organized this trip Ralph and Tom Ferrara really care about the kids and basketball. It is people like Ralph and Tom that do so much but don’t get any credit for their efforts. There are so many people like them in every community and organization, that donate their time, effort and money and get no recognition or thanks. Here is a great big THANKS to them.When I am finished today I will head down to Keyport, NJ exit 117 off the Parkway to have dinner with my Aunt Jo and Aunt Wez. I will spend the night with my Aunt Wez and then it will be off to Mt. Laurel on Sunday for another clinic. Then I will be head back home to Maine. It has been a very busy January, but not as busy as it is in the NBA.The Raptors have been playing some very good ball of late. Keep up the good work guys. They have had some very impressive wins over the Lakers, Heat and then a come from behind victory against the Knicks after playing the night before.So far for the month of January I have taken 1,211 shots and made 1,202 for a percentage of 99.25 during my lectures. Take care and God Bless, pray for all of those who need it.

    It is very hard to believe that I graduated from high school in 1975, thirty five years ago. The years have gone by quickly and now I want them to slow down so I can enjoy my daughter, McKenna. Mckenna is already four, she will be all grown up before I know it. I cherish every moment that we are together. Time is too short, so enjoy life with your loved ones.Crazy happenings in Washington, DC. It will be interesting to see how this is handled by the WIZARDS and the NBA. Thank GOD that I am no longer involved with them.Not being with the NBA gives me alot more time with my wife and daughter. Before Christmas I was in Ft. Myers with my wife, daughter and Jessica (our nanny) for a week. At Christmas I was able to be with the family and see my daughter open up her presents. It was awesome to see how excited she got with each and every present. Then my wife and I went back to Florida to ring in the new year. We actually just went to dinner with some friends of hers, in Palm Beach. McKenna got to stay with her grammy and grandpa while we were in Florida.Now we are home until Saturday and then it is off to Vail, Colorado for a week of work but Carole and McKenna will be with me. Carole and McKenna will get to ski while I am in the gym. I am looking forward to watching McKenna learn to ski. I never learned and have gone only twice in my life. It’s something that we didn’t do during basketball season. I am not about to start skiing at 52 years of age. Although I did learn how to ride a motorcycle at 52.In 2010 my goals are to spend more time with my wife and daughter, be a better husband and father, be a better Christian and may my love grow more and more for others. Praise the LORD and let him know how you feel, we all have so much to be thankful for.

     It is very hard to believe that the 2009 year is coming to an end. I am sure there are many people that are very happy that this year is coming to a close. It was a difficult year for many people losing their jobs, savings, etc.. The economy suffered and so did a lot of people. Hopefully the new year will be a fresh start for everyone. I am looking forward to 2010 as I do every new year. It means setting new goals for the family, work and making shots. I am always looking to improve both on the court and off the court.This Christmas was a special Christmas for me as I got to spend it with my wife, daughter and family. It has been awhile since I’ve been with the family on Christmas. Last year I was in Cleveland with the Wizards. Christmas in Cleveland sounds like a bad movie. Sure was fun seeing McKenna open up her presents. It was also special spending time with Carole’s family and I am so very blessed to be a part of that family.December 26th went to Lincoln, Maine to shoot some hoops at the house of the Sowers. They were kind enough to let me get some shots up. They have a hoop in a large garage, it was perfect. Nothing like being able to get some shots up after being lazy all day on Christmas.This morning was up at three AM to Bangor airport to catch a flight to New York and a connection onto Toronto. Everything went smoothly. The flights were all on time and I got to the arena at noon time. Plenty of time for the one o’clock tip off. It was great seeing all of the familiar faces in Toronto. The Raptors hung on to win against the Pistons. The Raptors have been defending better and have been holding opponents under 100. When they do that they are tough to beat. Looking forward to working with the guys over the next couple of days.Happy New Year to everyone. May the Good Lord continue blessing you and your family.

I would like to take the time and thank everyone for reading my blog. At this time I would like to say Merry Christmas to everyone and their friends and family. Enjoy the time with one another. I am looking forward to spending Christmas with my wife and her family. Don’t forget what Christmas is, it is the celebration of Christ’s birth. Still can’t understand why people get bent out of shape at this time of the year, calling Christmas trees-holiday trees and all of the other stuff that goes with it. Christmas will ALWAYS be Christmas. Merry Christmas to one and all.

     It’s hard to believe that it is already December. Christmas will soon be here and then it will be 2010. Time sure does fly by. The older you get, the faster time goes by. When you are young you think that you have all the time in the world. Appreciate the time that you have on this earth and make sure that you spend time with the ones that you love and care for. Hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed mine, got to spend it at home with my wife and daughter as well as my in laws. A couple of close friends also enjoyed in the festivities. A good time for all. So far two coaches have been fired and I am sure that they are not the last of the litter. I feel bad for Byron Scott and Lawrence Frank just like I feel bad for any coaches that get the axe. People don’t realize the amount of time and effort coaches put into their craft. If the team doesn’t do well the coach gets the blame and if the team does well the players get the glory. Lawrence had no chance to succeed with the team the Nets had and to top it off there was a bunch of injuries. Eddie Jordan had the same problem last year in Washington. Now injuries are part of the Sixers problem, they have lost a few key players in Speights, Brand and Williams. Any team that suffers injuries has major hurdles to get over. It is hard enough to win when you have a healthy roster. I wish coach Jordan all the luck as well as Mike O’Koren and Randy Ayers down in Philly. You guys keep coaching and teaching and everything will work out fine.Watched the DUKE UCONN game and I couldn’t believe the shooting in that game. Duke wins and shoots 29% for the game. Are they both that good defensively or did they both have bad shooting nights? It was a tough one to watch. While watching this game and the game before LSU and ASU I noticed alot of athletes and not too many basketball players. I mean there were alot of guys that were strong, fast, quick and could jump out of the gym but there weren’t alot of guys that could dribble with their weak hand, make an open jumper, make a free shot, pass the ball to the post and set a screen and open up the correct way. I watch the same thing happen in the pro game. We must start teaching kids how to play instead of just letting them play. The kids play too many games and they don’t even know how to play. Kids need to learn the fundamentals at an earlier age. We need to do something at the grassroots, NOW. Thanks for reading and I hope everyone has a very good week. Take care and God Bless.