May 7, 2010
Posted by Justin Dentmon
LIfe Away from home
What up what up!! Guess I will take a little time this morning to tell you about how life has been for me since coming to Israel and playing my professional basketball here. This is my first year playing professional basketball here in Afula. When I first got offered the job here, I wasn’t sure that i wanted to come and live here for an extensive amount of time because I was nervous about the political issues going here and bombings, and i didn’t want to come over the water alone. My agent hat told me a story about one of his players playing and the crowd got a little to hype and someone threw a little bomb on the court and blew off the refs hand, and that was the impression that stuck in my mind when I thought about Israel or anywhere of seas. I would always wonder how the other Americans could stay here and play with all of these issues going on around them and not have fear or be a little worried. So when i got offered my job at Afula, i tried to look up everything i could about this place but due to my lack of computer skills i couldn’t find anything on this place. So i took i a pond myself to look up the American players that i would be playing with, and man they look old and washed up hahah. But once i met them in person it was different they were old but they acted as if they were my age, and they also still had game. My family in needing money was the reason why i decided to come to Israel, or else i would have been in the D league for a year. Since I’ve been here i have gotten pilled over like three times, not pulled over like the stated but flagged down haha with a flush light .They also gave me a breath test to see if i was drinking a driving. I thought it was crazy at the moment. I see a lot cats just laying around and eating out of the trash. The driving over here is bad, way worst then in Seattle. Everything in Israel cost way more than in the states. I thought that i was goanna come over and save money or even bring back Jordan’s for everyone but noooooooooo that isn’t the case everything is high. when it’s all said and done Israel is a lovely place It is nice to say that I have been to the holy country where everything started. It is nothing like the impressions you get from watching the news, but they do have bombs going off and solders walking around with guns, to me that is crazy!
How would I describe the Israeli basketball league? I would describe it as a ‘League for Guards’ because most of the teams play up-tempo and like to run and shoot. Maccabi Tel-Aviv is the dominant team of the league just for the simple fact that everyone of their players from one through twelve could start and play for any team in the league. Some teams are able to stay in the game for a short while but then depth on their team just starts to take its toll on you. Each team usually has between three to five American players on their team but there is a ‘Russian Law’ to where two Israeli players have to be on the court all the time. This prevents teams from just having five foreigners out there on the court together and playing majority of the time. Most of the teams only play one game a week so it’s not really strenuous on your body and on Friday you practice in the morning and don’t practice again until Saturday night because of ‘Shabot.’ This is equivalent to The Sabbath for Christians and the Jewish Community doesn’t believe in working during this time. That is basically like having another day off to refresh for the game on Sunday and then you are usually off on Monday’s. So when you look at it, you really only practicing 4 days a week and its good because your body isn’t getting torn down. Another good thing about this league is that all the teams are relatively close to each other and you can play a game and be back home the same day.
Off the court,In Afula there isn’t that much to do here, well if I think about it there isn’t nothing to do here. Most players go to Haifa to go to the movies or the beach. Tel-Aviv is the American city out here almost everyone speaks English there and they have the nicest beach I’ve seen. The weather is nice all year round and it is super hot in the summer. It’s not too far from the Sahara Desert so you can only imagine what the heat is when it is the peak of summer. The food is ok, you have a lot of American chains here as well such as KFC, McDonalds, Burger King, Sbrarro, and a few other places. The social life away from the job is cool, you have nice clubs and bars you can attend and there are dozens and dozens of malls all around the Tel Aviv area. You can go on a trip and tour so many religious site from The Bible, or you can sit on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea. I didn’t know that much about the Jewish community before playing here, but now that I have actually lived in the same country and experienced their living, I’ve learn so much more about them that I didn’t know. To anyone that has never played here before, I would definitely not recommend you come over here unless it’s for a vacation or u know that the team your on has no money problems. The reason why I say that is because I am going through something I only heard stories about, and that is playing for a team that isn’t paying on time. That is the worst feeling when u know that u have family at home that needs help. One thing I do know is that if a player don’t feel good he won’t play good. And thank God I manage to play well through this touch time. Mentally I got stronger as the season went on. I learned a lot from being over here and I won’t forget what has happened and hopeful it makes me stronger on my road to the Nba.
Other than that I sit in the house and play the game or get on Skype, face book, espn and thinking about thinking about momma. With all this time on my hands all I do is think. The other day I was thinking about fear. I was thinking that my only fear is me not being succseful, that would hurt me the most. I spent all my life preparing to be a succseful blackman out of Carbondale IL. If you think about it not many have done it in sports. Troy Hudson did it and people think that he suppost to take care of everyone, don’t work that way. That isn’t it, he made so that his family would have a better life. I was told that that God is first and family is second and third is yourself. Most people got caught up on he didn’t take care of everyone and missed the big picture he made it out of Carbondale as BLACKMAN!! I hare it already “your acting like troy’ or “if u make it I hope u don’t be like troy” I ask myself HOW, when I was having bad seasons at Washington where everyone go. Isaiah said it best “people ask don’t forget about us when u make it, and he said will u forget about me if I don’t.” If I think about it players who didn’t make people for get about them no matter how hard it is they do. Just know I will NEVER forget where I came from, I rep Carbondale until I die.
I’m goanna end this with a little bit of advice to all the young player and Seniors with dreams of playing in the Nba or pro ball period. Don’t take money over situation. Reason why, Say you get offered 100,000 and end up in a bad situation and your team isn’t winning. If that team fails you fail. No matter how u see it, it will go on your resume. Then where will your career go next! If you’re lucky you get offered the same amount of money and on a little bit better team, but if u take 90,000 in a good situation it looks better and you get better opportunities to better your career and you money doubles and maybe triples’. So think about it..
Until next time Holla!!!!
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29 Comments
May 7, 2010
Love the update, Justin. I heard you were tearing it up… Leading scorer for your team. Keep blogging. We want to hear more. Thanks.
May 7, 2010
Cuz u brought tears to my eyes…I am so proud of u and love u to death. I know ur prolly not worried bout being over their but I am. I just want u to go hard…so u can come home. Justin u are strong…prolly stronger than any of us will ever be. I am thankful to have a cuzn and role model like u in my life. I love you!!!! By the way ur page is great for just gettn startd. Plz stay in contact with me, and like I said…PLAY HARD TO COME HOME….NBA….NOT HARD TO GO HOME.. LOVE U, IN MY PRAYERS
May 7, 2010
i love u too cuz ..and im coming back next week. u know i always go hard
May 7, 2010
yea im leading scorer for the whole league..i will keep and update on how thinks are going
May 7, 2010
i had just read your story .very touching .its great that you are getting to come home .many people here in seattle miss you and can’t wait for more blogs .
please keep in touch with us followers … we love you !!
May 7, 2010
Keep your head up, JD! Just play ball and work hard to fulfill your potential, dude. You’re still playin’ ball and that’s always a good thing as long as you’re able to do it. Good luck out there! Would love to see you make a visit back to Hec Ed if you have time.
May 7, 2010
Hello, JD aye I got my 3point shoot on point. First of all there are nobody beaches better than Miami,lol. Thats great you had a good experince over there it sounds intresting besdues nothing to do. I also feel you on playing on a team that pays you less but you are winning and having fun doing what you love rather than taking a higher paying salary not winning and fustrated all the time. I shall be overseas soon and live that overseas life myself I can not wait. But I love your update it is great and I beleive it will open alot of athletes eyes who are trying to play ball on any other level. I am your biggest fan.
Thanks,Miami!
May 7, 2010
Justin, thank you for beinng so open about your feelings and what you are going through. I am very proud of you and don’t worry about what others think…when all is said and done you only have one JUDGE. Enjoy your experience and take the good with the bad because all of it will help to mold you into what GOD needs you to be and what HE needs for you to do.
Keep balling and don’t worry about things you have no control over.
Sonja
May 7, 2010
Man bra I Respect that real talk, Life is about understanding and you made me understand a lot of stuff by reading how you really feel about stuff keep going hard bra…luv
May 7, 2010
Thats whats up fam. Glad to hear ya doin good over there. Israel is ALWAYS on the news.. im like man i wonder if JD cool, the Palestinians dont play lol. But im definitely happy to hear your still pushing foward and learning a lot about the Holy Land. I’ma keep u in my prayers fam! Keep goin hard!!
May 7, 2010
Great stuff JD. Keep on doing it. Are you coming back to Seattle to run a little open gym this summer. If so let me know when you are going to be in town. Best of luck.
May 7, 2010
Justin,
Wow! I am so proud of you and so impressed with your blog. Justin, I just want you to always remember, that by giving your best at whatever you do…you are a success. If you live by..God first, family second…then you are a success. Please know that if you never reach the NBA..that doesnt deem you a failure. I love that you aspire to be the best, and that is your goal in life, but I would be heartbroken to think that you would think less of yourself if you didnt make it there. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that your friends and family would NEVER think that of you. I will keep you in my prayers. I am so proud of you. So proud of the goals you have set for yourself. I also am in awe of you that you are in the HOLY land!! You get to see places that Jesus has been. Justin thats amazing. Soak it all up while you are there, thats like a once in a lifetime experience. I am so happy for you. Keep on keeping on. Remember, God has a purpose for your life. He loves you so much and he made you perfectly. Let me know if you need anything that I could help with. Keep blogging!!!
Mrs. Thomas
May 7, 2010
Hey Cuz,
I am PROUD of you too. We all know how hard it is to please everyone but you have to always remember that God has a PLAN for your life that people can’t change. I pray for your safety all the time and your Mom and siblings are very proud of you too. Continue being a role model and bring another successful story for someone out of “The Dale”…
I have skype now so I’ll have to hit you up on there since we can’t BBM anymore….LOVE YA and continue to make me PROUD!
Big Cuz!
Lita
May 7, 2010
What up JD… Stay strong you know you have people who always pray for you and care about your well being… Don’t worry about what people say have faith in God and take care of yourself and your family… Just like at UW when you had a bad game people would talk and when you hit game winners and carried the team the same people would talk… Just carry yourself the way God and Momma Dentmon would want you to and the hard work and dedication will pay off… I know first hand what kind of Man you are… You looked out for your boy when I needed it and you will be successful
May 7, 2010
Man i hope that you don’t go back over there, that place is scary. You spoke on 90k and 100k, you’d be better off playing in the D-League and taking that 30k-40k and let those NBA guys see your work. Hopefully you get a better situation next season. Good luck and thanks for blogging.
May 7, 2010
Justin, You definitely have your priorities right by putting God first. Since your steps are ordered by God, you will continue to walk in His will and have His Favor on your life. You are a true inspiration and model of how to work hard for what you want. Keep up the good work…you will get your blessing!
We are praying for you!!
Karla Branch Scott
May 7, 2010
First off, Congrats on making it out of C-Dale!!! I knew you would when I first saw you play!!! You deserve everything you have achieved!! You worked hard for it every day of your life! I watched for the most part!!! You are a very loyal person, Loyal to your family and loyal to your friends!!! You are truly blessed, and I have appreciated having you as a friend!!! Just remember, just because people don’t make it to all your games, or cant call you all the time, DOESN’T MEAN they are not thinking of you!! You are always on my mind and in my prayers!! Keep working hard and you will achieve every goal you set!!! Much Love Bro,
ANT
May 8, 2010
Hey Justin!
I’m a big Dawg fan and i remember you since you were a freshman and saw your growth to your senior year at the UW basketball team. You’ve come a long way, so keep persevering, keep the faith. God knows your desires and will continue to bless you to the point beyond your wildest dreams. You know Coach Romar’s experiences coming out of Compton and how he kept persevering even when he wasn’t considered one of the best basketball players. But he kept workin’ hard and persevering to reach his dreams. Look at him now! My prayers and positive thoughts go your way and i look forward to reading more about your experiences and your road of fulfilling your dreams. God Bless and have joy and peace in all you do and knowing that God is looking over you! Cheers! Mary
May 8, 2010
Justin…
We’ve been in each others lives for a long time. I have a lot of love and respect for you. I’m SO proud of you for accomplishing what you’ve accomplished so far. I’ve watched you grow up… just like you’ve watched me. You’ve become very wise, and mature, and I’m happy for you. I know God will continue to bless you and your family. I will always love you, no matter what.
Xo
Vanessa
May 9, 2010
I so PROUD of you. You keep your head
up. You are never a failure. Nô matter
where you play that is an accomplishment.
Most people would like to play Overseas
or D-league but can’t. Remember that. Your
in there just keep working hard it will happen.
Will Conroy played Overseas and Eldrige
in CBA before they got a shot in league. Both
U of W guards. You havé what it takes. Your a gréât
young man very humble. Very often that young
men step up to thé rôle as a provider. Your Mom should
is proud of you. Marvena Kemp
May 9, 2010
Aww, Justin! I’m so proud of you!! You’re already a “success” to the people that love you! I love that your blog is honest. Not only is it an outlet for you (which everyone needs especially when they’re away from their friends and loved ones), but by doing this, you become a liaison to the world for folks back home- and that is successful in itself. Fame and fortune are not what helps in the long run- that eventually expires (and as you have pointed out, there will always be critics of this). It is your ability to do exactly what you’re doing now (writing about your experiences) that inspires people- inspiration never dies or lets people down. Keep it up- and good luck with all you do!!
“…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Marianne Williamson
May 11, 2010
What up Justin keep up the work bro u holdin it down for southern illinois
May 12, 2010
HEY JD WE MISS U N LOVE U. KEEP DOIN UR THING OVA DER. IM SO PROUD OF U KEEP UR HEAD UP AND ALWAYS STRIVE FOR THE BEST. GOD BLESS U N WE WILL B PRAYING FOR U LOVE U BRO
May 12, 2010
Sounds like there’s ups and downs to being out there, but of course God always has a plan so stay focused on what’s important and you already know you’ll be on the road to success! Question: Does the coach talk in an Israeli language on the court? Do u have an interpreter? I always imagine on Love and Basketball when the coach is speaking spanish and she’s like what did he say? and the other girl was like he said give the ball to you. LOL btw! you’re experiencing my sabbath! (i’m seventh-day adventist tho, not jewish) haha love it!
May 12, 2010
Take a deep breath as another chapter rolls over. We are soo proud of you back home in Carbondale, you just don’t know. I believe that as young as you are, you made yourself quite popular worldwide kiddo! What ever step you take next, you have the support of many people. Share your talent, in whatever activity you choose with the public (young or old), or more importantly: with your family.
May 14, 2010
You will never be forgotten by the Husky faithful—wherever you end up, on the court or in your cubicle. I think it’s awesome you went overseas, perspective contributes to empathy which typically lends itself to compassion. So put that on your resumé and go shoot some hoops.
LA Husky!
May 14, 2010
Justin, great, great blog. Big fan of yours when you were a Dawg as well. I bleed purple and gold and miss you on the Huskies!
May 16, 2010
It’s great to hear you are doing well Justin, keep this up and your situation will find itself. Living overseas is a great experience, just focus on the positives and absorb as much as you can, it could be a once in a life time experience. I would say this though, try and clean up your spelling errors and grammar, you are a UW grad (like myself, 00′ and 02′), represent!
Have fun and kick ass in Israel.
May 29, 2010
Justin,Wow! I am so proud of you and so impressed with your blog. Justin, I just want you to always remember, that by giving your best at whatever you do…you are a success. If you live by..God first, family second…then you are a success. Please know that if you never reach the NBA..that doesnt deem you a failure. I love that you aspire to be the best, and that is your goal in life, but I would be heartbroken to think that you would think less of yourself if you didnt make it there. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that your friends and family would NEVER think that of you. I will keep you in my prayers. I am so proud of you. So proud of the goals you have set for yourself. I also am in awe of you that you are in the HOLY land!! You get to see places that Jesus has been. Justin thats amazing. Soak it all up while you are there, thats like a once in a lifetime experience. I am so happy for you. Keep on keeping on. Remember, God has a purpose for your life. He loves you so much and he made you perfectly. Let me know if you need anything that I could help with. Keep blogging!!!Mrs. Thomas
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