Written
by: Autobilia
What’s
the best thing about playing in Canada?
The
best thing about playing in Canada is that we are
the only NBA team in Canada.
How do you (an outstanding scorer and player) feel
about Ken O'Neil's all out defensive system?
Defense
is a huge part of Kevin O'Neill's coaching philosophy.
I have no problem working with that.
It is obvious that the Raptors lack a big man!! Who
do you think would be a good fit in Toronto just to
rebound and block shots?
There
is not one particular big man who can fill that
role, because there are a lot of great "Big Men"
out there.
Even though you are extremely talented as a player,
does life as a NBA star ever get to you? Whether it's
the endless travel or the pushy press, is there anything
that turns you off to being a celebrity?
Sometimes
this life does get to you, but you get used to it.
It is difficult to be yourself and have your privacy.
What emotions were you going through the weekend you
had your graduation ceremony from North Carolina and
had to play the Sixers in game 7 of the playoffs?
I
was proud to be a part of the ceremony and receive
my degree. I was shocked that people questioned
my decision to go to North Carolina and get my degree.
Who do you think would be your toughest opponent in
a 1 on 1?
Obviously,
Shaq would be my toughest opponent one-on-one.
I also think Kevin Garnett would present a few problems.
What 03-04 season rookie do you think will have the
biggest impact on the game over a 5 year stretch?
I
can't pick just one, so I am going to stick with
the top three rookies: LeBron James, Carmello
Anthony, and Chris Bosh.
About “the dunk” in the Olympics, what was going through
your mind at the time after the dunk was completed?
I
didn't know that I actually jumped over the Frenchman
until the game was over, and I looked at the tape
of the dunk.
What Coach or player had the most influence on you
in your career?
I
would have to say it all started with my high school
coach, Charles Brinkerhoff.
Do you play video games? If so, which ones do you
like best?
Yes,
I do play video games. My favorites are NBA
Live 2004 and John Madden Football 2004.
Do you collect cards of yourself?
I
collect cards, but not of myself.
How do you feel about signing autographs? I know a
lot of athlete have mixed feelings.
I
have mixed feelings about signing autographs, because
some people use the autographs to make money.
Could you tell us a little about the Vince Carter
Basketball Academy and Summer Jam?
The
basketball academy held in both Toronto and Daytona
Beach gives children the opportunities to learn basketball
and study skills. The Summer Jam is a host of
events to raise money for my Embassy of Hope Foundation.
In 2004, events will include a "black tie optional"
gala, bowling and a golf classic.
What advice would you have for young players entering
the league?
My
advice to young players entering the league would
be to ask questions when they are uncertain about
something and find a veteran to guide them through
tough times and situations.
Do you listen to music before the game to get you
hyped up? If so, what do you listen to?
I
do listen to music before games, but I don't have
a particular song. I just listen to whatever
is in the CD player.
How does it feel playing with Jalen Rose and Donyell
Marshall and Lonny Baxter and what do you think the
Raptors need to win a championship?
I
think they are a great asset to the Raptors.
We still need a big body in the middle to have a chance
at a championship.
In your opinion, who do you think is the best guard
in the game and why?
I
believe that Allen Iverson is the best guard in the
league because of his quickness and ability to shoot
the ball from outside.