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Monica Magnificent McGee

Former University of Dayton Flyer, Mickey Perry – “Making it Happen On and Off the Court”

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What embodies a well-rounded basketball player? Is it their dashing moves on the basketball court? Their ability to read the defense and create plays on the offense? Or could it be what they do off the court and in the classroom that makes all the difference in the intense game of life?

Mickey Perry, The former University of Dayton [UD, Flyers] basketball player, is a great example of what hard work on and off the court can bring if one applies themselves.

Perry was recently picked up by the Quebec Kebs, a professional Canadian team in the National Basketball League. The news comes just one year after Perry successfully completed his undergraduate degree in Marketing from the University of Dayton.

However impressive, Perry’s scholastic and basketball superstardom did not come easy by any stretch of the imagination.

Perry came from the hard streets of Maywood, IL, just outside of Chicago, where he grew up with his two younger siblings, mother and stepfather; however, he chose not to become a statistic and fall victim to the street life.

Perry’s road to the pros began at Proviso East, a high school that has produced NBA greats such as Boston Celtics Head Coach, Doc Rivers [played for Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, and San Antonio Spurs] and Michael Finley of the Dallas Mavericks [also played for Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, and Boston Celtics].

During Perry’s sophomore year at Proviso East he played alongside Shannon Brown, two-time NBA champion of the Los Angeles Lakers.

As one could envision, Perry had large basketball shoes to fill hailing from such an accomplished high school; however, Mickey never detoured from his dreams of obtaining a higher education and an opportunity to pursue a professional basketball career.

Perry was afforded an opportunity to attend college right out of high school, which was a dream come true for him and his mother. Perry said, “My mother always said if you pray and work hard enough, there is nothing you can’t achieve.”

Perry attended the University of Wisconsin [Badgers] in 2005-2007, which is a Big Ten conference school. During Mickey’s 2007 basketball season as a Badger, Wisconsin was ranked #2 in the nation.

Although Wisconsin was having an outstanding 2007 season, Perry saw little action on the hardwood. Perry played only half a season of basketball his sophomore year and red shirted during his freshman year.

Mickey left the Badgers to better his basketball opportunities and transferred to the University of Dayton, where he played the point and shooting guard position.

In 2010, during Perry’s senior year at the University of Dayton, the Flyers were able to clinch the National Invitation Tournament [NIT] championship game over the North Carolina Tar Heels, finishing out their season with a 25-12 record.

Even though that was Dayton’s first NIT title in more than 40 years, Perry said his biggest victory in 2010 came a few weeks later when he received his degree from his Alma Mater. Monica Magnificent McGee“I’m a student-athlete, not an athletic student. There is a difference,” he said.

Right after college, Perry played professional minor league basketball for the Dayton Air Strikers in the Premiere Basketball League [PBL] during the 2010 season. In Mickey’s brief time with the Strikers, he was able to become the 7th overall scorer in the league and made the All PBL 2nd Team.

Mickey mentioned that even if he had not had opportunity to advance in the professional realm of basketball that he would use his education to build a solid career in and around sports.

Perry said, “You have to have an A, B and sometimes even a C plan if things don’t exactly work out with the pro’s. If the pro’s don’t work out for me, I know I will definitely do something in the basketball arena like coach or teach at some level between high school and college. All I know is I am working hard for each and every opportunity I’ve received and if for some reason I don’t make it, I know I gave it my best shot. I am fortunate I have my education to fall back on.”

Perry’s first season with the Kebs starts in early October and in the meanwhile he is giving back through mentoring young athletes and substitute teaching in his old neighborhood in Maywood, IL.

Perry concluded by stating, “Skills and training camps will prepare you for the game of basketball, but being armed with your education will prepare you for the game of life. Take advantage of your educational opportunities to better your life and your chances of being successful on and off the court. “

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Micheal “SUGAR” Ray Richardson- The Bitter and The Sweet

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Micheal Ray Richardson was known for many things. He was known for his quick-witted tongue, his killer defense, his controversial ban from the NBA and his incessant drug use.

No matter what you remember of Richardson’s stead in the NBA, you can’t deny he was and still is a champion, the king of comeback and arguably one of the best to ever play at his position.

Micheal was given the nickname “Sugar” for his sweet moves on the court. He was a four time NBA All Star — twice with the New York Knicks and two times with the New Jersey Nets — and made All Defensive First Team twice. His ability to burn a hole in the net with his wicked jump shot was second to none.

Micheal played in the NBA from 1978-1988 along with other legendary players such as Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Larry Byrd, Michael Jordan and Artis Gilmore.

When critics squawked at what was considered Richardson’s unruly behavior, he simply responded with putting up undeniable stats averaging 16 points, seven assists, and five rebounds per game.  To the naked eye it may have seemed as if he was winning the battle with his impeccable talent, but he was no match for the war on drugs that the late 1970s and early 1980s brought to the community and the professional game of sports.

In spite of Richardson’s plausible career in the pros, Richards found himself caught up in the fast life and quickly spinning out of control. He began to habitually do drugs and as a result, his addiction caused him to be banned from the NBA permanently after failing three consecutive drug screenings.

For most, being banned from professional basketball, having a controversial personal brand, and a lingering drug addiction, would have destroyed more than just a career in the pros, but possibly even life itself; however, Richardson showed resiliency throughout his personal trials and battles with drugs and got his life back on track.

Richardson would eventually end up quitting drugs in 1988, had a successful 13 year career overseas after his 10 year stint in the NBA, clinching 3 championships while in Italy and another in South France, obtained a job working for the NBA in London, and would become the Community Ambassador for the Denver Nuggets in 2001 teaching children about the negative effects of drugs.

Richardson coaches a minor league basketball team called the Lawton Fort Sill Cavalry in Lawton, Oklahoma, which he led to three championships in the Premiere Basketball League and was a strong contender to clinch a fourth during the 2011 basketball post season play.

He contributes his success as a coach to his passion for the game and being able to communicate with his players.

Richardson stated, “It’s not always about the X’s and O’s, but having the players believe in me as a coach and having effective communication with my players on and off the court.”

Richardson attributes his ability to redirect the once grim forecast on his life to Jesus Christ, personal mentors, his strong belief in himself and his don’t quit mentality.

Richardson stated, “Lots of people have problems and they don’t see a way out so they quit. The difference with me was I did not give up. When you have an addiction you have to change the people, places and things that surround you to achieve the change you want to have in your life. I did just that. I believe leaving the league [NBA] and playing basketball overseas not only saved my career, but my life.”

Micheal continued by stating, “A major eye opener for me at the time was the passing of the number one draft pick, Len Bias of Landover, MD who passed away from a drug overdose. That made me further realize that I had a second chance at life and I needed to make a change.”

Richardson is a father of two, which one of his children is studying at Virginia Tech and will be a doctor in the upcoming year. Richardson also holds basketball camps nationwide teaching children basketball and life skills while empowering them to have greater self-esteem.

Richardson closed the interview by stating, “I share my story because some people want to get out [war on drugs] but cant. I’m  not talking about stuff I read in a book, but actual stuff that has happened to me. When you are doing it [drugs] you can’t tell its affecting you, but it is. I made an example of myself and I got caught. In life you have to be responsible for your own actions.”

Micheal “Sugar” Ray Richardson is not only the king of controversy, comeback, and a man of character, but a living testament that in life, you have to sometimes take the bitter with the sweet.

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“Road to the Pro’s- From the Locker Room to the Main Stage.”

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The Journey: The journey to become a professional athlete is not necessarily a straight and narrow one. Few are called and even fewer are chosen. The road less traveled is often the key to success in this game. Hard work, strong ethics, character, and charisma on the court combine for an explosive combination to rise above the competition.

The Triumphs: Test and trials in life are designed to make us stronger. We must be iron like, unable to be penetrated, standing firm and able to hold up against intense heat and pressure. Even setbacks can be the predecessor of major comebacks. One must remain as tough as steel and remember what brings us closest to our breaking point is what will be the motivation to see us through the eye of a troubling storm.

Passion: Passion is what pushes us through the hard times, reminds you of the great times, keeps you focused on making the most of your time and allows you to remain optimistic that the best times are yet to come. Passion oozes from the very guts of a champion; their potential is actualized through the blood sweat and tears it took to make it to the “Main Stage.”

For a champion, making it to the “Main Stage” is never enough. A true victor pushes past expectancy to clinch a championship title, hence making it official that all their hopes, dreams, goals, and affirmations have materialized in spite of the mayhem it took to arrive at that very moment.

The Article series, “Road to the Pro’s- From the Locker Room to the Main Stage,” is a collection of stories from pro athletes, coaches, scouts, pro hopefuls and others surrounded by the game of professional basketball, who will share stories that unveil the good, bad, ugly and the indifferent sides of what it takes to succeed on the professional level. Some of the individuals featured in the Road to the Pro’s series are Micheal Ray Richardson, former NBA New York Knick and New Jersey Net, Mickey Perry, former University of Dayton Flyer and pro hopeful, Sid Sharma, Bio Mechanical Engineer and Personal Trainer to Advanced Athletes as well as more surprise guest to come.

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Silverbacks Saturday at Hara Arena

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The Dayton Silverbacks were off to a banging start with wide receiver Melvin Bryant scoring within the opening minutes of the game for an early 7-0 lead; however, the Indianapolis Enforcers came charging back in an attempt to even the score as both teams put up points early in the first quarter.

In spite of the Enforcers attempts to rally back, it was clear the first half belonged to the Silverbacks. Even after receiving two consecutive penalties that would cost the Silverbacks 30 yards, they were able to tack on six more points off a fumble recovery as Defensive Back Neimiah Simons galloped through the goal line.

The Silverbacks led at the half 39-6

Silverbacks started the second half strong, scoring an early safety by Defensive Lineman, Shawn Stewart. Wide Receiver Marque Jones scored the first touchdown of the half to extend the Silverbacks slaughter 47-6.

Running Back, Ronald Russell, rushed for 39 yards and scored two touchdowns, which was the total number of yards the Silverbacks held the Enforcers to for the evening.

The Enforcers proved to be no match for the Dayton Silverbacks, as they finished with a final score of 75-6.

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The “Golden Child” Gets the Golden Ticket: Idol Dreams Becoming a Reality

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Could you imagine in your wildest dreams that every singing lesson you took, choir you sang in, musical you performed in, and talent show you placed in could lead up to one of the biggest moments of your life? For one local young man, his wildest dreams may be becoming a reality.

Michael Anthony Disney's Hollywood American Idol Experience Winner

Hoping to follow in the footsteps of past American Idol greats such as Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Ruben Studdard, and Jordin Sparks, is a 15-year- old Dayton prodigy Michael Anthony of Miami Valley High School.  Michael has earned himself the Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ American Idol Experience Golden Ticket that could make the ambitious teen’s vocalist dreams come true.

Michael, who is also involved in theatre and choir at his high school, began expressing his talent as an infant, when he would hum Barney tunes in front of the television. At the tender age of 8 months, Michael’s mother, Miracle Monette Troutman, knew her son had something special from the very beginning, hence the name “Golden Child.”

Miracle said, “Not even in my wildest dreams, would I have been able to imagine that my son could be an audition away, from possibly becoming the next American Idol. No matter what happens, I am so proud of him. Michael receiving the Golden Ticket was a huge accomplishment in itself.”

Michael was able to win over the judges with his R&B, Pop and Acoustic musical sound, at the American Idol Experience audition in Florida; which landed him a Golden Ticket to audition for any upcoming season of the American Idol. Michael’s mature polished sound and remarkable vocal range is what will make him a contender for a top spot on Idol.

A major incentive for Michael winning the American Idol Golden Ticket is he gets front of the line access for an audition, which will guarantee him the opportunity to sing his heart out in front of the star studded American Idol judges.

Michael jokingly stated, “I hope my audition does not end up in the blooper section!”

Michael plans on auditioning this summer for his chance at stardom and would like to audition closer to home [i.e. Chicago] for the 2012 season of American Idol.

Michael added, “There was a man from last season [2010] that had the same golden ticket as I have and he made it to the top five. This is very encouraging to me and I can’t wait to give it my all.”

Michael is motivated and believes his chances at making it to Hollywood are great.

In order for the “Golden Child” to receive the American Idol Experience Golden Ticket, he had to beat out the competition at Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ in Orlando, Florida. Michael was then voted by an audience of his peers and onlookers as the winner by interactive key pad for the chance to sing his heart out for all of America.

Michael Canada may still be a kid, but the competition was not based on his age; rather, his talent and ability to wow the judges and prove that he deserved to go on to the next round.  Michael stated, “I competed against people in their forties and was not even old enough to cash in my American Idol Golden Ticket at the time, you have to be at least fifteen to go on the show. Going up against adults and stiff competition was intimidating, but I gave it my best. I am so happy I won.”

Michael’s own personal idols are Sidney Poitier, Michael Jackson, Will Smith and his mentor Quentin Darrington [Broadway Musical Actor].

Canada is not only a singing sensation but also a scholar, obtaining a 3.8 Grade Point Average in his Honors courses at the Miami Valley School and attributes his scholastic success to super supportive mother.

Michael quoted, “Momma don’t play that!” referring to Miracle’s stern, but loving approach when it comes to his scholastic success.

Miracle stated, “The money put towards Michael’s education is well worth it, because he is such a good smart kid.”

, Mitchelle and Christian [Brothers]”]Michael is much like any other 15-year-old who likes to hang out with friends and participate in extracurricular activities at his school. When Michael is not somewhere performing or developing his musical talents, he enjoys being a big brother to his two younger siblings 11 year old Mitchell Canada, who plays quarterback for Trotwood Madison Middle School and five year old Christian Troutman, who loves playing video games.  Michael also enjoys reading, acting and spending quiet time alone when he is able to.

Michael quoted, “I am a pretty easy going guy. I like to just chill by myself at home and read.”

Michael and his mother Miracle both had strong closing statements to share with the public. Miracle stated, “Don’t give up on your kids, be active in their lives. Your children can be your destiny. What I was not able to become, I know my sons would be.”

Michael added, “Don’t underestimate yourself. Stay humble and just go for it [your dreams].”