The overseas players seemed a bit intimidated by us, ... We quickly used that to our advantage.

He told us to check our egos at the door and just play ball, ... Coach subbed us in every five minutes - like a 'five in, five out' kind of thing - so everyone pretty much played the same amount.

I realize the select number of people that make it [to the NBA], ... One thing this did do for me was open my eyes to a real possibility of playing overseas when I'm done if the NBA doesn't come calling.

At first I thought I'd be heading in there with a chip on my shoulder or something to prove, ... but shortly into the first practice I realized ... that I could play with these guys and everything was fine.

I recognize those feelings and those opinions and those concerns and certainly don't want anyone to think that I am ignoring those thoughts, ... Most importantly, I feel I am doing what is right for the city and the future.

I know this experience will do wonders for my confidence, ... If I can score on Lamont Hamilton then I know no one in the [University Athletic Association] can stop me.