Hungarian Trial Month Experience: Another day in this business...

Greetings my people just a quick update on my latest venture.  Basically I came out here on a trial period to Hungary and we won 4 games (1 preseason) since I've been here and lost 2 versus the top teams in 3 weeks of play. Obviously I cannot take the credit of all of the work that the team put in collectively but to say the team won zero preseason games out of at least 5 before myself and the other import arrived in replacing the other imported players. (Also not to mention after personally averaging decent numbers in playing through a turned ankle suffered during the game at close to 10points, 5assists & 4rebounds per game none the less) it would be simply downplaying the momentum happening around here for a club that is hopefully a playoff competitor if the season continues at this pace. It is a 25 game season and the top 8 teams make it in. Last year this team finished in 11th place and had a 8-18 record.  With all the facts out of the way how it happened over night was basically as I was in talks an negotiating other countries that were hesitant to send a solid deal.  I saw this as an opportunity to work and get in shape so I just took the chance without any information of the club or even speaking to anyone directly I just accepted the job because I was dying to play ball as usual. I was called here and arrived within 3 days from the initial contact directly from the Hungarian agent from them following my online presence and knew I was still on the market and said a certain team was looking for my position and interested in me coming out on a trial period.  Before I forget I must say thank you to all of my supporters for given me such a forum to showcase my talents because a lot of guys aren't so lucky.  So all in all this was an inciting opportunity that I had to take, at least it was a chance to come out to play ball and get into game shape.  
"In being a veteran, I fully understand the rules in this business and when I turned my ankle in game 2 and decided to rest it after re-aggravation during a practice scrimmage the day before the final regular season game 5. I was aware that it would not be a very favorably received decision to those that pay your salary (ie: management) as an athlete our duty is simply to perform. If you can't do it to there estimated standard then what is the purpose of having you imported here and paying you extra if you aren't an asset to the team at that time? I get that is the mindset in this business as any to cut cost but I really had to protect myself from a possible further injury without proper rest and rehab (offered pain killers and cortizone shots I declined it's not that serious of a situation). Playing hurt only makes it worse and in the end of the day my body is my business so I must protect my interest as the club must protect theirs. It's all about the Strictly Business decisions in this Indstry at the professional ranks, So it's never any hard feelings involved. This is a Man's Game."


So at this point it is simply time to rest my body and make decision because this is a constant moving business at times.  What I've learned is that you just have to stay in shape and ready to do your job. Thanks for reading and following my progress.  I was blessed for the opportunity and proud of the work I did to help this team get off to a good start.  It was cool visiting Hungary on this trial period and the relationships I forged.

"At the end of the day it was a chance that I had to take being that I was at home training and waiting on other jobs to open. This was also a way to train and get into game shape."

My final closing statement to the people of Hungary, Europe is:

Dear fans,
Tonight I had a sit down with management and we came to a mutual agreement that this tenure has come to a close chapter. For various interests reasons from both sides of the table but primarily for the team it will free up salary cap money so they don't have to scramble for sponsorship and likewise it's beneficial for me because I need a week or two to rehab my right ankle which is not possible in certain places like here that absolutely need the imports to play amazingly throughout any situation. I was personally prepared for this result after my choice in sitting out last match due to turning my ankle the day before our last game. With all that business interests aside, I just want to show appreciation to the whole organization for allowing me to come out and experience this months worth of 2 a day trainings and playing in 5 games to get me in great form. As a professional in this business I understand that my body is my first priority and when I return home it's first trip to my Doctor and Chiropractor specialists so I can get a formal analysis of what really is going on for now because I cannot risk having a small injury turn into something bigger due to improper treatment. It's just a waste of time and time equates potential earning time. At the end of the day both sides agreed that I was a professional and that is what is ultimately respected in this game, evident by them paying for my tenure here and from there we are all squared away. I did all of the things that was asked of me everyday with a good attitude, so that's the most important thing to do beyond of whatever happens on the playing arena. People already know how I can play from my body of work throughout my whole career. The key is being a positive asset to an organization in any situation is what I've learned in my many years of experience in this profession. A ankle turn is healed in week of rest and 1 week of proper rehab so I will be back in no time hopefully with such a common occurrence.

The night after getting hit in my ankle during the game 2. I finished my game out like a soldier though.

Ultimately I wish this city and organization of Szeged basketball a successful season and to the guys on the team especially a new friendship formed with fellow American import Anthony Gurley a great opportunity to have a big year to help boost your career. People need not worry about me personally because I will bounce back as usual.
 At the end of the day I'm a professional hard worker but the writing was on the wall at the moment that this situation was not the best fit due to the various factors from both ends. I have only positive things to say about this club because they were good natured people with great families and good relationships are bigger than business at times. I have some decisions to make about my options on the table. Mainly if I will pursue job opportunities I'm being contacted about now in other places directly from here or go to America first. I honestly really want my time to go home, make new plans and regroup because that is the key is having a map of your career path. I understand that In this business is a "Marathon and not a Sprint" so being a veteran professional my mindset is obviously I'm always open for business because this is what I do play basketball. My final statement to the good people here in Hungary is,

"May God bless you all and your families with health, wealth and success."


Sincerely Yours,
John Gilchrist

After a Long Off Season it's welcome back to European Grind

Hello people I am writing you after a 6hr long road trip road game that we lost in the last minute of play so I am a little rattled mentally.  I am just giving you an update of how I have been for the people who follow these posts.  I had a friend of mine as well as fellow athletes tell me that it is interesting to hear my experiences because most people in this profession aren't so honest about the stories of playing sports abroad.
Well our record currently is 2 wins- 1 loss. I am playing for a Hungarian Division1 team (Szedeak) the 3rd largest city and I have been here about 3 weeks now. I got here 4 days before the season started due to the poor play of the previous imports. I heard they did not win a preseason game so they needed a change. We won our last one the day after I arrived so that was a good start. We have luckily started out good with two good solid home wins and almost pulled out another last night due to bad luck.  I have been on a learning curb since I've been here in everything from the teams, players, style of play but most importantly these damn REFEREES.
(Oh my goodness they're bad)
 Each of the games I have gotten banged up due to my style of play. I like to drive to the basket but they do not call many fouls when you receive contact. When this happens you fall and when you fall you break the fall with your body that's when you get banged up. I hurt my wrist one game and fell on my back the same game and in the first game turned my ankle in the 2nd quarter which sucks.
 It is hard to imagine the type of pressure you play under when you have to play healthy or injured it doesn't matter. This is how you feed your family and it's possible that if your team does not win you may not receive your paychecks. Hmm Talk about pressure
Well we had three games in a span of 10 days and that was a good learning curb but at the same time it s hard to manage everything that comes along with this job.  In my free time I play my XBox, watch Netflix (my fav shows now are Louis C.K, South park, and other comedies that cheer me up being so far away from home to feel relaxed)

We have a good team, a bunch of young talent so that is my main job is to be professional. That's a weird role for me to be one of the elder guys on a team at 27 years old. 6years professionally has flown by in how many experiences I have through the places and games I've played in. The coach and the management has been great in welcoming me here and I have been doing my best to repay them in good play and professionalism because I have learned its almost as important as on the court is how you handle your business off the court.  That is the key as you go along learn how to make your mark and be a leader at the same time all the while win and keep your nose clean.
 I am very thankful for this opportunity to play sports for a job as in this economy. It may not be as big a club as I've been on but it can be much worse so I'm satisfied.
I just wrote this very quickly just to let everyone that follows my career that I am doing fine and trying my best to find my footing in this country.  This is my bit of advice for this time. Thanks for your time in reading this post and until next time peace and love.

Truly Yours,
John

Off Season? What is that...

Hello mates :-)

Photo Shoot at University of Maryland

I know its been a while since the last time you may have read a post from me. Unfortunately for the fans in my old city Prishtina, Kosovo we lost in the final game 5 of the Championship at home. I am a firm believer in that every experience is something learned. A quick update fast forwarded I have been just working hard to execute my plan to get seen during this off season.  I took a trip to Italy to participate in the Imola Summer League which was packed with coaches and basketball people alike in that country which is a respected league in Europe so that was a very important move to make. I came home and took a week and half off and went on the road again to perform for Australian coaches personally. If you are familiar with my story that was the place that I fell 2 years ago so they were very familiar with me and really wanted to see me moving again. Thankfully I played well in both camps even though it was an of season tournament but anyone that understands this business knows it is the most important tie to make an impact on scouts or whoever is looking for a player. I have been so busy during the weeks getting all my ducks in  a row in the few weeks I've been home. I had took a few trips with my daughter to NYC, Washington DC, & Philadelphia so that was beneficial for showing my 8 year old daughter  bit of culture because she loves that types of things (museums and monuments alike) I had my wisdom teeth pulled which had me down for the last two weeks, Participated in a new league called the Ball for the DC team, picked up a quick bag and reunited with my old teammates James Gist and DJ Strawberry which was a blast. Shout out to those guys. I love seeing my guys being successful in life. Congrats to my old roommate Nik Canner-Medley for signing with Maccabi TelAviv (Israel) that is huge for European basketball standards.
I'm personally continuing to play and get myself ready to impress in this upcoming season and waiting for the right fit team to play for because at the end of the day its all about making strategic moves and marketing besides the games. It's millions of players so what do you think you can make yourself relevant? that's the puzzle you must put together how to get on. That's the jewlz I share with the youth that consonantly ask me I say to stay in shape because the game is always searching for Bigger, Faster, Stronger, Players physically, Marketability and definitely "high character" non-trouble making people to fit into and organization.

Family Vacay to Statue of Liberty NYC

PS Congrats to my guy Kyle Oquin for getting drafted by the Orlando Magic and Kent Bazemore for getting picked up by the Golden State Warriors.  They are the home boys so I wish them the very best. Anyone who knows me personally can vouch that I have not a single hating bone in my body because I believe if one makes it we all do and each one teach one. So as one of the basketball ambassadors of my area and the love & support I've received coming up I must do the same and help uplift guys doing positive things. Life is too beautiful for any room for negative energy.

I am really just saying these things off the top of my head so forgive me if I forget something. If you follow me on Twitter I usually keep you guys informed at https://twitter.com/jgovereasy
or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/johngilchristhoops but that is the most times that I write online when I am by the internet. I love you guys so I try to keep you informed and thanks again for all of the feedback it is very much appreciated.
Until next time God is Good & Love is Love. Back to the Grind...
Peace
John