The NBA Lottery

I was on the plane when it happened, but as soon as I landed I had 22 messages that all said "Portland 1 Seattle 2." It was a total shock to me not to be funny, but I forgot those two teams where even in the lottery. Every media news wants to know what I think but really I dont even know what to think. Im actually here in Portland right now visiting Nike and on the way here I saw mountains with snow on it, I thought to myself its May. No one knows for sure whats gonna happen but one things thats 99.9% sure, ill be in the west coast. I talked to Al Harrington from Golden State and he said its alot of fun with all the running that goes on in the west, so I should start getting in shape now. On the Lottery it was crazy but my life is about to be full of craziness compared to my teammates that are still at The Ohio State University so what a way to start it off!

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• gaucho said May 24, 2007

  How does the craziness of what you're experiencing now compare to the days when you were being recruited in college?

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  • gregoden replied May 24, 2007

    Being recruited in college I never had to leave unless it was for a visit to a school which i didn't have to do all the time. This stuff i'm doing now when i travel everywhere for business which i do have to go to because i mad the commitment.
  • gregoden replied May 26, 2007

    money is involved.
• pistolpete said May 24, 2007

  Have you spent much time in the Pacific Northwest? How do you like it up there?

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• DrJohn said May 24, 2007

  Cool insight, Greg. We don't get to hear about this side of things too often. I like the comments. You will be a big asset in Portland, if that is where you end up. Are you excited by the prospect of possibly playing with Brandon Roy?

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  • gregoden replied May 26, 2007

    That would be nice but who knows
• whitejordan32 said May 25, 2007

  Wow! Greg Oden! I'm starstruck on the internet. It seems like just yesterday I saw my Ben Davis Giants face LN when you were in high school.It's gonna be weird seeing you posting someone up with Conley probably not bringing the ball up. Anyway, I hope the best for you and I think you going to Portland and Durant to Seattle will just bring 2 more forces in the already dominant Western Conference. Can't wait to see how you will change the game of basketball.

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• TheTruth said May 25, 2007

  Wow, we really have Greg Oden writing a piece for us now?

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  • Yardbarker replied May 25, 2007

    Yep, we really do. Greg is the man, and though he's new to blogging it's already clear that he's a natural. Give him some love in the Yard!
• MasterBlaster said May 25, 2007

  Welcome to the yard, Greg. Who are you rooting for to win it all this year (before Portland goes on their decade long dominance of the NBA)?

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  • gregoden replied May 26, 2007

    San Antonio I'm a big Tim Duncan and Tony Parker fan, and it helps when they show Eva Longoria in the stands everytime Tony Parker scores lol
• hansenn2 said May 25, 2007

  Hey Greg, saw you commented on the article I posted about you yesterday. Just wanted to let you know it was meant to be totally sarcastic. I actually am a huge Will Smith fan, and in addition to owning Big Willie Style, I'm one of 12 people who also owns the Willenium CD. No hard feelings.

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  • gregoden replied May 26, 2007

    Its ok just making sure no one hates on The Fresh Prince, but im one of those 12 but probally the only who has Big Willie Style, Willenium, Born To Reign and Lost and Found lol have a good day.
  • gregoden replied May 26, 2007

    Its ok just making sure no one hates on The Fresh Prince, but im one of those 12 but probally the only who has Big Willie Style, Willenium, Born To Reign and Lost and Found lol have a good day.
  • gregoden replied May 26, 2007

    Its ok just making sure no one hates on The Fresh Prince, but im one of those 12 but probally the only who has Big Willie Style, Willenium, Born To Reign and Lost and Found lol have a good day.
• Jack said May 25, 2007

  Couldn't be more psyched to see you in the Yard, Greg. WELCOME!! Take a look at this video of people in Portland watching the lottery unfold. If the rest of the fans are as passionate you are going to have a ton of fun in that town.
  
  

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  • JPound replied June 05, 2007

    Wow, I was just as excited when I heard it on the radio traversing traffic on I 5, but that video gave me goose bumps and a lump in my throat.
• BballJunkie said May 25, 2007

  Greg, this is awesome that you take the time to blog with your fans. You are by far the best choice for the number one pick no matter what the team is!

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• LloydsApple said May 26, 2007

  Hey Greg, I'm a big fan and wish you the best. As a Buckeye fan I'm looking forward to watching in the NBA and Olympic games.
  
  Good luck man!

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• heitner said May 26, 2007

  Greg, I am posting my first Interview With The Athlete column on my site tomorrow with a hockey player (Danny Richmond). I would love for you to be my first NBA player for the column. If you are interested, shoot me a message.

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• jetcity said May 30, 2007

  Hello Greg,
  
  I enjoyed watching you and your teammates in the NCAA tourney this year. Best of luck next season in the NBA, and congrats on making it there! I grew up in Portland and I currently live in Seattle (been here 6 years). I can tell you that both are great cities with a ton to offer. I was living out East for a while (Philly) and I always knew I'd want to come back here to settle and raise a family here in the NW (even though I did dig Philly). You really can't lose either way, and neither can Blazers or Sonics fans imho... :)
  
  gl and looking forward to seeing you play soon (got tix to some Sonics games, including Blazers/Sonics games.. so I'll get to see you play no matter what happens).
  
  peace,
  -dave

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• onthegreenrb said May 31, 2007

  Congrats on your success man, can't wait to drive up to LA to see you in action.

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• thevalli3 said June 01, 2007

  Could you give me a few tips on how to play good b-ball? You will definitely be better than King James.

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• dacelts34 said June 03, 2007

  Greg, I wish you could have gave the celtics some life in the franchise. I was so disapointed when i heard Celtics got 5th pick overall. I had my hopes up that you would be on the celtics anthe celtics would be back in the playoffs. Anyways i hope you have a great NBA career and hope everything works out for you in life.

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• dacouve12 said June 06, 2007

  Greg,
  Would you be disappointed if for some reason you fell out of the top 2? I know there is no chance you fall out of top 2, but I would just like to know.
  Thanks,
  Ryne from Portland

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• GPSinPDX said June 06, 2007

  WELCOME TO PORTLAND, GREG!!!

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• Kenny0873 said June 06, 2007

  Hey, Greg. I'm in Seattle and as much as I'd like to see you in a Sonics uniform, it looks like you'll be a few hours down the road in Portland. You're a bright young man and I wish you all the best...

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• gill118 said June 07, 2007

  Greg, I noticed that you said you talked to Al Harrington of the Warrior's. I am a huge Warrior's fan from the Bay and love watching them. Have you watched Al and the rest of the Warrior's play? Would you have fun in that style of offense? Do you think you could succeed in a run & gun style of play? And, when you are playing them next year as a Blazer, do you think you will be able to keep up with them while defending them? All I got to say Greg is play out your rookie contract and then come to Golden State! Good luck and welcome tot he NBA.

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• pdx_dan said June 07, 2007

  Greg. Don't worry, it's just the really tall mountains that get all the snow. Portland is a beautiful city with rain in the winter instead of snow and great weather in the spring. Welcome to PDX the fans are thrilled to have you here.

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• btown99 said June 07, 2007

  I must say, I wish you were coming to Boston. We were all looking forward to a new dynasty with you, Al Jefferson, and Pierce. That said, have a great career.

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• croatian said June 07, 2007

  hallo greg
  greetings from pdx, my friend jackson and me really, really hope it is going to be you that blazers draft with their first pick. we really need somebody who is nice person like you. you probbably know of jailblazers 5 or 6 years ago, but today this is 180 degrees different club.with you playing for us rip city fever is gonna run high ,very high
  croatian fan

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• btown99 said June 08, 2007

  I was watching all the videos you posted, and my God... Just wondering if there is any way you could demand a trade to Boston as soon as you are drafted...

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• iversonfan268 said June 08, 2007

  I'm definetly looking foward to seeing you play along Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge next season. I can't wait to see how good of a trio you guys become in the future. Assuming that you do get chosen 1st what are your thoughts on playing for a smaller market. You seem like a pretty quiet and humble guy so I would guess that you'd prefer it over playing in a big market like Boston.
  
  BTW congrats. I was reading up on your most recent workouts on DraftExpress and I read that you've been playing better than expected.

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• Blackjack said June 08, 2007

  Hi Greg,
  I'm as excited as anyone about the idea of you coming to play in Portland, and it's not just about your ability to play basketball. We really appreciate atheletes with charecter and by all accounts I've heard or read you're a classy guy. Portland is a really cool place that you'll discover when you get here (fingers crossed).

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• TayTheTraveler said June 08, 2007

  Hey Greg, The Blazers are in need of a person such as you, and welcome to the NBA. It's the best fit for you. A franchise that is willing to build and accomodate your assets. By the way, you DO know who our owner is right? HaHa. Do me a favor and buy something other than an Escalade!

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• Jburnnepo said June 10, 2007

  Northeast Portland is overwhelmed by Oden coming here. Joining B. R(rookie)O(of)Y(year and Aldridge...possibly a Steve Blake???? Yal in trouble now.....bring back Blazer mania mang!!!

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• JNEPO10 said June 10, 2007

  Northeast Portland is overwhelmed by Oden coming here. Joining B. R(rookie)O(of)Y(year and Aldridge...possibly a Steve Blake???? Yal in trouble now.....bring back Blazer mania mang!!!

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• fr0arenas said June 12, 2007

  i heard about your blog on PTI and how everybody is feeling it sooooo much! well, i too just wanna hop on too! lol! Anyway, much success to you at the next level bruh-man. i still wish you had stayed one more year at OSU so that way them CAROLINA BOYS can beat them with you there! lol. again good luck and god bless!

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• stuisit said June 13, 2007

  Hey, GO.
  I think it's amazing to read the first person perspective of a young man entering THE LIFE. Congrats to you on everything, and PLEASE, don't stop telling us readers how it goes from your perspective.
  -Stu

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• bucknut said June 15, 2007

  Nobody expected Portland or Seattle to be number 1 and 2. I hate to see you go the West Coast, but i think that with all the experience and talent they have it will only help you in your game development. You will learn the game from a different point of view from the western conf. You will see things that you didnt know could happen on the basketball court. Have fun and best wishes

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• DRAFTODEN said June 16, 2007

  yeah you will see different things in the western confernce, like real basketball! the eastern confernce sucks. Its like the JV team.

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• RIPCITY said June 22, 2007

  Less than a week to go. I am so glad Portland got the 1st pick this year. I have been a Blazer fan since 1989. We had guys like Clyde Drexler, No Mercy Kersey, Porter, Buck, Duck, Cliff Robinson Drazen, those were the days. In the mid 90's they broke up the main core of the Blazers and there were a few hard years to follow. Not to say they didn't try. We had some hard working players like Gerry Trent or as me and my friends like to call him Baby Barkley. We had guys like Rod strickland, Sabonis, and a few years later we got guys like Damon Stoudamire and Sheed. At this point the Blazers were good but They still needed more. Here is where it got crazy we got guys like Brian Grant, Pippen, Steve Smith, throw in Greg Anthony and a young Bonzi Wells. Oh yeah we had Jermain O'Neal also but I don't like to talk about that. Blazers had alot of great talent but they lacked the great team play and trust that the team in the early 90's showed. Then it all started to change, in a draft where the Blazers had the Odds on fav. to win the 1st pick they get 4th. What did the Blazers do? they made Lemons into Lemonade. With the 4th pick and a few trades, well 6 to be exact they came out with LaMarcus, Brandon, and Rodregez. WOW! This years draft is Just the Icing on the cake, the cherry on the sunday, or maybe the star on the X-Mass tree. You are the star my man. I look forward to seeing you in Portland for the next 15-18 years. And Just remember, Portland is more than just clowds in the sky or the rain that falls from them. Dominate!

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• Moserious said June 24, 2007

  Greg, I have bought season tickets to Ohio State B-ball since I was 16 years old. This past season was by far the most exciting ever. I will never forget the things you guys accomplished. I started taking my little girl with me to games this year and she was a huge "Greg O" fan. She was sad to hear you are leaving, but I explained to her that you will still be playing and that we can watch you on TV. Maybe when you come to Cleveland we will come watch you play. I really want to wish you the best in your career and whatever team you end up playing for will be our new favorite team. We are going to get you jersey ASAP and she cannot wait for you to be on TV. Lastly, you are a Buckeye for life and we all wish you well!!

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• insanehandelz said June 25, 2007

  I didn't like Portland before but now i am going to start lovin them because Big G is goin there.
  Congrats Greg!
  PS it's awsome that you have a blog. When i heard about it on PTI i thought that same awsome that you could talk directly to the the Big G

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• IONKA_PDX said June 29, 2007

  RIP CITY!!!!!!!!!!! IM FROM PORTLAND, BORN AND RAISED! ITS BEEN A LONG TIME COMING AND WE NEED A REVIVAL! I CANT WAIT TO GET TO THE PARTY TOMORROW IN DOWNTOWN PORTLAND- ITS GONNA BE WILD!!!!!!!!

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• bennycutts said June 29, 2007

  Welcome to Portland Greg!!! I've been waiting to say that for over a month!! Man, you are gonna love it here bro! Portland may not be big time like NY or LA but it looks nice, feels nice, and we're way cooler than any of those other nasty places!!! ;) Lets win some titles now Greg!!!

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• spadock said July 26, 2007

  Dear Greg:
  My name is Sonny Padock and I am from Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.
  I was in Oregon in l977 when the Blazers won the championship. The Blazers had not won a championship since then. The Blazers is always my team. I cheered for them every time I watched them play. I think you guys will have a good team this year.
  My two sons love basketball. They wish someday someone from NBA will come and do a basketball clinic on our island. If you have a chance to come this way toward Guam , pay us a visit. We are located on the island of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. We are located south of the Marshall islands and near Guam.
  Thank you and have a nice day.
  Sonny Padock
  P.O. Box 758
  Kolonia, Pohnpei, FM 96941

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• iqbsrob said September 13, 2007

  Greg,
  Sorry about the rough start in the NBA but like life things happen and there is never a good time for an unfortunate event. There is always a positive side to any downside. In your case you can take this opportunity to optimize your body by providing it the nutrition it needs to help prevent these types of injuries. As you recover I hope you seize the opportunity to work with your doctors, nutritional experts, and naturalist to become stronger and more valuable to your organization. I work with lots of young athlete's diet and strength training to help prevent injury. We use a holistic approach to keep our athletes performing at an optimal level. This is just a bump in the road, move forward by coming back stronger than ever. Fuel your body with the right diet and you'll thank yourself as well have a very long NBA career.
  Robert
  www.stayinformed.info

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