While I’m closest with my former teammates – Brandon Rush on Indiana, Sherron Collins on Charlotte, Xavier Henry and Darrell Arthur on Memphis – of all the rookies, I’m probably closest with Ekpe Udoh. We both played in the Big 12 as he went to Baylor, and we had a number of workouts together. I talk to him every once in a while, trying to get healthy and play basketball. He’s trying to get back as quick as he can. Being injured on the sidelines is never easy, he’s just trying to stay positive.

Last week was Russell’s birthday, and we all just sung him Happy Birthday. I got him the new Call of Duty: Black Ops, and actually went out and got six guys the new game. I didn’t wait in line at midnight, but I got it the next day. I’m starting to get into video games. I really am. I never was a huge gamer, but I went out on a limb. My buddy back home plays FIFA, and he twisted my arm into buying an Xbox and now I’m starting to play a little more. It just keeps up your competitive edge.

I really love my house here. I was fortunate enough to find a nice location, no neighbors, tucked away into the back of one place. It’s kind of secluded. Funny thing is when anybody visits, whether it’s my buddies or parents, I warn them that they’ve never heard more trains in their life than in one day here. The train literally comes by like every 2-3 hours, and you always hear it.

I furnished the place myself and found stuff all-around. I was lucky to find some good deals on stuff and furnished it the way I wanted to. It’s really nice. The kitchen is spacious, and you definitely need to have big kitchen. I like to cook and grill outside whether it’s burgers or some chicken. I’d like to think I make a really good spaghetti.

Until next time…

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