The Countdown

Well first Happy New Years to everyone, sorry its been so long my mind has been on the games. It still feels wierd to me that everyone i know thats my age is on break and i still have games on the holidays. Everybody who is here home from school comes to our games so its cool. Im still happy i got to see my family. In 21 days i have a birthday coming up my twenty first birthday, ive been counting down the days since last month. Its getting closer so im really excited and its gonna be a good time.

Add Comment

• idog1976 said January 01, 2009

  Happy New Year Greg! Have fun and enjoy your 21st. Wishing you many blessings in the New Year. On a side note you have looked amazing past couple of games as have your boys in Red n' Black. Well done man amazing work all around by the Blazers!

  Reply

  
• MacTheBlaze said January 01, 2009

  Lookin good lately big man. Love to see the swagger back.

  Reply

  
• erikpdx said January 01, 2009

  Where's the party at G.O.? I'll buy you a drink!

  Reply

  
• KINGOFKEIZER said January 01, 2009

  You were a man on a mission against the celts, you are the enforcer! awesome job. Keep up the portland pride.
  

  Reply

  
• blazergirl03 said January 01, 2009

  Have fun on your 21st (but not too much fun!), plus it was so great to see you enjoying yourself again while playing against the Celtics. It's so nice to see that smile every now and then in the game. Keep up the hard work!

  Reply

  
• rhameeth said January 01, 2009

  Great game against the C's Greg! Happy new year to you!

  Reply

  
• Blazersrock said January 01, 2009

  Happy New Year Greg! That Blazer win was a perfect ending to 2008. Happy birthday coming up. Definitely love seeing your smile on the court again. Stay intense but have fun!

  Reply

  
• khandor said January 01, 2009

  Greg,
  As your career continues to develop ... never "Take Your Eyes Off The Prize"!
  http://khandorssportsblog.com/wordpress/?p=376
  You're off to a good start.
  "Float like a butterfly.
  Sting like a bee.
  Rumble, young man, rumble.
  Arrrgghh!"
  - Cassius Clay/Muhammad Ali
  :-)

  Reply

  
• mitchtothemax said January 01, 2009

  Happy new year, and good luck against Chandler.

  Reply

  
• swiftlyjenkins said January 01, 2009

  Great game against the Celtics. Man, that was so awesome. The presence you brought on the court was so awesome. That's pretty crazy that you're turning 21. It puts a lot of stuff in perspective. Now you can really start kickin it in Portland though.

  Reply

  
• Mizzy21390 said January 02, 2009

  omgsh, i cant believe your 20. Im only two yrs younger than you! Anyways, though you beat my C's last game, you played really well, and I was finally able to see u play really well. Perk and KG had trouble with u...

  Reply

  
• speedwell said January 02, 2009

  Bring back the FroHawk in '09, k?

  Reply

  
• lewii5 said January 01, 2009

  greg thank u for that win against the c's the other night! what an awesome game to watch. i love what you're doin out there. happy new year!

  Reply

  
• mom4kids said January 01, 2009

  Mr. Oden have you ever considered sponsoring an Ohio or Indiana AAU team? I apologize in advance if this is not the proper format for this question.

  Reply

  
• MannyTrillo said January 01, 2009

  Yeah it was great to watch you on the Celtics like Charles Barkley McLovin on a chew-toy. Oh and happy new year.

  Reply

  
• Entity said January 02, 2009

  Starting three rookies against the world champs and still beating them... you guys are going to be the center of attention for a long time. That aggressiveness. That raw physical power. Just keep beating everybody up. They can't bully you guys. Pretty soon, you're going to be the biggest kids on the playground.
  
  After that game, the Boston announcers got together to discuss what happened, and had a lot to say about you. Then one of them said, "He's only 20 years old," and there was a silent pause between them. You had just scared the crap out of the champs' announcers.
  
  It's just fun watching you play. Even if Ray Allen is bouncing off into the stands (I don't know if that was a flop or not), I didn't see him come back in there after that. Keep it up, GO.
  
  See you at the Rookie Game.

  Reply

  
• CelticPride33 said January 02, 2009

  Hey Greg..have a good time on the big 21....I wish you the best...Are you gonna go out with 5 of your teammates cause I heard that how you guys roll...you know with 6 while eveyone else has 5.

  Reply

  
  • Lakerhater replied January 02, 2009

    How does it taste Beantown keep crying Greg and company will dominate the c,s for plenty of years to come!!
  • ItsMrHarris2u replied January 02, 2009

    I thought world champs were supposed to be mentally tough?
• dstewa21 said January 02, 2009

  Hey Gregg- Your playing like an allstar in my opinion. Happy Birthday remember to get a Taxi, you dont want to end up like Barkley. LOL, your the man keep smiling because you have the best smile on your team probably in the whole world. Peace !!

  Reply

  
• Justwannawinna said January 02, 2009

  Hey Greg keep playing hard and with intensity people are still doubting your offensive abitlities but that will come with time as for now keep playing great D and getting those power dunks. You and your team really has people paying attention with excellent play keep it up

  Reply

  
• Blackjack said January 02, 2009

  Happy New Year Greg! You've been playing great. Stay strong. Happy 21st birthday as well, just stay out of trouble. AQUARIUS RULES!!

  Reply

  

• comment below viewing threshold

  show comment
• celticsgirl said January 02, 2009

  hey greg. im a celtics girl, always and forever, but i respect you as a player. honestly i dont like some of the blazers because i feel as though they are arrogant and snobbish, but i actually respect you. I didnt like the last game my celts played against you because the refs were horrible... i mean, 6 men on the court, come on! but your a great player, your learning fast. i dont like your team too much, but your not too shabby, lol.
  -Kayla C.

  Reply

  
  • ItsMrHarris2u replied January 02, 2009

    Do the Celtic fans and coaches cry about refs after every loss?
    • speedwell replied January 02, 2009

      yes, at least the ones on YB do.
  • lewii5 replied January 02, 2009

    i guess you know your team relevant when fans of a proud franchise act like this. GO BLAZERS!
• jubril58 said January 02, 2009

  partty like a rockstar would

  Reply

  
• superjb said January 02, 2009

  Great job on the celtic game! Happy new year and happy birthday

  Reply

  
• biggronn91 said January 02, 2009

  i want greg oden to tuck me in and tell stories about the old days

  Reply

  
• A_R_G_O said January 02, 2009

  GO,
  I'm thinking about taking a sign to the games. Every time you stuff someone it says "You've been O-DONE!"
  What do you think?
  Also, I know you're busy, but if you have a PS3, I'm looking for people to play with :)
  A_R_G_O

  Reply

  
• Vestintraining said January 02, 2009

  Last two games you have been playing like you are having fun again like you did at OSU. Keep up the hard work and remember that when you are having fun and joking around like you did at OSU then your sky is the limit! Take it to the hornets tonight and take it to Chandler! Go Blazers!!

  Reply

  
• Blazersfan201 said January 02, 2009

  Hey Greg. I just wanted to let you know how much respect I have for you and the way that despite everyone's stupid criticisms you keep coming out and bringing your great game every night. I know that Blake was the number 1 scorer at the Boston game, but I think you were really the story of the night man. You made some sweet plays and I really loved to see you get into it like you did. Here's one fan who still thinks you're gonna be one of the best centers in the league one day. Keep balin' Greg, and have a happy birthday.

  Reply

  
• robthorn86 said January 03, 2009

  Hey dude this is Anthony! I miss playin football with you at Sarah Scott. I am glad you are having Success. Keep it and have a great new year.

  Reply

  
• McGuiganFamily said January 03, 2009

  Your Birthday will be so much fun! Come home and celebrate too! Glad the guys were out recently! We miss you Big Man! xoxoxoxo

  Reply

  
• Rosecity07 said January 05, 2009

  Stay focused on the games, that's good. I like your progress. Everything looks good out there. Keep it up.

  Reply

  
• notesblogs101 said January 05, 2009

  Helpful professional tips: I've watched you play at Ohio State and now your NBA career. I understand that you're a Christian as well from reading your blogs. Here are some things I think will help you as a professional basketball player and I bet you already know. There are a lot of expectations placed on you by the media when you go from college to the pros. Kept in mind, the transition can be rough. One, people or the media, reporters expect Portland Trailblazers to win and you to help them win! But in reality there are some things you need to do to make that successful transaction happen.
  1.Confidence "that mean" your teammates believes that you will contribute to the team success.
  a.How to build your teammates confidence? How much time do you devote to studying your NBA profession? Study NBA video every chance you have of your opponents and your opponent weakness and strengths. Man to man defensive etc…
  2. You're still in your rookie year so always be a student of the game take the initiative to seek help on learning the NBA GAME. Try to cut down on any rookie mistakes excess fouls in the game.
  3.In the NBA a head coach calls a player in to the office to have a sit down. This means, that the player needs advice or help on his game? Your reaction from the sit down. You must simply out work your teammates even though you have god given talent.
  4.Develop any part of your game that is a weakness to you.
  a.How? Devote your time to work on self improvement. Simply work hard. Develop and more development of your NBA Game. You're a NBA professional now! Even though you're only 20 years old and still love your friends from home and college.
  5.When you make "mistakes in the game" make a mental note to try not to make the same mistakes. Silly fouls, twenty feet from the basket out of position try to play position basketball under the basket, opposed to pushing your man for the rebound, a natural reaction. Be the first to practice and not the first to leave the gym! Your teammates are supportive of you when you sat out a season ago and now as a teammate you should devote the same hard work and winning attitude to them. Good luck to you and god bless.

  Reply

  
• lisagaia said January 05, 2009

  Hey Greg - Happy almost Birthday! Let's hope you don't have a game the 'day after'. Wow you've been playing a-w-e-s-o-m-e! It seemed like the refs were picking on you for awhile.....I could see it in your face when they were calling fouls on you (even with the bogus calls).....it's great to see you smiling again....you look hot out there! Happy New Year

  Reply

  
• waldoggie said January 07, 2009

  Happy New Year to you, too, Greg. I just want to say that you are a pleasure to watch, even when things haven't been going your way. You are like me in that you take EVERYTHING to heart. I realize the expectations on you are huge, but don't focus on that. Just be Greg Oden. In the long run that will be enough to prosper in the NBA. I remember when you first took the stage in Pioneer Square with that big, heartwarming smile on your face. Trust me, bro, there is going to be a lot more to smile about in your Blazer future. Have a happy and safe Birthday.

  Reply

  
• bucki_matt said January 08, 2009

  your man TITUS has one awesome blog clubtrillion.com, has he always been this funny?

  Reply

  
• Rosecity07 said January 09, 2009

  How good are you at Guitar Hero? I can't go to hard because that orange button messes me up.

  Reply

  
  • tcbball119 replied January 18, 2009

    damn orange button... i hate that thing.
• tylerc24 said January 10, 2009

  hey greg. i look up to u and love basketball just as much as u do. but heres the thing. i broke my pinkie finger and now i have to wait 3 weeks to play. but when i come back the doctor said i have to shoot and dribble with my left. and im right handed. i start and i really could use some tips from u because i remember when u were at ohio state u had to do almost the same thing. so it would be really helpful if u could send me an email to tylercombs24@aim.com as soon as you get the chance. thanks and good luck this year. hope to talk to u soon

  Reply

  
• BigRandy said January 12, 2009

  Happy almost birthday big man. I'll suck a few, who am I kidding, I'll drink alot of beer for ya. Keep up the good work. GO BLAZERS!!!

  Reply

  
• Ihavespoken said January 15, 2009

  Greg. Look at some film of Kareem Abdul Jabbar. . . Turn that jump-hook into a smooth "Sky-hook". You are doing a much better job of keeping the ball up so it doesn't get stripped.
  
  also, that commercial cat carrying with all the kids about your mentor program... it appears that you shot it on location in my old high school. Benson Polytechnic here in Portland, am I right? My dad was going to be 86 in October. Tells me that when he was a kid. He saw the University of Oregon "Tall Firs" basketball team. In that little gym play a counting game that year that they won the 1st NCAA basketball championship. And I believe it was against sad to say your Ohio State buckeyes. Love you, Greg. Keep up the good work.

  Reply

  
• junkballer9 said January 16, 2009

  Hey Mr. Oden, I am a huge fan keep it up it will come to u, I'm gonna be at the cavs game goin fo yo autograph.

  Reply

  
• rickdawg said January 16, 2009

  Yo G.O. - happy early birthday. You looked great against Chicago, I just wish Nate McMillan would give you a litle bit of leeway. I mean why they hell is he hardly playing you in the second half of games? He says it's because of matchup problems but that's bullshit because how are you going to learn to defend and play against these people if you aren't given many minutes? Greg I think the sky is the limit for you, but under coach McMillan, there is a glass ceiling that he won't let you break through. You need to go talk to him or get in his face or whatever it takes for him to realize that you can be great and all you need is minutes.
  
  I saw that interview you did saying how you're disappointed in your stats and how they don't compare to those of the all-time greats... Well there's two things to that Greg. First is, most of those guys (with the exception of Bill Russell) went to super crappy teams, so they were by far the best player on their respective team. You came into a unique situation. A team that had the reigning rookie of the year and great bigman power forward. So while I understand why you compare yourself to them (hell I try to compare you to them because I hope one day, for your sake, you can become great like the greats and finally get this burden than seems to be on your shoulders), your situation with having good teammates and not being the first option makes your chances of getting 20 and 10 everynight that much harder.
  Secondly, the other reason you won't hit those numbers is because coach will not play you enough. There's really no way to put up all-star numbers if you're only getting 15 minutes of burn a night. So I know you're frustrated big man, but don't worry. You are truly in a unique situation that no other bigman in the history of the NBA has been in. Just let the game come to you and when it does, take it by storm.
  
  Good luck the rest of the season, and I hope things turn out the way you want them to.

  Reply

  
• tcbball119 said January 18, 2009

  Greg, when I watch you play ometimes i just yell, GIVE IT TO GREG. It looks like you can dominate if you put your all into every play. The more agressive you are consistantly the less the ref's will call bs fouls on you. KG gets away with A LOT and if you play with his intensity and with your strength you would not be stopped.

  Reply

  
• WillG027 said January 19, 2009

  If you dominate mentally, the body will follow. . .

  Reply

  
• junkballer9 said January 19, 2009

  Yo great game against the bucks very active
  

  Reply

  
• rickdawg said January 20, 2009

  Nice game tonight against the Bucks big man! And to think, you did it on Martin Luther King Jr. day and the day before Obama is elected. You gotta admit that's pretty cool. Well I wish you continued success, and keep smilin :)

  Reply