Check out the first CB Exclusive blog of the new year.
January 19, 2012
Hey everyone-
Checking in from Denver after a long offseason. Life has been crazy, but I’d like to update you on what I’ve been up too and give the people of Denver a chance to know me a little better.
I grew up in Portland, TN — current population 11,000, but it seemed more like 5,000 to 6,000 people when I lived there. My family raised me on a farm.
When I wasn’t in school or playing sports, I spent my time in the fields working on our tobacco, soybeans, corn and other crops. I even had a pet goat. Can you imagine that? My upbringing on the farm was important because it instilled hard work and importance of family.
Hard work translated to the football and baseball fields. Those sports were my first true loves, until my brother put a basketball in myhand. I have been hooping since the third grade. Growing up I dreamed of either playing basketball for Kentucky or football at Tennessee. However, during recruiting when I met Florida basketball coaching staff it made it crystal clear to me that I should make the University of Florida my next home. It was a no brainer!
In college, I lived with Taurean Green, Al Horford, and Joakim Noah and we became very tight. They are still my best friends. Going into my junior season at Florida, we all, with our families, decided that we had to return to UF for another year. Winning it again proved I why I will never regret a single part of my decision to go to UF.
Though my NBA career so far has been successful, I have certainly experienced my ups and downs. Coming off of a solid rookie season with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2007-2008, I tore my ACL early in the 2008-2009 season. After starting all 82 games with the Timberwolves during my third year, I was traded in 2010 and eventually landed in Dallas, where I was fortunate enough to be a member of the 2010-2011 NBA Title Team. Playing with veteran guys like Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry really taught me a lot about preparation for games. Specifically from Jason, I learned how to come off a good screen. Man, he’s good at that.
When the lockout hit I picked up my favorite hobbies outside of ball, bowling and golf. I also put in work with my trainer David Thorpe. I worked on improving a couple key points to my game including my mid to long-range jumper.
During the offseason, I always set aside time do charity work. I am passionate about both preventing diabetes and improving the lives ofindividuals
who already have it. Sadly, my father has lost his eyesight and has had two legs amputated and my mother also struggles a bit because of the disease. As a result, I get tested for diabetes once a year. To support the cause, I conduct an annual summer camp in Portland, Tennessee and
Gainesville, Florida to encourage kids to remain active and this past summer I participated in a 5K run/walk with Baylor University in Dallas to promote healthy living and encourage individuals to get tested for diabetes.
The lockout is over now, and I have joined the young, talented and up-and-coming Denver Nuggets team and I am having a great time.
That’s a little bit about me, on and off the court. Also, meet my dog Chief! Continue to show your support for the Nuggets this year…it’s going to be fun. Hit me up on Facebook and Twitter and you can also find cool stuff on my website, coreybrewer.com.
Peace,
Corey