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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 Rodney
White: "I am a student of the game"
What did you think of your season last year? Rodney White: Well, last year I only played in 16 games. I didn’t really play at all. I played a lot of garbage minutes. But my team did very well, and I’m proud of that. And I learned a lot, and now next year me, and the team have the goal that I’ll be a part of the mix this year. Were you disappointed you didn’t get to play more last year? RW: No, no disappointment. It was a learning process and we won. Who had the biggest influence on you last year; did anyone take you under their wing? RW: The whole team, everyone encouraged me. If you watched the games, when they did put me in, everyone just gave me the ball and wanted to see me work cause they knew how good I was. The whole team tried to keep my spirits high. What do you learn in a summer league like this? RW: We’re just trying to win. I’m trying to get to know some of our newer players, Tayshaun [Prince] and Mehmet [Okur]. And just hopefully stay competitive and show that I should be playing. Where do you need to make improvements in your game? RW: Oh, there is always room for improvement. Anything in particular? RW: As a whole I can improve. I shoot okay. Offensively I’m good. But a lot, if you watch the summer league, I’m focusing on defense because that’s our team concept and that is how we win games. Any personal goals for the upcoming season? RW: I always set very high goals for myself. I want to make sure I’m in the mix this year and our team continues to win. Based on the Pistons last year, it would appear they could use another scorer to perhaps elevate them to that “next” level. Do you think you could fill that role? RW: Definitely. I think that’s what they drafted me for. That’s what I came here for. Last year was a different year. Our coach went a different route and we won. So next year that small forward spot will be the spot I’m hoping to take. You like Detroit? RW: Yeah, I like the city of Detroit. It’s cool. There are some hard working people there, and I’m a hard worker on the court. Did you see a transformation in Stack’s game and what were your thoughts on it? RW: I looked up to him a lot. I looked at how he played the year before last and he really looked to change his game to help the team win. It was cool. Is there anyone you model your game after? RW: I like to try to steal a little bit of everybody’s moves. I watch everybody, big men, guards. I mean everyone from Tim Duncan to Andre Miller. I am a student of the game. Mike Tuck is a producer/on-air talent for 740 The Team in Orlando and a regular contributor to HoopsHype.com Tell us what you think about this interview. E-mail us at HoopsHype@HoopsHype.com _____________________ |
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