Two recent Notre Dame players could have an NBA shot.
There are several avenues for NBA hopefuls to make it to the league. One of the better-known ones is the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, which is open only to recent college seniors. This is the oldest amateur tournament in the country, so it carries some weight.
The tournament doesn’t generate NBA draft picks every year, but Tyrese Martin ended a four-year drought when he became a second-round selection in 2022. [autotag]Pat Connaughton[/autotag] was drafted after taking part in the 2015 tournament. Other notable tournament alumni include Jimmy Butler, Tim Hardaway, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman, John Stockton, Dave Cowens, Earl Monroe and Rick Barry.
This year, eight recent ACC seniors have the opportunity to compete in the tournament. While there aren’t any guarantees for what happens afterwards, it’s a great way to get noticed by scouts. Here are the players who represented the ACC during the past season and will get a good look by folks who know the professional game well:
While they got a much-needed win against the Kings on Wednesday, they’ve fallen so far down the standings that there were rumors that the organization was considering shutting down Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the rest of the season.
This would have given Dallas a chance to keep their top-10 protected pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Otherwise, it is owed to the New York Knicks as part of the trade to acquire former Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis.
One person who shared his thoughts on why everything has gone wrong for Dallas of late is five-time NBA All-Star guard Tim Hardaway. His son, Tim Hardaway Jr., plays for the Mavericks.
"That trade wasn't for them, what isn't broken doesn't need to be fixed. They're missing a leader out there. Luka is not a leader, Kyrie is not a leader."
“It’s not Kyrie’s fault. Everybody wants to put it on Kyrie Irving. It’s not Kyrie’s fault. Kyrie came to a situation where they thought he was going to be the savior or take them to the promised land or to the next level and he hasn’t … They’re missing a leader out there. Luka is not a leader. Kyrie isn’t a leader. Jalen Brunson was a leader.”
Hardaway Sr. said that a leader instills confidence in your team and makes sure that everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing.
He added that leaders play defense and always stick to their word, noting that both Irving and Doncic are “great scorers” but not leaders.
Hardaway Jr., however, spoke to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Dallas Morning News reporter Callie Caplan about the comments from his father. Here is what he said:
“I didn’t wake up this morning thinking that I had to focus in on this topic, but it is my dad. I love him dearly. He’s been in the league for so many years now, so just for him to say that, I disagree with it 1000%. I’ve come out numerous times and told you all how much leadership Luka has shown throughought my whole entire time here in Dallas. He shows it on and off the floor, and a lot of the situations that we’ve been in as a team, we wouldn’t be in without him. So let’s just set that straight.”
Doncic has evolved as a leader during his time in the NBA, but Hardaway Jr. also added that Irving is a leader in the locker room for Dallas as well.
“Kyrie has been nothing [other] than a leader since he’s been here — making sure that everybody’s good on and off the floor, texting everybody in our group in the player-only just to make sure everybody’s good, everybody’s holding together, staying strong. Nothing but leadership there … I love those guys. I love my teammates.”
Dallas rookie Jaden Hardy shared similar thoughts about Irving earlier this month (via SI.com):
“[He wants] to know everybody and he tells everyone to speak up. When we are together as a team, like in the locker room, and things are not going well, he tends to speak up and let it be known how he’s feeling. So, I mean, a lot of guys respect that, you know what I’m saying? I feel like he’s done a great job ever since he’s been here, just like being a leader.”
The 31-year-old Dallas wing said it was “disappointing” that he had to come out and say this, but he acknowledged that his dad made a mistake.
He emphasized that what we heard was his father’s opinion and not his and he reminded us that they’re different human beings.
This is a nice reminder that just because a relative spoke about something related to the team does not mean it reflects the views of the individual who actually plays for the organization.
Golden State Warriors great Tim Hardaway will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
While the Golden State Warriors continue to figure things out on the floor before the playoffs begin, they found out that one of their former players was going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Tim Hardaway played his first 5.5 seasons with the Warriors being named an All-Star three times and averaging 19.8 points and 9.3 assists during his time with Golden State. He is one of the NBA’s best when it comes to passing the ball and he was a terrific ball-handler being able to break down any defense with his patented crossover.
For more on Hardaway’s accomplishments, ESPN said:
Hardaway played on five NBA teams, and was a five-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA selection, including an All-NBA First Team appearance in 1997.
Hardaway may be known more for his time with the Miami Heat when the Warriors sent him to South Beach, but he is still one of the top players in Golden State history. He also spent time with the Dallas Mavericks, the Denver Nuggets, and the Indiana Pacers.
Draymond Green has been playing on a different level this month and has really helped the Golden State Warriors stay in playoff contention.
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Draymond Green has been playing on a different level this month and has really helped the Golden State Warriors stay in playoff contention. Last night was no different as Green set a new career-high in assists and a triple-double in the Warriors 130-121 win over Miles Bridges and the Charlotte Hornets.
Green came out firing in the first quarter alone as he had seven points, eight rebounds and seven assists. He became the second player in 25 seasons to have seven rebounds and seven assists in the first quarter, joining Russell Westbrook who did it in 2019.
He never let off the gas and finished with 11 points, 12 rebounds and a career-high 19 assists! His previous career-high was 16 assist which he set just 12 days ago. He is now sixth in the NBA with 8.7 assists per game.
Green now has 25 career triple-double in the regular season, which is a franchise record. He also became the first Warrior to have 19 assists in a game since Baron Davis did on Jan. 11, 2008. What’s even more impressive is that he is the first Warriors player with four 15-plus assist games in a calendar month since Tim Hardaway did it in April of 1990!
Miles Bridges finished the game with 10 points, four rebounds and four assists in the losing effort.
With no hoops on the schedule, Warriors Wire is rewinding through Golden State’s history for memorable matchups and standout performances.
With no hoops on the calendar, Warriors Wire is rewinding the tape back through Golden State’s history for memorable matchups, standout performances and everything else in between.
Early in the 1994-95 season, a budding star linked up with a proven veteran to carry Don Nelson’s group against a pair of future Hall of Famers.
November 11, 1994
Before their matchup with the Western Conference power Utah Jazz tipped off, the Warriors were understaffed. After suffering a knee injury in the offseason, Golden State was without Chris Mullin against Karl Malone and John Stockton.
However, a pair of Warriors combined for a steady performance against Utah’s pair of perennial All-Stars. Run TMC point guard Tim Hardaway tallied 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field with five assists, three rebounds and two steals. Helping with his 30-point effort, Hardaway got hot from beyond the arc, hitting 6-of-10 attempts from long distance.
Following his point guard’s lead, Latrell Sprewell notched 30 points on his own on 10-of-20 shooting from the field. Sprewell added seven rebounds, four assists and a block.
Outside of Sprewell and Hardaway, Ricky Pierce was the only other member of the Warriors to record double-figure scoring numbers against the Jazz. Pierce tacked on 21 points on 4-of-8 shooting in 29 minutes off the bench.
Despite double-doubles from both Stockton and Malone, the 60 combined points from Hardaway and Sprewell was enough to close out the Jazz, 112-104.
Sprewell’s 30 point night against the Jazz was the first of 13 games where he racked up 30 or more points. In 1994-95, Sprewell went on to represent the Warriors in the NBA All-Star Game for the second consecutive season.
After recovering from a knee injury in the previous year, Hardaway’s 1994-95 season was his final full season in Golden State before being traded to the Miami Heat at the deadline in 1996.
With no hoops on the schedule, Warriors Wire is rewinding through Golden State’s history for memorable matchups and standout performances.
With no hoops on the calendar, Warriors Wire is rewinding the tape back through Golden State’s history for memorable matchups, standout performances and everything else in between.
While Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are known for the ability to score from all over the floor at a rapid pace, another trio from Golden State’s past could fill the box score with an impressive offensive attack.
November 2, 1990
In 1990, the Golden State Warriors opened their season with a tilt against Orlando Woolbridge, Walter Davis and the Denver Nuggets. While the duo of Woodbridge (37) and Davis (33) each recorded over 30 points, it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Don Nelson’s Run TMC group.
Chris Mullin notched a game-high with 38 points on 15-of-25 shooting from the field with nine rebounds, five assists and five steals.
On top of his 18 assists, Tim Hardaway tallied a 30 point effort of his own with 32 points on 14-of-24 shooting from the field with five rebounds and two steals.
Although he didn’t reach 30 points, Mich Richmond put the bow on Golden State’s high scoring battle with the Nuggets. Richmond scored 29 points on 12-of-23 shooting from the field with five rebounds and three assists.
When the final bell rang, the scoreboard listed the Warriors on top in a 162-158 slugfest. The Run TMC trio accounted for 99 of Golden State’s points.
The huge scoring numbers between the Warriors and Nuggets led to a new chapter in the NBA history books. Golden State and Denver tallied the highest combined scoring contest (320) with no overtime in NBA history. The game still stands as the fourth-highest scoring game in the NBA’s record book. Twelve different players registered double figures in scoring.
Thirty years ago today, the Warriors posted a 162-158 win over the Nuggets, the fourth-highest scoring game in NBA history and the most combined points scored in a non-overtime game all-time (320 points). pic.twitter.com/HKlGINxl0Y
When the Golden State Warriors drafted Tim Hardaway out of UTEP in 1989, the Warriors added the final piece to Don Nelson’s Run TMC trio.
While the rest of the league is getting ready for the NBA’s return in the Orlando bubble, the Golden State Warriors will be staying home. With the Warriors season officially over, the duo of Bob Myers and Steve Kerr will have a jumpstart when it comes to preparing for the NBA Draft.
For the first time in years, the Warriors are slated to own a top-five draft pick. Before draft day arrives in October, Warriors Wire is digging into Golden State’s history for memorable selections.
In 1989, the Warriors added the finishing touch to a trio that lives on in Golden State lore.
June 27, 1989
After selecting in the top-five in 1988, the Golden State Warriors surged to a playoff appearance behind Chris Mullin and rookie Mitch Richmond. However, the Warriors were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Suns.
In 1989, the Warriors owned the No. 14 overall selection in the first round. To kick off the 1989 draft, the Sacramento Kings took Duke’s Pervis Ellison off the board with the first overall pick. Fast forward to the middle of the draft, and the Warriors were on the clock.
With a need in the backcourt, the Warriors added Texas at El Paso guard Tim Hardaway at No. 14. In his senior season at UTEP, the 6-foot guard averaged 22 points, 5.4 assists, four rebounds and 2.8 steals per contest. Hardaway helped lead the Miners to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances. His No. 10 jersey was later retired by UTEP.
In his rookie season, Hardaway started in 78 games, averaging 14.7, 8.7 assists and 2.1 steals in 33.7 minutes per game. Despite Hardaway’s impressive start to his career, the Warriors missed the playoffs in 1990.
Watch a highlight dunk from Hardaway’s rookie season via YouTube:
Alongside Mullin and Richmond, the addition of Hardaway blossomed Golden State’s powerful “Run TMC” attack. Hardaway and Run TMC led the Warriors to back-to-back playoff appearances starting in 1991.
Other memorable prospects from the 1989 draft class included Sean Elliott, Shawn Kemp, Glenn Rice and Vlade Divac.
Before chants of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green echoed through Oracle Arena and the Chase Center, the Warriors’ fanbase focused on another high-powered trio.
In the 1990s, Chris Mullin, Tim Hardaway and Mitch Richmond formed the dynamic group forever known as “Run TMC.” While they may not get documentary treatment like “The Last Dance,” Run TMC provided an entertaining brand of basketball.
April 21, 1991
In the final game of the regular season, the Golden State Warriors were eyeing a five-game winning streak to cap off 1991. Before the Western Conference playoffs kicked off, the Warriors welcomed the All-Star duo of John Stockton and Karl Malone.
The Warriors broke out of the gate to capture an early lead behind Mitch Richmond’s hot shooting. Richmond tallied 32 points on 14-of-21 shooting with six rebounds. The Kansas State product’s 32 points against Utah was his 17th bout recording 30 or more points in the 1990-91 season.
“The Mail Man” paced Richmond with 32 points of his own on 10-of-20 shooting with five rebounds. Malone buried 12 of his 14 attempts from the free-throw line. Stockton added 15 points and 11 assists, but it wasn’t enough against Run TMC.
Chris Mullin complemented his teammate with 28 points and eight rebounds. To put a bow on the trio’s performance, Tim Hardaway registered a double-double on 21 points and 10 boards. Mark that 81 combined points for Run TMC in Golden State’s 125-106 victory over Utah.
Check out the boxscore from the 1991 matchup filled with All-Star talent via Basketball Reference — here.
The Warriors win against the Jazz was the final regular-season contest of the Run TMC era. Richmond was traded to the Sacramento Kings in November of 1991.
Both teams made it to the playoffs, advancing through to the second round, but each were eliminated in game five of the Western Conference semifinals.
The Run-TMC era was short, but it was one of the most fun times in the franchise’s history.
The Golden State Warriors have a history that’s steeped with players who’ve played basketball fast and fun.
Steph Curry and Klay Thompson quickly come to mind for today’s game, but Baron Davis, Monta Ellis and Jason Richardson are former players who regularly showcased their athleticism in an up-tempo style for Warriors fans.
Other than the Splash Brothers era, a time filled with high-octane offense, the Run TMC era is one of the most memorable periods in Warriors history. Tim Hardaway Sr., Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin only played together during the 1989-90 and 1990-91 seasons, but their brief stint as teammates was filled with up-tempo basketball.
For more on the Run TMC era, check out ESPN’s featured story on Hardaway, Richmond and Mullin.
1989-90: Run TMC’s first season together
During the 1989-90 season the Warriors went 37-45, going under .500 after making it as far as the Western Conference semifinals the season before.
In their first season together, Hardaway, Richmond and Mullin prospered, showing what they could do as a group. With Hardaway running the offense during his rookie year, he scored 14.1 points per game and shot 47.1% from the field.
He led the team in assists per game that season (8.7), and throughout his career with the franchise he displayed acute floor generalship; Hardaway is third all-time in assists for Warriors history (3,926).
A Hall of Famer, Richmond was playing his sophomore season during the 1989-90 campaign. He built on his rookie season, scoring 22.1 points per game and shooting 49.7% from the field. Richmond was the Warriors’ second-leading scorer in 1989-90, right behind Mullin.
Mullin scored 25.1 points per game, shooting 53.6% from the field and 37.2% from the 3-point line during his first season with Richmond and Hardaway.
A fellow Hall of Famer, Mullin had already played four seasons before Run TMC was formed. In each of his first four seasons, Mullin scored at least 14.0 points a game. He scored a career-high 26.5 points in 1988-89, his fourth season in the league. Mullin is fifth all-time in Warriors history for points (16,235) and 3-pointers (590).
Tim Hardaway Sr. changed the ankle-breaking game. Never forget the Killer Crossover. pic.twitter.com/sNSoVDifym
Though Run TMC and the Warriors didn’t make the playoffs during the 1989-90 season, Golden State’s star trio showed what lied ahead, especially in terms of fast-paced play. According to Basketball Reference, the Warriors led the league in pace that season (105.9).
1990-91: Run TMC goes to the playoffs
Hardaway, Richmond and Mullin expanded on their collective success in their second season together, leading the Warriors to the playoffs.
The team was second in pace during the 1990-91 season, and they had a record of 44-38. Mullin, Richmond and Hardaway were the Warriors top three scorers, with Mullin leading the team in points (25.7).
Hardaway continued to improve, scoring 22.9 points per game and shooting 47.6% from the field in his sophomore season. Richmond also continued to be a scoring threat, averaging 23.9 points a game — that’s the second-highest average of his career.
The trio led the Warriors to a first-round win against the San Antonio Spurs, but then they ran into Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors lost 4-1 in the semifinals, only snagging Game 2 in a 125-124 win.
Johnson had a game-high 44 points, and Mullin scored a team-high 41 points for Golden State. The performance tied a playoff career-high Mullin set in 1989 during a matchup against the Utah Jazz.
End of Run TMC
As the Warriors came off their playoff appearance, Run TMC didn’t last much longer. Richmond was traded to the Sacramento Kings for the 1991-92 season.
With Richmond gone, Run TMC was done, and the Warriors only made the playoffs two other seasons during the 1990s; they didn’t make it past the first round either time. Richmond went on to play seven seasons with the Kings, and each of his six All-Star appearances came when he played for Sacramento.
Antoine Walker talks about being voted to Chicago’s all-time starting five, how he’d fare in today’s NBA, his off-court endeavors and more.
Leading up to NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, fans had an opportunity to vote on an all-time starting five of Chicago-born players. Derrick Rose, Isiah Thomas, Dwyane Wade, Anthony Davis and Antoine Walker were crowned the winners, and the results were announced at Posterized: The Chicago Experience (powered by Jim Beam) at the Chicago Sports Museum.
HoopsHype had a chance to chat with Walker shortly after he received this honor. The three-time All-Star averaged 17.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.2 steals over the course of his 12-year NBA career. We talked to Walker about Chicago’s all-time starting five, his impressive NBA career, life after basketball, his off-court endeavors, today’s NBA and more.
You were named to Chicago’s all-time starting five and this was announced at Posterized: The Chicago Experience (powered by Jim Beam). What does that honor mean to you?
Antoine Walker: I was excited and it means a lot because we have so much talent coming out of Chicago, including some guys that people don’t even know about. We’ve had so many guys who have made it to the pros and so many guys who have had great careers. To be recognized by people in Chicago and all around the world, it means the world to me. There was some stiff competition too. Mark Aguirre didn’t make the Top 5, but he should be in the Hall of Fame and he should be in the city’s all-time Top 5 because he was one of the greatest players to ever play, but he never gets his just due. To be able to get some just due makes me feel really, really good.
Chicago has produced so many talented players over the years. Why do you think we’ve seen so many great players come from Chicago and is there something that this city’s players have in common?
AW: I think we’ve seen so many great players come from Chicago because of the foundation that was laid down a long time ago when you think about guys like Mark Aguirre, Isiah Thomas, Maurice Cheeks and Tim Hardaway. Honestly, I also believe it’s because of the media. There’s a lot of coverage of Chicago sports and it starts at such an early age. I remember being in eighth grade and being ranked the No. 1 eighth-grader in the state. I think because we put such an emphasis on the sport of basketball, that makes a lot of kids want to play. We’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of pros come out of this city. Our list of pros is just as strong as any other city in the world. This is a sports town and people really get excited about basketball, and they get behind these players and teams. I think that’s why you see [some] people consider it to be the Mecca.
You were ahead of your time with your three-point shooting. People used to criticize your shot selection because you attempted a lot of threes, but with how the game has evolved, clearly you were onto something. Do you feel vindicated?
AW: Oh, without question! I probably would’ve made $300 million in today’s NBA, if I could’ve played in this day and age! But I think it shows the skill level of big men. We’re seeing that big guys can do some of the things that small guys can do. It was a tough time for me when I was doing it; I used to get ripped for shooting so many threes. But I really give Jim O’Brien a lot of credit. When he took over for Rick Pitino, he’s the one who instilled that confidence in me as a shooter. He’d say, “Anytime you get an opportunity to shoot, shoot it!” Once he put that confidence in me, I didn’t have a problem shooting. I wasn’t bashful. (laughs) I went out there and played my game. Now, playing that way is looked at as exciting. And it is fun to watch! Watching some of these big men take the ball full-court, coast to coast, and then seeing some of these centers be able to step out and shoot threes – guys like Marc Gasol and Anthony Davis – it makes for a fun style of basketball.
Are there any current players who remind you of yourself?
AW: Hmm, I don’t know. I like Draymond Green and his all-around game. He’s a better defender, but as far as his skill set – pushing the basketball, getting other guys shots and things like that… I probably shot the three better than him, but I really like the way he plays. I like Giannis Antetokoumpo’s versatility and long arms and ability to make plays for other people. I like all forwards who get five or six assists per game, the guys who are really good passers. Those are the guys who I really enjoy watching – not necessarily that our games are similar, but more so that our mindset and the way we approach the game are similar. I really enjoy watching those guys play.
What was it like making the transition to broadcasting and how are you enjoying that?
AW: The transition has been great because it gave me a chance to be connected to the game again. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m a student of the game and I love the NBA game as well as the college game. I watch basketball every single day. It’s part of my life, so to be able to now talk about it every day is really special to me. A lot of guys don’t get an opportunity to continue to do what we love and still be a part of this game at the level that I’m at, so I don’t take it for granted. I really love the opportunity to talk about the game that I love.
Photo by Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images
If you could go back and give 20-year-old Antoine advice, what would it be?
AW: It would probably be teaching him about generational wealth. I never thought about generational wealth when I was playing and making a lot of money. I would make sure that I have enough money not only for myself but for my kids and their kids. I wish somebody would’ve taught me about generational wealth and how I wouldn’t be able to play this game forever and that, after I retire, I’d still have the rest of my life to live. I wish somebody would’ve told me that at age 20.
That’s what I would tell my 20-year-old self, and that’s what I make sure to tell all of these young guys who are playing in the league now. I just try to turn a negative into a positive and teach these young guys. When you’re 19 or 20 years old, you just see that you’re making a lot of money right now, but one day that comes to an end. Make sure you’ve put aside enough money for yourself and your kids and their kids. Make sure you have generational wealth.
In the past, we’ve discussed your bankruptcy and work as a financial adviser to athletes. I know you work with Edyoucore and Greg Oden recently became an athlete advisor with them as well. Greg told me that while he enjoys it, he hopes that these athletes listen and actually apply these lessons. When you’ve talked to players, how do they typically respond and does it seem like your advice sinks in?
AW: I think it really is impacting them. I think it starts a conversation and I think it puts a lot of things on their mind since they’re dealing with their own personal situations. They may not publicly come out and say that they’re taking that advice, but I know that a lot of them are taking it wholeheartedly and applying it to their life. I think you’re going to see that the percentage of athletes and entertainers who have financial problems after their career ends is going to change. And I think it’s because of these types of programs, which are very impactful. You’d be surprised how many guys come up to me afterward to thank me for coming and thank me for sharing my story and ask for more information. They talk about how they’re going to take that information and use it in their own life and make the right decisions. I think this is going to be a tremendous help, and I think it’s off to a great start.
In addition to the financial advising and broadcasting, do you have any other off-court endeavors you’re working on?
AW: I’m coming out with a book, hopefully here in the next two months. It’s going to be a financial-literacy learning tool for everybody – not just athletes. I want to share my story and the things that I’ve learned. And I just want to continue to grow. I’m very comfortable in the space that I’m in right now. I want to continue to grow my TV career to where I can continue to be a TV analyst for 10-15 more years. I want to continue to grow in that space.
But I also have aspirations of one day working for an NBA team, maybe in a front office. I’d like to try to build a championship team. I believe that I have a very good basketball IQ and I think I know the game very well, so I think I could be a positive addition to any front office. That’s on my bucket list – hopefully one day I can work for a team and help them win a championship.
Who was the toughest defender you ever faced? Were there certain players you dreaded facing because they’d lock you down?
AW: I would say it was the guys with length, like Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan and Rasheed Wallace. Those kind of guys were very tough for me to go up against. Because of their length, I wasn’t really able to post them up the way I would like to, so I would always have to take them off the dribble or step back and shoot the three.
But the guy who was probably the toughest to score against was probably Dennis Rodman. That goes back to my first couple of years in the league. I played against Dennis in ‘96, ‘97 and ‘98 during their championship runs and he was tough as nails and so hard to score against. Those guys were really the ones who gave me trouble. Length was something that always bothered me.
Chicago’s all-time starting five was announced at Posterized: The Chicago Experience, which was a fun event that showcased Chicago’s food, music and art. What did you think of the party?
AW: I loved it, man. I thought it was a great event. When you think about how the All-Star Game hadn’t been in Chicago in 32 years, I thought they did a great job highlighting our city – and not just the basketball. The concept behind the Posterized event was showing people Chicago and what it’s like; it wasn’t just about our basketball. Obviously, it was built around basketball and All-Star Weekend, but it highlighted Garrett’s Popcorn, Chicago dogs, step dancing and teaching people how we dance, our art, the celebrities who came out were from Chicago and have been influential in Chicago and things like that. I thought it was great and it showed Chicago in a different light. I really enjoyed the event, and I loved being a part of it. And it was extra exciting that I got some love while I was there, finishing in the all-time Top 5! It was great all around.
