I don't think this has been posted yet, but there is a four part series on DJ's battle with mental health issues. I'm happy he's getting the help he needs and happy that he's back doing something he loves. Very good insights here.
https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/battling-within/the-battle-within-dj-cartons-journey-through-mental-health-pt-1/
https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/battling-within/the-battle-within-dj-cartons-journey-through-mental-health-pt-2/
https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/the-battle-within-dj-cartons-journey-through-mental-health-pt-3/
Quote from: panda on February 26, 2021, 09:55:55 AM
I don't think this has been posted yet, but there is a four part series on DJ's battle with mental health issues. I'm happy he's getting the help he needs and happy that he's back doing something he loves. Very good insights here.
https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/battling-within/the-battle-within-dj-cartons-journey-through-mental-health-pt-1/
https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/battling-within/the-battle-within-dj-cartons-journey-through-mental-health-pt-2/
https://www.ourquadcities.com/news/local-news/the-battle-within-dj-cartons-journey-through-mental-health-pt-3/
This is the main reason I hope he is back next year. DJ the basketball player might benefit from being able to work on basketball 24/7.
But DJ the person, could really use the environment at Marquette, especially if Wojo is still there. It will give him some time in a supportive environment to grow as a person. I think, getting to the point where he is comfortable, and confident in DJ the person, will be transformative on and off the court.
He's a great story, he deserves everyone's support for the person he is.
Thanks for posting, panda.
Kudos to DJ for having the courage to share his story. I hope he gets the help he needs.
Markus had mental health issues while at MU. Possibly a selling point for DJ when making his transfer choice.
I know the coach and they (MU) have the experience, resources, and support I need.
Great series - thanks for posting. Impressive kid and family, we're lucky to have him.
"fans and social media didn't help" was said a couple of times and should be something for certain MU fans to take into consideration.
Also, pretty solid local reporting.
Its nice to see the human side of these young men and know their struggles they overcome
This is a welcome respite from the stream of critiques about their performance on the BB court which comprises but a few hours of their week.
Quote from: WellsstreetWanderer on February 26, 2021, 10:18:24 AM
Its nice to see the human side of these young men and know their struggles they overcome
This is a welcome respite from the stream of critiques about their performance on the BB court which comprises but a few hours of their week.
I think the reason some of us cringe so much when people are simply mean or treat these boys like their worth is only in producing wins for some ego starved fans, is that we know the game on the floor is only part of the story. MU has and will be more than just about wins.
What a tough, tough year for young people. Add in basketball and what an impossible year. Wojo knows when not to push too hard. This is not a normal year.
I do wonder how DJ and Garcia would have been with a full regular summer at MU. I suspect Garcia would be a bit stronger. I hope to see both back next year after a full summer of work, and with (hopefully) only mild Covid protocols.
Very impressive young man. I'm really rooting for him and the team to have a good end to this season so if his time at MU is short lived he can look back on it with pride.
Quote from: naginiF on February 26, 2021, 10:18:15 AM
Great series - thanks for posting. Impressive kid and family, we're lucky to have him.
"fans and social media didn't help" was said a couple of times and should be something for certain MU fans to take into consideration.
Also, pretty solid local reporting.
Two thoughts as a person who works with kids this age all the time. Social media, and the related opinions of people they never met, are a big part of how this generation determines their personal self-worth. So when a 50 year old keyboard warrior goes off on twitter about MU basketball, whether it is meant that way or not, this generation looks at it as an attack on their personal value.
They are under immense stress normally, with everything else going on, it is even worse. And in the end, they are people doing their best, and are at an age where in their hobby/profession they are going to screw up more often than not. That is what they are supposed to do in order to learn.
I see this often in students who fail a test for the first time. They think their value as a person is gone. Now imagine that failure (TO late in game), being broadcast to the world, and people all around the world attacking you for your failed exam.
Without all that, these kids really just need/want a hug, and someone to say we'll get them next time, let's grow from this. We all need to try to remember that first and foremost, and celebrate them as people, instead of attacking a person doing their best to learn and grow.
Thanks, what a refreshing thread, thanks again.
Quote from: forgetful on February 26, 2021, 10:07:38 AM
This is the main reason I hope he is back next year. DJ the basketball player might benefit from being able to work on basketball 24/7.
But DJ the person, could really use the environment at Marquette, especially if Wojo is still there. It will give him some time in a supportive environment to grow as a person. I think, getting to the point where he is comfortable, and confident in DJ the person, will be transformative on and off the court.
He's a great story, he deserves everyone's support for the person he is.
Point is well taken, needs to mature, being in Europe or wherever is hard enough being by yourself. Even in the NBA is hard right now, needs guidance and a school can give you that.
Quote from: WellsstreetWanderer on February 26, 2021, 10:18:24 AM
Its nice to see the human side of these young men and know their struggles they overcome
This is a welcome respite from the stream of critiques about their performance on the BB court which comprises but a few hours of their week.
Exactly and many of the critiques come from people who never laced it up on a level above intramurals and never coached. Pretty sad what is being posted on social media and how it can affect players and coaches.