Rise With Us #33: Oden on the Mic
While many of you were enjoying a perfect Portland Saturday (or plopped in front of your couches watching football) – the Trail Blazers’ Greg Oden was at the Rose Garden, hosting a free event to reward “Team Oden” mentors with a day of fun and games to enjoy with their kids.
The celebration, in conjunction with Greg’s partnership with the Trail Blazers and Oregon Mentors, was also an opportunity for Greg to recruit new mentors to assist more than 170,000 Oregon youth seeking some adult guidance and companionship.
For three hours, Greg hung out with the kids, signed autographs and took on all challengers at the many games located throughout the concourse. Just when it looked like he couldn’t top his skills at Guitar Hero, he went where no Trail Blazer has dared go before … at least with cameras on!
The song – should you fail to recognize it – is N’Sync’s “It’s Gonna Be Me” and could go down as one of the great moments in Trail Blazers history for those of us who had the pleasure of seeing it live.
We all know about Greg’s potential on the court, and can’t wait to see #52 in uniform. But seeing him in that environment, showcasing his larger-than-life personality and truly enjoying himself among those kids was a treat for any fan to behold … even if it meant enduring a few off-key notes!
I was there on Saturday and I could not believe how much time Greg spent with the kids. All three of my kids will never forget the time he spent with them on the basketball court, watching him play guitar hero, sing a song out of key, and just being normal. So often, their heroes are a vision that they can never connect with but Greg changed all that Saturday. My son connected with his hero. My son got slam dunked on by his hero. My son is walking around shining his shoes because Greg Oden signed them. THANK YOU for allowing our family to get up close and personal with an incredible young man and a fantastic addition to the Portland/Vancouver community. As a Pastor, I thank you for serving the community in this way.
Comment by Missy — September 5, 2008 @ 9:12 pm
If he keeps wearing that shirt i will not watch your games
Comment by mary — September 5, 2008 @ 9:20 pm
Five seconds into this song, my dog started howling. What is really scary about it, is that I don’t even have a dog.
Comment by Dan — September 6, 2008 @ 12:47 am
Greg’s funny! If ther’es one thing I want ot see him stay away from it’s singing and politics.
Comment by BLAZAFAN — September 6, 2008 @ 1:01 am
1st?
Greg Oden is the man
Comment by Jakeb Cheney — September 6, 2008 @ 1:46 am
worst karaoke ever…but we love you, greg!
Comment by rob — September 6, 2008 @ 2:29 am