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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 Smush
Parker: "I didn't get the opportunities that
I deserved"
How are you adjusting to life in Greece so far? Smush Parker: I'm adjusting pretty well so far. A lot of people here speak English – not a lof of English, but a little bit. That makes it easier. I just have to speak slower and listen a little harder. Is this your first time outside the States? SP: Nah, it was not my first time. When I was in high school, I played in France with Team USA. Do you like what you've seen in Greece so far? SP: Yeah, I do. I'm liking it here so far. Is it better than playing in the CBA? SP: Hmmm... I don't know. I know the money is much better, and that's a good thing. There was a rumor in a New York paper that you have turned down an opportunity with the Spurs to go to Greece. Is there any truth to that? SP: Any truth to that? Not all of it. They were interested, but there were no guarantees. They wanted me, but they were not giving me any guarantee. I couldn't wait, so I decided to come over here. What do you think is keeping you out of the league? Not been a pure point guard, maybe? SP: No, not that. You know, I'm young. I'm still trying to improve. It's all about finding the right situation, being in the right place at the right time. And you have to get opportunities – and I didn't get many so far. What did you enjoy the most during your time in the NBA? SP: The whole experience. My dream always was to play at the highest level of basketball there is – and that's the NBA. And just being able to do that is a big accomplishment. And what was the worst part? SP: The traveling. And the length of the season. It's a long season, 82 games. It's hard for rookies. I don't think there is any rookie ready for that coming into the league. You had a good season with the Cavs, but there was some criticism in the Cleveland media about your attitude. Do you think that was fair? SP: I don't know. I know I didn't get the opportunities that I deserved. I don't know. What can I say? What was more disappointing for you: not being drafted or not getting a chance to stay with the Cavs? SP: Not staying with the Cavs, that was not all that disappointing. If I had been drafted, I would have three years of contract guaranteed. I would say not getting drafted was a lot more disappointing. How did you handle not being drafted? SP: I handled it, I handled it. It was very disappointing, but I kept working hard and tried to get a spot in the league. After the draft, you wondered if Bob Hill, your coach at Fordham, had sabotaged your draft status. Did you really believe that or was it just the frustration of not getting drafted? SP: That's water under the bridge. I don't want to talk much about that issue. I don't even want to touch that. Whatever happened, happened. It's in the past. Did you regret the decision of leaving college early? SP: No, I don't regret any of the decisions I've made in my life. You've played with Sebastian Telfair a few times in New York, right? SP: Yeah. Is he really that good? SP: Yes, he is good. He is very good for the level of competition in which he is playing. Very good. What advice would you give him about the draft? SP: Don't believe what everybody tells you. Work hard till you get what you want. Keep working hard. Just that: work hard. 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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SMUSH
PARKER - QUICK FACTS