C.J. Leslie Diary: Painful Losses & Animal Planet
Words. C.J. Leslie
Word of God Academy (Raleigh, N.C.) star forward C.J. Leslie is the #10-rated prospect in the HSH Top 50. Previously committed to N.C. State, Leslie recently re-opened his recruiting and has opted to wait until the spring to decide on a college. That alone makes his one of the most intriguing stories in the 2010 senior class, and Leslie also happens to be one of its most exciting players.
C.J. has agreed to give HSH exclusive access and chronicle his thoughts in this bi-monthly diary where he’ll talk about everything from his season with Word of God to the recruiting process as he inches closer and closer to a decision.
*** *** ***
What’s up! What’s up! It’s your boy C.J. and this is my second diary entry.
The biggest thing that’s been going on with me lately is my season. We just played in the Glaxo Tournament after Christmas and we lost in the championship game to United Faith (N.C.). This is our second time losing to them this year, so it’s a little frustrating. The good thing is that we can possibly meet up with them again in the state tournament. I think we can beat them, but we’ve just got to play better defense. We’ve got to learn how to slow down their guards. We’re definitely getting better, though, and I know we’ll be ready if we meet them again.
Other than that, I’ve been watching a lot of college games. The most exciting one that I actually went to recently was the N.C. State/Florida game. That was real crazy and really loud. I think the N.C. State fans thought that they had the game in the bag (I did too!), but they missed a free throw and Florida got the rebound and hit a three-quarter court shot… It just went the wrong way for State, but that shot was crazy!
I didn’t get a chance to talk to the State coaches after the game, but I talked to the Florida coaches. Then I talked to (N.C. State) Coach Sidney Lowe a couple of days after the game. It was kind of weird being at a game between two of the schools on my list. I wanted to talk with both coaches after the game and it was hard to do that. I haven’t really gone to any other games, but that was a good one.
Our team is going to Kentucky to play on Friday, and then I’m going to go to the Kentucky/Georgia game on Saturday. I’m really looking forward to going there. I talked to my boy John Wall (Word of God, 2009) and he’s going to come to our game on Friday, so that should be fun.
Another big game we’ve got coming up is against Quality Education and Quincy Miller. We’re gonna play them at N.C. State, so that will be cool.
My list of schools is pretty long: Kentucky, N.C. State, Florida, Oregon, Maryland, Georgia Tech, Georgetown, Connecticut … I may have left off a few. I plan on cutting my list down soon, though. At this point, no one’s really standing out right now; they’re pretty much all on the same level.
I know that recruits say that all the time, but it’s true. I’m being extra careful to KNOW for sure what school I want to go to. No pressure, though.
That’s what people don’t understand about this process… It’s fun to me! I don’t allow it to stress me out. It’s only stressful if you let it be stressful. I’m having a good time with it and with my season.
But it’s not all about basketball with me. I still have to hit the books and all that, but I like to watch a lot of TV. One of my favorite things to watch is Animal Planet. That channel just has some of the coolest things to watch. I like that show “I’m Alive” when the people get attacked by animals and live to tell about it. I saw one the other night about this man who was in the woods and he and his son got attacked by some bears. Crazy! Other than that, I really like to watch “Extreme Makover: Home Edition” because they give houses to families that really need them. I love stuff like that because I really like to help people who are less fortunate. I’m big on that.
I’m always looking for new shows to watch, so you guys let me know what you’ve got. I’m open. OK people, thanks for reading, and check back for my next diary. I’m outta here!
Run with THE PACK CJ, we love you man!
The Wolfpack loves you CJ. You and your boy Ryan Harrow will be legends at NC State
Much love from the Wolfpack. Roll with us CJ.
See you in Lex this fall!
Stay home CJ where your family and friends can see you play all the time.
With Scott Wood draining 3s, Zo Brown tearin it up, Ryan Harrow pulling his Hot Sauce moves, and you swating shots and catching oops from Ryan State will be back at the top of the ACC.
THE PACK loves CJ LESLIE!
[...] forwards in the nation — C.J. Leslie of Raleigh (N.C.) Word of God Academy — writes a diary for HighSchoolHoop.com and his latest entry includes a list of his suitors. Arizona, which tried to plant a seed with his [...]
Mabey he wants to play in the NCAA tourney every year an be on national tv every game,so its UK,ask John Wall where the fans are the best
Those NCAA tourney wins will be vacated in a few years, so why does it matter.
UMASS & MEMPHIS – Just ask those folks!
CJ, Ernie Kent might get fired if you don’t come up to Oregon…
good call – the ducks couldn’t wait to get rid of Ernie! CJ is takin’ his time like he should – whatever works for him is fine. It’s all just a game…
This is a hot behind the scenes look on Chicago’s top HS program Whitney Young!!
http://www.courtcred.com/2010/01/whitney-young-no-i-in-team-episode-1/
MARYLAND TERPS, CJ, DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!
Maryland would be the perfect fit for you man! we would love to have you!
You should go for the stunner and choose Charlotte, where you would be able to set a legend of your own while bringing the school to national prominence. Plus it is just under 3 hours away from the family in Raleigh, and the A10 is improving and it would make for an impressive resume.
It’s amazing CJ how some fans know your going to their school while the humble fans don’t look at you as another one of the many coming Through. There is a show I like a lot and it is called “When Animals Attack”. In recruiting they ought to call it “When fans Attack”. Hey man! I’m down on all the interested fans as they should be showing backing for their schools. Your friend Ryan seems to be a good friend because only a real friend will tell the media world that it is a decision that will be right for you. I know he knows and you know how bad you both want to play together next year and for a guy like that to think of your best interest first is a friend forever man! Yes, I”m a Wolfpack fan but, I’ll tell you straight up. If I had the God gifted talent you have I would want to go where I could build something at a place where once something stood, then to pass on through like just another the year before or the year after you. Yes, we want you! But the question is do you want us?
[...] C.J. has agreed to give HSH exclusive access and chronicle his thoughts in this bi-monthly diary where he’ll talk about everything from his season with Word of God to the recruiting process as he inches closer and closer to a decision. [...]