- In Moscow, I went prepared, - the new American point guard, CSKA Moscow, who last season played in the NBA for "Cleveland" and "Philadelphia." - On the Russian capital told me a lot brother, who had to play for the "Dynamo" (Janner Pargo defended the colors of this club season-2008/09. - Comm. TR). And yet - Trajan Langdon, whom we met when my "Maccabi" met with CSKA Moscow on one of the pre-season tournaments. Finally, Sonny Wimsey - my old pal. They all say that Moscow - a great city, and CSKA - the club seeking to win any tournament. I hope very soon to see this.
- During the exponential workout you a lot of joking and smiling. Are the hard style CSKA coach Ettore Messina?
- Indeed, Messina seemed a very strict man. But do not think this would be a problem. I understand when a smile is appropriate and when - no. However, it is going to change itself. Basketball should be fun and pleasure. So even Messina will not wipe the smile off my face. (laughs)
- You've heard the Euroleague. And what do you know about the other competitions, which involved CSKA?
- You mean the VTB League? I followed closely the playoffs and saw CSKA Moscow, with whom I had at that time already had signed a preliminary contract, dealt with in the final of the "locomotive" of another friend of mine, Richard Hendrix. Despite our friendship, I was sick against the "Loco" (laughs).
- Apart from CSKA you would like to see in the ranks of the "Maccabi", which you sezone-2010/11 reached the final of the Euroleague. Why prefer Moscow to Tel Aviv?
- It is not only in finance. CSKA have a much better chance to win the Euroleague, which for me is very important. And with the club we quickly found a common language. Although the "M." I would probably even easier. There I was familiar with all the city, the team championship.
- One of the main problems CSKA last season was the lack of the leading players of leadership qualities. Ready to strengthen team spirit army?
- From childhood I used to be a leader. Lead by example, give all your best to sacrifice himself for the team - otherwise I can not!
- And what would you say your main weapon on the court?
- I love to create opportunities for attack - for themselves and their partners. I can get almost any defender and either score out of the ring, or to find a discount open sniper. However, the list can be long. I'm pretty versatile.
- In the "Maccabi" you had a chance to play under the guidance of a well-known Russian fans of David Blatt. What were your impressions?
- This is one of the best coaches in my career. Blatt perfectly versed in all the intricacies of basketball. But the main thing - it is his worldly wisdom, through which he can get along with anyone. I think he is quite capable to become the first European coach to lead the NBA club.
- In this league, you also have time to yourself to try. In the future, embark on yet another attempt to gain a foothold in the NBA?
- At the moment my priority - is CSKA. Option to pursue a career overseas even considered. To be honest, do not know whether my two-year contract with CSKA item that allows early return to the NBA. We must ask the agent (laughs).
- You move to Europe for the second time. How hard was in 2009, sent out immediately after university in Israel?
- In the very first moments it was cool: Tel Aviv, beautiful monuments, chic areas. However, on the way to the Galil Elyon, which was based my first professional club - "Hapoel" was a little uncomfortable: traces of civilization became less and less . (laughs) But the escape from the difficulties - not my principles. Given the fact that in that year "Hapoel" sensationally won the championship of Israel, I think I mastered them.
- Can you remember what inspires you as a child to becoming a basketball player?
- My family. In it, you look at someone, solid athletes. Mom at mnogostanochnik what she just did not play. Uncle several years played in the NFL. Well, brother, I have, as I said, a basketball player. Fortunately, since my childhood I had a good physique, so most of his free time on the court. Consider, I was doomed to become a basketball player.
- In the NCAA you stood for "Gonzaga" - College, where he once played great John Stockton. This is your idol?
- I admit, as a child I was not a fan of his. But at the university I was fortunate enough to meet with Stockton personally - he remained a strong bond with the alma mater. We rarely talked on the phone a couple of times even had dinner together. In general, John has had a strong influence on me. And as a basketball player and as a person. However, like I always wanted to around Janner. You can call it a "complex little brother" ...
- In his senior year, you were on the cover of rooms Sports Illustrated , which was devoted to "March Madness" - the playoffs Division One NCAA . Why did a couple of months after that you in the NBA Draft did not choose one of the 30 clubs in the NBA?
- To be honest, I'm still can not find a specific cause. Subsequently tried his hand at several summer camps the NBA, but I still did not pay attention. Noticed only when able to light up in the Euroleague ... But that's the past. Now all my thoughts are with CSKA.
- How to spend the rest of vacation?
- I'll be back in his native Chicago, where I will work hard to arrive at the disposal of Messina in the best shape.
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