(via the Wizznutzz)

If nothing else, the fan interaction that Gilbert would’ve had with the Chinese people should’ve been enough to get him a roster spot on the Olympic team.  His shoes a big hit over there and there are plenty of fans that like to wear his jersey as well.  Darren Rovell reports that Gilbert has the sixth best selling jersey in China, putting him ahead of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Dwight Howard, and some guy by the name Yao Ming.

I know there’s been a lot of talk lately about how Josh Childress started the movement of players going to Europe.  If Gilbert can stay as popular as he is now, he might be the first player to jump ship to Asia.  After he’s through with his contract of couse.

- He might not be on the U.S. Olympic Team that’s headed to Beijing, but there’s still a part of Gilbert that’s in China.  The Rocky Mountain News (via DC Sports Bog) has a look at the piece that Gilbert did for Adidas’ traveling art exhibit featuring pieces of art from various athletes.  Maybe I’m biased, but I’d say that Gilbert’s is the best work of the bunch.  Jeremy Wariner’s piece comes in a close second.

- Gilbert’s discussion on politics in his latest blog prompted some thoughts from Truth About It wondering if his decision to vote is a sign of immaturity and the Sporting Blog wonders if his outspokenness was a factor in keeping him off the Olympic team.

By now, you should know that the Mothering Hut is the place to check out for all sorts of Gilbert-related clothing, whether it’s his presidential campaign shirt, or this blingtastic item.

Today, they released added some new shirts to the fold (groans) including this beauty which should become an instant classic:

If you want to get your hands on this one, head over here.

Gilbert’s press conference yesterday broguht about a slew of new thoughts on the man and his new contract.

- SLAM Online and Hoops Addict have their recaps from yesterday’s conference and Hoops Addict has the audio from yesterday as well.

- Dustin Canalin, the man behind the UNDRCRWN clothing line and two shoe collaborations with Gil, has dug up some more connections between Gilbert and the Philippines.

- At this point, I’m starting to wonder who hasn’t met Gilbert.

- Truth About It points out the benefits in Gilbert vs. Milwaukee rivalry.

- Finally, two wisemen and a stooge got together to discuss Gilbert’s season.  I’ll let you debate amongst yourselves who the stooge is.

No one can deny that Gilbert’s got star appeal.  His dazzling exploits on the court and his personality naturally draw people toward him, whether it’s in the nation’s capital or in the Philippines.  But did you know that he can help you sing better?  Just ask Christian Stewart, who’s going to be singing the national anthem at an upcoming game at Nationals Park thanks to his phenomenal swag:

Sure, dozens of amateur singers belted out 30-second versions of their favorite songs in hopes of gaining the chance to perform in front of a stadium full of baseball fans. But there was no snooty judge with a British accent, no snide commentary about a talent void — there wasn’t even a William Hung wannabe offering off-key antics.

In fact, most of the 59 people who entered the Washington Nationals’ third annual contest to sing the national anthem at a home game sang pretty well. Some had raw talent, and a few were just raw.

In the end, a 10-year-old Waldorf boy in a Gilbert Arenas jersey won over a crowd of more than 100 without showing any fear.

I’m not saying that there’s a direct correlation between wearing a Gilbert Arenas jersey and increased singing talent, but…there could be.