Dreams

"Some dreams stay dream, some dreams come true..."


Kanye West - Still Dreaming


The Washington Wizards have struggled this season, however last week they overcame their recent adversity and played together as a team.


Finally

Nick Young grew up in Los Angeles, and over the years he developed into a really good basketball player. Fast forward to the present day, and it was just last week that he fulfilled a lifelong goal of playing against and defeating the Lakers.


The lesson in this is to be dedicated, humble, and patient in all that you do, and eventually things will begin to turn. Follow your heart, and continue to work hard.


Words: @axgilbert


Video: @lienette

Net Worth

"I keep that nine on me, ala Iguodala..."

Fabolous - The Way (Intro)

Tonight the Philadelphia 76ers enter their 21st game of the year as they host the Orlando Magic, and while that may not sound overly exciting, it's games like this that can make or break a season.

The test

If the NBA were a college or university, then this week could easily be the Sixers mid-term exams. They will play the likes of the Magic, Bulls, Heat, in Philadelphia...travel to Atlanta to face off against the Hawks, and then they will once again defend home court against the Lakers next Monday, San Antonio next Wednesday, and the Clippers to round out that week on Friday.

Philadelphia is a good team, however the knock on the young squad is that they have beaten the best of the worst from around the league, including the Washington Wizards twice by large margins. Okay so the schedule has been fairly kind, but if the 76ers are going to advance further than the first round of the playoffs, then this upcoming stretch will provide a glimpse of their future possibilities.

They play a fast-paced run and gun style with a decent half-court pressing defense. Things have continued to change for the better under the direction of Doug Collins, and while most teams have at least one All-Star, the 76ers have established a good team first philosophy with some emerging names and tough role players. Time will tell if this is a recipe for success in South Philly, but with a 14-6 record at the time of my writing this piece...that's not such a bad start.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

The Alchemist

"Taking out this time, to give you a piece of my mind..."

Mary J. Blige - Can't Knock the Hustle

There is nothing new under the sun...so when the hysteria of the NBA's free agency period reached a boiling point last Thursday, I didn't speculate on what would happen.

Internationally Known

For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction, according to Sir Isaac Newton and his laws of motion...this being the case, the announcement or shall I say the decision tomorrow evening from Lebron James will not only get a worldwide reaction...it will undoubtedly change the state of professional basketball.

33-years ago Dr. J made the switch from the ABA to the NBA, earlier this decade MJ donned a Wizards uniform, and more recently Kobe flirted with the possibility of playing for the Clippers, and Bulls. In each scenario the Earth continued to turn...as it will most certainly be business as usual tomorrow...yet in still with each high profile case, it becomes big news throughout the industry and pop culture.

The question is will LBJ leave or will he seek greener pastures in another city? Personally I would love for him to finish his career in Cleveland, however James must do what's best for his family and career. As a sports fan, there is a lot to be said about a person that plays their entire career with one team (Derek Jeter)...yet in still this is life and as much as we try to control it...opportunities arise, and things change like the seasons.

LeBron James will play well in any uniform...the bottom line revolves around championships, and money. What I find most intriguing about this, is the fact that the press conference is being held in Connecticut, and James has been tweeting today with random facts...I don't get it, however by this time tomorrow, it should all make sense.

Photo: Webster Riddick

Versus

"Quit acting like I'm the only one to blame..."

The Dream - Love vs. Money: Part 2

I have always taken a stance to shy away from serious issues, and with the recent changes in the Washington Wizards organization...I've decided to ignore the problem and move forward as always.

Back to the Future

I cover every NBA team and I'm usually on assignment in Philadelphia, and DC. In light of what the Wizards are going through, on any given day, I'm front and center of what's going in the nation's capital...in fact I'm sitting in section 104 of the Verizon Center as I pen this biased piece.

Two years ago I interviewed David Falk, and he told me that the best writers cover all things great and small, good or bad...which led me to think that I should give my thoughts on Gilbert Arenas.

First and foremost this started as a joke that went too far, and now the future of Arenas' basketball career is in jeopardy. The fact that it was Gilbert with his usual playful antics...enabled him to continue to push the envelope and "make light" of everything. I wish one of the powers that be would have stopped this before it was too late, however to no avail, things got out of hand.

I don't gamble, nevertheless I can understand the life and camaraderie on the road. Things happen and some things should never happen. I think that this "joke" made the NBA to come down on him with force...in essence an example had to be made, and like it or not, that's how the game of life is played.

I want things to work out, because I feel that everyone makes mistakes and should have a chance at redemption. The question becomes...if eligible will the Wizards organization bring Gilbert back? He hasn't played in over 2 seasons due to injury and the team became accustomed to playing without him. He's been playing well this year, however in their first official game without him, the Wiz played great defense with a consistent offensive attack, and was able to defeat the Magic 104-97.

It's all a numbers game...as the organization was looking to move a player or two for financial purposes before this happened, and if Arenas' $111 million dollar contract becomes void, then things will change in a major fashion for both Gilbert and the Wizards' bank accounts.

For now its wait and see.

Photo: Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

The Future

Rising Star

"You don't see how wild the crowd is..."

Kanye West - Champion

I hadn't seen the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise in person, and since I'm probably the only one of my peers that hasn't...I took a trip to the nation's capital to see what all the fuss was about...

Top Billing

Traffic was a little hectic, or shall I say business as usual on 295 yesterday...so naturally, I arrived a little late to the game...nonetheless fashionable. I watched Jeff Green, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden during their college years, and the talent is there...however things have changed slightly for the better...even for the rookie Harden, as Kevin Durant has extended his calm and maturity to the team.

All of them are going to have nice careers, yet Durant is light years ahead of the league new comers...from his natural ability, height, quickness, poise, and star quality. His game is difficult to explain, and seeing is truly believing.

The argument for the current best is on going...all the while, Durant is on pace to be the best of his era, regardless of position, and or individual awards.

Photo: Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

The Young One

"You see me at the Knick game..."

Fabolous - Youngin'

Photo: Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

Young Buck

"Everybody is a star..."

Sly and the Family Stone - Everybody Is A Star

I missed the Sixers season opener against the Bucks, so recently I traveled to DC to see what Brandon Jennings was all about...

Poise

Milwaukee has an interesting team in that they are a lot better than their 11-11 record shows. They have talent at every position, and it is going to take a few more games until they smooth out the rough edges...however what I was most impressed by that night was two fold: the leadership and play of veteran Hakim Warrick, and the way Brandon Jennings carries himself both on and off the court. He is as talented as he is respectful and polished.

If you have an opportunity to watch this team...be sure to tune in as you do not want to miss this rising star's rookie year. In the Eastern Conference anything can happen, and I will not be surprised if and when the Bucks return to the post season.

Photo: Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

The Wizard

Respect

"Keeping on trucking baby..."

Eddie Kendricks - Keep on Trucking Baby

Last week I traveled to my favorite NBA city to work on an assignment...today I was saddened by some disheartening news.

Legacy

Abe Pollin passed away after losing his battle with a rare neurological disease. After my initial shock wore off...I emailed my friends on the Wizards PR staff to give them my regards and condolences.

There are a few reasons why DC stands head and shoulders above the other 29 teams in the league.

1. The PR staff do their best to assist the smaller media outlets. In fact when I first started AXG, it was the Wizards who allowed my photographer and I access to the team and games.

2. Milt Newton, Vice President of Player Personnel and I used to work together at the League offices in New York, and he always offered me advice and a helping hand.

3. Brian Sereno, Director, Public Relations is the one that believed in my talent as a writer, granting me media passes to cover games under AXG.

4. Proximity to Philadelphia.

5. It is after all Chocolate City...

6. Free ice cream sundaes at halftime.

7. Daren Jenkins, Senior Coordinator, Public Relations...he and I have become good friends, as I respect how he has risen from an intern to a senior member of the PR staff...his story reminds me of mine.

8. Caron Butler is not only one of the best players on the team, but he allowed me to work as a counselor for his summer basketball camp at McNamara High School in 2007. He's a really great player and even better person.

9. Nick Young is the future of this league...he is truly a diamond in the rough, and his best is yet to be made evident.

10. The Wizards/Cavaliers "rivalry"

Photo: Ned Dishman/NBAE/Getty Images

Standing Tall

Power

Strength

Courage

"Shooting air balls at the basket...what you call money, I pay more in taxes..."

Jay-Z - Oh My God

Pennsylvania is a well known football state, much like Florida, Texas, and Ohio, however the Keystone state is also home to some of the best basketball athletes to play the game. Names like Dawn Staley, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kobe Bryant come to mind, but one of the most known unknown great basketball players is none other than Richard Hamilton.

Native Son

I interviewed Rip Hamilton last summer for GAME TIME, during his annual Rip City community event in his hometown Coatesville, PA. Prior to that trip to the small coal mining city, I had only been there once. My friend and fraternity brother Jordan "JJ" Jackson lived there and attended Coatesville High School, and as I drove through the town, I was surprised at how different it was than I thought. I expected rural farm land, with a quaint boondocks feel, but what I saw was a town ravaged by the collapse of the industrial revolution. 

I am not a fan of Coatesville, Pennsylvania. I am however appreciative of the people that have lived there, that have navigated their way out, and have made a better life for themselves. This is no suburb of Philadelphia, this town is unlike anything I've seen, and I travel a lot. In essence, people grow up tough there, and if you see toughness and strength in Rip Hamilton's game, then you can only guess where he got it from.

The other day, Jordan Jackson visited the site, and posed the question about Hamilton playing less minutes with the Pistons, while coming off the bench. He made a point that Iverson's days are numbered in the Motor City, and that Rip is a proven scorer and winner within the NBA. He wanted my opinion, so here it is:

Rip is one of my favorite players within the spectrum of all sports and competition. He is a leader, and I believe that leaders are born, not made, therefore he is a legit athlete that has done nothing but win, and lead by example. I first noticed him during one of his many classic high school battles against his best friend Kobe Bryant. At 6'7", and approximately 190lbs, the lithe guard plays with an easy Sunday morning flow, almost lulling the defense to sleep as he creates baskets for himself and teammates. He's a shooter, but unlike most players of his caliber, Rip can put the ball on the floor, further putting the defense on the alter, at his mercy. 

For his size and ability, he is a special player. Imagine if he were never traded from the Wizards? That team could have been built around him, with Caron Butler, and Jamison? He has the basketball version of the Midas touch, because he has won, and proven himself on every level. He was the #2 high school player in Pennsylvania behind Kobe...won the NCAA Championship with UCONN, and earned a ring in Detroit. 

At 29...30 next month, he is still in his prime, so the Pistons need to figure out what they want to do. I believe the curse of Carmelo Anthony is haunting this team, and for those who need me to spell it out...the Pistons didn't draft Anthony in 2003 because they felt they were a team coming into their own with a championship on the horizon...that didn't need an established player like 'Melo...instead they choose Darko Milicic with the 2nd overall pick and the rest is history...and while the Pistons won it all in 2004, things haven't been the same since. 

This team is in such a state of discord that will not be fixed anytime soon. Things will get worse, before they get better, and that is so unfortunate for Richard Hamilton. However his saving grace is that he was born and raised in Coatesville, and because of that fact, he can handle this and a lot more.

Photos:  Doug Pensinger/Allsport

Black Thought

"You ain't got to feel no way about Jay...so long...but at least let me tell you why I'm this way, hold on..."

Jay - Z - December 4

I attended the Washington Wizards home game on Sunday, January 4th...as they played host to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In recent years, these two teams have played in some memorable regular season and playoff matches...however I had no idea what would transpire that day at the Verizon Center.

Box Score

I've had time to reflect since my afternoon in the nation's capital, and the aftermath of that game is the exact reason why I am so passionate about writing. You see, the words journalist and writer are given to people, and while most are very deserving, there are many that take that honor for granted. 

The Wizards outlasted the Cavs as Antawn Jamison hit a baseline jump shot with 10.6 or so seconds left in the game...setting the stage for LeBron James to force an overtime session or win it all. My ace cameraman and friend Jeff Young turned to me and said, 'Bron is going to drive to the basket...naturally I agreed with him. At 6'8", 250lbs, he is a force, and at full speed...he equivalent to a runaway train...and true to form, after a Cleveland time out, James received the ball on the left elbow, made his hesitation "crab dribble" move...took a hit, and connected on the basket. The game was now tied, and with an opportunity to go to the free throw line, the outcome was in LeBron's hands...however the referee called a traveling violation, and the media or so-called media took the "crab dribble"...and traveled with it. 

I'm sick of these folks that didn't attend the game, that have great insight and an expert opinion. I go to games, I conduct pre and post game interviews. I am a JOURNALIST. GAME TIME with AG. is not your typical blog...I'm not sitting on the couch watching television, spewing venom. My job is to ask questions, and type up the answers...and as a black man, I want to build and uplift my heritage, because if I choose not too, then who will?

The video above took place directly after the media left the vistor's locker room. Prior to that, I made my way amongst my colleagues, and this is what LeBron had to say...addressing us all after a tough 80-77 loss...scoring 30 points, to go along with 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. He did however have 7 turnovers, and even for the best of the best, that is 7 too many:

LeBron James

On the game:

"It seems like we don't get going, when we don't make shots. When we make shots, it allows us to flow better. We held them to 41% from the field, which is better than our season average...we have to work on turning the ball over on the road, and improving our second chance opportunities."

On the Washington Wizards:

"The Wizards did a great job of outworking us today. They had 19 offensive rebounds which helped them a lot. They're a team that shoots a lot of long jumpers, so it is important that we rebound at our end better."

At the end of the game what did you talk to Caron Butler about?

"I just told Caron to continue to play hard the rest of the season. He is one of their [Wizards] leaders and very talented. I hope I get to see him at the All-Star weekend."

This is journalism, in fact, over at our sister website, The Starting Five, my friend Michael Tillery has been writing and working at such a high level, that this morning on ESPN First Take, his work from this very game was topic of discussion via Jemele Hill, and Skip Bayless. If you have detected a hint of anger, then you my friend are correct. I'm just tired of the garbage that people write, and get paid top dollar for...they should be ashamed of themselves. 

Meanwhile, my friends and I will continue to do the right thing, creating our own path, while writing it like it really was, and is. Most of the people writing never played the sport that they cover...and not only did I play basketball on several levels, but I also let the actual athletes do the talking here on GAME TIME, thus nothing is taken out of context or misconstrued.

Peace.

The Most Known Unknown.

West Side Story

Age of innocence

"I'm from where they ball, and breed rhyme stars..."

Jay- Z - Where I'm From

Last week I covered the Los Angeles Lakers for HOOP Magazine as well as this blog GAME TIME with AG. I write a column for HOOP entitled KICKIN' IT, in which I interview various NBA players about their footwear, and shoe deals. Outside of that I also write a similar article, SNEAKER GAME, as I speak with 3 players from one team, and 3 players from another team about what they are wearing, and playing in. For the March/April '09 edition, I spoke with Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, and Al Thornton from the Clippers, and Trevor Ariza, Jordan Farmar, and Derek Fisher from the Lake Show. Once that was complete, I could utilize the rest of my time to catch up with Kobe Bryant.

Boys to Men

When I was growing up my father would say a lot of things that I'm sure he learned in his youth. One of his most famous sayings to my brother and I was "son, you're going to be a man, much longer than you're going to be a boy..." and then he would either smile or let out a hearty laugh. I didn't know what he was talking, and or laughing about until recently. Now, as an adult that statement makes perfect sense, as I have responsibilities far beyond my young mind would have ever allowed.

Nevertheless with age comes wisdom if you allow it, and I have embraced my years, as I try to learn something new everyday.

I was born in West Philadelphia, and I've lived in other places, such as Brooklyn, and Suitland, Maryland, which in looking back, they have all shaped who I am today making me well versed and rounded. Back in 1994, I met someone that was also from Philadelphia, and not only had he lived in other places in the United States, but he and his family, had also lived in Italy, and France. Interestingly enough I was introduced to Kobe Bryant in a gym, as his oldest sister Sharia introduced us after her volleyball match. I'd been running my mouth to her about how "great" I was as a basketball player, and instead of entertaining my banter she got her sibling, and that ended anything I could say in reference to basketball.

As I've grown in journalism, so too has Kobe as an international icon. I consider him as the "now" in the pantheon of past NBA legends. Disagree if you will, but I will stick to this claim, because like him or not, there is nothing that Bryant cannot do on the court, and for that fact alone, it makes him one of the best. After the game in Philadelphia, Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, wanted nothing more than to shake Kobe's hand, and take a few pictures along side him. If that isn't a sign of respect, then I don't know what is.

I wanted to interview them both, as they represent what Philadelphia basketball is all about. However while I did speak with Monroe, he didn't have time for questions and answers, and I, because of our mutual respect, figured that Kobe would sit for a spell and talk, but I didn't take into account that his family and friends were at the game, so the stage was set, for an interview two days later in DC.

I drove to the nation's capital with fellow journalists Jeff Young, and Michael Tillery. Jeff is from DC, so after I taped a segment for BET News, we headed over to Howard University to catch up with friends (Chevonne, Mr. Hill), and then trekked over to the world famous Ben's Chili Bowl for some half smokes and fries...Jeff had the chili burger sub.

After filling our appetite with some good food, and nostalgic tunes, we headed over to the Verizon Center to cover what turned out to be a very entertaining game. During the 1st quarter I received a reassuring text message from Bryant's agent Rob Pelinka, saying "KB said he would try his best to give you 5 mins after the game..."

From there, I organized my questions, and analyzed the game. Afterward, true to his word, I spoke with Kobe about his latest sneaker from Nike, the Zoom Kobe IV, and the misnomer about the "suburban" tag that people so often bestow upon him.

Watch the video below for the interview with Kobe Bryant:

Homecoming King

Rookie Year

Freshman Year

Strength

Respect

"I got it sewn, I'm so authentic...and you're not official like a ref at a scrimmage..."

Wale - Daytona Squared

Yesterday I drove to DC to cover the Wizards versus Heat game. I picked up my good friend Michael and we were on our way. Once we got on I-95 near the Chester exit, we were greeted with some traffic and a host of snow flurries. It's been really cold lately, just how I like it, nevertheless it would take more than some precipitation to deter me from a trip home.

Freshman 15

My uncle graduated from Temple University about 20-years ago, and upon receiving his degree he moved to the nation's capital, and began working for the government. My family is from West Philadelphia, so when my uncle moved below the Mason-Dixon Line, it provided the rest of us with a new place to visit, and for my brother and I...it gave us somewhere to spend the summer months.

The DMV (DC/Maryland/Virginia), is a great place, as it has been a hotbed for politics, sports, and other things both good and bad, however for my intents and purposes, its the athletes and fervor for sports that I love the most about the area...well that and the beautiful women, but that is another story.

I used to coach youth basketball, and one of my BEST players was an 8th-grader at Gwynn Park Middle School, named BreAnna. To make a long story short, Gwynn Park Middle is known for their basketball talent, so when Bre went to high school she went to another powerhouse, Riverdale Baptist. I attended a few practices and one of her games, and it was from those encounters, that I first heard and met a young man named Michael Beasley.

He was a highly touted sophomore at the time, having transfered there from National Christian Academy. I was impressed by his natural ability, and by the fact he was such an agile person for his size. He was simply a shooting guard in a power forward's body, and most importantly, he is left-handed, which is like having a platinum engagement ring verses white gold. Yes being left-handed in basketball has its advantages.

Watching Beasley play with the Miami Heat was surreal. The main reason why, is because it seems like yesterday when he was in high school...but he's in the League now, and he and I had time to catch up after the game.

I interviewed Dwyane Wade first, because I really needed to talk to him for an assignment from HOOP Magazine. When I walked over Flash already had a crowd of reporters around him, so I waited until they dissipated to ask my questions. Before I could say a word, Wade greeted me saying..."what's up A? How are your mother and sister?" To which I replied..."hey Flash, they're good. I just have a few questions...cool?" "Yeah sure man", he answered but I usually see you in Philly, what are you doing down here?"..."Well I had to interview you, so I asked my friend if he wanted a ride...and we got in the Batmobile." I retorted, and he looked at me surprisingly saying..."the Batmobile?"

I'll go more in depth about that in another post, but for now, below is the final score on my conversation with Beasley:

Can you define what it means for you to be a basketball player from DC?

"It's unbelievable...I can name 3-million people that doubted me growing up, talking about I wouldn't be this and I wouldn't be that. So just to be here and be in my hometown now, and know that everybody loves me and supports what I do...it's breath taking."

Now that the NCAA season has started, are you able to follow the college game?

"[Pauses] Not as much as I want to, but I catch a couple of games...my brother [Nolan Smith] plays for Duke, so I caught their last 2 games.

Speaking of Nolan Smith, he is the starting point guard...your thoughts?

"[Smiles] He's doing what he has to do!"

What have you learned thus far being a rookie in this league?

"The league ain't no joke! I can tell you that...I mean, in high school and college you have your star players, and then you have players that shouldn't necessarily be on the court. Not in the NBA...you have your star players, and players that you think shouldn't be on the court, until you guard them man...and they are just as good as the star player you know? The league ain't no joke, you have to bring it everyday! I'm learning a lot about myself...on the defensive side, on the offensive side, but it's more so off the court."

Witness Protection

Superbad

AG. and LeBron in DC

NYC

Nike from day 1

High School Musical

"How could you falter, when you're the Rock of Gibraltar...I had to get off the boat so I could walk on water...this ain't no tall order, this is nothing to me...difficult takes a day...impossible takes a week..."

Jay-Z - Diamonds from Sierra Leone (Remix)

Friday, December 20, 2002, was the day that I first witnessed LeBron James in living color. His team made the trek from Akron, OH to my beloved West Philadelphia, to play against Philly basketball power, Strawberry Mansion. I charged up the batteries for my camera and I was off to the venue. I took my seat on the far baseline across from the visiting bench and the rest would be history, or shall I say, his-story.

I had first heard about him during his junior year at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, which was around the time the moniker of KING was bestowed upon him.

Before I started writing professionally...I was looking for a job all the while, staying insanely hungry for my "moment". In fact I used to shine shoes for small money and write short stories just for fun. Nowadays, I’m as ambitious as ever, but it’s the people that I’ve meet throughout my life, that have gotten me to this point.

I recently caught up with Bron, when the Cavaliers played against the 76ers during the preseason in October. I walked over to his locker and he says, "what's up man...how you've been?" I stuck out my hand and he game me a firm "soul brother" shake. I told him that I had to interview Mo Williams, and that I'd be right back. After my brief chat with Williams I spoke with LeBron at length on everything from his family to his Olympic gold. He is a great person to interview, as I can truly say he has a great respect for the game, and my job as a writer.

This past summer, I interviewed the Olympic team for BET News, and when I walked into the room to sit with LeBron, his time with the media was over and he was leaving for the day. I informed him that I really needed some time with him and he agreed. We walked out of the room and down the hallway, to which we were greeted by security guards, Nike employees, hotel staffers, and a cameraman. I didn't think much of the camera, but I was walking in plain view, so I figured that whenever this footage airs, I'll be on it with my guys, Bron and Flash. Turns out, it was for ESPN, and the first few times it aired I missed it, however everyone else saw it, because I was getting emails, phone calls, and text messages for a good 2-weeks.

ROC BOYS

My very first official sit down with LeBron James was during the 2007 NBA Playoffs. The Washington Wizards drew a first-round match-up with the James Gang, I called my friend and photographer Daryl and told him we were going to interview LeBron. Nevertheless, I digress…now since I have never sat with LeBron, I asked a few people from the Cleveland media how easy or difficult it would be to interview him and what he was like. After everyone shut me down and dashed my hopes, saying that it was mission impossible, I decided to build a better mousetrap and get resourceful like I would normally do.

In 2002, at that high school game in Philly...I met the 3 other members of the James 4-horsemen. I leaned on that connection, and ran courtside during halftime of game 3. It was there I asked Randy (1 of the 4-horsemen, and he works for the team) if I could get 5 minutes with the King. He gave me a look that said, it's halftime of the playoffs, but he insured me that we would talk afterward.

I have to be honest with you. No matter what NBA city I’m in…I always secretly cheer for the team with the person I need to speak with. It is in my experience, that the players always are in a better mood when they get a W. My photographer and I waited patiently once the Cavs won, and then we decided to split up like Tre' and Ricky in the movie Boyz n the Hood.

I loitered outside the locker room and when Randy turned a corner and strolled down the hall, I knew it was a good look. He greeted me and took me into the locker room which had been closed to the media for 40-minutes already. We continued our conversation and I then noticed a presence amongst us and Randy started walking away. I turned and there was LeBron slipping past me like he does defenders on a 94-foot court. He wore a nice suit and he had those ubiquitous headphones on. I started walking with them, and Randy looks up and says, "you remember AG right?" LeBron turns my way and says to him, ‘yeah. From there I asked if I could get a few minutes before practice the next morning and he said it wasn’t a problem.

The next day, I sat with LeBron for a spell, and we've been working together ever since.