My First Day in New York

My first day in New York was not a regular one. Most people do not have these crazy events happen to them that often. Well to start, I woke up this morning with an itchy throat and a runny nose. This came from me being perfectly fine on Sunday. So when I first got into New York I went to a hotel by the airport and had satellite interviews with PTI and Sportcenter. They were both really good interviews. I think PTI is always good because my head is back there somewhere (with the beard). After those interviews, I got to my hotel room but didn't get to rest because I had to do some media training. That stuff actually is really fun to do. I get to work with a great guy in Mr. Shenbaum (he was the band director in American Pie 2, the young one "Peety, this kid is killing me."). We do a lot of improv stuff. All of my interviews are off the top of my head but he helps me think quicker and not get stumped on questions. After media training, I went out to dinner with the little white guy, the really quick one and I think he told me he played soccer all summer. His name was something like STEVE NASH!!!! He is an amazing guy, very cool and down to earth. I was hoping to connect with him more but after being around him I realized he is way more mature than me. I didn't do anything childish, but he talked about his kids, wife, foundations and traveling all over the world. Stuff that I don't have or do. Dinner was still great though. We went to a Brazilian restaurant that was really good. I usually hate it when there is fruit with my meal but there was the orange slice that came with my meal and I just happened to try it in the middle of me chewing my other food and it was delicious. After we dropped STEVE NASH off, we went past ground zero and it is crazy how something like that happened when I was in the eighth grade and is still not built up. You drive up there and you see all these buildings and then there's this huge space. Thats all I can describe it as, space. There were construction gates up, but from the highway around it you can see somewhat into the hole in the ground.

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Comments (65)

rnpeters said June 27, 2007

That's pretty cool that you got to hang out with STEVE NASH. You kind of have to cap his name, being an MVP and all.
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- gregoden replied June 27, 2007
  
  Yeah and really he is just a great person
HoosierJohn said June 27, 2007

sounds like a crazy day. you got meet Steve Nash dang. as excited as you are to meet them they are probably as excited to meet you.
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- gregoden replied June 27, 2007
  
  I bet he has meet way more interesting people than me
  - Balian replied June 27, 2007
    
    You are on your way to meeting interesting people and visiting places most people only dream of. You are on your way ...make the most of it.
  - Balian replied June 27, 2007
    
    P.S. If you win a few championships, you will get to meet a few presidents. :)
General_Zod said June 27, 2007

GO, I work down by Ground Zero and you're right, it's just space...they're finally starting to work on putting up some buildings...the reason they're so far behind is pure red tape, that being said, it's crazy that you were ony in 8th grade when that happened. Glad you enjoyed your trip to NYC, and I totally agree about fruit in my dinner, fruit is only acceptable for breakfast...maybe brunch.
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jlclark4u said June 27, 2007

#06 = g.o.
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romi153 said June 27, 2007

Greg, what number whill you wear in Portland?
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bucknut said June 27, 2007

Did Nash say he wanted you in Phoniex? If Amare can keep up with him, i know you could!
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billdorr said June 27, 2007

If Portland takes you (which I am so hoping they do), you should wear #53, since that's the number of lottery combinations we had to win. I can't stop hoping to see you Friday afternoon in Pioneer Courthouse Square. I swear, I'm going to cry if your name isn't first.
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kingjamez said June 27, 2007

Thats awesome to meet Steve Nash and I always thought he seemed like a pretty down to earth guy on TV.. Did he say anything about those Shawn Marion rumors? haha..
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SevenEleven said June 27, 2007

Fun Fact: You and K-Smoove have the same middle name.
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SevenEleven said June 27, 2007

Fun Fact: You and K-Smoove have the same middle name.
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FakeDurant said June 27, 2007

FUN FACT: IM GONNA DUNK ON YO FACE AND SHOOT TREYS ON YO UNDERPANTS!!!
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- ktran2007 replied June 27, 2007
  
  Try to dunk on my and be prepared to land on your a'ss as you did in the McDonald's game.
  The Odenator!
- RandallEl replied June 28, 2007
  
  Fun Fact: Greg Oden plays center- on defense, he should be nowhere near the three point line.
  
  Another fun fact: Prepare to be Odenated.
1playerinpa said June 27, 2007

I saw your interviews they were great esp Pti were they always talk about yardbarker and you....funny story i was playing low rim with some 7th graders me being 19 and it was a game of 50 and everytime i dunked on them i told them they had just been odenized.....I think this should be your trademark in the league.... Kobe bryant just got odenized..... Your number 1 pa fan... brandon
Hit me up if your near Philly i got some great places to show you haha good luck
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- gregoden replied June 28, 2007
  
  i think well i know someone has already started something like that and its called "you got odenated"
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ursportspro said June 27, 2007

You must try to get Mr. Conley to say that he wasn't really your agent and head back to college Greg. Not because your not good enough (we all know that you are), but because your words tell us that your not into it whole heartedly. Maybe four years in college isn't such a bad idea? You could have lots of fun dominating and you'll be smiling more. The NBA is a business, college is a game. Stay young and stay for the game.....

Watson

www.myspace.com/WPSN
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- Balian replied June 27, 2007
  
  There is one problem ...the deadline for pulling your name out of the draft (June 18th) has long passed. His eligibility for college basketball is gone forever. There is no choice but to go pro now.
- gregoden replied June 28, 2007
  
  i wish i could
sageduck1 said June 27, 2007

Hi Greg. My name is Taylor (that's my first name...my family stuck me with all last names!!). If you're drafted by Portland (which I hope you are), then I volunteer to be your online authority on things about Portland. I lived there for 50 years (yes, fifty). I can pretty much help you with everything except current culture and where to shop. That may sound like I'm leaving little to help you with, but believe me, I already could have helped you with the media and management during your post-workout interview. Really. I hope you get over your cold, get lots of rest, and remain the very down to earth great person you appear to be. Good luck!
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BennyBlanco said June 27, 2007

Good luck on the ESPY's O-DOG! Better get packed up for your BIG party in PORTLAND, we cant wait anymore!!!!!!
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BennyBlanco said June 27, 2007

Hey Oden, how come Troy Smith doesnt have a yard??? I'm sure you could talk him into it!!!!!!
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- gregoden replied June 28, 2007
  
  i dont really know him that well
RandallEl said June 27, 2007

I saw the PTI interview... you really should've given them the thumbs down when you walked out, but getting on PTI isn't easy.

Good job.
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Dakroww said June 27, 2007

Greg ...I happened to know there is a screening of Transformers June 29th at the 84st theatre on Broadway in NY. I guarantee they let you in!!! I use to work there as a manager and still have friends there. I think all you would have to do is smile and you would get in!!!
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Indy07 said June 27, 2007

Tell Coach Keefer he was missed at Keefer Camp today (for good reason, of course). Greg, we hope you continue to come by Keefer Camp in the future. You know you will always be welcomed, and we are all confident you won't be changing anytime soon. Be yourself. Best of luck to you.
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Alysha said June 27, 2007

Greg! I so glad that you are having fun and enjoying your time in New York! I can't wait to watch you at the draft tomorrow! It is still hard to believe that the kid that made his first basket and put the other team ahead is now going to play in the NBA! Who would have thought! Good luck and have fun!
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1stRoundPick said June 27, 2007

Number one pick...hand down! Good luck big man, and congrats on earning your shot at the NBA!
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fulch211 said June 27, 2007

How'd you get hooked up with Steve Nash?
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- gregoden replied June 28, 2007
  
  BDA were both with them
bb9524 said June 27, 2007

Just want you to know Greg, there are many of us from LN who are so proud of you and will be following you always!!! You're a great role model for my sons and we've loved watching you at LN grow to be the man you are. My son told me he saw you at Keefer camp last week. I told him to go buy a Portland cap and get an autograph!!! Good luck tomorrow! You're number ONE in our hearts!
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- gregoden replied June 28, 2007
  
  Thank you very much
MamaToney said June 27, 2007

Odie we are so proud of you! We all knew you could do it! Your first basketball family will be together to cheer you on. TH Stars know you are number 1! King crab legs for everyone! Love you Mama Toney
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- gregoden replied June 28, 2007
  
  Mrs Toney how are you doing tell everyone that i said hi and tell kyle i got his message and when i get some free time from this craziness ill call him back love you thanks for writing me
Majpain said June 27, 2007

Yo Greg are you going to continue Blogging when your in the NBA?
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- gregoden replied June 28, 2007
  
  I will
nijuenha said June 27, 2007

keep keepin it real greg!!! Its great to see this superstar with absolute humility about himself!!! I love it!
Thanks for NOT being the conceited all star that usually comes into the league!
God bless bro! Hope the best for you in the draft!
eujin
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jefffeltner said June 27, 2007

Hey Greg, we can't wait for you to get out here to P-town. If you liked the trees and mountains when you were out here you will love the beach, waterfalls in the gorge (tons of hiking trails) rivers, all kinds of good stuff to see and do. You will never have to be someone you are not either (like some of the bigger cities) you can have fun and just be yourself. One of the big reasons a lot of people liked you in Portland was because you have a great sense of humor and you were yourself, not to mention a SBM (shot blocking monster, own the key Greg it is yours) and we want one of those! Anyway take care big man it will be fun having you on the team!
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odensblazers07 said June 27, 2007

Hi, Greg. I would love to know how u got the hook up with my boy steve nash. I hope that you can learn alot from him. He seems like a really nice guy. Greg, I also would like to wish you well in the draft. I hope that Portland is smart and takes you #1. We have such a nice young core group of players, and I think you would be a nice edition in the middle. Thankyou for being such a humble person who shows not only his great character but also holding yourself to shine in a way that reflects who you are not what everyone else thinks you should be or wants you to be. You know... it will be a fun series when the Sonics come to town with Durant, after Portland takes u #1. This rivalry can get intense, but it's one that makes the I - 5 series the best show in town.
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ericmedley said June 27, 2007

oden only responds to the first couple of comments on this blog.
but incase he is reading this i hope you are a monster
and i hope you want to rip the heart out of the chest of any
other team other than the trailblazers.
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OdenDunksItIn said June 28, 2007

HEY GREG! YOU OBVIOUSLY KNOW JOSH MCROBERTS FROM THE YOUNG MCROBERTS BLOG. SO DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE SCOOP ON JOSH? OH AND GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND YOUR FELLOW FORMER OHIO STATE PALS, AND OF COURSE JOSH! I WILL BE CHEERING FOR ALL OF YOU! OH AND TAKE DOWN KEVIN DURANT! HE IS MEAN AND YOU SOUND WAYYY NICER! AND BEWARE OF MIKE CONLEY JR. ... HE IS A STUDDERER! LOL WEIRD WORD!
OH BY THE WAY...I THINK YOU LOOK LIKE JESUS.
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- whitejordan32 replied June 28, 2007
  
  Do you know Kevin Durant or something?
  - OdenDunksItIn replied June 28, 2007
    
    yea and he shoots fireworks at homeless ppl
unc23b said June 28, 2007

hey greg man thats cool you got to hang out with steve nash one of the best players in the game right now
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why5th said June 28, 2007

congrats on being the first pick!
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Blazersrock said June 28, 2007

We'll see you on Friday in downtown P-town!
G.O. Blazers!!!!!!! Congrats!
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heversle said June 28, 2007

Hello Greg. My name is Howard from Atlanta, GA. Greg, you are going to rock the NBA world. Continue to work hard, improve your game, and always stay as humble as you are. Jeez, I wish the Hawks got one of the top two picks. Oh well maybe we may score your good friend Mike Conley, Jr. I also find it amazing that you were only in the 8th grade on September 11th. I keep forgetting how old you are! I think I was in the 6th grade come to think of it. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck and I will always be rooting for you. Congratulations and take care.
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whitejordan32 said June 28, 2007

ESPN reported the Blazers are gonna pick you #1 (as if we didn't know already). Congrats man. Don't forget to wear that suit, haha.
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BlazerChris said June 28, 2007

Greg we know you love denim shorts, aka jorts. Rock a pinstriped jort suit tonight please, for all of us.
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RyanVittles said June 28, 2007

This is Ryan in Portland, and all I have to say is that if Portland doesn't take you with the 1st pick this afternoon, then I'm moving to Seattle, and becoming a Sonics fan (that's just a joke; Blazers 4 life!) Also, one more thing -- I don't hear too much about the Indy connection that you and ZBo have going on. Is there some beef between counties, or something? Just playin' :P Anyways, I hope to see you holding up a Blazers jersey a little later, while standing next to Mr. Stern, and wearing a Blazers hat that doesn't quite fit your enormous head. Alright, brother, keep it real, and good luck in the N.B.A.
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natturner said June 29, 2007

brother Odin.: congratulations on being selected number one. Portland's an alright town. i write to tell you how entertaining this blog of yours is. anyone that can read will quickly be able to see what an interesting, courteous, thoughtful and intelligent young man you are. you also write pretty well. i hope the lame-ass sports chatter world gives you your literary and personality props. dinner with Little Stevie must have been a trip. live long and prosper. p.s. dont get your shit blocked by Nate Robinson.
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garrettgaffner said June 29, 2007

CONGRATS ON #1!!!
GOOD LUCK IN THE NBA
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britneyrose said June 29, 2007

YAY for Portland making the right decision!
Oden, your blogs are great. Can't wait to watch you play here at the Rose Garden,
& definitely can't wait to see you introduced to the city tomorrow at Pioneer!
Congratulations, you're going to make Portland a GREAT team. (:
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jdragon said June 29, 2007

Steve Nash is Awesome! Good luck in Portland!
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DenislRIPCITY1 said June 29, 2007

Huge blazer fan. thrilled to death to have a chance to cheer for you in years to come G.O. And also can't wait to decorate and do your tile work in your new mention here in p-town man. I did tile at coach mcmillan's house. i will be at pioneer square tomarrow. c ya man. good luck
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DenislRIPCITY1 said June 29, 2007

Hey Greg i forgot to mention it. I was actually in the rose garden during the draft party. Man I cant even explaine the atmosphere in that garden when you were picked number 1. It was like the blazers won the title. people stormed the court. It was a thing of buety. All i can say is that we, the city of portland LOVE you and the team that we are gonna have here in the near future. Also Hey i know your busy and all but when i meet you, see if you will member me when i mention to you that i worked on mcmillans house. GOOD LUCK BIG FELLA. You are awsome, funny and a great person. take care
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lilhomieshun said June 29, 2007

Yo i can't wait to see u play man I'm definately goin to see the first game between u and the knicks cause that's an automatic win for u minimum 15 reb.s and 35 points and like 5 in yo face slam dunks on eddy curry and co. Lol
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shaker78 said June 29, 2007

Greg I say with all the hype of being such a great player, and having to live up to the the Big names like Oneil and Duncan. You should just come in the leauge and be the worst player ever. That way instead of having to try realy hard to go down as one of the greats and still at your best not getting there. Instead you come in play like a goof and easily go down in history as the most overrated player of all time (there is somthing to say at being the somthing of all time) choice is up to you but as a Blazers fan I hope you try to be one of the best congrats .shaker
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kufan1969 said June 30, 2007

You know.. what I like about Greg is your humble side on the court. I never see you get mad on the court. U never smile. But when I saw you on the draft day, Man I can feel how happy u r and where u r at is the new chapter of your life. This is my first time I saw you put a big smile on your face ! That 's really good ! You 're like Tim Duncan, who never really shows all the emotions and anger on the court. I really like you even though I am a KU fan. Anyhow, Kevin Durant and u 're the best top picks i have ever seen in my life. Both of you just love playing basketball but not for a fight on the court. This is so important for the team !!!! Keep it up. I know u will be doing good !
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bruno89 said July 02, 2007

im a great fan of your work ,im portuguese and i fallow you everytime i have a oportunity ,im 17years old ,my name is Bruno Baltazar and i live in Portugal,Europe ,i would love to have ur autograph ,heres my address;

Bruno Baltazar
Rua Jose Afonso nÂº1 cav. esq.
2735 - 538 Agualva
Portugal

thanks

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lyghterfluid said July 03, 2007

It's weird that i was at ground zero 2 days before you. i live in oregon and took a two week trip to the east coast with my friends. congrats on #1 and im so happy that portland picked you over durant. good luck im looking forward to watching you bring us back to greatness.
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jess28ica said August 31, 2008

that is so sweet!
i mean, meeting steve nash
im so jealous:'(
anyways, actually, thats it
-j
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My First Day in New York

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