interracial relationships

A wise man once said, "I don't discriminate no.. not at all."

 Illya says he tries to switch up his relationships and dating often. He compares it to the NBA because you never know what team you might be playing for, you're always trying to find the best fit. So that ties into trying to find the best fit when it comes to a woman. I'm an advocate for an interracial relationship, I'm all for it. I wouldn't make any assumptions about my partner because of their race. There are a lot of stereotypes that might make one think a certain way about an individual. It's definitely a learning experience because we are all taught to value different things growing up. It's an adventure, you're exposed to new cultural experiences you probably would have never taken the time to do yourself. One is going to feel more connected with their culture whether it's music, food, interest etc. For example, imagine bringing your white girlfriend back to the hood, that's one hell of an experience they would have never planned themselves. Dating a white girl will have you on all types of outdoor adventures and eating unseasoned foods. All jokes aside though it's fun, as long as there is an understanding of what's at stake with the world we live in today. You guys will have a lot of opposing opinions and might not have a lot in common.

Top 5 biggest issues with interracial relationships..

1. Being socially conscious of how you look 

One most likely feels more comfortable in the privacy of their home or among each others families. Everyone feels a little weird out in public, especially if it's a black man and white woman. I believe black men have a predisposed notion of just having a weird feeling towards it.

2. living with assumptions of everyone around you 

So much hate and predisposed opinions about ones relationship makes it hard to feel comfortable anywhere. People are going to judge you no matter how perfect the relationship and no matter how much you love your partner. 

3. wanting to be apart of family events

The appreciation of each other cultures. It can be tough to try and adapt to someone else's culture when you've had yours instilled in you all your life. 

4. when people ask what's wrong w your own race 

You don't control who you love, therefore nothing wrong with your own race or any race. Everyone has their own definition of love, but it is a deep feeling of affection towards something or someone. As long as you love your partner it shouldn't matter what race they are it's about finding the best fit for you. Especially because it is your partner no one else's.  

5. being accepted by ones parents 

Being able to meet the family and feel accepted/ comfortable. You don't want to invest everything into a relationship that has no future especially if the family doesn't accept you. The race of the family can have a huge impact in who they decide to be with or even marry.  

Drake did it again

Is this Drake's two best projects?

Can't say it’s his best yet, but this is like his LeBron year 15 album if that makes sense.

"Drizzy about to drop the game in disarray" 

I had a listening party with my guy Kai, we drove around and listened to the whole album from start to finish. Let me start by saying this album is too damn good. Trying to sing the lyrics without knowing the lyrics yet, the casual OMGs, and head nods. The crazy part is when you rewind and think did Drake really just say that. I usually will go with the unpopular opinion when Drake drops an album, but not this year. Drake had Kai trying to sing the lyrics and that's when I knew this project was crazy, Kai sounds like a poor man's designer. I had mixed emotions while listening I was hype at one point, and then I almost wanted to shed a tear the lyrics were hitting home. My mom called me mid listening party to tell me Drake’s album was trash I was appalled and had to hang up on her.

Survival, Emotionless, 8 out of 10, Is there More, Can't take a joke, Sandra's Rose, In my feelings, Jaded, final fantasy, March 14th are my favorite songs.  

I FELT THAT.. 

 "The only deadbeats is whatever beats I been rappin’ to” – “8 out of 10"

 "I got a whole 'nother level that I can tap into" -"8 out of 10" (every athlete going to use this).

“Look at the way we live / I wasn’t hiding my kid from the world, I was hiding the world from my kid.” -“Emotionless” 

"I know a girl happily married until she puts the phone down"  - "emotionless"

 "Scrollin' through life and fishin' for praise Opinions from total strangers take me out of my ways
I'm tryna see who's there on the other end of the shade
Most times it's just somebody that's underage
That's probably just alone and afraid
And lashin' out so that someone else can feel they pain" - "emotionless"

“Talk used to be cheap, nowadays it’s free. People are only as tough as they phone allows them to be” – “Peak”

 "That shit is in stone, sealed and signed She not my lover like Billie Jean but the kid is mine
Sandi used to tell me all it takes is one time, and all it took was one time” – “March 14”

The last 1:30 in Jaded is crazy.  "You have potential, I coulda shaped it. You went and caved in. We coulda waited, I wasn't rushin', differences in ages. You're old enough, but you're still a baby"

"It's too late for all that lovey-dovey shit I'm your brother shit, all that other shit" - "Mob Ties"

"I'm the chosen one flowers never pick themselves" - "Sandra's Rose"

 "Love certain ones but never get attached to em" - "is there more" 

Finally

I've decided to further my education and basketball career at Cal State Monterey Bay. I'm excited for the next two years because it's definitely been a journey for me. I'm looking to help change the culture and bring a winning tradition. I'm anxious to get on campus and get to work with Coach William's and staff. I initially attended Western Oregon, which was a good program, but I felt it was best I went somewhere else after my second year. I redshirted my freshman year which allowed me to get stronger and more prepared. My first year on the court I played well I learned a lot from the guys around me. Leaving Cali also helped me grow as a young man. When I decided to transfer didn't really know where I would end up but eventually decided on Fullerton Junior College. I enjoyed being at Fullerton this past year, obviously you have your ups and downs everywhere you go, but I learned a lot playing for Coach Perry. We had a really good team too. With all that being said I can't wait to get to Monterey in August!!

NBA Draft 2018

As the NBA season has come to an end, a new season will presumably begin tonight.

The NBA draft has become one of the more coveted aspects of every season, only behind the NBA finals, as teams look to correct last years flaws. (And for some, a decade of flaws). Last years draft was filled with talent such as Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum and (the sleeper of the draft)  Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell was the 13th pick in the 2017 draft and was soon traded by Denver to Utah that same night. While most people left the draft focusing on who went in the top 10, the best “rookie” of the past season almost fell outside of the lottery.

So what does that mean?

It just shows you, or maybe I should say your favorite teams GM, that the draft is filled with talent, even outside of the projected top 10 players. 

Fast forward a year, as we look back on the previous season, and teams will get the chance to draft another group of rookies and try to find this years sleeper. 

Again, this draft is loaded with potential, as I project the top 10 to look like this: 

1. Deandre Ayton, Suns

2. Luka Doncic, Kings

3. Jaren Jackson, Hawks

4. Marvin Bagley, Grizzlies

5. Mohamed Bamba, Mavs

6. Trae Young, Magic 

7. Wendell Carter, Bulls

8.  Michael Porter Jr, Cavs

9.  Kevin Knox, Knicks

10. Mikal Bridges, 76ers

Most years, teams are torn on whether to draft based on needs or best available. Because this draft is so deep, it would only make sense to draft on need. 

As we round out the lottery, picks 15-30 will be up in the air as there will potentially be trades that will alter teams positions in the draft to either go up in the draft to pick the guy they’ve been eyeing, or to trade down and look to acquire an extra pick while they believe the guy they want will still be available later on.

But where GMs will make their money in the 2018 draft will be in the 2nd round. Most drafts are watched for the 1st round and as Commisioner Adam Silvers hands the mic over to Deputy Commisioner Mark Tatum, people are changing the channels to watch their favorite reality TV shows. 

(Pay attention to the 2nd round, trust me).

Remember when I said this draft is full of potential? I wasn't just talking about the top 10, or even the top 30. There’s so much talent that no matter how the first round goes, there will be guys who will fall to the 2nd round that are first round talents. 

Why’s that? 

Well... you can’t draft everyone in the first round. 

And as the draft closes, there will be fans on both sides of the spectrum, whether happy or sad, or even confused (because that’s just how drafts go) as their favorite teams will continue to put the pieces to the puzzle togetheras they look to rebuild or bolster their teams to topple the Warriors dynasty for the 2018-2019 season.  

Food for thought

What is your purpose? 

If no achievement is going to live up to the expectations that we’ve had of how it was going to make us feel, then what is the point of achieving them? Well here is the tricky part of life. All your life people push you to think your purpose is your profession, but It is not. Your purpose is what truly makes you happy and fulfills your soul as a person. Your profession, however, is how you contribute to the society and fulfills your material desires and survival needs. Although your purpose could also align with your profession, it is not necessary for it to do so. You can use your profession and the platform it gives you to fulfill your purpose. Also, you can have a profession that you enjoy being occupied by while you fulfill your purpose during your free time. The amount of money you get paid does not define the quality of your purpose, nor does it fulfill it less or more based on the money you are making of it. We have to realize and disseminate these two definitions in order to achieve happiness throughout our life. Happiness and the feeling we are seeking to achieve is not going to come by from the next test, next degree, next million dollars, or the job we land, it comes from within, and it can happen at any moment. It can be as easy as making a decision and ending the wait. There is nothing in the way of our happiness and feelings of fulfillment other than ourselves. Unless we rely on external aspects of life (fortune) to fulfill and give us our happiness, which is a very unstable ground to stand on since nothing is promised and anything can happen (good or bad) at any moment. Therefore, for happiness and feeling of fulfillment, rely on your internal self, only, and not even your loved ones. So that you’d never be let down, nor can it be taken away, because regardless of what or who leaves or comes to you, the good and the bad, it cannot take away your personal agent. When you find your happiness with you and you love yourself, you will be eternally happy. It becomes a state of life. This does not mean that you should not care about others or not love as hard; in fact, once you achieve your happiness and fulfill your soul internally, you’ll realize how much easier it is to love and care for others unconditionally. You’ll still have bad days, sad moods, and potentially short depressing periods, but internally through it all, you will have an awareness or strength and an everlasting light from within that can carry you through any struggle. So, achieve all your professional goals, but don’t wait for the feeling of happiness and fulfillment to occur because of them. Instead, live through your purpose and achieve happiness and fulfillment from within, then achieving your goals will become much easier and enjoyable.

Live your best life and be the best version of you

 "Life is the best teacher, just as it is. It is the toughest teacher. It won’t tolerate slothfulness for long. It’s always throwing some difficult problem your way and then seeing what you will do with it". 

As young men we should always strive to be the MAN we would want our mother, daughter, and sister to have by their side. We are a reflection of our families and what they taught us growing up. I remember a family member telling me to avoid creating bad habits at a young age, especially cheating and cheating yourself because there would be a strong possibility that I would end things with the one I really wanted to be with and eventually end up sick (That's top 2 worst feelings). You definitely don't want that happening to your mom, daughter, or sister. Also, self awareness is very important and it takes self awareness to know you can be better or even notice when you're in the wrong. One should always try to learn from their mistakes. Everyday I'm motivated to work on my craft in the gym, myself as a person, and helping others. With age, I’m realizing it’s important to utilize the talents & gifts I possess. We are all unique in our own ways and each day we get 24 hours to use our abilities how we see fit. Sadly, we waste a lot time, forgetting tomorrow isn't promised. If I had to credit the way I act or think, I definitely credit to my mom and dad. There are other people that have had a huge impact on me as well. I tend not to allow things to stress me out, but recently dealing with the recruiting process it can be very stressful. I know I'm pretty talented when it comes to basketball, but it's very political nowadays. I have two more years left of school and not really sure where I'm going yet, but wherever it is I'll make the best of it. It hasn't stopped me from working hard and never will deter the other talents I've been gifted with.

Podcast Ep1

Everybody has to start somewhere... Here's our first podcast with many more on the horizon. In EP1 we discuss our take on sports and relationships such as the NBA finals and cheating amongst men and women. In the words of Future, "I'm good luv, enjoy."

2x Champion Kevin Durant abused the Cavs

Kevin clearly chose being 7"2 with guard skills over having waves. 

If LeBron is your goat, I can't relate. Kevin Durant is arguably the most talented player in the league. He averaged 26pts, 7trb, and 5ast this past season. If I had to start an organization today I'll take Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, and I guess I have to put LeBron in there. Kevin has the luxury of being able to play an average game, since his team is arguably the best team ever assembled. If Durant had to carry a team now I believe he could especially with the experience he has received from being apart of the Warriors organization. I am an Oklahoma City fan and was devastated to find out that Durant was leaving two summers ago. I continue to ask myself do the Warriors need Durant or does Durant need the Warriors. He continues to put the Warriors on his back even when they look defeated. His monster performance in game 3 with 43 points makes you hate the Warriors that much more. I'm tired of everyone calling him a cupcake, soft, and slandering him. Durant has been in his bag all year and it's time people put respect on his name. After KD wins this series do we consider him the best in the league?

Nice for what

Fellas can your girl have a guy best friend and if she can't, why not? 

I feel like many people experience this situation, but I've personally never had this problem. In 2018, the term "best friend" has become very confusing in a lot of peoples lives. Your best friend is supposed to be someone you can depend on whenever you need something whether it's to talk, hang out, someone who makes life that much easier etc. In today's world, a best friend has become more of a "physical" relationship, and I can't relate. My best friend is a female we don't talk every day, but she's always there if I need something and vice versa.

So, I asked some of the friends how they would feel if their girl has a guy best friend. One of my friends feels that it's like another guy vying for her attention, and it puts more pressure on you to be that much better to her. Another said it's cool, she can have a guy best friend, it just gives him an excuse to leave her once the love of his life starts acting right. Also, her best friend probably makes her laugh, therefore it's a no. When you see another guy make your girl laugh top 2 worst feelings. Someone else said he's been in the so-called "best friend" area, so it's a no from him. 

Females could also argue that guys who don't allow it are insecure and need to look in the mirror. A lot of times females gravitate to having more guys friends because they don't want to deal with drama. 

I personally think it's all about communication and boundaries. It's hard to tell a female she has to get rid of her best friend, which might be there before you even start talking to her. Nowadays, it's harder to trust people and their intentions. So it's a no from me dog.

Monday motivation

 "Life is not going to get better unless we make it better. That requires risk, hard work, and ultimately might require sacrifice. Things change, and if they can change for the worse, they can change for the better".

Everybody has a period that they struggle, face some sort of adversity, and want to give up. Life as we all know is a huge roller coaster, but the best thing you can do is always stay positive. I've been through a lot with injuries, multiple knee surgeries but I manage to motivate myself to keep going. Everyone has something that motivates them to grind and be the best player/ person possible. Many people grow up in broken homes, which motivates them to be as successful as possible or help others. One might be infatuated with money, women, cars, and clothes. Everyday is a chance to bring more opportunities to your life, so take advantage. Also, many would say their mom/family is their biggest motivation because they are striving to provide and make them happy. Many guys will say their ex motivates them to "level up", but I couldn't be that guy. I asked around in LA to see what motivates people and someone told me video vixens. I found that pretty interesting but to each its own.