NBA Players United

The Baller's Life: T.J. Ford

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Get to know your favorite basketball stars at The Baller's Life:

T.J. FORD
INDIANA PACERS

The Baller's Life: James Jones

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Get to know your favorite basketball stars at The Baller's Life:

JAMES JONES, MIAMI HEAT

The Baller's Life: Sebastian Telfair

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Sebastian Telfair, Minnesota Timberwolves

The Baller's Life: Chris Paul

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Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets

The Baller's Life: Luke Walton

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Luke Walton, Los Angeles Lakers

Five Questions With Adonal Foyle

1. As First Vice President of the NBPA, what is your role with the Union? Why is it important for other players to get involved?

My first and primary role is to take on the functions in the absence of the President and to assist the Executive Director and Committee in articulating the NBPA’s vision and disseminating relevant information to the rest of the players. On a day-to-day basis, we deal with a host of issues ranging from player grievances to the formulation of a strategy for the upcoming collective bargaining agreement. In addition, I take an active part in other committees formed to flush out the aforementioned issues.

The NBPA is an organized body created expressly to advocate for players’ rights. This translates into helping players maximize their opportunities on the court by allowing them to earn the maximum amount possible to ensure financial stability. It also carries over to issues beyond the court – especially around that of retirement – by creating a pension, helping with the transition from playing to life after basketball, and providing an opportunity for medical insurance after retirement. It is critical that players get involved with the Union, as it gives them a platform to voice their interests and shape the direction of the Union’s mission.

2. What are some of the accomplishments you are most proud of that the NBPA has achieved during your tenure on the NBPA Executive Committee?
During my tenure, I’ve had the honor to be involved in a range of accomplishments which I am very proud of including coming to a decision under the current collective bargaining agreement; creating the medical reimbursement account, which allows for players to use current earnings to assist their families with medical expenses now and in the future; developing of a post-career medical insurance opportunity; initiating the continuing education program for active players, such as media training opportunities; and the establishment of a home for the NBPA in Harlem, NY.

3. Why is it important to you to stay connected with NBA fans? How are you doing so?
NBA fans are the lifeblood of the league. We are extraordinarily blessed to have such dedicated fans, both here in the United States and around the world. I’ve made some great relationships with people who are committed fans and admire how they really put their heart into the game. When you think about the cost of tickets and people’s willingness to buy tickets and keep buying tickets to attend our games, I feel extremely lucky.

I recognized the potential of using the Internet as a way to stay connected with NBA fans, and so I created my personal Web site, www.adonalfoyle.com, in 2000. Through my Web site, I’m able to offer constant communication with fans, from answering their letters to sharing my personal opinions and experiences directly without being diluted by third or fourth parties. Today with the enormous growth of social networking, it makes it even easier to connect with the fans via Facebook, Twitter, etc. and let them know what’s going on and provide opportunities for them to interact with me. And I’m happy to see so many players taking advantage of these avenues of communication as well. In addition, I’ve always been happy to be a part of my team’s community outreach programs.

4. As an avid poet, what is your inspiration for writing poetry? Who is your favorite poet and why?
When it comes to poetry, I draw a lot from my personal experience, both good and bad. I think a person’s background and experiences usually provide rich subject matter…the more personal, the better. I find that poetry makes the best medium for me as it allows a window into your soul and allows you to articulate your feelings, sometimes even without being aware or constrained by perfect grammar.

Some of my favorite poets are Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Derek Walcott (Caribbean) and, of course, Shakespeare’s sonnets (I feel that everyone should read them)! I think these poets represent the best spectrum of available poetry. Derek represents the Caribbean rhythm and mystical qualities; Maya is able to capture the mood and feelings of the African-American experience; Hughes is the protector of the African-American legacy and tradition – he wrote in a time of great turmoil and is often the lens through which we look to connect; and Shakespeare catches the essence of love. He is the “mushy” Don Juan Demarco of old.

5. Talk about the Kerosene Lamp Foundation. What is it all about and how are you impacting Caribbean youth?
I feel one of the responsibilities of a professional athlete is to positively transform the community into which he/she was born. Thus the Caribbean, and especially St. Vincent & the Grenadines, has a very special place in my heart because I am from there and know the dire needs of the youth there and the negative pressures they need to overcome every day. As an NBA player, my goal is to try to give back in a way that will speak to youth on a broader level and give them the tools necessary to take on the world and find their true calling. I want to equip them with skills to help them make a conscious decision to say no to teenage pregnancy, drugs, hopelessness and illiteracy. Kerosene Lamp Foundation (KLF) was born out of this notion.

KLF’s mission is to empower youth to grow into healthy and well-educated adults. The name "Kerosene Lamp" refers to the type of lighting I used to study with on an island without electricity, and symbolizes my vision to brighten the futures of today's youth and guide them down the proper path. KLF uses basketball as a bridge to the next generation, promoting education (literacy in particular) and health awareness through athletics & academics youth camps, art & essay competitions, incentive programs for academic achievement and the building/refurbishment of basketball courts. To date, we have touched the lives of over 1,200 children. KLF is a registered non-profit organization and you can learn more at www.kerosenelampfoundation.org.

To learn more about Adonal, visit AdonalFoyle.com!
 

The Baller's Life: Devean George

The Baller's Life: Trevor Ariza

Ever wonder what the life of an NBA Player is like? Get to know your favorite basketball stars at A Baller's Life.

Trevor Ariza, Houston Rockets

Five Questions With Mike James

1. What prompted you to write “Fight For Your Dreams?”
I think my story is exciting. If it weren’t my life, I knew I still would have wanted to read it. I feel it will inspire youth in today’s society, especially the kids who don’t have any outlets and there only option is the streets. My book is about embracing your dreams, even if that’s all you have to hold on to.

At the age of 34, I’ve written my first book, and I know my story has never been told. Everybody has their opinion of who Mike James is, and you’ll understand who I am and why by the end. This book is an interesting ride.

2. Why the decision to write your memoirs now, as opposed to after completing your NBA playing career?
I’m from Amityville in Long Island, NY, probably one of the last neighborhoods that you would want to be in. I made it out of nothing. I saw everything and witnessed it in my hometown for the first time. I saw the million-dollar drug deals, saw how crack affected people’s homes, the murders. My hometown is infested with all of that, but it prepared me for everything. That’s why I loving going back, and I thank God for being as hard as it was.

In my neighborhood, kids don’t want be to like Kobe, MJ or AI…they say, ‘I want to be like Mike James.’ The time is now for these kids to start believing in their dreams. My book is a blueprint for kids to get out of these ghettos with little or nothing. I did not want to wait to share my message. If one person can get something from it, then the time is now. I want to do so many things for my hometown…the kids there are struggling.

I read AC Green’s book, and his life intrigued me. Being able to live a life of celibacy on a team where they were a dynasty…what a strong and powerful man. I read Billy Graham’s book, he also intrigues me. If there is anyone on Earth I’d like to talk to, it’s Billy Graham and Joel Osteen.

3. You have taken a very active role in a number of the NBA cities in which you have played ball. Why is it important to you to leave your mark in each of these communities?
I am me. Wherever I go, people enjoy my company. I talk to security guards, cooks, receptionists, etc. They embrace me, and people need help everywhere. I don’t try to wear too many hats, but I enjoy children, I majored in children’s psychology. If we don’t invest in our children, who will? They are our future. They are the generation coming up right behind us. This generation is like watching an AND1 Mixtape Tour. If we don’t invest time in them, it will only get worse. If we don’t start teaching, then this world is really going to destroy itself. I have to leave my mark everywhere…I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t.

4. You have recently hosted the Mike James Annual Celebrity Golf Outing and Mike James Day. What kind of impact have you witnessed as a result of these community events?
Oh my goodness, these events give the kids something to look forward to. I remember one time I went home to Amityville, and I always had a fence separating my house from the park. There were about 10 kids playing pick-up ball. I hopped the fence to go play with them and the kids could not believe it. To these kids, I’m a star. I’m not trying to be the league star, but I’m the neighborhood star…and I love it.

5. Talk about the Mike James Scholarship Fund…
I give scholarships to underprivileged and at-risk kids. I love the development of kids, helping them believe in their dreams. You have to continue to instill the right messages – there’s more to life than a sport. It’s about getting an education, going to school so you can make the money and have a successful life. The scholarships help them to reach their potential and achieve their dreams. We’ve given about 20 scholarships out all over the country…gave some in Houston, Milwaukee, New York…And I’m going to keep doing it.

ABOUT MIKE JAMES
Point guard Mike James is a native of Amityville, New York. Finding solace on the basketball courts as a kid, he was a standout on the Amityville High School squad, before attending Duquesne University on a basketball scholarship. Finishing ranked third all-time in steals (201), James was named to the Atlantic 10 Conference 1st team in his senior year. However, he was not drafted and went overseas to play, where he enjoyed stellar seasons with both the French and Austrian teams. He began his NBA career when he was signed as a free agent with the Miami Heat in 2001. Since, he has played for Boston, Detroit, Milwaukee, Houston and Toronto. As the starting point guard for the Raptors during the 2005–06 season, he averaged career highs of 20.3 points and is the first undrafted player in the history of the NBA to average at least 20 points a game in a season. He and his wife, Angela, have four daughters, Jadon, Amaya, Michal and McKinly. James is very active in the community, especially through the Mike James Foundation, which provides scholarships to underprivileged children. Visit his Web site, MikeJames7.com, to learn more about him.

Five Questions with Etan Thomas

The NBA veteran reveals all about his favorite interests and experiences on and off the court.  Don't forget to check out exciting information about him and all your other favorite NBA Players at NBPA.com