The Long Journey

In the past couple of months, I graduated from college, got drafted in the NBA by the San Antonio Spurs, and now I am Biella Italy, a beautiful city about an hour drive from Milan. I will consider myself blessed through this process; it's been a roller coaster but a fun experience. Waiting to get my name called on draft day was a nerve racking experience but nothing compares to walking up to the podium to receive my college degree from the University of Maryland. Playing in the NBA has always been my dream, I was very disappointed when the Spurs decided to send me overseas to play for a year, but I trusted their judgment and after speaking to coach Popovich I felt more comfortable, how can I dispute the judgment of a hall of famer like him...I have not looked back since then, I love the city of Biella, I love the fans and I couldn't ask for a better situation to be in Europe. Being away from my family and friends has been the most challenging situation I have to deal with over here, they are coming to visit during Christmas so I am excited and cant wait to get a taste of my moms cooking. The basketball experience was challenging at first, having to deal with all the travelling calls, flops, and the different pace of Euro basketball , it also gives me an opportunity to improve in my basketball skills, I feel like I am already off the charts compared to when I was in Maryland. The players here are more experienced and more precise, in college you can get away with a mistake on defense, but here you pay for that mistake immediately, players do not miss when they are open! The culture, food and people are so breathtaking! I have been on the road so I have had the opportunity to see a lot of places in Italy and it's really beautiful, my team mates are the best, I had to get used to driving the small cars and the narrow roads but everything else is pretty much nice. My blog will tell about my experience in Italy, my games and where my journey leads me from here. Ciao

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Comments (43)

ConnorNolte said November 03, 2008

Looking forward to reading more of your blogs. I play for Furman and playing overseas is definitely something I'd like to pursue. Welcome to the Yard.
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  Thanks man!
AlanaG said November 03, 2008

Welcome to the Yard James! Excited to hear about your time in Italy. Have you had any language problems?
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  I caught on real quick, will be speaking fluent Italian by the time i am done
  - AlanaG replied November 26, 2008
    
    Dang, I'm impressed!
ClaytonHOF22__ said November 03, 2008

Great to see you, Boom, and Jason graduate this year. Congrats on that as well as being drafted.

Playing overseas seems like a good gig now - less games, great life experience and environment, solid pay combined with a better economy, etc. I know that a lot of former Terps are doing well over there (Nicholas, Morris, Baxter, Caner-Medley, Andre Collns). I hope you can parlay this experience to a successful NBA career.

How do you see Maryland hoops doing this year?
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Diana said November 03, 2008

Welcome to the Yard! I was just near Milan a few weeks ago. Stayed in Bellagio on Lake Como...so beautiful over there! And if you haven't been to this restaurant in Milan yet, you have to go: http://www.maxbolo.com/hits/fabbricapizzeria.jpg
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  Maryland will do well this year, think the other gus will adjust and carry the load well. Thanks or your support.
kevrose said November 03, 2008

Work Hard and keep growing. Keep getting bigger and stronger. Man you are going to shock everyone. I know! James you are right,Italy is a great place. Make the most of this time. All is well at home and your family misses you. By the way, There are a lot of churches in Italy. I will always expect BIG things from you Phew. Peace and Love
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  Thanks!
Mizzo89 said November 03, 2008

Damn, I didn't know you were in Europe James. Last I heard from you was whenI was watching the draft....
You are the only player MD has to be proud of the last few years. You have all the tools to be a good NBA player. I'm sure you'll put in the work.
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  I appreciate the support
Jukimol said November 04, 2008

James! It's great to hear from you. We look forward to having you back in San Antonio soon. I think you're going to be a great pro player man!
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  Cant wait to be in SA next year, think i can help
  - dpa_009 replied December 13, 2008
    
    Hi James, I'm an avi fan of the Spurs sine the time of the Admiral and I sincerely believe you have the talent to help the current lineup once you get more experience. Based from what we've seen from European players, their bigs play well from the outside with very smooth jumpers even up to3 pt range. I guess i there is one thing that Pop and Spurs would like you to improve there in Europe is the outside shot. I realy believe you have all te right tools to be just like Robert Horry, athletic, rebounds and blocks shots. If you can be a good shooter with 3 pt range, then you can play both PF and SF positions in the NBA, just like Big Shot Rob.
hEaRtBrEaKeR said November 04, 2008

hey... stumbpled across your blog and decided to hit you. not a fan, dont even know you but we have alot in common. i played overseas for 6yrs. never in Italy but I can tell you from experience it will be hard at first but it gets alot better. your first 3 months will be the toughest! hand in there, tough it out and i promise you it will get better. i wish you all the best!!

~hEaRtBrEaKeR~
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  its tough but fun too. Thanks
Colfax said November 04, 2008

Thanks for the updates James. Good luck. Go Terps!
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millertime1214 said November 04, 2008

james gist...good to hear your doin well...me and jmac are holding down the fort from time to time at bentelys or cstone. best of luck...see you when you get back. - steve miller
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brienc said November 05, 2008

Glad to hear things are going so well for you, James. All of us Terps fans will be cheering for you.

Also, congrats on getting the degree. It's a major accomplishment, and we've seen in past years how tough it can be for guys to perform on the court while still doing what they need to do in class.
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  Thanks!
ckstevenson said November 04, 2008

Terps fans are all very proud of you James. Keep working hard, focus on what you need to improve, and good things will happen for you. We're most proud that you graduated, we hope all the guys can do so in the future.
We'll root for you wherever you are, but see you soon in the NBA. GO TERPS!
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Manufan909 said November 05, 2008

Hey, just so you know a good majority of the Spurs fans really wish Pop hadn't sent you off. I'll be civil, but let's just say you would be a huge help and even bigger improvement over some of the Spurs bigs getting minutes right now. You probably know the Spurs are 0-3, but I think they'd be 2-1 or even unbeaten with you in the rotation. We're all counting the days til you're back!!!
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benefactor said November 05, 2008

Hey James...I am a Spurs fan from Texas. I watched you all through the summer league and I was also disappointed that the Spurs sent you overseas. I and many other fans are very excited about you coming to play for us. We have been waiting for a player with you abilities for a long time, and its encouraging to hear that you feel that you are getting even better. Take care of yourself while you are there...can't wait to see you in silver and black.
Ben
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urunobili said November 05, 2008

Hey James! Man all Spurs fans can't wait for you to be on a Spurs uniform! it sounds you're making the most of this experience and we all know you'll come back better than ever! you should check some of the forums showing some love to you man... have a great one, peace.
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  Thanks
flux451 said November 05, 2008

Thanks for the update James. I enjoyed watching your SL play. A lot of us at Spurstalk thought you were our saviour, but seems we may have to wait. I hope you come back to the Spurs next season and not pull A Tiago Splitter on us. Keep the blogs coming and feel free to post video for us!
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  i really appreciate all you support and encouragement!
tick_tock said November 06, 2008

I am a HUGE Spurs fan... was really looking forward to you playing on the team after watching some of your summer league games on the internet. You are exactly what the Spurs need. Enjoy your year in Italy; I truly hope to see you in a Spurs uniform next season.
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PaulVV said November 06, 2008

Hey James
I'm a huge fan of yours from Maryland. You're awesome dude and will definitely be in the NBA soon. Glad to hear you're learning more in Italy and enjoying things too. Keep up all of the good work and us Maryland fans are routin' for you. Can't wait to see you back with the Spurs.
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terper said November 08, 2008

You are easily one of my most favorite terps ever!! Good luck for your career and keep blogging.
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AuntGee said November 10, 2008

It's wonderful to read about your transition into the NBA and Italy. Stay focus on God and your Game. Much Love in DC-Aunt G.
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Denver said November 13, 2008

James, I work with your father and knowing him tells me a lot about you and your family. It is good to see a good person doing good things and you will be much admired by many you will never meet. Stay focused and all of us "fans" will look forward to your great accomlplishments in the coming years!
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- JamesGist replied November 25, 2008
  
  i feel more empowered when i hear good words from people like you. Thanks!
GloriaGist said November 16, 2008

Hey Big Bro..I just talked to you but just wanted to bless your blog with some little sister love! Keep Up the hard work and I cant wait to see you for Christmas in Italy! Keep playing hard it will soon pay off in the end. LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!!
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Styxx15 said November 27, 2008

Hey J it's Styxx! What's up? How has Italy been treating you? I hope your being an inspiration to everyone around you and making the most of what your doing right now. So when you get to were you need to be you will been in a great position to handle it on your own. Keep doing great things and God bless from your little brother Styxx
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Styxx15 said November 27, 2008

Hey J it's STYXX. How are you doing?
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Jael50 said December 09, 2008

Gist, So many of us are proudly watching your basketball progress and personal development in Biella, Italy. You have such a teachable spirit and great attitude towards life. Don't loose yourself in all the hype, keep your feet on the ground and your head to the sky...1love...Jael
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OsTerpSkins said December 12, 2008

I was glad to see your comment about standing on the podium at graduation. I live in the DC area and alot of people have jumped on Gary's case the past few years for not having any national title contending teams, but I always argued back that having good guys who worked hard on the court and in class and got their degrees was what college sports SHOULD be about. It's refreshing to hear an actual big time athlete echo a similar sentiment. Well done.
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coachcolbert said December 18, 2008

James, I am very proud to see the accomplishments you have made through working with you in high school and seeing you grow through college. I can't tell how many young lives you have touched visiting the many basketball camps you visited over the summers and willingness to go out of your way to Damascus. My daughter left you my e-mail address and I really need to speak with you. If you coul e-mail me I would really appreciate it.
Colbert
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kevrose said January 05, 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRwQy2eQbJM&feature=PlayList&p=4D571CCE6826F2D6&playnext=1&index=46
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mlsully512 said January 12, 2009

man i cant wait for you to come back to SA. You and roger mason. GC graduates representing. good luck man
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CoachBrown said June 03, 2009

Yo son - your team is doing well in the playoffs - keep up the hard work; we'll get together when you get back home. --Rus
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