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Shaquille
O'Neal: "When you are 60, hang out with 60-year-olds, not 20-year-olds.
That is all I got to say about Jerry Buss."
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HoopsHype.com Interviews Tommy
Smith: "I was convinced I was going to be a
first-round pick"
Was playing in Europe an option you have thought about before the draft? Tommy Smith: Before the draft? Yes, before the draft. TM: Not really. I haven't thought about that in particular. I was just focused on the NBA. But if you can't make it in the NBA, you have to look to play somewhere else. Were you frustrated that the Bulls didn't give you a chance this year? TM: I was frustrated. I thought I could have gotten a chance. I just needed an opportunity to shine. When did you decide that the best option for you was playing in Europe? TM: When I realized that the Bulls were not going to give me a contract. How's been your life in Croatia so far? TM: It's similar to what it was like back home. Back in the United States, it was all about basketball. Playing basketball and lifting weights. It's the same thing here. What kind of things you miss the most? TM: Little stuff. Little stuff, you know. And, of course, my family. I miss my parents, but you can't have them flying over here to see me play all the time. What was your reaction when you knew you have been drafted in the 53rd spot? TM: I was excited. Just to get drafted, that's exciting. You work all your life for things like this to happen. Obviously, I didn't expect to go that late in the draft. But overall I'm satisfied with they way things have turned out. Now I just have to keep working hard. Did you expect to be selected in the first round? TM: Yeah, that's what I thought. Really? Were you convinced that they would select you in the first round? TM: Yes, I was convinced I was going to be a first-round pick. I thought that I would sneak into the first round -- late first round. And why do you think you were not selected in a better position? TM: I don't know. You can't answer something like that. Let's put it this way, what do you think the general managers thought you lacked? TM: Well, I have to add more weight. And I have to work to improve my jumper, too. Some people think that you underachieved a little bit in your college career. Do you agree with that? TM: In college, I did the things I was supposed to do. College is different. You can't do the things you want to do or all the things you can do. You have a system and you have to execute it. You have a role and you play that role. And that's what I did. I played my role. Some others have said that you could have been a lottery pick with another year in college. What do you say about that? TM: I can agree with that, but I'm happy with the way things are for me. I like the stuff right now and the future ahead of me. This is like a fight. You may receive a blow, but you have to stand up and keep fighting, you know. And that is what I'm gonna do. Other than gaining weight and improving your jump shot, is there any other thing you have to work on to get a chance in the NBA? TM: I think that's basically it -- gaining weight and shoot the ball better. Anyway, I think I'm good enough to play in the NBA right now. I just need an opportunity. Maybe the Bulls were not the best fit for you. They have Tyson Chandler, Donyell Marshall, Marcus Fizer... You and those guys play similar positions. TM: Yeah, but I'm the type of player who fits well in every system. I can play the two, three and four spots. I can play big and I can play small, so I could have been useful there. Do you have a favorite position on the floor? TM: I just like to play basketball. I don't care what position I'm playing. If there is a bigger player guarding me, I can take him of the dribble. If he's smaller, I'm going to take him to the post. How long do you plan to stay in Europe? TM: Hopefully, only one year. But you never know. If it takes longer, it takes longer. Jorge Sierra is the editor of HoopsHype.com. Tell us what you think about this interview. E-mail us at HoopsHype@HoopsHype.com _____________________ |
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TOMMY
SMITH - QUICK FACTS