Pettis, Taurasi and breakfast cereal.

So, here we are. Post journey and I finally get some camera time with D.T. But first, I caught Phoenix Mercury assistant coach Bridget Pettis showing off her MJ moves. Go BP!



After practice I got a chance to chat with Diana. Of course, I had a plethora of awesome and cool questions to ask her. When she walked up to me, she said, "What, you got a camera and a mic now? Man, they got you workin'" Needless to say I was once again left speechless and could only get 2 questions to come to mind. Oh well, it was worth it.

All-Star, looking back, and going forward.

Okay, so here I am, back home in sunny (and rather hot) Phoenix AZ. The journey has come to an end, and I could not be happier. (Well, I’d be even happier if I didn’t have to go back to work. *laugh*)

The All-Star game was something else. I think one of the coolest things by far was seeing all the players I had a chance to interview once again. It was like, “Hey, I know you…”

…but I am getting ahead of myself.

In order to appreciate the All-Star game, let me tell you what fun I had just getting there. It made my hour drive to the Palace in Detroit seem like a cakewalk. First, I took a train (delayed) from NY Penn Station to New London CT. (Yeah, I had no idea where that was either) Then, once at the New London station, I took a cab to wonderful scenic… Uncasville. If you’re thinking, “Man, that sounds like it is in the middle of nowhere!” You’re right. The Mohegan Sun hotel/casino is beautiful from the outside as well as the in…and it is the ONLY thing for MILES around. When you get there, don’t plan to go anywhere else, because quite frankly, there is no where else to go. *laugh*

I checked into my room, made my way upstairs and settled in. I couldn’t believe I was finally going to get to stay in once place for more than few days (4 to be exact.) The rooms at the Mohegan are quite nice; a step up from Days Inn, that is for sure. ( I still liked my room in NY better, but that was for different reasons.) It was interesting that I actually had a chance to unpack. This was something I had not grown accustomed to on my trip, due to such short stays.

However, I did not have long, as the Connecticut Sun were playing that night. I made my way down to the arena, and got the lay of the land, so to speak. I was doing all of my interviews post game, so pre-game time was spent in the media lounge. They were serving, and I kid you not, Philly Steak egg rolls. Hmm, quite an interesting notion, but also very tasty.

While I was waiting for the game to start, I began to reflect on my journey and the many things that had happened. Here is a list of “Fun Facts” that I complied:

12,843 – the number of miles traveled
310 – number of fans on facebook.
595 – number of followers on twitter.
50 – the number of minutes I had to drive from the airport in Detroit to the Palace at Auburn Hills.
4 – longest number of days in one city (Chicago)
3 – number of consecutive games attended. (no break in between)
45.5 – the weight in pounds of my heaviest piece of luggage.
3 – pieces of luggage brought on the journey.
0 – times luggage was lost (Thank you Jesus!)
8 – the number of hotels stayed at
4 – the number of hotel shampoos I stole
11 – the number of flights taken
4 – the number of train rides taken
4 – number of cab rides taken
2 – number of travel delays (1 by plane, 1 by train)
5 – the number of hours of the longest delay (Chicago to Indiana)
8 – number of wins witnessed
4 – number of losses witnessed (Hey, 8 W and 4 L – not bad)
2 – number of hot dogs consumed (Not as many as you’d think. Does the spicy sausage I had in LA count?)
2 – the number of locker rooms I didn’t get to see (Atlanta and San Antonio)
1 – the number of times I was pelted with popcorn for being a Phoenix Mercury fan.
(in Seattle. Doppler, Seattle’s Mascot, did the honors)
7 – number of games sitting courtside.
2 – number of loose balls that I had to duck from
1 – number of loose balls I got hit with (okay it was at an All-Star event, not a game, but it still hurt)
1 – number of marriage proposals via twitter.
0 – number of marriage proposals by any WNBA player *sigh*
1 – number of times I was “spoken to” about not cheering while seated on press row. (Apparently, the press is supposed to be neutral. Yeah, who knew?)
1 – number of free flights I received post trip for all the frequent flyer miles I racked up! (Thanks Southwest!)

So, with the Connecticut game over, and with a win, it was time to head into the locker room. Check out my blog entry, Welcome to Sun country in…Uncasville. For the details.

Prior to the All-Star game, I had a chance to attend a cool community event. Charde Houston, Cappie Pondexter, Katie Douglas, Tamika Catchings and Asjha Jones were on hand to dedicate a new basketball court & lead the kids in some basketball drills. But what really happened behind the scenes? Take a look at the pic below, no caption needed.


The All-Star game was, well, incredible. It was more than a game, as I would call it an experience. This first video showed how I tried to tape the pre-game skills challenge. As you can see, I am not that skilled at taping live action. I did get some cool pre game stuff though.



The next video was as I entered the West locker room past game. I had a chance to chat with Becky Hammon, Sophia Young and I had a chance to meet Tina Thompson’s son, Dylan.



Part three, Sue Bird shows me her bling, Charde Houston eats a mayo sandwich and does the stanky leg (She’ll probably never forgive me for showing the mayo sandwich…lol!) plus I get a few minutes with LJ.



And part four – I catch up with Tamika Catchings, (who got locked out of the locker room, albeit briefly) and I get a quick shot of Erika de Souza. After all that, a quick 10 seconds with D.T.



So here it is, being at the end of the journey. Thanks to everyone who became a fan on facebook, and a follower on twitter. I enjoyed exchanging messages with everyone. Please keep in touch, as I plan on blogging about WNBA stuff for a while. A special thanks to those who purchased my “13 teams” tee shirt. The money raised from those sales will go to the Kay Yow foundation.

Now, it’s almost playoff time. I’m psyched!

Will I do it again? Hmm, we shall see. At least I know I have a once in a lifetime memory that I will treasure, and an experience I will never forget!

On MSG TV!

Hey All,

Just found this video of me when I was at the Garden. Cool! Man, this trip was such a whirlwind, glad I have video to remember where I was. LOL!

Welcome to Sun country in…Uncasville?

Yeah, I never heard of it either, but it is the home to the Mohegan Sun casino/resort, and to the Connecticut Sun. I have to say, staying in a casino resort for a basketball game was quite the new experience, but hey, aren’t new experiences what this trip is all about?

I arrived on game day with only a slight train delay. From the train station I took a cab to the casino/resort/hotel/arena (that is all I can think of for the moment). I arrived to a lovely room at the hotel. It was nice to have comfortable surroundings on my last visit.

For those of you who have not been to the Mohegan Sun arena, let me just say that it is a nice venue for WNBA basketball. Not to big, but not to small (it only holds about 9,000). I was going to get most of my interviews post game, so I just grabbed a bite to eat before the game. Prior to the game, I got Sun head coach Mike Thibault to sign my Olympic team shirt (he was the Asst. coach during the 2008 Olympics) Upon him signing it, the shirt was complete. I now have my 2008 gold medal t-shirt signed by every player and both head coach & asst. coach! This was a great moment! Now I have to figure out how I am going to display this. Hmm, I am sure I will think of something.





The game was a struggle for the Sun, as the Monarchs kept them pinned behind a deficit for a good portion of the game. Then the Sun rallied in the 4th to bring home the win. In all fairness, the Monarchs played a tough game. This was the 4th time I had seen the Monarchs play (3rd as the visiting team) and they really were playing differently this time; much more competitive and with a definite sense of urgency. It is going to be interesting how the Monarchs come out for the 2nd half of the season.

Upon going into the Sun locker room, I greeted guard Erin Phillips. We had a chance to sit down for a quick interview & learn a few things about her teammates. Thanks to Tamkia Whitmore for holding the camera.



Following that interview, I wanted a chance to talk Lindsay Whalen about PB&J then chatted with the Sun rookie, Chante Black (who shot an impressive 2 for 3 from the field w/ 2 blocks in just 9 min). Sandrine Gruda and Amber Holt got in on the action – hilarity ensued!



Well, with that wrapped up, I was ready to take a much deserved break before the All-Star game. However, I found out that none other than Beyonce was going to be performing at the casino the very next night. It was just my luck that there was one (I’m not kidding, just one) ticket left. Was it fate? I think so! The next night, I got a chance to break from basketball and see a great show! I found a vid posted on youtube that someone took from that show. Here’s Beyonce performing ‘Single Ladies!” Enjoy!



Next up – All-Star game!

Start spreadin’ the news…

Stop #11 takes me to Madison Square Garden, located in New York City (aka, the big apple, the city that never sleeps, etc etc) This was my first time to the city, so it was also my first time to Madison Square Garden, home to the New York Knicks and the New York Liberty.

While I was in NY, I had a chance to see some sights. Check out some NY city landmarks.





When I arrived at “The Garden”, as everyone calls it, I finally got to meet one of my contacts at the WNBA. Hilary Shaev was the one who found me on facebook, and initially contacted me. We have spoken on the phone and emailed for months, and had never formally met. It was nice to put a face to a name. (and she brought me a salad for lunch, how cool is that?) Anyway, we made our way to the media room, and took a few moments to enjoy our salads. It was a welcome change from the hot dogs, nachos and beer I have been living off of for the past three weeks. (…Well, it was light beer, but still…)

Before the game, I had a chance to chat with a couple of the Liberty; Janel McCarville and Ashley Battle. Janel was up first.


After I wrapped it up with Janel, I got a chance to chat with Ashley Ballte. Of course, the cool things Janel suggested I ask Ashley, I completely forgot. However, we did have a surprise visit from Essence Carson, who helped me out and held the camera for the remainder of the interview.




The game was exciting, as New York fought from behind to get the win. This was the third game in three days, and I am now 3 for 3; All three teams I saw all won the games! It was a good thing. During the game though, I had a wonderful opportunity; I got to sit with Donna Orender, president of the WNBA. She was great, and even bought me chicken fingers! (Which she said were one of her favorite things to get at the garden.) I had a chance to share with her a few of the highlights of my trip. We really did not have much time to chat, as I was busy watching the game. LOL!

Post game I hung out in the locker room to say some thank you’s to the players, and congratulate them on a great win.

The next day I headed into the city, to meet up with the folks at the WNBA offices. As I walked around the office, several people knew me from watching my you tube videos. It was rather surreal, but still kind of cool. As I walked thought the different offices, I got to meet several people I have been in touch with, and now have seen them in person. I was very impressed with the WNBA, and thankful that there were so many people in the league who were looking out for me. I sat in on a weekly staff meeting which was quite an eye opener. I can tell you this; a tremendous amount of work goes into everything that comes out of the WNBA; and there was quite an impressive team getting things done.

Well, New York was a great experience, and now, on to my last regular season game to see the Sun in Connecticut.

Game on in our nation’s capital!

I’ve arrived at our nations capital on stop #10 of my journey, home to the Washington Mystics. The Mystics have been having a good season thus far, so I was anxious to see them play. Fortunately, I did not have any delays; my flight went out right on time. DC was kind of a homecoming and somewhat sentimental for me, as this was where I lived for 3 years while I attended Gallaudet University, both as a visiting student and for graduate school. I was actually staying with one of my best friends, Devlin, who was my roommate in the dorms for 2 years. (I only wish I could have stayed longer)

There was something rather unique to this stop on my journey; something not related to basketball. A little explanation might be required.

As some of you may or may not know, I am dedicating this journey in memory to my good friend Cyndee, who lost her battle with breast cancer last year in April. Well, I think it was fate that Cyndee’s husband found me on facebook. He sent me a very heartfelt message, thanking me for dedicating my journey to Cyndee. (I did get e bit emotional reading it) He then told Cyndee’s mother about my journey, and she in turn contacted Cyndee’s sister Michelle, who lives in Baltimore. With a few messages back and forth on facebook, we were able to coordinate meeting up at the game. Keep in mind, Michelle and I have never met; I only know of her through Cyndee mentioning her a couple of times. Needless to say, I felt nervous & and excited all at the same time. The cool thing was that she was able to get a suite through her employer. Things were getting better and better!

I barely had enough time to grab a quick shower and nap (oh, the nap was sooooo needed) before my friend and I headed to the game. I grabbed a quick bite in the media room, and then headed up to meet Cyndee’s sisiter, Michelle. When I walked into the suite, I saw Michelle and we gave each other a big hug. Although we had never met, it was like we already had. We looked at each other, and though neither of us said much at first, we both knew we had the same thing in common; how much we missed Cyndee. We watched the first half of the game from the comfort of the suite, and planned on watching the rest of the game from the floor.

At the half, I got to meet a couple of twitter buddies, @xwomynjoc & @basketcase1. @basketcase1 begged me not to be in the picture, but I wanted to give props to the fans who’ve been following me, especially the ones I am fortunate enough to meet.



Then I had to head down to the floor for an on court interview about my journey.
It seems that with every area I go to, the showcasing of my journey becomes more and more prominent. (which is kinda cool…) I also noticed that the crowd a large amount of NY fans, which made for quite an entertaining game. The game was a good one as both NY and DC battled it out ‘till the very last second. In the end, the Mystics got the W.

Side note, Devlin and Michelle, neither of whom had attended a Mystics game, both commented how good the game was and how much fun they had. Count two new WNBA fans! Right on!

Once the game was over, Michelle and I said our good-byes, hugged and then hugged again. We both agreed that Cyndee would have had a great time at the game. I was glad I got to meet Michelle, and I am looking forward to keeping in touch with her. Before we parted ways, we had our picture taken. This was going to be one stop on the trip that would be in my thoughts for a while.



Post game I was fortunate enough to chat with rookie Marissa Coleman and Mystics All-Star Alana Beard. I squeezed in between Alana and Marissa, and asked Marissa about rookie life and being drafted to a WNBA team that just so happens to be in the same area she grew up in. (Is it just me, or so I look all doe-y eyed when I am looking at Marissa...lol!)

Ok, FYI – these interviews might be a little loud, as I was using a different mic. Sorry, but locker rooms can get a bit noisy. *smile*



Before I got to sit down with Alana Beard, she was autographing some basketballs for a few young fans. One particular interaction with a young fan was very cute, so I had to include in on the video. (Big thanks to Devlin for being my camera man, and getting this cool moment!)



DC was great! Now, on to the Big Apple to catch NY Liberty action at Madison Square Garden!

Friday night Fever in Indiana!

Now on stop #9, I find myself at Conseco field house getting ready to watch the Indiana Fever take on the Atlanta Dream!!

Umm, well, not just yet…

As I have used several modes of transportation - plane, train, cab, shuttle, (dog sled & rickshaw too, if they were available) this trip has gone extraordinarily smooth, with no serious delay or interruption. *knock wood* Just as I was thinking that, I arrived in Chicago to connect to Indianapolis – only to find out my 1 hour layover turned into a 3 hour delay. *groan* After a few phone calls, the Fever PR coordinator, Kevin, offered to send an intern to pick me up at the airport. This way, my journey to the game would be quickly expedited. (skipping checking into the hotel and any time to clean up or change clothes. Ick!) After much delay in Chicago, my flight departed to Indianapolis, arriving just hours before tip-off. Intern Joshua came to pick me up, and took me directly to the game…by way of several incorrect routes and u turns. (Hey, it was the scenic route!) In all fairness, Joshua was from Kansas City, and was not familiar with the area. He looked somewhat nervous, and I knew we would eventually make it in time for the game, so I was not going to say anything. (Hey, haven’t we all had days like that?)

I arrived at Conseco, hoping I had just enough time before the game to change clothes, throw some cold water on my face and get ready for the game. But first, I had a chance to say hi to Catch (#24, Tamika Catchings) while she was warming up. While we exchanged greetings, she signed my Olympic team shirt. The exciting thing was, she was the last person to sign it! I now have my USA Women’s basketball Olympic team shirt autographed by all 12 members of the team!! I told her how I got up early several mornings to watch her and the other members of team USA go for the gold. As we chatted, she looked at my shirt and asked me, “What you got on?” After seeing it was just a Nike shirt, she told me, “We need to get you some Fever gear” Not a few minutes later, Kevin handed my choice of a medium or large Fever shirt; I chose the medium.

After chatting with a few reporters, and changing clothes (after that long delay, I had to put on a clean shirt) I was escorted center court for a bit of recognition. It was kind of awkward, as I stood there, I had no idea what I should do; kind of deer in the headlights. (but I did remember to smile). Then it was game time! Atlanta came out to an early lead, but Indiana put a stop to that fairly quickly.

Side note - I am not sure who she was, but there was a Fever fan sitting on the isle a few rows ahead of me that deserves props. Every time one of the Fever drained a 3, she would run all the way up the stairs and back, giving out high 5’s! That is team dedication, and great cardio! (maybe I should start that in Phoenix...hmmm…)

The game was awesome; both teams had great energy! At the half, I was interviewed on local Indianapolis radio, and invited to sit on press row for the 3rd q. Not being a “press guy” I made the mistake of cheering on the Fever. Now, not that cheering on the Fever is wrong, but cheering of any kind on press row, is…well…taboo. I guess they expect sports guys to me impartial. Ok, so, my bad. Hey, why didn’t someone tell me not to? *laugh* The Fever eventually pulled out the win, their 11th straight win I might add. It was exciting to be there for that.

Post game in the locker room was rather low key and casual, as I made conversation with several players. We chatted about my travels, and all of the ups and downs that come along with it. I saw that Birann January was free, so I nabbed the former Lady Sun Devil for a few questions.



After that, I headed on over to Katie Douglas’s corner of the locker room for a quick chat. I actually I sat close to her husband during the game, so I asked Katie about his dancing abilities. (you will notice at –minutes- I look up to see all of the mainstream media gather around Katie. I asked one last question and I was outta there)



After Katie, I got time with Catch for a few questions. She made sure I was wearing my Fever shirt. I asked her not to mention it to Dee and Cappie. *laugh*



Finally, I got in some camera time with Tully. Several people from Seattle, Twitter and Facebook told me that I would be missing out if I didn’t talk to her. I tried to do an interview, which became a round-about sporadic conversation about her native Australia and ending with her teaching me a cool handshake…and as you can see, it took a few times. (Oh, my mic cut out a few times. Sorry for the technical difficulties.)



Click here to check out an article in the Indy Star!

Indiana was quite an experience, wow! Now, time to get a move on – Indy is my first of three games in three days. Up next, off to see the Mystics in our nation’s capital!