Ballin' in Rio: Pro Basketball Life with TJ Benson (10/03/10)

Hey everyone, what’s going on? The last time I spoke with you guys, my life had been a little chaotic. The past week has definitely allowed me to get settled in and get acclimated to life here in Rio. I’m definitely enjoying myself and although basketball takes up most of my time (6 hours a day); I’m still managing to have fun. I haven’t had the opportunity to get to the beach or see what the night life is like but I know I’ll have that opportunity in the coming months. In the basketball department, the past week of practice went extremely well for me. I felt like I played good and am getting comfortable with my team, coaches and system. The only issue at times is getting through two practices a day plus lifting and conditioning. Thank God I was working out consistently with my trainers Josh and Lara Clark at Fast Athlete as well as my man Kevin Augustine prior to Brazil or I’d have been in trouble

The food here in Brazil is pretty basic. Chicken, beef, rice, and black beans pretty much sums it up for me. Although, Sunday is probably the best day in regards to eating here. At the club, they go around and cut you off different kinds of meat such as sausage, pork, steak, chicken heart (my favorite), chicken and steak wrapped in bacon and much more. I wish Sunday wasn’t the only day for that but oh well. Anyways, when I’m trying to break up the monotony of the aforementioned meals, I’ll head to the pizza shop nearby called Panq’s House or Bob’s Burgers (basically McDonald’s). Also, I’m pretty sure I’ve drank more Coke in the past week than I have in the past year. For those of you that know me, I never drink soda. I truly don’t know what else to say about that. 

Anyways, our next game is this Wednesday the 29^th at Cabo Frio. It’s like a 2 and half hour bus drive from what I’ve heard. I’m definitely excited to get out there again but at 100% this time. My first game with the team, I’d say I played at about 50% because of all the travel and shit I’d gone through. In my down time, I haven’t done much aside from surfing the net, skyping and watching dvds. I can’t wait until we get our internet though because I’m tired of sitting in the hallway of our apartment, trying to steal a good signal from our neighbors. By the way, I recommend for those who haven’t seen it already to watch the HBO TV series, The Wire. I just finished Season 4 the other day and it’s arguably my favorite TV series to date. The show is amazing to say the least. To end my blog, I leave everyone with this question, I contemplating not cutting my hair for the next three months? Also, I have yet to shave and my roommate calls me Papa Noel aka Santa Clause. Anyways, I’m leaning towards not cutting it but thought I’d see what you guys think and feel free to post any other comments or questions you have. Until next time my friends. Lllllllate and Boi Noite (Goodnight).

TJ Benson a.k.a. The Americano