"Friends, How Many Of Us Have Them"

​It is hard making new friends as you move on in life. Especially, when you reach the apex of any job field. I struggled with that when I made it to the NBA and I continue to struggle with that now. Maybe struggle is too strong a word, because I do have friends. As I made the move to the NBA, I was taught not to trust too many people. I would hear about stories about people getting taken advantage of. Those stories have kept me on edge when dealing with new people in my life.
 I’ve been blessed with a circle of friends that I can call on at anytime. Many of those people knew me before basketball became my job. So today, I was able to visit one of those friends and it has put me in a great vibe. Jevohn Shepherd is in town for a basketball game against Besiktas tonight. He plays for Proximus Spirou Charleroi; which is a team from Belgium and they participate in the Champions League.
 When he told me about their game a month ago, I made it a priority to catch up with him. Our lives are hectic and I have not been able to see him in years. We attended the University of Michigan (2006-2008) and played on the team. We were able to catch up on basketball and most importantly, LIFE!!! Blessing to be able to see good people and talk any way you want to. He is definitely a real friend and I am grateful for him.

​“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.” 
Muhammad Ali