If I had to describe Orlando All Star Weekend 2012 in one word it would be, LEGENDARY. And since I am going through withdrawals this weekend, I thought I would relive it by posting all about it.

Welcome to "Basketball Heaven"! Yes, NBA Jam Session 2012 is upon us in Orlando, FL and taking place at the Orange County Convention Center, February 23 - 26, 2012. Myself and Jessica are volunteering for various sessions throughout the weekend and last night was orientation. We received tons of info and had a chance to walk the floor. LadyBallers represent! 

Check out a view of the floor layout, so much stuff going on! 

It's here: Orlando All-Star Weekend! Let the madness begin...

This is my first All-Star weekend and I have no idea what to expect. My packed schedule kicks off tonight as I am attending orientation for the 2012 NBA All-Star Jam Session all week. I am working a private event tomorrow night which is rumored to be a Magic

season ticket holder event, Thursday afternoon, Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon. I am looking forward to meeting pumped fans and all those attending from celebrities, players to sports professionals.

Hey, Hey, Colleen here!

So I will be the first to admit, the LadyBallers were out of comission as we were devestated by the NBA lockout. Yes, it's silly but personally it hit a sensative spot with me and "politics" in the sports world. Yes, I am aware politics will always be a part of sports but it really stinks when it overshadowns all the amazing things about the sportsword; Passion, True Talnet, Fun and Excitement! 

So, like I do with x-boyfriends who don't apologize for being liars, I have to be the bigger person and move forward and just forgive them. So, NBA, I officially forgive you for taking a break... I still love you. And yes, I know this blog and community is more than basketball and the NBA but it did start there. 

The NBA lockout is still going on, WHACK! But basketball will still be going down in Orlando. The UCF Knights kicked off the season on Nov 5th against West VA Tech!

Now, AJ isn't just a UCF basketball player, he is one of the most positive people I have ever encountered! His twitter account is a must follow (@A3Rompza) filled with positive anecdotes, tweets of determination and of course some comical relief but the boys got skills! If you haven't seen this its a must watch! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYjOScGcGps

In a sports world filled with cocky players, players getting arrested or doing anything other then playing the game they love, it was refreshing to come across such a young, vibrant, and talented player with such a positive outlook on life and a true love for the game. He nevers takes a day for granted and reminded me to do the same, AJ thank you for your inspiration! GO KNIGHTS!

Exactly one year ago today, our friend and guest blogger, Marisa Gothie, posted a note thanking our 2010 Phillies... crazy how time flies and seasons swoop by.

Note:   It was my hope that when I was writing the reflection of this season it wouldn’t be until November; written after many celebrations, a parade down Broad Street and a ring ceremony in the future.  Sadly, this is not the case.  I needed time to compose myself after the NLDS loss to the Cardinals but hope you enjoy this reflection. One phrase to describe the 2011 Philadelphia Phillies Season….roller-coaster.  A roller coaster filled with high hills and low dips, one with twists and turns and flips that can turn you 180 degrees.  It was a season highlighted with some of the highest highs this franchise has ever seen:  102 wins, shattered pitching stats, batting crowns won and marred with inquiries and non production at times.

Work Ethic. It is imperative to have good morals and apply them to your ambitions and career to truly succeed in anything in life. Don’t you agree?

Recent conversations, movies and discussions I have had the last two weeks really have me diving deep into the importance of morals and work ethic; Especially in the realm of sports. As we know, raw talent is a special gift, however when it’s coupled with positive, good work ethic, there is no stopping that person. However, when it is simply raw talent… well you are only as strong as your weakest link and not having a good head on your shoulders or playing bad politics in any industry will only hurt you, and most people around you, in the end. 

The “Official Home of Nets Basketball” on Twitter recently started a discussion on which is more important. I immediately, without hesitation, go with work ethic. Not only can you use this in every area of your life, but you can also improve upon a skill easier than improving your morals. Do you agree? Would you personally rather have raw talent or naturally practice positive work ethics?

Have you been engaging in Twitter #chats? If not, you should be! It is a great way to meet others with similar interests as well as gain insight into some interesting topics. Today we are featuring PR specialist, Angie Taylor, the host of #SportsPRchat on Twitter! She has been involved with the sports industry for the past 6 years. 

Please give us a little background on how you got to your current role:          

Outside of my full-time position as Assistant Account Executive for Weber Shandwick, a global public relations firm, I became involved with #SportsPRchat, a Twitter-hosted chat (every Tuesday evening at 9 p.m. ET), earlier this year. The chat features questions based on current sports issues and communications trends affecting the industry.

As you may remember about a month ago I discussed baseball for probably only the second or third time. When you've been a Pirates fan your entire life sometimes talking about losing can become methodical and boring (especially after 18 years). I have been pretty pumped up since the season started over these "Battling Buccos". Then something happened. I refer to it as "the day the music died", July 26 2011.