I GOT THE “JUICE”

“J.U.I.C.E.” is a nickname that I received years and years ago from an old coach of mine. This nickname is what my peers, family and loved ones refer to me as. Over time, “J.U.I.C.E.” not only became who I was, but what I possessed, figuratively. The acronym meaning, “Just understand I conquer everything,” became used as a motivational phrase, which I have trademarked and periodically used during my time as an athlete.

I am a young man with many talents, which I intend to leave as a legacy and pass on the wisdom I have assessed throughout my life. Among those talents have been my optimism and longevity to analyze, coach, predict and to compete in multiple sports at a high level. Now, as the sports editor of the Houston Home Journal, “JUICE” will serve yet another purpose. I will share the “JUICE,” from the sports that I love, with you.

I got the J.U.I.C.E —

Did anyone tune into the 2022 NBA draft?

Paolo Banchero was selected with the first pick, headed to the Orlando Magic. Jabari Smith is the talented Auburn stretch forward, who is headed to H-Town and will play with the Houston Rockets. Chet Holmgren will join two other young players in Oklahoma City, as the Thunder have built a big-three trio.

The LA Lakers have too many position needs, but not enough salary cap space or even a Draft pick to fill it. Since Russell Westbrook has until late June to sign or decline his $47 million player option, the LakeShow cannot explore a pre-Draft trade and at least gauge the market. The LA Lakers have not ruled out trying the Westbrook experiment for another season with new coach Darvin Ham and presumably more than 20 games to mesh with fellow stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Nonetheless, the Lakers will try to see if any of the other 29 teams will bite on Russell Westbrook’s contract — assuming he signs his player option.

Who are your favorites to win the MLB World Series, in 2022? Will the Atlanta Braves repeat in the National League? Will the Braves will it all again, this year?

Do you believe the Atlanta Flacons will turn it around with a trio of dual-threat gunslingers, on the roster?

Who will be your area favorite College Football team, this fall? Will it be the Mercer Bears? Will it be the Fort Valley Wildcats? Will it be a club team, such as the Central Georgia Titans? Will Georgia win another National title, fall 2022? There are many questions, speculations and doubts about what may or may not happen during this upcoming football season.

Shifting gears from the previous topics and discussion — What can HBCU culture offer for athletes of minority athletes? Not wanting to sound biased, but from experience the networking and life lessons learned at a HBCU are endless. For so long, student-athletes have been steered wrong for idolizing the glamour of bigger institutions. Many of the HBCU’s are very welcoming, which creates a village of empowerment. Thus feeling cannot be found at another place, than a Historically Black College & University. Is it possible that we see more Houston County athletes attending local and state-funded HBCUs?

As a former HBCU student athlete, I can say the experience as a student and an athlete, no matter the HBCU, is like no other. All HBCUs serve the same purposes but are unique in their own special ways. In my pastime — I can be found traveling and exploring our culture and the experiences of the many Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Check back in the next sports edition for my editor’s column, I Got The “JUICE,” as I will tease more of the world’s entertaining sports stories.

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