Austin Toros forward Michael Joiner is a four-year D-League veteran and in his second season with the Toros. He has agreed to write an “On the Road” series for Toros Nation and this is his first post from Utah. The Toros are set to take on the Utah Flash tonight at 8:00 p.m. CST. In his first post, he writes about spending Valentine’s Day on the road, introduces some of the newer players on the roster and talks about how the rookies spend their off time.
By Michael Joiner
Happy Valentine’s Day to all the Lovers in the world! It’s February 14, 2011 and my team and I are on the road out in Utah. It seems like every time that this holiday comes around I am on the road playing basketball. Life of a baller, right? I know the ladies that are in our lives really have to sacrifice a lot just to be in our lives and stick around because Valentine’s day is the day for the ladies.
Well, we are on a one game winning streak as of now. We had a good home win against our rivals, Rio Grande Vipers, last Saturday at the Cedar Park Arena. Our team has changed a lot this season. Some of the fans that have been around may notice some different faces. So let me take this opportunity to introduce you to them: We have Leo Lyons, Moses (I’m not going to even try to attempt to spell his last name..lol), and James Anderson (from the Spurs). These guys have been great additions to our team so far. This road trip will start with Utah and end with us playing a new rival in the state of Texas, the Texas Legends. Should be a fun road trip. I say this because it gives a chance to see how far we have come and grown as a team.
At this point in the season, rookies aren’t rookies anymore. So that crutch has been pulled out from under them and I see everyone on the team as one. Off the court, you can find each guy pretty much doing what they normally do, which is chill and get ready for a game or practice. For example, you can find Kevin Palmer and Cousins watching movies all the time. Those guys know every line in every movie. Just ask them. Squeaky is always working on his show (Squeak TV) and trying to get new footage. I am always working on things outside of the game, which can be music or poetry. You have to have an outlet in this game. Well, everyone has to have an outlet in life, and that goes for those that do not play any sports.
Game time is at 7, so like many on my team, I am about to lay it down. Lights out, maybe, or I may be like KP and Cousins and watch a movie..hmmm. Later! (Black & Silver, Black & Silver, Black & Silver, Black & Silver.)
If you have any questions for Michael or would like to comment on his posts, feel free to comment below or email ontheroad@projectspurs.com and we’ll be sure to get your questions/comments to him. Follow Michael on twitter @mjborn2win.
