When I wrote on my twitter and facebook page that we won 172-70 people immediately responded like WOW no way...While it started at the beginning of the season as a rivalry game, derby game since NAPLES is 30 minutes away from Avellino, but due to money problems they are currently playing without professional players which is so disturbing to me. So each game until the end of the season they are playing with 18 and under team. I still was focused all week like we have to come out and just play our game. I never look at the opponent different, if you step on that court with me I feel like its normal I have to compete against whoever. My mind state never changes, I go HARD AGAINST WHOEVER, WHERE EVER because practice makes permanent. My mind was all over the place though like maybe I shouldn't play this game, I should just rest and relax, but my coach didn't take that approach or even bring it up to me so I thought he was going to let me just rock out and play. Instead he played me 14 minutes, I had 6pts, 10ast, 2stls and I really was happy we won, but I worked hard all week I wanted to play and continue to run and play in game situation. But I definitely understand the situation, but I promise y'all thats not my problem, whoever steps on that court is a open target, they are trying to beat me and compete so I want to let everyone know whoever I play against my mind state never changes. It was a great night because everyone on the team scored and was able to get some game time which I was happy about.

Now its on to the biggest game of the year against Rome one of the biggest teams in Italy, Euroleague team. Its going to be a big game because they are fighting to get back on the top of the league and take our position. You recall we beat them on their home court early this season so I know they are looking to get us back. This is the second half of the season so I know things will get tougher because teams are scouting better and will be doing different things to slow me down. In practice Im going hard, working my tail off because I just want to get better, this year has allowed me to play and gain more experience I really feel like a better basketball player and knowing that got me so hunger and wanting more and more. I been staying up watching my ILLINI play congrats to them for two big wins I LOVE Y'ALL SO MUCH, LOVE MY SCHOOL, THE FANS, THE COACHES, SO MUCH LOVE DOWN THERE IN CHAMPAIGN... I also been staying up watching NBA games and looking back at my time in the league I think this time overseas has helped me gain more confidence and game experience as a pro so now I can be a better player in the NBA. I wasn't giving a chance to really play that much during that time, now with this experience I feel stronger, more confident, I have learned the game more. I been reading people saying negative things about me and I read it and look in the mirror and say why are they thinking that way??what made them say that?? Numbers don't lie, the eye in the sky don't lie...I feel like I didn't take full advantage of my situations but again I don't think I was really given a chance now its time for me to show what I can really do and i feel like I'm ready. I read something yesterday a dude, said, "yeah DEE overseas now the competition isn't that great over there I can play overseas". I laughed and thought is this dude being serious..Just look at how many foreigns are in the NBA right now Im playing with two dudes now who was drafted, guys from the NBA come overseas and can't last because they don't fit well or don't play good at all. Its really tough playing over here and I think the rule change, the language barrier makes a big difference but allows you to grow as a player and it makes you learn how to play the game. I know I'm getting better everyday, every game and I am very happy and proud of myself for continuing to work hard and believe. I have never been a quitter and I will never be a quitter, I have goals and dreams to fulfill the only way to get to them is HARD WORK, BELIEF, AND STAYING POSITIVE. 

Basketball can get stressful at times, especially playing over here because it just seems like every game is a MUST WIN. The pressure can get to a lot of players, thats when you have to have something to keep your mind off basketball at times. Basketball is 90% mental if you heard different they are wrong...You have to think this game, make adjustments, deal with a lot different situations then go out there and play. I have used a lot of different ways to cope with my pressure and mental wars. Recently I been playing a lot of bowling, great game I love it. I been going to the bowling alley 3-4 times a week just relaxing my mind and trying new hobbies. My work ethic has grown off the court as well as I chase after my dreams of being an artist on the side. For those who know me, talk to me, they know what I'm talking about..It's days when I can't sleep because I'm up writing songs, searching for beats, talking to people about life stories, what's going on in the world or in their lives. They say practice makes perfect, I laugh every time I hear that because come on NO ONE PERFECT..No matter how many shots you put up on a daily basis you are going to miss some shots. Practice makes permanent. If you continue to practice something like for example, train your mind not to curse, just continue to train, it will become permanent. I work and I work on delivering a message, expressing myself through word play, telling stories through my music giving people more and more so they can know the real DEE BROWN. I say when you DREAM, you must have ways and methods on how you are going to reach those dreams, things just don't happen. You have to have goals, plans, motivation, dedication, work ethic because there are so many people who say they have dreams of doing this, becoming this...but what will they do or willing to do to reach that point. I'm willing to put it all on the line because I have people who I love depending on me to continue to be DEE BROWN. No matter what people say about me, everyone know I WORK HARD and I LOVE LIFE, I LOVE THE GAME OF BASKETBALL, there's a lot of dudes out there with talent, but something is missing, PASSION, HEART,RESPECT FOR THE GAME thats what I got and thats what makes a good ball player. No matter how many points I score, how many assist I have, you will know I was on the court each game. Thats what I have gotten back into doing, and thats my mentality from here on out my career.

My projects I'm working on are moving in a great direction WOW, I'm so excited about them. I'm currently working on my company in which I hope to have up and running by Christmas. The company is my long waited dream, an entertainment company which will start off in the direction of music. Then it will grow into production, dance, modeling, and fashion all these I love and respect so much. Like I said you have to dream and with those dreams have some goals that will allow you to reach that dream. It's not just all talk I have done a lot of that but i didn't have direction and a good sense of what i really wanted to do. The time spent overseas has allowed me to think,plan and follow through with a lot of my thoughts and ideas. The world we live in today scares me, I'm always on the internet just reading and watching some of the things going on, and it hurts me to read. We need more positive role models for our youth, more positive music and TV shows. It just seems like negative activity is accepted and loved, the positive stuff gets overlooked and talked down about its a backwards world right now. Positive activity in my hood is called LAME, which to me is funny because they call my music lame because I don't curse, I talk about GOD, I'm not shooting and killing in my music nor selling no drugs..LAME to me means LIVING AND MAKING EFFORTS..I'm trying to let kids know you can make it and make your mom proud, you don't have to sell drugs and gang bang you can go to college and do something else. Its tough but trust me if it was easy everyone will be doing something. Everyone goes through problems, everyone struggles, everyone has step backs and bumps in the road, but those who overcome are the ones who read, work hard, learn from their mistakes and others..I just hope my work, my game, my views, my music can change a few lives and it has over the years thats all that matters to me it makes me smile because thats what its all about.

I know this is a long blog, but this is me being me, just talking and talking. If you know me, hung out with me, you wouldn't be surprised I can talk for days. There's a difference though I'm not just talking BS, I'm talking real issues, I'm talking from my heart, thinking about what I'm saying. I appreciate everyone who stop by my site everyday and click on MY BLOG this is for you I really appreciate that love and support. I promise I will continue to work hard, work hard, work hard and become a better player, person, father, friend because at the end of the day thats what everyone should be trying to do...better yourself so you can better the world. Again THANK YOU, THANK YOU I'm so grateful to have a blog, a way to speak to the world, speak to my fans, I just appreciate the time you give me to read about whats going on with me, whats going on in my mind and heart...I'm working, I'm getting better, I have a lot going on over here so the WORK NEVER STOPS, thats the only time I use never too, because I feel "I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me". Have a great week I will talk to everyone real soon much love and respect yo boy DUNNY

PS Congrats to SHANNON BROWN, DERON WILLIAMS (damn, sorry for my language about time he gets his respect BEST PG IN THE WORLD) on making the ALL STAR GAME so so proud of my family they work hard and motivate me to do better....HOOP GANG

And to my ILLINI WORLD I love y'all just know I'm rocking my orange and blue everyday....LOL yes sir what up fellas holla at yo boy I'm still the ILLINI PRINCE!!! believe that

Quote of the day: "Never stop working because the next person is working hard and don't have plans of stopping no time soon"

DEE BROWN "ILLINI PRINCE"

ONE MAN FASTBREAK 

Since the last time we talked me and my team are 1-1. I been playing well overall, still not shooting the ball well from three but still working hard and playing hard. I had 19pts,3 ast in our win at home which was a good win for us before we had to go on the road. We took a loss last week on the road after a 6 hour bus ride. I went 7-17 from the field scoring 19pts,7ast,6stls I was so disappointed in myself because I missed some big shots down the stretch. It was a big loss for us because we actually played well and really hard.Then the city we were in Pesaro had a very bad snow storm and they haven't seen snow in over 5 years so it took us an hour to get to the gym and we were only 10 minutes from the gym. Then after the game we couldn't leave because the highways were closed due to the massive amount of snow they got, so we went back to the hotel after sitting on the bus for an hour without moving. True story it was crazy I'm like I'm from Chicago this is nothing, we get this all the time, but the city didn't have trucks, salt or nothing it really caught them by surprise in the WINDY CITY we stay ready and know that SNOW gon hit hard.In the hotel my teammates and me played poker all night in my room I loss to DeMarcus Nelson after 5 hours of playing it was really fun. It took us 7 hours to drive back to Avellino, I of course slept the whole way home. It was overall a good trip even though we loss because we had some good team bonding which we need because we are young and a very new team. I feel like I'm getting better as the season is going on, each day, each week I think I'm improving. We are now 9-7 which is 5th in the league. We are a young team but I really feel like we can really make some noise this season we just have to work harder in practice and get better thats all its about right now.

I really been working hard, I have re-energized myself because the second half of the season is big because now teams are making adjustments and scouting reports are a lot different. I'm focused on improving thats one of my goals...Winning and geting better thats why I signed on the dotted line. I feel like this is my year to show people I can play this game and each year I'm getting better and better. I'm a winner and thats what makes me GOOD I would never say I'm better than the next player I just work hard and continue to believe in myself. This game is all about confidence and HARD WORK I got both regardless of how I'm playing, what I'm doing,and where I'm playing. I'm so blessed to be doing what I love and I appreciate it each and every day I lace up my shoes, I'm a professional basketball player thats what I have dreamed of being all my life now its here I have to take full advantage of the situation. Thats why I work so hard and compete at the highest level because its a blessing I can't say this enough.

Other than that I been chilling, writing my music, playing my video games, going to the bowling alley getting my game up. This season feel like its flying by, we are a little over a half way finished with the regular season, it don't feel like I been here 5 months already, and in that time we only played 16 games, while close to 30 with pre-season. I'm really excited about my career I pray everyday that I stay healthy, other than that my work ethic is crazy, my confidence and passion is super high and I really feel like I'm getting better because I have so many goals and things I want to do. Thats why I'm making sure I stay focus and keep great people in my corner because in the world right now its crazy a lot of things are going on and people are in tough situations and they are miserable and they need company so people will try to bring you down with them. I can't go I'm on a mission to get to bigger and better things. This is the life I have always dreamed about and to be honest I'm not perfect I have done some stupid I mean stupid stuff in the past and present but I live and learn. I make sure from every experience something is gained from it, I learn everyday I have the wonderful saying which has allowed me to be successful...."the only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing". I have so much knowledge of the game of basketball from having great coaches, playing with great players but still I go into the gym knowing nothing, I just listen, I just play, and I learn different things about the game, about myself, about others, just by wanting to learn and listening. Everyday I learn more about LIFE.. Thats why I live it, I love waking up in the morning thats one of the best feelings that I don't hear people talk about...I'm like yes I can see another day, I'm breathing, Im able to wash myself, walk around,, see things, its amazing how I am growing and maturing as a man, as a player I view things a little bit different now.

Some people from my hood say "O' dee changed, or when a person from home get on they change"...Of course you change in some ways I come from nothing and they know that...I think success has changed me in a good way, a positive way, it made me realize that dreams could come true, that I can go talk to schools, jails, centers and they would listen and i could inspire someone to change their life like when I was young and someone successful came to talk I paid attention, I listened, I was so happy to see someone doing something positive. Thats how I changed, people change me everyday with the love and support they show me... That makes me work harder and want to do more because I know I'm a role model and people look up to me so I try to motivate and inspire others to do well. I never hate, I never talk down on someone I want everyone to do well and be success I love that, I love seeing people reach their goal, their dreams, it lights a fire under me and make me smile for weeks. So yes I have changed, changed the way I look at LIFE..Life has always been good even back when I was in the HOOD now I can motivate and inspire others to do well and get out the hood and do something for their families and community. I still roll with the same people, I still go back to my hood, my city, my schools because I love my people, I love to see people and show people that Im here Im doing good Im still working hard and repping my hood, this is what I do, this is who I am, I really think i was born to play basketball. So this is what I have become a role model to those who love me and understand I was that boy in the house pretending to be MIKE JORDAN, ISIAH THOMAS, I was the boy praying to be in the NBA, be a professional basketball player, look at me now. Thats what makes me go, thats what makes me smile and continue to work to be the best I can be.

The love is really appreciated and I really love all my fans yall show me so much love. I know a lot of people read my blogs, I have been slipping on writing on here since my blog first started but I been writing a lot of music lately its been a lot on mind and heart. I been busy with all these projects, I told yall Im very ambitious I have so many things I want to do, I think its a good thing DREAM BIG, WORK HARD, PUT IN THE TIME, good things will pay off. Please believe in yourself and make sure you do all the things that make you happy, not your friends, your brothers, your whoever do what makes you happy. I really appreciate everyone reading this blog remember I write what I feel and what I'm thinking. This is all me, Im not perfect, Im human I live and I learn this is me,this is who I am, Im so blessed to be here, so blessed to be doing what I love...I miss Chicago what up everybody I will be back soon..Mom Dukes whats up I miss you please dont do that to me again making me feel all sad, you never have to be CROOKED again feel me your baby boy is always always here for you just like you was for me back on 1810, 4941,504 you know those addresses I gotcha until the day I die....Zemae I pray that you feel better I love you so much thats my grandma please keep her in your prayers as she recovers from a bad fall she is one of the greatest ladies in the world...For those who are battling the same God bless hope all is well holla at yo boy DUNNY

PS Congrats to SB (Shannon Brown), D-WILL (Deron Williams) on the ALL-STAR GAME, whats up LU HEAD, Thrill Bynum thats my HOOP GANG  love those dudes they are the realest doing it much love from your lil brother DB 

Quote of the day: "Live life the way you want, do what makes you happy" 

DEE BROWN "ILLIN PRINCE"

ONE MAN FASTBREAK 

Since the last blog my team is 1-1 in 2 important games, first game we played at home against one of my best friends Anthony Maestranzi who I grew up playing with in AAU basketball. I played an average game 8pts,7ast,5rebs in a 80-69 win at home. It was exciting for me because his dad coached and raised me, he taught me how to be a organized basketball player and allowed me to travel the country playing against the best and he flew out to watch the game. After we went out to dinner and enjoyed a great Italian meal even though my buddy was upset because we are competitors and hate to lose. It was a great battle and it was fun to play against one of my best friends on the professional level. Then we went on the road this past week to play Biella which is right outside of MILAN, one of the top teams in the league. I knew it would be a fight game, meaning whoever wanted it the most will win the game. As the season goes on I know teams will make a lot of adjustments to slow me down and try to limit my offense so now I have to focus and find more ways to get myself involved. I didn't play as I wanted to scoring 12pts on 4-15, 6ast,4rebs,2stls in a loss 83-79. It was a tough one because I feel like we could have easily won that game, but in this business someone has to lose and they did what any home team should do thats protect their home court we just came up short.

The next morning we flew back to Avellino early in the morning and thats the worst when you lose because it seems like the longest flight ever. When I arrived back I just relaxed, me and my girl went bowling, I tried to relax my mind because I really had a lot going on, besides losing, I also hate when I don't perform well, thats what make a good team GOOD, good players better, everyone has to hold themselves accountable if you don't play well know IT, respect IT, analyze IT, then allow yourself to get better and then move on. Then out of no where I get sick, I mean I woke up I was feeling a little weak then when I got to the gym, its so so so cold in our gym NO HEAT literally so I couldn't take it so I told the staff, I couldn't go I'm not feeling well at all. So they sent me to the trainer he checked me out and made me go home, I had a high temperature. I had a sore throat and a fever.

I was in the bed all this week sweating, shaking, and sweating some more I literally went through around 10 shirts. It was so cold I really wasn't feeling well so I was out of practice, not seen all week I didn't eat, didn't get out of bed it was hard for me. This is the first time all year I felt like this but it happens at least once a year for me I'm from Chicago one of the coldest places you can live and I would get sick at least once or twice it happens Im human but it was rough. I had good support though my girl was here with me, my teammate lives right under me so I was good just felt so bad, weak and it was a bad feeling. But all that went through my head was there's people in the world going through worst like my grandma who is in and out the hospital love you Z hope you feel better I love you so so much...

So here I am, back on this long grind getting ready for a MUST WIN this sunday. Today I was so tired when I practiced after being out 3 days, it hit me hard, but I'm great I love when I come home and I'm hurting from playing the game I love so its nothing to me. Its not too much that could keep me off the court and keep me from playing the game I love MOM IM LYING?? A lot of things been going on with me these past few weeks, I mean things that really bothered me, can't lie it knocked me off my grind for a HOT SEC then something in me said, "COME ON BOY THATS NOT YOU". The greatest lesson I learned was never let anyone take you out of what made you, always be DEE BROWN, for those who know me you know what that means. Everyone goes through tough times, I can't front I love those times because it makes the GOOD TIMES amazing because you already know what it feels like on the other side feel me. Where do I get my strength, GOD, my family, my wonderful FANS, I have people who really love me and care about me. I know I stand for something, I represent something so in my eyes its bigger than me, they say you learn something everyday whether about life, yourself, other people, but sometimes that knowledge is not taken in and applied. I listen, I learn, and I apply because everyday you have to get better, grow up, mature in life.

I thank everyone who care and love me y'all make me smile, y'all make me work harder, y'all keep me going. Again thanks for checking my website everyday and reading my blogs its appreciated. I have a lot more to say and will continue to write and give you my life, whats in my heart, body, and mind because this is me, this is deebrown11.com its only RIGHT. I'm back though, I'm feeling a lot better, now I have to get my SWAG back and get back on business. I have to get better yall, I have to continue to grow up, grow as a person, as a player, I have to its in me, I feel I was born to play this game. To the fam back home what up, I love y'all, can't wait to see y'all, to my fans love y'all thanks for the continued love and support, I won't stop, I will keep doing what I do thank you holla at your boy DUNNY

Quote of the day: "Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all"

Dee Brown "ILLINI PRINCE"

ONE MAN FASTBREAK 

Last week wasn't a good game for me and my team as we loss our 5th game of the season on the road in a blowout against Cantu. I played a decent a game 16pts,4ast but I know teams will try to limit me and allow the other players to beat them. I have to get better and do a lot more and thats my goal for the rest of the season. I'm focused, Im trying to get better and win thats all Im chasing right now. Every time I step on the floor I want to improve and become a better player,person, teammate because thats all thats important in the development stages of a basketball player while in my case a hooper. I love this game...the ups and downs, the winning, the losing, the travel, all of the practices, hours in the weight room I just love it.

Right now Im going through these stages of not liking a lot of players in the game because on the professional level its becoming a trend not to care about the game, just to play and get paid..Come on now, I guess where I come from, my hood, my city, my school we love the game, we love to compete, it wasn't about no money or just doing it, we love playing the game and love being a HOOPER, nowadays if you look close there are more and more basketball players meaning they just love being called a basketball player and thats all. Very few willing to sacrifice their game, their body for the good of the team, very few care about winning and doing whatever it takes to become a champion or a good teammate.

I know you like where is this coming from I been holding a lot of things in for awhile, maybe its me wanting to see more talented guys become better and respect the game and those who came before us. I was taught to go HARD, give it your all, be grateful to play this game, something has to be seriously wrong for me not to lace up my shoes and play, I mean I can't walk, can't move this is the LOVE I have for this game, always have. Now I'm getting paid to do this my hunger, my passion has went through the roof, everyday no matter how I play, how I'm feeling Im feeling more proud to be a basketball player, a hooper one who respects this game, loves this game, and appreciate it everyday. 

This week of practice has been long, I feel I got better, I been working really hard because like I say I want to use my time over here as a time to improve and elevate my game. I know what teams want to take away from me so I work on my counters and things I know will allow me to be successful. Its been a tough month or so for me dealing with a lot of things that involves my job, but I refuse to speak on these things because I respect and I'm a loyal dude and refuse to downplay or talk family business... Im blessed, so blessed and HATE TO COMPLAIN because I look at the world and say DEE BE QUITE you are in a great situation, there are people in bad situations right now and you complaining. When I'm not myself, which means ALL HAPPY and DEE BROWN, every one say DEE whats up you good? You having problems? Im like what problems could I be having?? I never had GIRL problems, my family good, I wake up every morning so what you think bothering me. Matter of fact if I was having problems off the court a golden rule in my sport is never BRING THOSE PROBLEMS ON THE FLOOR...SO I hope my organization, my teammates, those who ever had that question when they see me not being me Im human and if something is bothering me its serious nothing small can knock me off my hustle and this grind.

Other than that I been chillin, relaxing, enjoying this LIFE OF MINE. I been getting a lot of rest these 2 day practices  are long and tough for me becasuse I'm using them to elevate my game and continue to get better. My girl just got back over here to be with me for a month or so thats a good look for me because I need the company and comfort. I miss my family back home, whats up MOM DUKES, my two beautiful sons, my big bros....I just get so much love back home makes me a better person and I want to thank them and THIS GRIND I'M ON is not only for me but for them too. This week I play against my childhood friend Anthony Maestranzi, who at an early age his family allowed me to travel out to their beautiful home in outside Chicago and stay the night, play basketball in their backyard, do whatever I wanted at their home, and his dad made me a BETTER BASKETBALL PLAYER. He allowed me to travel the country and play against the best players and he gave me the confidence needed to be successful. Im so blessed I had them in my life now to play against him on the professional level will be fun I can't wait. Because just like all of my friends we compete on another level, we talk, we laugh,. hang out before the game but once that basketball goes up its WAR TIME and I respect that so much.

But I'm still doing good, matter of fact GREAT. I'm still playing the game I love. We are 7-5 (7th in the league) and 60% done with the regular season. I think we will be fine as long as we work hard and learn from the past few games. Things can get better or worst from here I just hope it gets better. I know I will give it my all and GO HARD because you know the rules GO HARD OR GO HOME. I want to thank all my fans for checking out my site everyday and showing me love and support means a lot to me. I write these blogs for you and make sure I never leave nothing out. Thank you and again happy new year 2010 is my year watch out for your boy I have so much I want to do....your boy DUNNY

Quote of the day: "Live for the moment, don't let time pass you by" 

DEE BROWN "ILLINI PRINCE"

ONE MAN FASTBREAK