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.

I got the J.U.I.C.E — The Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in 6 games, to win their fourth NBA Finals Title in eight years. Stephen Curry won his first Finals MVP. In the 2021-2022 season, Stehpen Curry won All-Star game MVP, Western Conference Finals MVP and lastly, Finals MVP. In other basketball news, 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. Where will Beal and Kyrie Irving land? With the Brookyln Nets and Kyrie in disagreements, who will sign the star-guard to his veteran super max contract?

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 recently made his verbal commitment to Clemson, but the Jackson State Tigers were amongst his list of offers.

Is it possible that we see more high-prioritized athletes attending local and state-funded HBCUs? The number one recruit in the class of 2023, Travis Hunter, decommited from Florida State and signed with the Jackson State Tigers. Hunter played under coach Prime and the Tigers, this spring. Travis Hunter caught two interceptions and a couple of touchdowns in their spring game. Hunter will play both offense and defense for the Tigers. 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, for the HBCU culture.

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 LeBron James buy an NBA team? James recently stated on a podcast that he wishes to buy a team and move it to Las Vegas, Nevada.

Shifting gears, again— The Las Vegas Raiders are yet to make a move in signing Colin Kaepernick. 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 Kaepernick better than 32 backup quaterbacks who are competing in off-season workouts? 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 aging gunslinger.

Kaepernick 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 weeks 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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