Banvit 100 Karisyaka 91

Well, during our family time Sunday morning, the kids prayed that Daddy’s team would score 100 points.  And sure enough, that is exactly where we ended the game.  It was a good home win for us, because the team we played isn’t an easy team to beat.  I ended up with 26 and 4 assists and felt good throughout.  

Our next game is this Wednesday on the road against a team who is winless so far this year.  And games against teams like that are never easy.  I am hopeful we can keep things going.

Three-Game Update

Had a busy week here…three games in eight days (2 or them away) with another one coming this Sunday.  We lost two out of three, but those losses came to a pretty-good Cyrpus team in the European Challenge.  Thankfully, we were able to get a good road win in the Turkish league.  Final score 59-58.  

I got hurt last Tuesday in our European league game at home.  Slipped on a wet spot and ended up with whiplash.  Was out a few days, but ended up being able to play the next two, though my minutes were a bit limited.  Our next game is this Sunday at home.  Then we travel to Ankara (the capital) for an away game next Wednesday.  It’s a big couple of weeks for us here.  Our European competition is finished, so it is all Turkish league the rest of the season.  

Checking out for now,

Joe

Tough Home Loss

We lost 95-86 to a very strong Galatasary team tonight.  I didn’t play particularly well.  They wore me out with a strong defensive scheme.  Got me out of my rhythm.  The game was tight throughout.  We even had a chance to tie it or go up one with 3 or 4 minutes left.  But they gained control at the end and finished us off.  They also outrebounded us by 20.  In fact, they had as many offensive rebounds as we had total rebounds.  It’s tough to win games like that.  

Next Tuesday we play at home against a team from Cyprus.  It’s another play-in game for the Fiba Eurocup. 

Playing and learning,

Joe

Tough Road Loss

Well, last week we won one that no one really expected us to win.  And this week we lost won we certainly should not have lost.  It hurt.  84-82 after we were in control the entire contest.  A couple bad calls definitely hurt at the end, but we still should have won the game because we were the better team and controlled the entire game save the last 4 minutes.  Playing and learning all the time.  

I played alright, ended with 27 points.  Shot 6-14 from three point land, but only 2-7 from two.  Played a lot of minutes though.  That usually leads to settling for too many threes and a failure to finish around the rim.  Another lesson learned that hopefully helps throughout the coming games and rest of the year.  

We play a big game Friday night at home vs. a strong Galatarsary team.  Hopefully we can turn things around after a tough loss!

Fiba Win

We played against a Romanian team tonight at our place. It was a six-point game at half time (53-47), but we ended up winning by 35. 112-77. We were obviously the superior team and thankfully showed that in the second half. We now move on to play another ‘play-in’ series against a team from either Ukraine or Cyprus. I’ll find out tomorrow.

It’s never easy playing a game like we did tonight (one we were obviously supposed to win) after such an intense game on Sunday evening, but our team did a good job focusing in and getting the job done. Hopefully we can keep things going. We play on the road this coming Saturday for the Turkish League. It will by no means be an easy game, but I am hopeful we can play well.

Oh yea, I ended the game with 16 points and a good share of assists (I believe).  

Thankful for the game,
Joe

Big Win

We started the regular season tonight with a big victory over a strong Efes Pilsen team. The game was at home and the atmosphere a fun one. Final score Banvit 105 Efes 91.

Just so everyone understands, Efes Pilsen is not only one of the strongest teams in our league, but one of the strongest teams in all of Europe. So it was naturally a big win for us. We controlled the entire game. We really played well as a team. I ended up with 35 pts and 10 assists. One of my better nights, but still plenty of room for improvement. I am very thankful though and hopeful it is just the start of a great regular season.

This coming Tuesday, we play the second game against the Romania team. Essentially, we play one game at their place and another at our place. Whoever scores the most total points in the 2 games moves onto the next round. Considering we won the game away, we need to take care of business and play well Tuesday night. Then next weekend we are away in Konya for another tough game.

Thankful for the game,
Joe

Internet and Updates

Well, I now have Internet in my apartment, so updates were certainly be more consistent. Over the past few weeks we have managed to lose 3 straight in a preseason ‘cup’ tournament for Turkey. But we did emerge victorious last Tuesday against a team from Romania (on their home court). That game is a ‘play-in’ game for a European league that we would like to play in (though the travel isn’t much fun).

This coming Sunday, we have our first preseason game against a strong Efes Pielsen team. It’s a home game though, so I am hopeful we will have a solid performance. I’ll be sure to write an update soon after the game.

Checking out for now,
Joe

Two of Three

This week we play four games in four days at our home court. Eight high-quality teams are here, so we have played well to win two out of our first three. Our losses at the beginning of the preseason really seemed to help us clarify who we need to be and how we need to play. Now it is just a matter of working on it. I am hopeful we will continue to improve.

We have another game tomorrow against someone. I will find out tomorrow who when I show up for the game! I would search the Internet, but I still don’t have it at home. Soon enough I hope.

I have been playing alright throughout the preseason. Still haven’t really found my rhythm yet, but soon enough I trust I will. Hopefully just in time for when the games count.

Enough for now,
Joe

First Update of 2008-2009

So the season has begun…sort of.  At least our preaseason is in full swing.  Games are always welcome!

I am back in Turkey playing for Banvit this season.  I have been here about a month so far.  No Internet yet, so the updates have been slow in coming, but Lord willing, we will be settled in with the Internet soon.  For now, it suffices it to say that I am happy to be back and also honored to be named the captain of the team.  I am hopeful for a very good season.  We have a good group of guys that I believe can make it happen.

So far I think we are 3-3 in the preseason.  Many lessons learned with many still to come.  Our official season begins in 2 weeks.  For now we play again tomorrow and then have 4 games in 4 days next week.  It is a joy to be playing again.  I find myself marveling more and more than I get paid to play the game.

Re-signing

It is only June 3rd, but I have already come to an agreement with the team I just played for last season in Turkey, Banvit. This is by far the earliest I have ever signed and the first time I have had the privilege of signing with the same team. I am thankful for the opportunity to return and hopeful of helping the club have a very successful season.

Lord willing, this means we will be headed back to Bandirma, Turkey in early to mid August. We really are looking forward to the return.

Thankful for the opportunity to play,
Joe

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