Bryan McCullough Blog

MY AGENT, IAN SINGER, DID A HIGHLIGHT TAPE AND YOU CAN FIND THAT AT: http://amiproductions.blip.tv/

JUST FIND MY NAME OR CHECK OUT THE REST OF HIS ATHLETES…

I JUST FINISHED MY VERSION OF IT AND YOU CAN WATCH IT IF YOU FOLLOW THE LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4cRg_I_-Ac&feature=channel_page

I PUT MORE OF MY DEFENSIVE PLAYS AND ASSISTS IN THE HIGHLIGHTS I CREATED MYSELF WHILE MY AGENT FOCUSED MORE ON MY SCORING ABILITY. I HONESTLY LIKE BOTH OF THEM BUT I WILL LET YOU DECIDE. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!!

bmac Sports

How are you feeling world? This is your boy coming back live with another classic (hahahahaha)! Today I am going to talk about more of the Pros and Cons of the game itself. I mean actual in game basketball stuff that I like and don’t like. I hope you gals and guys enjoy!

Con of the Day: The Refs

While overseas, I have watched and observe some good and bad refs. When I watch the Euroleague games or basketball games in the Eurocup, the refs seem to call a fair game. I even caught a few Russian league games and ACB (Spain top league) and they seemed to be called fair. But I have had the pleasure of playing in Eastern Europe the last couple of years and the refs there really take the fun out of the game.

Growing up playing basketball in America, we are accustomed to players deciding games and the refs taking a “back seat” when it comes down to the end of games. The players who can make the buzzer beater 3-pointer or the player who can take it hard to basket are the ones who decide the game. These situations make the games fun for fans and players alike.

In overseas basketball it is a different story. It is clear to see that refs are paid by the teams and to win on the road, you have to be perfect in everything. You can’t miss a shot or blow one assignment on defense on the road. The fans come to see a hard fought game and not a ref’s whistle every time the visiting team makes a mistake. For example, I can remember playing in Romania with Mures and we were playing Timisoara (I hoped I spelled that right) on the road. We played one of those perfect games too. I mean, everybody was hitting shots and we were on every loose ball. The only way Timisoara could score was on bogus foul calls against us. A complete shut down if you will. The refs fouled Louis Truscott out of the game in the 3rd quarter because nobody on the team could stop him (he still had 20 and 10 boards I think that game). We still managed to keep it close through out the game. It comes down to the final seconds with the score tied and I drive to the basket (getting hacked the whole way). I was double-teamed and so I kicked it to one of our best 3-point shooters in Barni (I have no clue of how to spell his last name) and he missed the shot. Our center grabs the rebound and is about to put it back in the basket until the refs call a crazy over the back call. I mean, the ball bounced hard off the rim from a 3-pointer and Frank is not even near the guy who they said he fouled. The rest is history, they hit the free-throws and we lose the game.

Now I have countless other tales of this happening in Romania (especially when we played teams like Asesoft or Cluj) but the point I am trying to get across is that why should the visiting teams even play in the games? If the refs already have it made up in their mind that they are not going to let you have a chance, the game is pointless. The people of that country coined a phrase saying “Fair Play” but it is ignored by the people with power.

I once asked a ref after a game we lost, “How much did you get paid?”

The ref says, “We get paid 800 ron by the federation for every game.”

I reply, “No, how much did they (the home team) pay you for the game?” I kid you not; he looks at me dead in the face and just gave me the biggest wink and grin. So from that point on, I just knew we as players were never in control of winning games there.

Pro of the Day: The Carry or Palming Violation

Do you know the advantage you get when you can hold the ball in your hand for an extra split second? Let me answer that, devastating to the defender. There is no way anybody can guard a player who has some kind of ability after he carries or palms the ball for an extra split second. It is just not possible. You leave the defender more less guessing instead of them moving their feet and I love that. The call is made so quickly in American basketball that as a college player coming to the pro level overseas, you are caught off guard by the amount of this violation.

Over the years I have used this to my advantage. Carrying the ball helps me get my 3-point shot off better and it allows me to look at what the defense is giving me. I could only imagine if a player like Allen Iverson was overseas. He would score 80 points a game easy! I also see where players who are not that good at all succeed overseas because of this violation. I have seen the carrying call made a couple of times overseas but that is when a player just plains out run with the ball without dribbling for a few seconds. But for the most part, any player can be a great player when the refs do not make this call.

You can almost do AND 1 moves in a professional game. I mean, you can “throw that big boy cross-over”. You know the one Hot Sauce does where he has it in his left hand and puts his whole hand under the ball and when you try to react, he throws it over to the right hand!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTI8115VD7U

(look around the 1:37 mark for the crossover I am talking about! I also would not recommend anybody watching this whole video, it is very bad basketball)

I have seen it done so many times it is shameful. But when in Rome, do what the Romans do! So you better believe I have my hand under the ball when I am dribbling instead of on top. I guess that is why I can’t play too much recreation basketball in the states without getting called for palming. It comes with the territory.

This has been another edition of the Pros and Cons of an overseas basketball player. Leave you comments and questions and I will be sure to get back to you. In the words of Russell Simmons on Def Comedy Jam, “God Bless, peace and goodnight!”

bmac Sports

It’s been a long time, since I left you….without a dope blog to think to! Sorry about the hiatus but I have been working on my game harder than ever trying to get better! Now I am back so lets get back into it yall.

Today I wanted to get into the basketball system in America and if it is right for the players. Everybody who is from America knows somebody who could be in the NBA right now or at least should be playing for money overseas. You can find these guys at the local YMCA or the neighborhood park on Sundays. So I am wondering how these guys never make it to the various leagues around the world.

Before I can blame the system, I have to blame them as well. I always believe that if something goes wrong in your life that should always look in the mirror first. Maybe they never got that big break the rest of the players got or maybe they just did not have it “upstairs” (that means brains for you people that don’t know). No matter what the case may be, it just sucks for them in a way. This is an easy lifestyle and I feel bad for people who have the ability but no where to apply it.

Now let’s get into this basketball system of America! I like some parts of it but I hate it when it comes to the professional standpoint. From a youth development perspective, I believe we have the best system in the world. America is great at finding young talent and putting guys into positions to succeed. We start out playing kids leagues game on small goals and that helps us learn where to be on a basketball court if anything else. Youth coaches are so important teaching kids about the structure of the game and that is great. Once a kid matures and gets ready for middle school basketball, he already has an idea of what they can do well and what they need to work on. The basketball season does not end with school basketball. Now there is AAU and YBOA which lets kids compete from all over the country while you are matched up with the best kids in your area. A player can only get better when they play against the best. I love this about American basketball. It is set up so that you can dominate your school and then your city. After the city, you can volley for top in the area and then the state. From the state level, you can go after becoming the best in the nation. This is what I love about the American system of basketball! It gives the cream a chance to rise to the top!

From a player going professional, we have the worst system in the world. It seems like the “powers that be” wants guys to put in some kind of time (like a prison term) before they can play in the NBA. This is not fair. You already know my next argument; it is not fair because guys can turn pro in soccer (futbol), golf, and tennis without any age or college requirements. The only thing that SHOULD matter is TALENT! So when comes work hard and achieve the best player in the land title, why can’t they go into the NBA? The best players in the league never went to college (KOBE, LEBRON AND HOWARD)! It is not fair for players with the talent to not be in the league. I can also say that if a kid has the talent and the skill when he is in the 10th grade, he should play in the NBA.

I like what Brandon Jennings did and what Jeremy Tyler is doing. Brandon is the trailblazer for going overseas and not attending college. We go to college to find a career. If you find a career when you are 10 years old, why go to college? Take for example a farmer, he knows he is going to be a farmer so why an education? His education will come in the field tending crops. The same goes for the guys skipping college to go overseas. If their careers do not go according to plan, they will still have enough money to finish up school and get another career when everything is said and done. David Stern is just not thinking on this issue and is letting the league slip out of his hands in a way. That guy just has too much power right now.

Jeremy Tyler should have an easier time adjusting overseas than Brandon Jennings. Brandon is a guard who needs touches but is in a system that is not guard friendly. The overseas game is mostly played from the inside out (which is how basketball should be). In that case, JT should be alright overseas. The kid is not going to graduate from high school which is a minus but he is making a move for his future which is great. Most kids in high school have no clue of what they are going to do with their life. I am glad he made that decision already. Both of these guys have found a way around the system and I think that is the best part of this whole ordeal. Once a couple of more players go overseas instead of college and find success, David Stern will have to adjust his ideas. That is the major point of them going and I love that! Like Obama, it is time for a change!

Again, sorry for the delay but I am back…Leave the comments and your opinion on this topic! Take Care and God Bless!

bmac Uncategorized america, basketball, personal

I want to switch it up today and talk about other issues. The pros and cons are of overseas basketball is nice to debate but when it comes down to it, we are all blessed in one way or another. This does not mean I am going to stop talking about the pros and cons because there are a whole lot more issues to address but let’s talk about missing God’s blessings.

It all started for me when I started playing basketball and I was no where close to the player I am today. Growing up it was just something to do to stay around my friends and be accepted by them. I never thought when I was young that it could take me places around the world. I remember being cut from the first AAU team I ever tried out for because I was too young and too small to play power forward. There is a big difference playing a year older when you are 11 and the AAU team is 13 and under. If we were talking about 15 and 16 year olds, it would be different. This is the first example of missing God’s blessings because I could have thrown in the towel when I was 11. Instead, God blessed me with the opportunity to work on my basketball game everyday.

My mother would take me to the YMCA everyday and I used that time to work harder than everybody there. I could have thrown in the towel and sit on my butt during that time watching TV like all of my other friends. Instead I choose to rise above all of the negativity and eventually become one of the best out of Rowan County.

Let’s fast forward pass high school and college basketball when I wanted my pro career to happen right after I finished. I ended up picking the wrong kind of agents and things did not take off the way I thought they were. I was forced to come home to Salisbury and work in the gym even more. I thought I was ready but God had other plans. It came to a point right before Christmas when I suddenly got an email from a team in Germany that was not on my level as far as my game was concerned. God put that opportunity there so he could see my commitment to the game that I loved. After some debate, I took that chance and the rest is history.

I shined in that league and got better offers for the next season. Just think if I would have missed that blessing/opportunity, who knows where I would be today? Just food for thought. If you want something in this life, you have to leave what you know and let God handle things. I will leave you with that one!

bmac Uncategorized basketball, god, personal

Con of the Day: The Flight to Europe

The time difference will get you every time. It is usually a 6 or 7 hour flight that if you are not lucky enough to at least get an aisle seat, you are in for an experience. You never know how packed the flight is going to be and finding a spot for your carry-on bag is an adventure in itself. The connection flights to your final destination are a drag too. Most of the time, the plane is unsanitary inside and leaves you with a dirty feeling. The on-board meals are never up to par. At the most, a step-up from school lunches in high school.

First off, you have to realize that I am 6’6” and above the normal height for the average person, so all things around me are usually too small for one. Imagine being my height and having to sit on a 7 hour flight on a window seat, NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! I often find myself making attempts for sympathy for at least an aisle seat due to my height if there are no more emergency exit row seats. All of that happening is a 50/50 chance. The babies crying on the planes are a constant staple of overseas travel and sometimes the IPOD is not enough. I really hope the STAR TREK Teleport system will be in play by the time I am finish traveling.

The connection flights are crazy too. I usually go from Charlotte to NY, NY to London, and then from London to wherever I am playing with maybe one more short flight or car ride to my new city. It usually takes 24 hours to get to where I am going. Teams take the easy route when it comes to booking flights to save money and I can’t blame them in these times. But after you get off of the plane, they usually want you to play in a game or practice right when you get off. You maybe have 3 hours to get adjusted and unpacked and then it is time to go to work. I at least need a day just to get some legs under me. SO AGAIN US GOVERNMENT, GET THE STAR TREK TELEPORT SYSTEM IN THE DEVELOPMENT STAGES AT LEAST FOR YOUR BOY! BARACK SAID HE WAS GOING TO CHANGE SOMETHING, LOL!

Pro of the Day: The Increase in the Use of Technology

If I knew what I know now when it comes to computers, I would have did the whole computer science thing in college. Having a laptop overseas is essential to surviving over there. It serves as a telephone, provides internet access and is used as entertainment. It is basically a life line. I tried playing my first year overseas without bringing a laptop and it bit me in the ASS. I often found myself going to internet cafés or a friend’s house just to call home. It was really a drag and waste of money doing all of those things.

I might go to jail for the next statement but when my eyes were opened to the REAL WORLD of downloading, it was over. It happened when I played in Romania and somebody showed me that lifestyle. I am not talking about the old Napster and Bearshare stuff when you could only get like one song at a time. I am talking about the Torrent programs and downloading from Mininova. I have not bought a DVD or a music album since. I don’t feel the need to buy an album from a music artist who only talks about how much money he has (Hip-hop today but that is another subject) and I have no excuse for the movie downloading besides the fact that I can do it and it is free.

Of course I keep my portable game system for the long bus rides along with the IPod but there is not much to do with them on the technology front. You can make a PSP play old school video games from the Super Nintendo, Nintendo (PUNCH-OUT) and Sega and also it can serve as an internet phone but nothing else pass that. But I remember a time when I could not load photos from a digital camera to my computer so I have come a long way. With the idle time I talked about yesterday, you have plenty of time to get your “tech game up.” I still have a ways to go also. This tech talk comes from a guy that could only hook up a Playstation 2 to a TV before he left to come overseas. I have made progress YALL!

I am out people, thanks for the comments because I appreciate all of them. Stay tuned for more and be safe out there!

bmac Sports flight, overseas, tech

Let’s get back into the topic at hand. Even though I speak on the negative and positive of things from an American’s point-of-view, I still Love This Game Man and I would play it in Antarctica if they were paying, LOL!

Con of the Day: Television Overseas

Imagine waking up in the morning and there is no Sports Center on TV. That is life overseas. No ESPN on television sucks. You are lucky to have the channels in English better yet worry about Sports Center. You can access American TV through the internet through various websites and can hook up a sling box with your TV back home so your television is on through your computer via an internet connection in both places. I don’t really have time to go through all of that and would rather download (yeah I said it!) a movie or something. The Sports Center provided on ESPN.com does not do it justice. I honestly believe every man who is a real man wakes up in the morning and turns the channel to ESPN in the morning to catch Stuart Scott and the guys make jokes about the sports plays of the day. Just another American tradition that they have us hooked on.

The worst TV I have experienced has to be in Germany. The only English channel was CNN and watching too much of that keeps you informed but also leaves you depressed. Just knowing the world is that bad everyday can be a downer man. Most of the television overseas has a sports channel but it is usually in their language. I already spoke on that (see below in previous blogs). The MTV has to be the worst over there. The host speaks in their language and they play so many AKON videos that you start to hate the guy. Romania television was ok. I hated that the Cartoon Network was translated into Romanian (I love watching the old Bugs Bunny and Tom & Jerry cartoons) but most of the channels were in English. Still no Sports Center over there. I often found myself watching CNN or something like Animal Planet (basically stuff that gets passed over real fast with the remote in my hand when I watch TV in America). When I got to Hungary this season, it was back to CNN again. The only thing I could catch in English was Turner Classic Movies and that came on at night. They also played AKON as if that was the only music playing in the world. Sorry AKON, I love your music but I am tired of hearing “SHAKE THAT” every time I turned on the TV or on kids’ cell phones as their ringer!

Pro of the Day: The Idle Time

This is a great thing for me. I am a busy body back home and I usually find myself running back and forth to the store and gym with no time to just chill and relax. I find time to become an expert on recent video games (yeah I am junkie, Call of Duty: World at War all day son). I do get the basketball in for about 5 or 6 hours out of the day. Whether it is running, shooting, lifting or actual practice but there are 24 hours in a day. I can catch up on all of that precious sleep I miss in America. I can only play video games and sleep so much during the day, so I often find myself taking walks in the cities I am in just to get a feel for the place. I often try to assimilate with the people in the towns but that is so hard (me being about 8 inches taller and a couple of shades darker than everybody in the town). I love having time to contact people I really do not talk to when I am home via facebook or some other internet website.

That time off is good for the body as well. You are lucky if your team provides ICE after practice so just to lay back and rest the knees after practice is always good. I bring my own ice packs available at the EVIL EMPIRE WAL-MART. There is nothing like that quick nap in-between the morning practice and evening practice, which is always a plus. You can finally have that “me time” that you missed during the long high school and college days of practice and learning. That time to find yourself is important. My mother tells me, “Idle time is the devil’s time” but I believe it is how you use it. If you use it in a negative way (I have been guilty of that like everybody else) then nothing good will come out of the time spent. If you use that time in a positive manner, it can help you in the long run.

I am out yo. This message was sponsored by Krider’s Café, the best hamburger in the world (even though you have to order your food in the morning and hope you get it at night). I do get back at all comments so get at me people. Take care and have a blessed one! B-Stacks has spoken!

bmac Sports basketball, life, overseas, personal

Let us switch it up today and get into these NBA playoffs popping off today! I am a Charlotte Bobcats fan just because they are the nearest team to my hometown. I use to role with the New Orleans Hornets but they sold us out, 704 ALL DAY! I also want to go on record to say that Lebron is going to get his first championship this season. So my pick is the Cleveland Cavs….

Eastern Conference

1. The Cavs versus 8. Pistons

All I can say in this series is too much Lebron for any one man to handle. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzHsNJoPRr8) This is why he is the MVP for the season.  Now that he has the personnel around him in Mo Williams and Delonte West, I don’t see anybody from Detroit messing with them. I can go as far as to say blowouts on their home court and hard fought wins on the road for the cavs. Detroit has a chance but they have to really take it one possession at a time and not get caught into the “hoopla” that is Lebron. I know that is a hard task for them because the guy is simply amazing. The Cavs in 4 games, bring the brooms out in Motown! (SORRY Aunt Pam, Cooley and Luke!)

2. Celtics versus 7. Bulls

This could be the surprise of the NBA right here. It is like a chess game has started and the Celtics do not have their Queen (Kevin Garnett). They will heavily depend on their guard play but “THE BULLS” (in that saturday night live chicago voice) has great guard play as well. “THE BULLS” do not have anybody to match up with the play of Mr. Inglewood Paul Pierce. He has to show his worth this series in order to for them to advance. The Celtics have more beef up front but “THE BULLS” have more length so all of that inside play comes down to heart. Just whoever wants that more. Derrick Rose might even become a bonafide superstar (ala Dwayne Wade in his rookie season in Miami) if he can lead them to victory. With that said, I can’t go against the champions and Garnett will be back asap! The Celtics in six games!

3. Magic versus 6. Sixers

“YUUUUUUULLLLLL, SUPERMAN THAT HOE”! Who in the world can stop this guy? Dwight Howard aka will dunk on you even if you had a newborn baby in your hands is just exceeding expectations every year. I do not see sam dalambert (i probably spelled his name wrong and i did put his name in lower cases on purpose) stopping him. The two Dre’s are going to do their thing and I like what Louis Williams and Young bring to the table. Mad respect to yall! They get buckets! Heido and Lewis are going to be normals in this series providing that outside shooting and slashing ability. Even though “my main man” (in that ahmad rashad voice) Nelson is out, Skip to my Lou is doing his thing running that team. I am surprised at his play for them. With that said, mad respect to PHILLY but the Magic in 5 games.

4. Hawks versus 5. Heat

If they had a second place MVP trophy it would go to Wade this season. In any other year, he would be MVP but it is just not his time! But dude is the truth. Copy and paste this link to your browser when you get time (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUn9UNIJGO4) it is just sick! I like what the Hawks did this season. They did not break up any of that nucleus that took the defending champs to the wire in the first round of last year’s playoffs and added some nice parts in Flip Murray and Speedy Claxton. This is no doubt a 7-game series. The Heat are riding the back of Wade and that is great. He is reminding me of Jordan and Kobe when they did not have much help and could just do what they wanted with the ball. He fits that mold now. The inside play of Miami is non-existent. Jermaine O’Neal is solid but not anything to worry about. Beasley is playing good basketball right now but I think he is more of a NBA 3-man and will fit into that mold of Rashad Lewis and Heido Turk when his career is said and done. Joe Johnson is the silent assassin and will make Wade work just as hard on defense as he does offense. Bibby holds it down where ever he plays and is the definition of a solid point guard, steady. I am going with the Hawks in this series 7-games (let me hear the boooooos)

WESTERN CONFERENCE

1. Lakers versus 8. Jazz

Who thought the Jazz would fall this low this season to the 8th spot? I thought that was a spot for the Blazers this season. Well they dug their self a crazy hole because KOBE is coming! Bynum is back so the Lakers have no excuse as of not to win the championship. Gasol is doing his thing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEGzEqIpR0E&feature=related) and Odom is balling out due to the contract season. With all of that said, Williams is a monster with the ball in his hands. That cross over he has with that body is the formula for a bucket every time he wants one. The Jazz had a lot of bad luck this season with injuries but that just sucks for them. KOBE, KOBE, KOBE! Lakers in 5 games, Williams can will the Jazz for one win.

2. Nuggets versus 7. Hornets

CP3 versus Billups and Melo versus Posey (chuckles) are key match-ups in this series. Not to mention JR Smith because this guy is doing his thing coming off the bench. I displayed match-ups because the Nuggets are an isolation team and take advantage of match-ups better than anybody in the league. Now that they have Billups running the show and picking apart defenses like Peyton, it can be a long series for CP3. But I can’t count out the best point in the game today. He has a heart not matched by anybody playing today. Nene versus West is going to be good. West is killing nowadays and should be dominate that match-up. If Peja and the rest of the shooters can come around, they should have a chance. But I am rolling with the Nuggets to make it out of the first round for a change in 6 games.

3. Spurs versus 6. Mavs

Little known fact, the spurs have won the NBA championship in every odd year since like 1999. Without “ginobli” (in that charles barkley voice) I don’t think they can repeat again. Tony Parker is on his A-game this season and Tim Duncan is just a true professional in every since of the word. The mavs have been shaky this season and need Josh Howard to step up. Jason Terry is doing his thing off the bench and the back-up guard Berrea (something like that) is playing himself into a nice contract next season. I am going to take the Spurs in this series because if their offense is off, they will always play defense. Coach Pop always knows how to adjust during and between games and will have those guys ready. Spurs in 6 games.

4. Blazers versus 5. Rockets

Who woulda thunk it? You gotta give props to that management in Portland for taking out the trash and refilling the cheap way in the draft! Mad respect to yall. The young talent on that team is remarkable and they are only going to get better with time. Roy has become a true leader and with no T-MAC, the rockets have to climp uphill in this series. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upld8ZTmx0s) This is why B.ROY is a force for years to come! VON WAFER versus ROY, please! Yao is dominant but the blazers have too many big men. It is a case of letting Yao get his points and stopping the rest of the people around him. The Blazers in 5 games, yeah I said, 5!

There it is for the first round and I hope I am right. Stay tuned for more as I hope I am right in these picks. This is way easier than picking college teams in the NCAA tourney thats for sure! I might hit you with another article tomorrow dealing with the pros and cons or deal with some topics left by you all. Comment and give me the feedback about my playoff picks! Peace People!

bmac Sports nba, playoffs

Well since the last encounter on here, I have thought about some more things good and bad about the life of a basketball player. I know the bad always comes with the good and I am in no way ungrateful for the opportunity to pursue a career abroad. This is just a place where I can vent my thoughts and I hope you gals and guys enjoy!

Con of the Day: The Language Barrier

Who ever knew that I actually should have paid attention in Latin, French and Spanish classes instead of squeaking by copying answers? That really did come back to bite me in the ASS! It is already difficult enough being away from home but not being able to understand most people is an insecure feeling. If you did not know, people are going to talk about you regardless of who or what you claim to be. Hell, they even talked about JESUS but I digress. It is bad enough people talk about you but to talk about you in a language you do not understand can be degrading to an extent. It can be hard to get and give 100% to your coach/team because you do not have a clue of what in the world they are talking about. I mean, these guys are suppose to be your family away from your family but if you can’t understand them, it is pointless. You can sometimes become sort of an outcast to your team and coach. I often find myself only interacting with players who speak english on the team and that can be good and bad in a way. I always feels the meaning of your words gets lost in translation due to the way people talk and interact in other cultures. So you might say to one of your teammates (in a positive manner), “Pick it up man, let’s go!” and through translation from a teammate it can be perceived as negative.

I gave you the advice to interact with people as much as possible overseas but if they do not speak the language, this task can be daunting. You might ask, “Why don’t you just hang around your english speaking teammates all day for interaction?” Good point and I often do for the most part. There also comes a time where that guy has to live his life as well and not be concerned with you and yours. This is called “FREE-TIME.” Every player needs that so I can’t be mad at them for wanting to do them. This leaves you in a predicament. What if you get hungry in the middle of the day or need somethings from the grocery store? This is when you try your hardest to interact with people around the city. I often find myself communicating with people through one-word lingo and signals. For example, if I need to know where a place to eat is located, I would just say the word “EAT” and signal like I am putting food in my mouth with a fork or rubbing my belly as if to say I’m starving. It can look pretty ridiculous at times. I usually found myself in a 30 to 40 minute conversation and interacting with more people than expected (good and bad in a way) when I actually needed to know where a good restaurant is located. Typically a good 2 or 3 minute conversation in english. And the most screwed up thing about the whole process of the language barrier is that by the time you catch up with the language and can say a few phrases, it is time to go back home.

Pro of the Day: The Fans abroad

These people are the true definition of fans overseas. They take the wins with the loses (even though they will talk dog ish about you and throw you under the bus after a lost). They will not be mad at you forever but they represent their team with pride unknown to most Americans. Ok so you might be a “Cameron Crazy” or bleed “Carolina Blue” but you have not seen anything until you are in smoke filled gym in Eastern Europe where the people can actually touch you if they wanted. Where the security is there really for show and if a fight or riot breaks out on the court, these guys would be right their to fight with you.There is nothing like that feeling. You thought the Indiana and Detroit brawl was something, PLEASE! You feel bad to disappoint and they instill in you their pride for the team. In most of the cities I played in, most fans were born and raised their. It is not like America where you attend college and have a certain loyalty towards that school ex. Duke fans and Carolina fans. It is more like a small hill billy high school atmosphere times 10 when you play overseas (no offense to the rednecks out there). Where everybody knows everybody and you are the talk of the town. They idolize you and treat you as their King when you win a game. You can never do anything wrong and you feel invincible if only for a second.

They are often their to talk to you. The ones who speak english will often approach you with their thoughts and it is cool in my opinion. Most of the fans will know where you live and not let too many people bother you. They can make life real easy abroad. They often make it so you only have to focus on basketball and winning for the team which is always good. I find myself making life long friends with most of the fans and people in general overseas. For the most, part they are just like myself but speak multiple languages.

Most of the younger fans in a city or town will often seek pictures with you and ask for your autograph. That makes me feel great. I never thought my autograph or a pic with me could make a young fan’s day. To be considered as a role model is an accomplishment in your life (besides being a role model to your child).

This blog today was brought to you by me, MAC STACKS (thats my name today)! Again, comment and give me that feedback so I know where to go with this. As you can see, I enjoy talking and listening so holla at yo boy!

ONE MORE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT LEBRON FOR MVP!!!!

bmac Sports basketball, life, overseas, personal

A few highlights of my time playing basketball

As most of you all know, I am a professional basketball player currently playing in the overseas market. For the people who do not know, I am a professional basketball player currently playing in the overseas market (my first attempt at humor, rate the humor below please with comments).  For most, I am living in a dream and they would give up a limb to be in my shoes and that is rightfully so! But they would not be able to play basketball on my level if they did so.  I don’t take it for granted one bit. I just wanted to start a blog  examining some of the pros and cons of playing basketball in the overseas market. Now, I can only give you detailed accounts of the European basketball market because I have not been to any other continent to hoop.  I have gotten stories from other players about the markets in other countries but I can’t verify them. I just want to give the people a personal feel.

Con of the Day: The Missing of Family Members Overseas

This is by far the biggest adjustment a player has to make when going to play in another country. Even though technology has revolutionized since all this crossing of the water to hoop and you can call the fam through the computer for dirt cheap nowadays, there is nothing like getting a plate of “my mamas biscuits” (another attempt but that one provided by the great Martin Lawrence).  The personal touch of family is gone and just talking to them over the phone is never enough (in my opinion anyway).  Being from America, we have a lot of commercialized holidays that have become apart of our daily lives when it comes to family and not being able to celebrate certain traditions with family can give you the sense of detachment.  Most teams give the Christmas Holidays off (if you are lucky) and you get to spend sometime with your family. You end up spending more money than intended on gifts for family and friends. Most players over eat (my mama’s biscuits) and tend to get out of shape during this time. You can and can’t blame them but everything comes with a price.

I think the biggest part of missing family overseas is that family keeps you grounded in your beliefs and just in life generally.  My mother is a profound believer of going to church on Sundays (shout out to Ardis Chapel). When I am away from home, I do not go to church. I often read the Bible (shout out to GOD too) but it is nothing like being in church, especially one that speaks english. The language barrier is critical in a player attending church. I know I do not want to be stuck in a church where the preacher is speaking another language. The family also keeps you level headed. Whenever I would score 20 something points in an high school or college game and thought I was on top of the world, my father was there to tell me what I did wrong and what not to do next time. That also came from friends closely associated with me. There is none of that overseas. After you score 20 or more points in a game overseas and your team wins, you often get put on a very bad pedestal. It gives you a false feeling like you can’t be touched. There is nobody to stop that adrenaline rush you still have after a game. Nobody to tell you to calm down and you just want to shout out to the world what you accomplished (usually via facebook, twitter or myspace).

Pro of the Day: Experiencing Different Cultures

This has to be one of the greatest perk of playing basketball overseas but only if a player takes advantage. You can get a sense of history from other people’s perspective that is priceless. Nobody can ever take away the fact I actually saw Dracula’s Castle or I drove over 200 kph on the German Autobahn (don’t tell my mama, she will not make me any more biscuits). If you are taking my advice before going to a certain country to play,  I would just tell you to experience the city/country as much as you can. Whenver you have a day off or when you finish your basketball duties for the day, take a walk around town and observe the people of the country. It can be quite rewarding and beneficial. If there is a famous museum (there always is), take a trip and see what’s in it.  Interact with the town people (the ones who speak english). The point I am trying to make is that who knows when you will be able to experience life in another country again so take full advantage. I am kinda of a history buff and I can watch the history channel all day but some buildings in Europe are older than the country of America! The other shocking thing is that people might still live in them. That is just amazing to me but I am half geek in a way.

Being American, we are brought up with an idea that America is superior to other countries. That is true in a way and false in way. America is just starting to get a national identity, in my opinion, when places overseas have had a national identity for ages. Especially in Europe! If going to Europe (FOR FREE) to play basketball, experience the place. It is like getting a free ride to the moon and not bringing back a moon rock or something.  I truly enjoy my time abroad and would not trade it for anything in the world.

This is the conclusion of The Life: Pros and Cons Volume 1 brought to you by Bryan McCullough aka B aka B-MAC aka MAC aka 704 all day ( I got ignorant right there for a second). Tune in next time when I continue the debate of Pros and Cons of a basketball player overseas. Leave a comment for your boy too!  If you gals and guys have any ideas of what to debate, post it below and I will be sure to get into the topic in detail.

bmac Sports basketball, life, overseas, personal