|
|
|
Raymond Felton has excelled in his first year in the NBA with the Bobcats.
The fifth overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft out of North Carolina is coming
off back-to-back Eastern Conference T-Mobile Rookie of the Month awards in
February and March and seems to be getting stronger as the season
progresses.The 6-1, 198-pound guard ranks second among NBA rookies in assists (5.1) and steals (1.23) and is fourth in scoring (11.4 points), three-point percentage (.376) and double-doubles (nine). He is the only rookie to rank in the Top 5 in all five categories this season.
Felton stopped by BobcatsBasketball.com and participated in a live chat on Tuesday. Check out what he had to say about his back-to-back Rookie of the Month awards, his UNC teammates and much more.
Jan (NC): Hey Raymond, how does it feel to be named Rookie of the Month twice in a row?
Raymond Felton: It felt good. I'm not one for individual accolades, but it did feel great to get that respect and I do consider it a nice honor to be thought of that way.
streamwood,IL: hey raymond you started out slow in the beginning of the season but have played excellent as of late, what is differnt right now rather than the beginning of the season?
Raymond Felton: The difference is, I'm getting more minutes where I can show my talent and what I can do. That's the main difference.
Derek (Burlington): It's great to see the success from the backcourt tandem of you and Brevin Knight. How is your body holding up now that you are getting more minutes?
Raymond Felton: My body is fine. Everyone talks about the Rookie Wall, but I haven't hit it! I'm going strong. I have some bumps and bruises, of course, that's part of playing in the NBA, but I'm feeling good and going strong into these last few games.
Chris, London: How did you feel stepping on an NBA court for the first time?
Raymond Felton: Dream come true. One of the best feelings I ever had, along with winning the NCAA championship and winning the state championship in high school. Just putting on that NBA jersey and getting out on the court was a dream come true.
Shoma (Tokyo): Raymond! I'm a big fan. I've only been able to see you play once due to the Japanese TV schedule, but when I saw you I was very impressed with your natural feel for the game! My question is how does it feel to play next to a great passer like Brevin Knight? Do you learn a lot from him? Thank you.
Raymond Felton: I've learned the NBA game, it's still basketball, but it's on a different level. You've really gotta bring it strong, every night at this level, and he's taught me that.
William (Rockville, MD): Raymond, What was your favorite moment when playing with the 2005 UNC team?
Raymond Felton: Favorite moment? Ha-ha (Laughing) Winning the national championship, of course! Also, beating Duke was nice too.
Drew, Winston-Salem: What kind of expectations did you have for your rookie year, and has the experience lived up to those expectations?
Raymond Felton: I just came in wanting to get better each and every game, and I feel I did that. My expectations were mostly for the team, and I wanted us to make the playoffs, which we haven't done. But, everything takes time and we're working toward that and I look forward to reaching that goal next season.
sean jadidian (queens): Hey raymond, who would u say is the funniest guy on the bobcats and who is the most serious?
Raymond Felton: Funniest guy on the Bobcats, there is too many. Alan Anderson is funny, Primo, Jumaine...we're all funny. But most serious, I'd have to give that to Jake Voskuhl.
Anthony (Seattle): What's in your i POD or CD Player before the game??
Raymond Felton: I don't listen to music before the game.
Connor Chicago: Hi Raymond,What was your childhood idol?
Raymond Felton: My dad.
charlotte: Hi, I'm from Mullins SC. just wanted to know do you ever go back home and show support to teams at Mullins, marion and Latta schools?
Raymond Felton: Yeah, I went back and saw Mullins and Latta play. I went there with my best friend. I can't get back much, but I do it when I can.
saleem, benicia: Hey Ray. You are definitly going to be a great player, and along G. Wallace, the Bobcats are going to do great! What does the "Gems 20" mean on your armband?
Raymond Felton: It's actually GBMS and it means God Bless My Success.
Michelle(Charlotte): What do you enjoy most about Charlotte? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Raymond Felton: Charlotte is like my hometown, it's a growing city, but still small. In my relax time I just chill with my family and my boys.
Flash (Aus): Hey Ray, Whats happening. I was just wondering do you still stay in contact with your old UNC buddies like Rashard and Marvin. Thanks and keep up the great form I always knew you had it in you
Raymond Felton: Oh yeah. We keep in touch and let each other know we're watching eachother when we can. We're all going through the same rookie process, so it's good to check in with your friends and go over things.
Torrell, Myrtle Beach: Congratulations on a great season, Raymond. What would you say has been the biggest improvement in your game from the college level to the NBA?
Raymond Felton: Basically, just getting stronger and being able to finish on 7-footers.
Leon (Oakland): Why did you choose the number 20?
Raymond Felton: It's my high school number. No. 2 was already taken by Melvin Ely, so I went back to my high school number.
monroe: Raymond. How does it feel to play at carolina then to stay in the home state and play nba basketball?
Raymond Felton: It felt good, knowing I'd still be getting the support from everyone in North Carolina and South Carolina. It's great to be home.
Sanjay(Orlando, Fl): Hey Ray Ray, your may be a rookie but your playing like you've been there for years. How does it feel to play with a high flyer like Gerald Wallace?
Raymond Felton: Me and Gerald are like the two energy guys. We get the party started, along with Brevin. We dive for loose balls, take charges, do whatever we need to do, to make a play for our team. That's how we play.
Radford: Do you think that with you playing fantastic and getting all your injured players back, that the Bobcats will be able to contend for a spot in the playoffs next year?
Raymond Felton: Yes I do. We have a great group of guys, we like each other on and off the court. We just need to get healthy and work on some things and I think we can make a run at the playoffs next season. Definitely.
Raymond Felton: Thanks to the fans for your support. I thank you all for believing in me. I had some doubters who didn't believe what I could do, and you're supporting me was a big help in proving them all wrong.