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Rookie Diary: Ryan Gomes - October 20
Celtics Beat would like to introduce you to rookie Ryan Gomes. Originally from Waterbury, CT, Gomes played four years of collegiate ball at Providence College before being drafted by the C’s in the second round with the 50th selection overall. Ryan arrived in Boston this summer ready to help take the Celtics to the next level, and has worked hard to impress both his teammates and coaches alike.
Throughout the season, Ryan will be regularly updating a Rookie Diary on Celtics.com with his thoughts and observations about life in the NBA, what’s going on with the team, and how he’s adjusting to being a professional basketball player.
October 20, 2005
First of all, I’d like to thank everyone for taking the time to read this diary. It is great for me to be sitting here as an NBA player – only because of the turnaround I have experienced in the past three years. The first time I really started playing organized basketball wasn’t until the ninth grade, and I set my goals pretty simple – to make the high school basketball team, then to get a scholarship to college. It wasn’t until I was a junior at Providence that I opened my eyes and realized that the NBA was a possibility for me – I just never grew up thinking about it. Then my junior year at Providence, the local and national buzz started about my game, and it became more of a reality. I just thank god for my abilities and all that he has enabled me to do.
Coming to the Celtics is great – they have an amazing tradition. They are America’s team – since I’ve been growing up there have been other teams that have done well, such as the Bulls, Lakers and now you have the Heat who look like they are ready. But die-hard basketball fans think of the Celtics when they think of winning teams and championships.
Draft night was exciting for my family and me because I had been drafted by a great organization with a wonderful tradition. I knew it was a good fit, and despite playing so close to home, I don’t really feel any pressure. My family and friends know my situation – they know I am out here to do a job and work hard, so they are giving me the time and space to get accustomed to my new role. I come from a small city – Waterbury, Conn. – and everyone wants to see me do well. I am the first player from Waterbury to make it to the NBA.
This past summer I returned to Waterbury to have my high school jersey retired. It was a great feeling, but it was even better because it was a nice tribute to my coach, Coach Reggie O’Brien. He passed away three years ago, but was my mentor. He told me to make the most of everything, and that I had sole control of my destiny. He helped me realize that getting a scholarship was the first step, and that I could keep going from there. So it was really nice that his wife, Mrs. O’Brien was there to present me with my jersey. Also, Coach O’Brien’s favorite team was the Boston Celtics, so I think he was looking out for me on draft night.
Off the court, I like to play a lot of video games – especially Madden 06 and NBA Live on PlayStation2. My teammates here in Boston and my friends from home and I do this a lot – you have to find something to do to stay out of trouble. So we hang out, watch TV or play videogames – just relax at home. I also like to listen to music – I try to get as much new music as I can as soon as it comes out. I love getting artist albums like Jay-Z or Young Jeezy, but I really like the mix CDs that come out with the re-mixes.
I guess there are a couple of things you should know about me – I am Cape Verdean, and have a five-year-old brother. He knows his big brother is an NBA player – he even knows the Celtics logo – the Shamrock (although he calls it “the leaf”). I am trying to be a good role model for him – even though he is really young. Right now just putting a smile on his face makes me happy, but down the road when he is older I want to be there to help him out. He could be a ballplayer, but he really likes football, too. I try to go home as much as possible to see him – it’s difficult right now because of our busy schedule, but I was able to take him to his first day of kindergarten and meet all his little friends.
My goals for this season are pretty simple: I just look forward to winning. I want to be on a team that has a chance to win at all-times. I want to bring a lot of energy and toughness to our roster, something that my teammates can feed off of. Right now I am trying to learn as much as possible from our vets. We have a good young team that works well together. Our first few games were pretty good – we got one win, and we will get more. We have to learn from our mistakes, and turn them around. I have enjoyed the atmosphere of playing in the NBA – two of our games were “neutral sites”, but the crowds were still fun and I know they will get better once we get to the Garden and the regular season gets going. I have noticed the pace is different, as well as the difference with the shot clock.
The NBA game is also tougher because you are facing the best athletes in the world every single night, so you have to be prepared on each play. But my teammates and coaches have given me confidence, and I am getting better each day. I am working hard – coming in every day, even when we have off, and working out and taking extra shots.
So thanks taking the time to check in with me, and I look forward to talking to you all throughout the season. And I just want to take a minute to say hello to all my friends in Waterbury – I appreciate your support, and I am going to work hard to show people what a little town like Waterbury is made of.
Take care, and I’ll talk to you all real soon.
-Ryan
