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While he spends the next few days in New York City for the 2014 Jordan Brand Classic at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Myles Turner, the only remaining uncommitted prospect partaking in the All-American game, will share his daily experiences with SLAMonline. Check in over the next three days to read up on his preparation leading up to Friday night’s highly anticipated game and on what it’s like behind-the-scenes to be part of this prestigious game. As many of you may know, the seven-footer is a late-bloomer who blew up last summer after some impressive outings in multiple grassroots showcases throughout the country, basically going from being unranked a year ago to a five-star recruit and top-10 prospect today. Aside from the speculation surrounding his looming college decision (whose college list includes Kentucky, Duke, Kansas, Texas, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, SMU and Arizona), an ankle injury he suffered last week while playing at the Nike Hoop Summit has made his JBC game-status questionable, and thus he’ll keep us up-to-date on his injury progress. For more info on the game, including how to buy tickets, rosters, and alumni, visit the game’s official website JordanBrandClassic.com.
As told to Franklyn Calle, Photos by Jeff Harris
I woke up [yesterday] morning at around 7:30 and went downstairs from breakfast, and then we had a life skills seminar. We had some guys come in from the NBA and they spoke to us about making the right decisions moving forward in life. From there we went to practice. That went nice and smooth. After practice we headed down to Terminal 23. They unveiled the new Jordan XX9. It was a press announcement so that was pretty cool. We got to actually see how these events are done. And Michael Jordan was there so that was pretty cool to see him and just be in his presence.
I think the XX9 are alright. There wasn’t anything that wowed me about them but they were okay.
From there we went to a Flight 23 store. We got to check out the process from the retail side. We got to see all the sneakers from Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and Chris Paul. We also got to meet some of the fashion designers.
From there we went back to the hotel. We were in traffic for about an hour and a half. New York traffic is crazy, you know. Once we got to the hotel, we were going to take a nap but then we had to go rate some of the sneakers that are about to drop next month that no one really knows about. They’re looking for some direction and suggestions when it comes to stuff like that. So we had to rate them and see what we do like and don’t like about them. From there we went upstairs to get ready for the banquet. Took about fifteen minutes and then came back downstairs. We had the nice jacket, the polo, the shoes and then we got stuck in traffic again for about an hour. I’m telling you, the traffic here is ridiculous. At the banquet, we got our awards and we saw this guy who was doing his thing with the violin. I forgot his name. I think is Ellis. But he’s actually signed with Jordan. He’s like one of the first musicians to sign with Jordan. And then we listened to the Vice-President of Jordan. He gave us a very motivational speech. We got our flags and also took pictures with the president and vice-president of Jordan. Unfortunately, Michael Jordan wasn’t there. Probably had some stuff to take care of.
I would say my favorite part of the day was going to the unveiling of the media of the XX9s. That was pretty fun.
As for Friday’s game, it’s still a game-time decision with my ankle. I’m still trying to feel it out. I’m not going to push it though. Hopefully I’ll be able to play but if not, oh well. I’m icing it and just waiting it out.
Whether I play or not, to be part of the whole thing, to go to Barlcays Center, and to just be part of that live atmosphere in Brooklyn and watch Macklemore perform is going to be fun.
I can’t wait!
