Cory Jefferson interview

Today we got to interview Nets rookie Cory Jefferson. People have given him the nickname "re-bounder specialist" and other names like that. Read how he responds to that name and so much more!

1) At what point did you realize that playing Basketball professionally is a possibility? 

 I first realized that I had a chance of playing professionally during my redshirt sophomore year..

2)What was your greatest moment in college basketball?

 Beating Kansas in Waco / playing in the NCAA tourney my senior year..

3)What was your mindset prior to declaring for the draft?

I just wanted to live out my dream of playing in the NBA..

4) What was your thoughts the night before and the night of the draft?

 The night before I just kept thinking of how it would feel to hear my name called on draft night; the night of the draft, I just had whole lot of thoughts and emotions.

5) At any point at the draft did you think you may not be drafted?

There was a point during the draft where I was telling teams that I didn't want to be drafted because they wanted to send me straight overseas..

6)Which player would you call your role model or inspiration?

I didn't really have role models growing up but my favorite players to watch and learn from were Tim Duncan and KG.

7) How did it feel being drafted to Brooklyn? Where you ever a fan of them?

 I didn't really grow up having a favorite team but I love being a Net..

8) On your instagram you posted a picture of you in a Brooklyn hat. Did you want to be drafted by the Nets?

 I wanted to be drafted by whatever team wanted me..

9) What are you looking forward to this season?

I'm looking forward most to being out on the floor with that Nets jersey on and contributing to my team..

10) Nets Daily called you the "rebound specialist", what do you say to that?  Do you agree with that title?

 

I like that title, I think it shows everybody how hard I work on the court..

11) What advice would you give to someone trying to fulfill their dream in general and specifically in basketball?

To anybody trying to accomplish their dreams I would just say don't let anybody tell you what you can't do … and to the ones with dreams of playing professionally, be the person that works the hardest and be around the people that want to work hard.. 

Thanks Cory!

Meeting Vinny Guadagnino

Yesterday I met Vinny Guadagnino. Vinny is one of the stars on Jersey Shore. I know you're all wondering how this came to light, so let me tell you.

I was at the event in Barclays Center (details on the previous article) and I saw on the guest list that Vinny will be there. Of course, I got excited, but as a journalist I was forced to keep my cool. As the celebrities started walking the carpet, I realised that Vinny's publicist was literally two feet away from me. Being as professional as possible, I decided to hand him my business card. We started to chat a bit, and eventually he told me he'll get me a one question interview with Vinny. I was super excited, especially that vinny was running late and was really done with the media. This interview was super special because of how nice Vinny was. He seemed really sincere with what he was saying and even though we only spoke for about a minute, he seemed genuine.

Big shout out to Vinny and his publicist, Mr. Roger!

CC Sabathia and Robinson Cano event

Although it's not basketball season, basketball hasn't stopped in Brooklyn. Last night the Barclays center hosted a Celebrity basketball game to raise funds for CC's PitCCh foundation and Robinson Cano's RC22 foundation. TSS was fortunate enough to gain access to the red carpet and the event. 

We arrived there two hours early and was shocked by a hello from Robinson Cano. He was super nice and made a couple jokes and told me that tonight will be a nigh to remember, he was so accurate! At about 6:10 the red carpet started. Celebrities like Tiki Barber, CC Sabathia, Robinson Cano, Melo, KD, Derek Jeter and even Rihanna where there. They walked out one by one, took pictures and did some interviews. We had the privilege to catch up with a few players and hear what they had to say about the event, here are some quotes.

Vinny from the Jersey Shore: "It feels amazing (to be here), I am here to support CC Sabathia"

NeYo "It feels fantastic, spend time for a good cause" when asked if he was playing tonight he reluctantly said "ya,ya"

Tiki Barber said "My job is to pass the ball to someone who can shoot"

CC Sabathia:"It means everything to be here" 

Derek Jeter also said he was excited to be here!

As you can see, this was no ordinary event. Celebrities from all walks of life came together to support a great cause! The event raised over 1 million dollars.

The publicist sent us the following summary of the event of last night: Thursday night, CC Sabathia and Robinson Cano joined forces along with Roc Nation Sports to present the Summer Classic Charity Basketball Game at Barclays Center. All proceeds from the event served to benefit Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation and Cano’s RC22 Foundation equally while aiming to increase opportunities for underserved youth in the areas of education, wellness and fitness – the night successfully raised $1,040,000! Team Sabathia took on Team Cano with a competitive celebrity match-up led by master of ceremony Angie Martinez. Sabathia and Cano had some help coaching on the sidelines from NBA and MLB pros including Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, JR Smith, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Some stellar player performances included Chris Brown with 18 points (who was rarely seen without the ball in his hands running up and down the court) and Terrell Owens with 23. The real “star” of the game was DJ Khaled - fans chanted for his return to the court every time he was benched for an unfortunate play. Ultimately, Team Cano secured the win by 2 points. The 8,500 spectators included some familiar faces – Rihanna sat courtside alongside girlfriends Melissa Forde, Skylar Diggins and Cara Delevingne sipping on D’USSE cocktails throughout the entire game.

Michael Gruen

This article was created for TSS.

Orrick, Missouri help fund- EZBZ donates to help!

Pledges Relief Funding for Orrick, Missouri.

EZBZ Pledges Relief Funding for Orrick Missouri. $1 From Every Inquiry Generated for the Month of May to Go Directly to the Affected Community.

myEZBZ.com., a leading reverse bidding marketplace that matches consumer needs with competitive bids from local businesses, today announced that it will donate $1, the fee normally paid by businesses per inquiry, from every inquiry received via www.myezbz.com from the Kansas City DMA, from May 12, 2014 through the May 31, 2014 to local rebuilding efforts in the city of Orrick Missouri that was affected by the tornado. 

“At the heart of the EZBZ philosophy is the desire to enable positive change, make a difference, and empower and strengthen local communities and businesses,” commented Shana Schlossberg, Founder and CEO of EZBZ. “Reaching out to help those affected by natural disasters in areas we service every day, such as those currently affected by the tornado is something that we are passionate about and thankful to be in a position to do.”

EZBZ generates thousands of inquiries per month nationally, and has just launched a massive advertising campaign in the Kansas City DMA, so we are confident that a sizeable amount can be raised to assist those rebuilding their lives following damage or displacement by the tornado. At the end of the month of May, EZBZ will donate the amount raised to localized relief operations on the ground. All users creating inquiries from the Kansas DMA will see a message that $1 will be donated to a local charity. 

Organizations working to bring relief to the areas affected by the tornado can contact EZBZ to request assistance by emailing orrickrelief@ezbz.co.

EZBZ-Will change the world!

Established in 2011, EZBZ acts as a one-stop online portal offering a selection of free, high quality, real-time concierge-style services designed to make consumers lives' easier and provide businesses with opportunities to grow. EZBZ's services are readily accessible on the web, via smart devices and through dedicated iTunes and Android apps. EZBZ is totally free for consumers, and new services and enhancements will be added, providing further resources for consumers and businesses. Further information can be found at www.myezbz.com.


I encourage everyone to check out the website. It's a really great product and would love to see you on it! They are also having a $500 raffle which you can find out about on their Twitter account @myEZBZ.

BROOO-KLYN! Play offs round two for the Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets have done it again! That's right, the Nets have advanced to the second round of the NBA Playoffs. They defeated the Toronto Raptors today in game 7. The saying goes that the Truth will set you free, here it was literal. Paul Pierce AKA the Truth blocked the last show which gave the Nets the win.

Reports went out saying Kyle Lowry was sitting by his locker in full gear for an hour after the game.

Ball boy in Brooklyn gets a run for his towel!

Hey sports fans! Last night I got to sit in a suite. The view and experience was great but one think stood out from last night. What stood out was the fact that their was 6 people from Brooklyn on the court, but the best part is only 5 of them are on the roster. What do I mean by this? Well you can see in the link below's video, is one of the Nets esteemed ball boys cleaning the floor, but it this mundane cleaning turned suspenseful when Tyler Hansbrough ran down the court at full speed and almost tripped over the ball boy! Yes, that's scary. I can now tell you that all of Brooklyn are great ball players! It's actually funny, if you look in the corner of the video you can see Ethan Gold (pictured with me above) running backwards as well.

Great win and great experience!

Video and official article can be viewed : Brooklyn ballboy shows good hustle « All Ball Blog with Lang Whitaker | NBA.com

Here is a direct quote from the website: 

ALL BALL NERVE CENTER — I just spent about ten minutes trying (in vain) to find a video clip of a play from 2001, when then-Hawks guard Jacque Vaughn made a steal during a game in Cleveland, and had to forearm shiver an unsuspecting ballboy out of the way while sinking a lay-up. (There is a written recap of it here, though.)  This happens from time to time in the NBA, when a ballboy runs onto the court to do his or her job, and then the run of play suddenly reverses and the ballboy finds themselves caught out there.

This is exactly what happened last night in Brooklyn, where a ballboy ventured onto the court to clean up the floor and found himself in crosshairs of a Tyler Hansbrough fastbreak. What do you do when Psycho T comes crashing down on you? You dive off the court as fast as you can, that’s what you do …

Meeting the Grizzlies at Barclays

Last night at Barclays the Nets hosted the Memphis Grizzlies. This game was clearly for pride. The Nets did walk away with a win, 103-94, it was a good fight. Marc Gasol did AMAZING! The Nets are now over .500 and have been on a MAJOR streak.

I had the opportunity to be at the game. Thanks to Jason Wallace, I also got to meet the players post game. I got to speak to Marx Gasole, Miller and many others.

The experience was great and this once again shows how class act the Grizzlies are. It was so nice to meet them and look forward to talking to them soon.

Thank You!

Mets top prospects

Official Mets logo used with permission

As a Mets fan, all I have been hearing for the longest time is wait for 2014 and look at our prospects. Well, it's now 2014 and for me, they haven't dissapointed. I came in to the off season very optimistic but excited! I first heard we signed Chris Young. That was a good start, but it's only the tip of the iceberg.  We then signed Curtis Granderson. To me Curtis is more then an A caliber outfielder, but rather someone who saw the true light and left the Yankees.

But who are these prospects they speak so highly about? Are they really the answer to out playoff drought? In a word, YES! I decided I will analyse  my favorite prospects.



Travis d'Arnaud:  Travis has proved himself to be an All Star caliber catcher behind the plate, but hasn't proved himself offensively in the Majors. What's amazing about him is we have seen him produce enormous amounts of offense in the farm system. So it's just a matter of time until he shows his skills. Travis has gained the respect of the entire pitching staff and Mike Piazza. To gain the respect of one of the best catchers ever isn't easy, but Travis managed to do it.
Mike was interviewed today about Travis on SNY. Mike  had allot to say. Here is a partial transcript of his interview:
“He’s respectful and he works hard. I know the pitching staff is in good hands with him. He’s got a little to be learn. I’m just trying to tell him how to get the most out of his ability over the course of a season.I love his tools. Generally, I like guys to be a little smoother back there, but I think he’ll learn that as he learns the staff and gets more comfortable with their strengths and weakness. He’s got great hands, a good arm, you can tell he can swing the bat. It’s just a question of putting it all together being consistent, stay off that roller coaster that the season can be.”

First Lady's-Let's Move in the NBA

NBA stars know how to eat healthy thanks to
the first lady's "Let's Move!" 

We all know that the winner of the NBA championship gets the privilege of hanging out in the White House for a day. It seems that the Miami Heat are  regular visitors and the Presidential family knows the team well already. Being they won back to back championships, the Heat and First Lady, Michelle Obama have decided to make a commercial to help support the first lady's Let's Move initiative. The initiative personally effected me and caused me to lose 30 pounds.

The white has issued the below statement ( copied from the Let's Move website):
Last week, the Miami Heat visited the White House to celebrate their 2013 Championship win. Rumor had it, during their visit, they teamed up with the First Lady in support of Let’s Move! to highlight the importance of eating healthy and drinking water to perform like a champion.

New York Knicks-Carmelo Anthony an ALL STAR!

Official Logo given to me with permission from the NYK

New York has been Sports crazy! This past July we had the MLB All Star game here, in Citi Field. The MLB all star game starred the home grown NY Mets 3rd baseman David Wright and the Mets ace Matt Harvey. Two weeks ago NYC hosted the Super Bowl,where our beloved, Eli Mannings brother,Peyton was playing. Today is the NBA all star game. Thankfully, the All Star game for the NBA is in NO. But New York hasn't stayed out of the national event. The New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony is starring in tonights game. On the bench is Brooklyn's own Joe Johnson. Melo has been doing very well this season and we are very proud to have him represent the big apple.

Melo has been the talk of the town. With the Nets doing amazing and the Knicks doing below expectation the pulse in Madison Square Garden is certainly Melo. I look forward to meeting Melo very soon!

Another star in the All Star festivities is their rookie, Tim Hardaway JR. He has had an amazing season and is expected to become New York's next big star. We look forward to cheering on all of the New York teams.

GOOD LUCK BROOKLYN AND NYK!

DAVID ROBINSON!-confirmed!!

NBA Information and Technology executive David Robinson,has agreed to be my Mentor! I have been looking for a mentor for a while and I can honestly say I found the perfect person to take that position.

David has done so much for me the short time I have known him. David has given me tremendous guidance as a journalist, as a professional, and as a person. He is great ethics which allowed us to meet. I didn't meet him any where special. I walked up to him at a Nets game and I saw someone who I will look up to.

He has taken me to meet: The Nets,Spurs (including Tim Duncan),Magic and the 76ers (Michael Carter Williams). My career in Basketball blogging was taken to a whole nother level.

David has not only been a class act NBA rep but has also been someone down to earth and someone you can talk to. He is an AMAZING Basketball player and would have seen some NBA playing time if it wasn't for an injury. Although he couldn't wind up playing in the NBA he took the next best thing by working for the NBA.

To inaugurate my new mentors achievements we will be hanging a banner on universalinterview.com. I know it's not like hanging a Jersey but it's the best I can offer at this time.

I am looking forward to talking to David and working with him in the future!

Sincerely,

Michael!

Nets VS Knicks

 WOW! New York is in turmoil with our teams slumping and then arbitrarily shooting to the top! The Nets had the best month of January in the teams history and the Knicks with the second to best shooter in the NBA,Melo,has been doing above average as well. We went from being out of the playoff picture to being in contention. The Knicks have been a team which lately has been underrated. I am very excited for April 5th where the red hot Knicks will take on the hot Nets.

I am very happy to be following the Nets games and being happy after it. I am also looking forward to attending a Knicks game this season. I am hoping to attend the Nets game on Wednesday again.

See you all there!

New project

Hello,

Universal Interview has released its newest project!

I am starting a new program called "A day in the life of.."

This new segment will be more then an interview but will show the jobs of executives,actors and athletes of all different types of companies. I started this because I don't think executives and actors efforts are appreciated enough. People always try to talk as if they can handle it but in actuality they can't!  It's unreasonable for me to aspire to be D-Will or Brett Yormark but trying to be someone like an executive is reasonable with the right effort.

The project will be launched with someone who I consider my mentor,David Robinson!

I have reached to people I have been in contact with such as Marc Cuban and Kki.

Is there more to the NBA then the teams themselves?

Is there more to the NBA then the teams themselves? 

I am happy to report that the answer is YES! The NBA consists of people of the highest caliber and people who like to be a class act. I personally have met three major NBA executives (David Robinson, Kiki Vandeweghe and Rod Thorn). I have stayed in touch with Kiki and David. The NBA is represented by people who are dignified and all have a story. I would like to fill you in on a short bio of the three executives I have met:

Rod Thorn: He drafted Michael Jordan when he was GM of the Bulls and he is responsible for the best trade in Nets history,trading for Jason Kidd. Besides for Jason's exceptional style on and off the court he is also the current Nets head coach.

Kiki: Kiki is an amazing person. He is a former player for the Trail Blazers and was also head coach for the Nets. He was drafted in the first round and had an amazing career as a GM,coach and player. He is now the NBA VP of Basketball operations.

R to L- Mirza Teletovic,Issac,me

David Robinson: David is someone who is friendly and caring. I have had a lot of contact with him over the last month and everything he does is because he cares. He personally has helped my friend Issac and I numerous times. He has recently become one of my inspirations and mentors. He has taught me to have confidence in what I do. 

He was telling me stories about himself and how he was supposed to be a player. Unfortunately due to an injury he is doing the second best thing by being an executive in the NBA. 

I am glad I am able to say I have met and know Mr. Robinson

Last nights Courtside Nets game

Me with NBA executive David Robinson

Hi!

Michael Here! Last night I had the opportunity to go to the Nets game,COURTSIDE! The experience was great and I would like to give a shout out to Sruly on getting me the tickets.

So I walk in to the awe inspiring Calvin Klein club and suddenly see the World renowned actor Michael J Fox! He didn't look in a good mood so I didn't bother him but he was there and next to me.

I walk to my seats relax and get ready for tipoff. The game was going well with a very close game.  It's the second quarter and my phone gets a buzz. So I open my phone and it's an email from one of my newest inspirations,NBA executive,David Robinson! The email says "If you get emails during the game please tell me your seat and section ASAP!" I immediately respond and enjoy the rest of the game. The buzzer  beeps and it's time to enjoy the club for half time. As I am walking there David pops out at me and says "What's up!?" He probably didn't realize how awesome timing it was. My classmates were sitting right there and they happen to see an NBA executive walk over to me and start to talk. We spoke for a few minutes and then he gave me tickets to the post game away team meet and greet VIP. I then asked him for a photograph and I see one of the esteemed ball boys and he offered to take the pic. I then took a picture with the Ball Boy and moved on to the place I embarked to go,the Calvin Klein club. I then meet someone I go way back with,exec VP of the Nets,Leo Ehrline! We spoke for a few seconds and moved on. Feeling on top of the world in that club I head straight to the Nets practice court. There they serve unlimited chocolate and you are able to play on the court.

Half time is over so we head to our seats and start to watch the game.

The game is now over and we need to head to our VIP section (Thanks to Mr. Robinson) and who walks out? None other than future Rookie of the year,Michael Carter Williams! He was extremely nice and thoughtful. I gave him my card and he told me he will get in touch with  me for an interview!

I then see Spencer Hawes chilling with a group of people. Everyone around him was cracking up! I went over there and he was hilarious. He kept joking about the Super Bowl and about the Seahawks.  I also gave him my card and he told me he will contact me as well. We walked away back to where we started from and Mirza Teletovic walked out! We spoke for a while,he was SUPER nice! Calm and very friendly. Very nice to see a guy like Mirza on the court with his kids. His kids where playing Basketball and actually scored! Do we have an up and coming Mirza?

Please sign this petition

Hello,
Please,we ask you to click on the link below and sign it. It is greatly appreciated!
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/allow-worlds-youngest-male-interviewer-michael-gruento-go-white-house-and-meet-president/3RXG813v

Luis Collazo more then a fighter?

Recently I have interviewed the amazing Luis Collazo. I have learnt many things from that experience such as now learning how spiritual he is. If I had to guess, I'd say fighters aren't very spiritual as they feel they can bear anyone but apparently either the stereotype is completely false or Luiz Collazo is an exception! Look below for the proof!

1. LUIS COLLAZO ‏@RealLuisCollazo  Feb 1

   Ephesians 3:20 God can do ABUNDANTLY more than you can imagine! #Faith#Believe#spiritualLife

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2. Universalinterview ‏@InterviewKing1  Feb 1

   @RealLuisCollazo Amazing how spiritual and worldly you are!

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3. LUIS COLLAZO ‏@RealLuisCollazo  Feb 1

   @InterviewKing1 I learn acting out on flesh emotions dnt lead to anything good.

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4. Universalinterview ‏@InterviewKing1  Feb 1

   @RealLuisCollazo it's amazing! Most interesting person I followed in a while!!

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5. LUIS COLLAZO ‏@RealLuisCollazo  Feb 1

   @InterviewKing1 Thnk you bro.

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Nothing new to report about Johan Santana

I was pretty sure the Mets where going to sign Johan Santana to a minor league deal. As of last night there is nothing new to report. I have spoken to Chris Leible who has confirmed that their is nothing new to report.

2. Universalinterview ‏@InterviewKing1  23h

   @ChrisLeible What's up!?! Any news with @johansantana

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3. Chris Leible ‏@ChrisLeible  22h

   @InterviewKing1 @johansantana nothing new to report