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For those who are unaware, I will not be returning to Gran Canaria next season. While there are many reasons for this decision, the first thing I want to do is say thank you to the organization for the opportunity to further my career and continue my journey to become the best basketball player I can be. I want to thank my teammates from this past year because it was a true pleasure to play with each guy. It is rare to be in a locker room full of guys that you really enjoy being around and I truly will miss each one of you. Lastly I want to thank the fans. You guys were awesome this year. Even with us having a difficult season our gym was still one of the hardest to come to and win because of our fans. I have ran into many people this summer back here in the states that tell me how hard it is to come play in our gym because the fans were the best in the ACB. I agree 100%.
The decision to move on was mutual on both sides. I do not want to get into details about the decision but I have read some reports, articles, and blogs that have speculated the reasons. I want to make sure that it is 100% clear to everyone that I NEVER had any off court issues in Gran Canaria. I NEVER got into any kind of trouble nor did I have any negative issues in public or with the community. I pride myself on my commitment to the sport of basketball and also the fact that I conduct myself like a professional on and off the court. While this season was difficult, I learned many things and I will be a much better player because of it. My commitment to the sport and maximizing my potential is now higher than ever as I feel that this past season was successful on many levels, it not an accurate representation of what I can bring to a team. I can do many more things and I want to make sure I put myself in the best position possible to be myself out there on the court. I do know that a basketball career is a long journey and a process. It is a process that I know very well and have continued to improve and climb higher despite any minor setbacks that I have experienced. This will be much of the same as I will use a year in which we did not win as much as I would like as fuel to continue to improve as a player and reach every goal I have for myself.
Im very excited about the future. I have had an amazing summer working out while attacking my weaknesses and perfecting my strengths. The Oklahoma City Thunder gave me an amazing opportunity to play NBA Summer League and show my ability to run a team as a point guard. The future is bright and I am going to make sure I do everything I can to maximize every opportunity given to me.
I am sad about leaving Gran Canaria, but excited that my next situation will be a better fit for me. Stay tuned and thanks again!
~ MarQuez
By MarQuez Haynes on 15 Jul 2012 in 
God has already blessed you in many ways… ways you may not even see yourself. Stay true to yourself and the person you inspire to become!!
I look forward to seeing the next chapter of you life
Love to you,
Melissa Rougely
Melissa Rougely
For sure. i would not have even agreed to leave if i did not have better opportunities ahead. this is best for me. i just wanted to make an official announcement to clear up rumors and reports. Thank you so much
MarQuez Haynes
Your hard work and dedication to the game will continue to open doors for you on the journey for success! Excited to hear about you being back in the States man! Very anxious to see how the Summer League goes!! I’ll be following closely! Keep it up Quez!!
John Bowman
Bowman!!! thanks man I appreciate it. Things are going great out here though. Summer league went well for me, I definitely helped myself there we’ll see. I am going to write up how it went soon. thanks for checking in on me man. hope all is well with you!
MarQuez Haynes
Just want to thank you for your effort in Gran Canaria. The Supporter must be proud of you, because every time you walk into the court you give everything out there and that is all we can wait for any player. Good luck in your new team and i hope to see you in the NBA soon. Thanks for all.
Granca Supporter
I truly appreciate this comment. I am realistic knowing that I can play better basketball. But I do know that I gave maximum effort every night and every practice. Thank you so much
MarQuez Haynes
We are very sad too… and now who is goona fly at the CID ??? Good Luck ¡¡
Grancanario
Yes I am sad also. I have worked hard this summer and improved a lot, I really felt like my 2nd year in the ACB was going to be amazing and everyone would see how much a year of experience really helped me. I wish Granca the best
MarQuez Haynes
Hey MarQuez,
However, you will love it here and we will love you, too, if your performances are good. Hahahaha.
First of all welcome to Quakenbrück. We hope that you’ll enjoy your time here and that we can celebreate many, many wins together in the upcoming season. We will do our best to support the team and to let you feel comfortable here even though Quakenbrück ain’t got such a nice beach as Gran Canaria.
My question: Will you also make a statement about why you decided to go to the dragons? Did Tyrese already tell you things about the organization and the place of Artland in general? And would you all in all say that your decision was rather in favor of that new opportunity in Artland than it was a decision against Gran Canaria?
Last but not least, I wish you’ll have a great summer and that you will rock Artland next season. We’re really looking forward to watching you play and of course also to reading your blog.
May all your hopes, dreams and wishes come true!
Dragons Supporter
Danke! I am excited to be a part of the team. I am going to make an official statement about my new team soon. I have not said anything yet because I was putting all of my focus and attention on my performance at NBA summer league first. Tyrese has told me many things about the organization. Tyrese and I also talked almost every day while he was in Artland so I already knew a lot about the team. My decision was definitely in favor of the new opportunity in Artland. Gran Canaria is a great place but the playing situation just was not for me. I have worked hard and been blessed with many opportunities and Artland is the one I decided was the best option for me and the team.
MarQuez Haynes
Hey MarQuez
I took the decision ti sign with the Artland Dragons.
What do you know and think about Germany?
How duo u see your role in your new team? Will u be the pointguard or are u gonne play as a shootingguard?
Last question: Do u know one of your new teammates yet?
Q-Town
Hello, I do not know a lot about Germany. I have just started to do some research about it. My sister is a history teacher so she is helping me about a little bit as she knows much more about foreign places than I do. I do know that I love learning about new cultures so I am excited to see what Germany has to offer that is unique from my experience in France and Spain. In my role with my new team I will play both positions similar to my role in France. Most likely starting as shooting guard and moving to the point guard position when the point guard is not in the game. As coach gets familiar with my game I am sure he will put the pieces together. Gran Canaria saw me as only a shooting guard, Oklahoma City Thunder see me as only a point guard. Elan Chalon saw me as both. I will be ready no matter what. I am not familiar with my teammates yet, I am currently doing a little research on that also. The team is still making additions to the roster so we will see. Thank you for your questions.
MarQuez Haynes
SpartaQuez… we will miss you! Last season wasn’t the best one, but I am happy. We are in ACB thanks, in a part, to you. We didn´t forget yoy. THANK YOU!
Yaiza
Ahhh so excited to have you back stateside! Maybe I will be watching you on ESPN, NBATV, and the like =)
Anna Rupani
Hey MarQuez
me and my son are looking forward to seeing you on court soon in Qtown!!!
you have a great summer now!!!
CU.
James
Thank you so much! I am looking forward to a great season in front of great fans. Hope all is well
MarQuez Haynes