BLAZERS: The Bark on the Blazers

Chat transcript: July 25

The Bark on the Blazers

Erick Barkley was selected in the first-round of the 2000 NBA draft. The 6-1 guard was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended college at St. John's. He was an early entry candidate to the draft after playing only two seasons in college. During his sophomore year at St. John's he was selected as an All-America Honorable mention by the Associated Press and as First team All-Big East while leading the Red Storm to the Big East Championship.

During the 2000-2001 season, his highlights include his nine points and four field goals against Detroit, and three rebounds, and two three-pointers in his nine minutes of play against Golden State. Barkley is currently playing Summer League ball and scored 18 points against the Nuggets on July 22nd.

Barkley chatted live on July 25.

Cameron Mitchell from portland-13-14rs.or.dial-access.att.net at 1:59pm ET
What is your goal for this coming season?

Erick Barkley at 1:59pm ET
To get some playing time. Just to work hard and try to be the best I can be.

Dustin from crvlls1.or.home.com at 1:59pm ET
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions before,during, or after the game?

Erick Barkley at 2:00pm ET
Before the game, I've got to eat a Snickers. But that's about it. I listen to some Jay-Z or some DMX ... some rap. I listen to rap before the game.

J. Jackson at 2:00pm ET
How is the life in the NBA in your first season? Do you think you will be getting more playing time?

Erick Barkley at 2:00pm ET
With Coach Cheeks I think I should and just staying after practice, before practice, trying to work hard. Hopefully my minutes will go up. My first season was stressful. I came from a program where I played a lot and just to get to the NBA and not play, that was really stressful.

Bir from bc.edu at 2:01pm ET
As a huge Portland fan, I am interested to know the geatest strengths of your game.

Erick Barkley at 2:02pm ET
Being able to get other people involved as well as scoring with the ball. With my size, I don't think people think I can score, but I can.

Craig MacDonald at 2:02pm ET
How has playing with the Blazers and all the all stars there helped the development of your game?

Erick Barkley at 2:03pm ET
It got me ten times better than what I was in college. Just the simple fact of showing me little things to do, how to get past an opponent, how to outthink an opponent ... just little things that helped me out a lot.

Joe from dip.t-dialin.net at 2:03pm ET
Which teammate has impressed you most in the summer league?

Erick Barkley at 2:03pm ET
Zach Randolph ... for the simple fact that he wasn't a starter at Michigan State, he was a freshman. I don't know if Coach Izzo held him back, but he wasn't scoring as much as he's doing now. That's just my personal thought on that.

Matthew Lehmann from ineva.com at 2:04pm ET
Did the difference in coaching syles from college to nba effect your game? If so how?

Erick Barkley at 2:05pm ET
I wouldn't say it affected my game, but you just have to do things differently. On the college level, it's more fast-paced and when you get to the league, you have to slow down. It's an 82-game season. You can't go out and run 100 miles an hour. You have to be patient. In college, you only play twice a week, so you can go out and be the road runner, run all over the court and not be tired the next day. In the league you have to conserve energy.

Jonathan Nolen at 2:05pm ET
What current NBA player do you consider yourself to be most like?

Erick Barkley at 2:06pm ET
I'd say more like a John Stockton. I'm just learning how to read the pick and rolls, when to take the shot, play tough D. I'm just learning to do what he does, but with a little more athleticism.

Joe from dip.t-dialin.net at 2:07pm ET
On which position you think the Blazers have to improve most?

Erick Barkley at 2:07pm ET
I don't think any position because every position we're so stacked. We have so many people in the same position, like for example, you could have used Damon as a starter anywhere or myself, I could have had more playing time anywhere, or Bonzi could have been a starter anywhere. I don't think any changes have to be made.

Bir from bc.edu at 2:08pm ET
After seeing highlights of the Summer League, I have noticed that your jump shot is dramtically improved... What have you done to accomplish this goal?

Erick Barkley at 2:08pm ET
Yeah, it's just repetitions, getting up some shots before practice, after practice and having the confidence. If you don't have the confidence, the shots aren't going to go in. Just being a gym rat.

Matthew Lehmann from ineva.com at 2:09pm ET
Do you want Michael Jordan to come back?

Erick Barkley at 2:09pm ET
It would be great for the game if Jordan would come back. And then I could say I played against him and was on the same court as him.

Bir from bc.edu at 2:09pm ET
What are your initial impressions of Coach Cheeks?

Erick Barkley at 2:09pm ET
I think he's a great coach and we've been talking a lot. I bonded with him very well. I think he's going to be great for the job in this upcoming season.

Marty from mntp1.il.home.com at 2:10pm ET
Hello Erick, What impact will the addition of Derek Anderson be for the Blazers this upcoming Season?

Erick Barkley at 2:10pm ET
I can't wait for the season to start. And for us to get Derek Anderson, it's another player that can score. It's just going to be interesting to watch and play with.

Tray at 2:10pm ET
I'm a huge Blazer fan, and a fan of yours since your St. John days. Do you think this will be your year to show that you belong in the "Game"?

Erick Barkley at 2:11pm ET
Definitely. You get a big up from me. I feel the same way. I want to prove this year and basically that's how I feel -- I've got something to prove this year.

Cam from portland-13-14rs.or.dial-access.att.net at 2:11pm ET
Who is your favorite teammate on the Blazers?

Erick Barkley at 2:12pm ET
I would say Bonzi. He was the first person I met. He's the closest one I can relate to. He was the youngest one next to me on the team. We hung out a lot and just bonded from there.

Mo from proxy.aol.com at 2:12pm ET
How far into the playoffs do you think Portland could go next season?

Erick Barkley at 2:12pm ET
I think we're going to win it next year. The whole thing. We've got the team to do it; we've got the coach to do it. We've got people in every position who can hold their own against anyone in the league, whether a starter or a backup. We can play and once we get the chemistry going, I don't think anyone can stop us.

jspears12 at 2:13pm ET
What have team veterans Scottie Pippen and Dale Davis told you about playing in big games and how to live like a pro?

Erick Barkley at 2:14pm ET
I haven't played in any big games as a pro yet, so they can't really school me on that. As far as living the life, they've told me to be cautious and know who your friends are. And to come to work every day with the same good attitude. That will keep you in the league for a long time.

Jonathan Nolen at 2:14pm ET
Who do you think will be the toughest team the Blazers will have to face this year?

Erick Barkley at 2:14pm ET
The Lakers. They're the defending champs. Plus they've got that big dude. Shaq is unstoppable and you can't forget about Kobe. So I think the Lakers.

Monique from ml.com at 2:15pm ET
What advice can you offer a lot of the little leaguers who are believe they are NBA bound? Educationally, physically, mentally ...

Erick Barkley at 2:15pm ET
Educationally you just have to stay in school, make sure you go to class, make sure you get your work done. Physically, take care of your body. Don't add any supplements that don't belong there. Mentally, you have to be prepared every night. Try to outthink your opponent. Be yourself and everything will be okay.

Marty from mntp1.il.home.com at 2:16pm ET
How would you describe your overall play during this NBA Summer League competition?

Erick Barkley at 2:16pm ET
I think I've played very well. I think I held my own against everybody I've played against. I'm just waiting for my turn.

D from nipr.mil at 2:17pm ET
Do you think the loss of Steve Smith will hurt the Blazers?

Erick Barkley at 2:17pm ET
I think so. We'll be losing his leadership and his advice for the young players, but we're also gaining a lot as well. Steve Smith is not replaceable.

Scott (Portland) from ns.sympatico.ca at 2:17pm ET
Who is the biggest prankster on the Blazers? Also what was the funniest thing that happened in the locker room this year?

Erick Barkley at 2:18pm ET
Rasheed (laughs). Rasheed is a prankster. For my birthday, he threw me in the shower with all my clothes on.

C Mitch from portland-13-14rs.or.dial-access.att.net at 2:18pm ET
Have you played against Kwame Brown? If so how good is he?

Erick Barkley at 2:18pm ET
I never played against Kwame Brown, but I've seen him play. It looks like he's going to be a great NBA player. I'm sure he's happy where he's at and I wish him much success.

Erick Barkley at 2:19pm ET
I just want to shout everybody out in the NBA that I know and wish everyone good luck next year trying to get a ring. Thanks!