The End Of The Best Year Of My Life

It is the last week at The Ohio State University. It is finals week everybody is studying, trying to pass their classes. I am going to miss it so much, when September comes around next year I'll be in pre-season, and my peers will be meeting back up for another go around at this college thing. To be honest it is so much more than that. It's the place when you get fed up of being with your parents, you get to get away. It's not just the place where you recieve higher learning in school, it's where you become an adult . You get to see, do and learn things that you don't know about in high school. You meet new people everyday, people who may turn out to be life long friends. Even though I didn't live the normal college life most kids do, Ohio State is really more of a football school, which allowed me to be as normal as possible (that is until after the national championship). I will always be grateful to Columbus, OH and every Buckeye for that. I dont know when, but I will get my degree and be apart of this Buckeye Nation. I will work out with Coach Majors for the last time, have lunch with Coach Matta, and say goodbye to all my friends who are left in Columbus. I say all that's left because everyone else is ready to leave for summer but me. I'm wanting to stay for every last minute and enjoy this because you can't get it back. I'm about to be put in a man's world, letting go of that kid in me is hard.
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150 Comments On: "The End Of The Best Year Of My Life"

 
what up. I'm goin to OSU next year. I was disappointed that i wouldn't be able to see you, conley, and cook play but it's cool that you're going to be in the NBA!

Thanks man it will be the funniest years of your life goodliuck.

As a Portland resident and life-long Blazers fan, I am thrilled about our opportunity to see you in a Blazers uniform. Portland is a great city with great fanswho are longing for the days of Rip City to return once again. I hope to see you wearing a Blazers hat on draft day!
Ryan

Hey Greg!
I'm a Blazers fan and I'm pumped that you're gonna (probably) play for us. I've been watching you on Youtube, dang, you're the next Shaq. Hopefully you can develop a killer offensive game to backup your insane defense. With you, Roy, Aldridge and maybe Zach there are going to be enough rings for every finger on one of your hands.

Hey Greg, I grew up in Columbus (Worthington, specifically) and now live in Portland. And, it would appear, you will live in both places as well. I hope you do get a chance to get your degree, it's pretty awesome to know that you went through all the rigors of academic study (because, I gather, you're not into just taking basket weaving and bowling) and can say you have a Bachelor's degree. Just one thing, though, if you do graduate, would you mind not flying back to Columbus for graduation on the same day that Portland plays in game 7 of the conference finals? Vince Carter did that when he was with the Raptors and I think it sort of screwed up his game a little. Thanks!

Lol I dont know I would have to be in that position.

aghh Finals suck. I go to the other OSU (Oregon State) and i've got 4 finals next week. not fun :( But you playing as a blazer next year makes it all better!

goodluck wit your finals.

Hey Greg!
I'm a blazers fan. I just want to say that We'll love to have you here in Portland. There are thousand fans waiting for you.

I hope you'll hit me with a comment.

Enjoy it while it's there in front of you. Soak up every sight, smell, touch, and emotion. You can't ever go back, except for your memories. Don't EVER regret the path you take. Take it and make the most of it no matter what you do.

Stand with integrity and you will never be alone. You are about to embark on a career 1 out of 1,000,000 or more people can only day dream of while playing in the driveway.

Be you and enjoy it all for the rest of us.

I will def. do that, thanks for the advice.

HI greg well I hope you like your new team this fall im sure you will miss collage but will have lots of fun in the nba wellcome big guy have fun and finsh school greg oden .

Didn't you post your last entry at 2 or 3 AM there!? I see what you were saying about appreciating the occasional time away from parents! I can remember my last year of college (in your case, for now), it's a bit disorienting. I suspect you've got a more promising career ahead of you than I did coming out of college, though. Looking forward to watching you hoop at the next level, good luck!

Yeah I'm a late night guy, especially when im at OSU, but thank you.

Don't worry about the rain in Portland; it actually rains more in New York than in Oregon, and Portland actually has very mild weather. The winters have snow rarely, but every place you've lived is like Alaska compared to Portland. It'll stay in the 40's and 50's during the winter, and the springs and summers are the best in the nation. No humidity, 70's and up, VERY little rain, perfect.
I've been all over the world, and Portland ranks up there with New York, San Francisco, London, Paris, Prague, anywhere. The city is only 2 million people or so, but it's a very cool and friendly town with great neighborhoods and one of the best downtowns in the nation. I know you'll be very busy with basketball, but in your down time you'll see how much Portland has to offer.
You won't have to worry about Seattle's weather, because Portland will take you #1. If you're at all nervous about moving to a town you probably never thought of before (let alone planned to live in), just take note of all the former NBA players not from Portland who eventually settled down there, and the fact that the Portland Trailblazers hold the record for longest consecutive sell-out streak in ALL of sports... over 18 years straight of selling out the games, I believe. Portland has the best fans in basketball, and the city is a exciting, supportive community. You, Brandon Roy, and the rest of the young Blazers will own this town for years after you're done playing.
Plus the billionaire Paul Allen owns the Blazers; Portland doesn't have the same problem with money that other small market teams do. Whatever ya want, Paul Allen will give ya. You want your own tiny Central American country? DONE. You want your own spaceship? He's already built one. If you want a teleporter like in Star Trek to avoid traffic when heading to games, just ask Mr. Allen to design one. If he hasn't built it already, it's probably in development.
The Blazers were already on the way up before they got the #1 pick; you're joining a young, exciting team that is perfectly suited for your game. All of you will be able to grow and improve together, reaching your full potentialities. It really is perfect; it couldn't be a better fit. But don't just take my word for it, you'll see when ya get here...
Everyone really enjoys the blog, and I wish you the best of luck with everything. Sorry to blab on and on, but it's not every day you get to talk directly to one of the best basketball players in the world.

Funny to hear about you wrapping up your college year...sounds kind of familiar as I am a sophomore at the University of Oregon, also a Portland native. It's hard for me to believe I'm a year older than you, damn. Here's hoping the Blazers draft you, I'm really excited for next season. Hopefully one day you'll look back and say this was "the best year of my life, so far," because I hope you have many incredible exciting years in the
NBA. Speaking of which, have you met many NBA players? What are your impressions so far of the ones you've met

Hi Greg,

I know it's a bittersweet week for you. Yes, you're heading toward "a man's world", but you don't have to be any different than you are right now in that world. Be smart. Be charming. Be funny. Be Silly. Pull pranks on your friends. Just be you in a different place just like you did when you left Indianapolis last summer for Columbus.

As far your education goes, you can keep on taking classes once you get here in Portland. There's like 6 major colleges and universities in town. Take classes at as big a campus or as small a campus as you like. All your basic prereqs will transfer back to OSU so you can still get your degree from OSU. The NBA has real experts that can tell you all about how all that can be done once you get to the rookie orientations.

And you don't have to let go of the kid in you. I mean, I know you've seen the Shaq shoephone routine. Let him run around with the little kids that will be looking up to you. Let him stand in awe when you look at the Oregon coastline. Let him write awful lyrics full of terrible puns for songs LaMarcus has clunked out on his keyboard. Let him brag to Martell Webster that you can do a better Elmo impression than he can. The kid in you will have to prepare this one, though. Martell does an awful good Elmo.

By the way... keep writing. I don't necessarily mean keep blogging here. Please do keep blogging here. But keep writing somewhere. You've got talent. Start a diary on your laptop. Keep a journal around you. Keep writing. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar just published a book on the Harlem Renaissance that got great reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. That was the fifth or sixth book he's published.

Congratulations on your year. There are great things in store for you. Looking forward to your arrival in our part of the world, and welcome!
-A Blazers Fan from Portland

Greg, I would like to thank you for your honest blogs. It is very refreshing to actually read the emotions that you put into them. As far as your feelings about college, yes it was a great time. Eventhough you had a short stay, the memories will never go away. College was wonderful, but just think about the opportunity that you have in Portland (and yes they will select you). I have to preference this by saying that I am a Knicks fan living in a Pistons nation. It would have been 1985 all over again if not for some questionable management manuevers and a little luck. Sour grapes aside, Portland will be a great location for you. They have Brandon Roy, last years Rookie of the Year, playing the 2. They have a great young big in LaMarcus Aldridge (who will move between the 4 and 5 when you arrive). They have beast on the block in Zack Randolph. The PG position is manned by Jarret Jack and he is contributing 12ppg and 5 assists. With a little manuevering, they could pick up a veteran to play the three and the rest will be history. With you patrolling the middle, the Spurs, Suns, Mavs, Nuggets, Lakers, Warriors, Jazz, and Rockets (all last year's playoff teams from the West) will be looking up at the Blazers. Yes college was great, but believe me, the Pros will be even better as long as you keep that grounded mentality which I know you will. Good luck to you and I will root for you in the worst way (except when you play the Knicks and the Pistons). I like your game, but I am a true fan...I will never leave my teams. Maybe next years finals will be the Blazers and Knicks...hears to hope!

Greg:
I wish that there could have been a second year at Ohio State. But I understand your decision to go pro. I'm sure that you'll have a great career in the NBA.
Having said that, I hope that you will complete your degree at OSU. You'll never regret it and who knows what great accomplishments you'll compile beyond pro basketball?
Best wishes and God bless!
Mark Daniels

Welcome to PDX, Greg!

Have fun winning a few Championships with BRoy, LaMarcus, and the gang!
GO BLAZERS!
COME ON JUNE 28TH!!
I CAN'T WAIT!!!

VikJonathan

Good luck in everything you do, Greg. The sky's the limit.
Shane

Thanks

I'm approaching what may be my final year in college at PSU in Portland (unless I get into grad school). It can be depressing to think about--especially when you're entrenched in extra-curricular activities, whether it's sports, student government or student publishing.

It's good to see that you intend to finish college. So many NBA stars and potential stars just skip finishing school, with no thoughts about what happens if their career ends prematurely. It definitely shows maturity on your part. Kudos.

Hey Greg! This community is so jazzed about your coming to Portland. From all that I have read over the last few days you will be a Blazer. Don't worry. You will be welcomed with open arms. We here in Portland are longing to go back to those glory days of Blazermania. Blazermania was about a basketball team that we could be proud of. When you're the only pro game in town it's sort of your identity as a city. Well, that's how it is here in P-town. That same feeling is starting to come back and you're a huge part of why that feeling is once again beginning to emerge. You will have some awesome young talent and great guys to play with and build for years to come. In my humble opinion, I think it's a great opportunity for you, but it's an incredible blessing for us to watch you play night in and night out. We appreciate your humble attitude and down to earth personality. Don't change a thing. Be you! We love it. See ya in Portland.

Greg,
Thanks for the season and the trip to Atlanta. We may never see two freshman dominate college basketball like the two of you did this season and as a season ticket holder and lifelong fan I'll always remember the run to the

Greg, continue to be a kid for a while. The good news is you are coming to a team that has other younger players like yourself, with strong work ethics. You are also coming to a community that will embrace you. You will be part of a team with ROY,Aldridge, etc, so there is no expectation that you alone will be the savior of the franchise. Just do what you do, play solid D, and learn from coach Nate.

1. What are you going to do with your first ten million dollars (and don't say buy the Cleveland Cavaliers)?
2. Can I sleep over for next year's Olympic Trials (they're in Eugene)?
3. Is the NBA mentally prepared for Mark Titus's future predraft combine results?

1. idk
2. hecks no Keller
3. i dont think so

You completely missed the Super Troopers reference in #1...I forgot you fell asleep when we tried watching it at Mark's.

Greg,
Lifelong PDX resident here. Just wanted to tell you that the buzz your name has created in this town is off the radar. The thrill of getting the #1 pick in the draft has reverberated over this city like nothing I can remember since the Blazers were in the finals in the early 90's. We feel truly blessed.... welcome to Rose City.

I heard the boogie man checks under his bed for mark titus before he goes to sleep at night!

Greg, Thanks for your new post,you will be ok leaving school.You will be so busy in the NBA to think about it.Your smart to go back later and get your degree. Can't wait to see you in town !!! GO BLAZERS !!!

Greg: The one year you gave us here in Columbus was something I will never forget. I guess the saying...

Hi Greg,
Don't worry about the rain out here. Portland gets about 43 inches per year compared to 40 inches in Columbus and 41 in Indianapolis. The difference is most rain falls in the winter and spring in small amounts (thunderstorms are rare), but the summers are fantastic and dry. Plus, you will be on the road 40% of the time in the winter and spring. Looking forward to seeing you play with LA and Broy!!!

Hey Greg, I'm going to speak as if Portland is drafting you because chances are very good they will be and I don't want to say "hopefully" 500 times. I'm another Portlander and Blazer fan here to welcome you to your new 'home', I think you'll find there are thousands just like me and us, I think you'll find your stay here pretty comfortable, hopefully enough that you *will* want to call it home. As others have noted, the rain isn't a big deal in the summer. In fact I'd put our summers up against anyone's. We're not a huge city but we're a friendly and dynamic city. The beach, the desert, lakes, rivers, mountains, forests, anything you want is just a short drive away. The downtown area and several other areas around the city are growing and transforming (for the better imo). It's an exciting time to live here. We're just really excited to have you Greg, the team is primed for contention, the city is ready to root for them again, and we're all ready to turn the page on that dark era we just endured. See you at the home opener!

Hey G-O:
I've been a Blazers fan for many years! I can't tell you how much excitement there is in this city with the probability of us taking you! I think you would appreciate the people of Portland and how fanatical they are of their Blazers. I think your low keyed persona blends in well with this city. I hope you will be donning a Blazers fat on draft night! Best of luck in your NBA career!
JP

Greg,
Ya you're stepping into a man's world. One where they play harder hit harder and do what they can to intimidate you because they know you may be sensitive in your youth however you have a gift that will help you carry your boyhood into manhood; your sense of hummer and playful nature. Through it you will never lose what you have right now at OSU. You will never have to let go of the kid in you. If you get to go to the Blazers and Martel is still around ask him about losing his childhood. I didn't see him smile once this year and it really affected his game maybe you can help find what he lost and develop the life long relationship that you get to experience there in college.

Let's go Bobcats

Greg,
Hold out and go to Philly! It would be wise for you to do this. Ladies love the centers in Philly. By the way what size shoes do you wear?
P.S. Seriously go to Philly

Greg, just enjoy being a kid. Time flies, and the older you get, the faster it goes.

Great blog Greg. I have a blog, not a good one. One thing I do is type it out in Microsoft Office to catch any error that it can, then paste it into my blog. It catches a lot of typos and spelling mistakes for me.

'TomInHawaii' (above) truly breaking ground in the blogging world

i hope this next year in portland is an even better one for you!
i'm sure we'll draft you and I cannot wait to see you play.
my relatives own the best seats in the rose garden so i'll get to see you play nice and up close.

Mr. Oden,
This is an extremely cool idea! I think it will be very inspirational to everyone. The way you've documented your growth and experience is model for many people (not just those bound for professional sports).
I hope this blog stays up unitl I have kids old. I think it will help them better understand growing up and dealing with high-stress challenges.
Thanks for providing your insight.

Good luck to you and all the other draft prospects out there. I see a guy like Paul Millsap or Daniel Gibson, both who left school early only to be picked in the second round, and know that guys can make the most out of wherever they get picked, even if it is late. Good luck to you all!

can't believe i'm writing this but... here it goes.
i can relate, only being a year out of school i still remember how hard it was leaving. but just remember, you're leaving the university to continue doing what you love. you may be entering a man's world, but you'll still be playing the same game you have been since you were a child. and remember, as welcoming as ohio state may have been, i guarantee you the city of portland and your teammates will be even more welcoming.
just don't say this is the best year of your life yet. when you're riding down broadway with the 2009 NBA championship ring on your finger while your friends are still taking midterms, i think it'll feel pretty good.
best of luck to you

If you find yourself in the beautiful Northwest, there are some things you might want to know.
1) Portland was voted the "Most Livable City" in People magazine a few years ago (saw that on Jay Leno)
2) There are 22 states in which it rains more, on average, than it does in Oregon.
3) Crime rates are low - always a plus.
3) Within a 2 hour drive, you could go to the beach, go snowboarding, go rafting, see concerts, go boating, and do an unlimited amount of other recreational activities within 20 minutes.
4) You won't be under the ridiculous scrutiny that you would be under if you were located in the Northeast, SoCal, or another major media market.
5) I could go on, but you get the idea.


Greg! If you think Portland is a small market team, you're right. If you think it's a boring city, you're wrong. Although you may be a little young for some of the nightlife, that doesn't mean there isn't anything to do. Walk down Broadway and stop in every shop and buy the most worthless stuff in the world. Go to the Zoo, watch the Penguins and the Monkeys, they are the best. Drive out to the coast (Most call it the beach, but in Oregon, it's the coast) and eat at Mo's, screw around in Canon Beach and Astoria, then drive back. Eat a good steak at Ringside. Check out Niketown (You might even get a discount!) on your way to the suburbs. Your new practice facility is in Tualatin. It's a fun area. Drive over to West Linn and pick out a house. Check out a Portland Beavers game. Go to the mountain. Then make your way to Bend and go whitewater rafting. Check out Sunriver. Maybe get a boat and screw around in the Prinevile Reservoir. Drive back. Or you could take a plane. Come to Eugene and check out the University of Oregon, stay clear of Corvallis. And come back to Portland.