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 play 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.

Celtics win game one of the NBA FINALS, scoring 120 points to surpass the Warriors. Who’s your projected NBA Finals MVP? Who will win the 2022 NBA Finals, the Dubs or Luck of the Irish?

I got the J.U.I.C.E — Who is your projected finals MVP frontrunner? Bradley Beal is in the final year of his contract, but his new deal will likely make him the highest paid basketball player in the NBA.

Los Angeles star Aaron Donald is entertaining the GOAT title. The defensive lineman is arguably the greatest defensive player in the history of the National Football League. Donald, who just won a super bowl with the Rams, has recently signed with DONDA sports. DONDA Sports is a marketing agency, owned by singer, songwriter and philanthropist Kanye ‘YE” West. The sports bets are high and juicy on the desert strip.

Shifting gears, what will be the destiny of the Brooklyn Nets? James Harden has made it clear that he is looking to relocate from the Philadelphia area, but some of my sources tell me that the Sixers will not make a trade offer in the foreseeable future.

Is 2022 the year that we see high-prioritized athletes attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU)? Coach Prime has formulated a great spark in Jackson, Mississippi. Entering another season as the head coach for Jackson State University, the SWAC member is looking to make history among FCS schools and HBCUs. Local football star, Victor “Big-Vic” Burley received an offer from Coach Prime and the Jackson State Tigers.

Is it possible that we see more Houston County athletes attending local and state-funded HBCUs? The Fort Valley State University, Albany State University, Savannah State University, Clark Atlanta University, Paine College, Morehouse College, Morris Brown College and Spellman are just those located within the Peach State. The SIAC, SWAC, MEAC and other HBCU conferences are continuing to excel in a variety of areas.

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. Traveling to and exploring the culture and experiences of the many Historically Black Colleges and Universities has always been a hobby of mine.

Will Colin Kaepernick play in the NFL again? Kaepernick played six seasons for the San Francisco 49ers. The 34-year-old quarterback recently competed in a tryout with the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL.

Is KAP better than 94 other quarterbacks who are competing in OTA’s? If signed, Colin will likely be a backup, but for someone who has not played in over five seasons, this will be a break through for the ongoing activist.

KAP was deemed blacklisted by several league owners, as he supported a cause and kneeled during the National Anthem. This exact cause has now been seen as “trending” since the protests two years ago. Just days ago, this cause impacted the world of baseball as well.

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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