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Chat Transcript: Center Primoz Brezec

It's been a busy summer for Bobcats center Primoz Brezec, including a role on the Slovenian National Team that competed in the World Championships in Japan. With training camp starting next week, Brezec is preparing for his third season as Charlotte's middleman and his sixth overall as a pro.

Entering the NBA as a first round draft pick in 2001, Brezec spent the better part of his first three seasons backing up a star-studded Indiana Pacers frontcourt that included Jermaine O'Neal, Brad Miller, Ron Artest and Al Harrington. Unable to take full advantage of the soft-shooting center's skills, the Pacers left Brezec unprotected when it came time for the Bobcats' Expansion Draft in 2004. With Brezec left available, Bobcats General Manager & Head Coach Bernie Bickerstaff gladly scooped up the 7-foot center, and in doing so acquired a starter that's averaged more than 12 points on over .500 shooting in two seasons with Charlotte.

Brezec stopped by BobcatsBasketball.com Wednesday for a live chat with fans. Check out what Primoz had to say about this year's team, the World Championships and much more.




Karl (Charlotte): Hey Primo, what was it like being at the world championships in Japan?

Primoz Brezec: It was a great experience for me and my country. Unfortunately we were not very successful, but it was a great experience and I'm glad I did it.


Brian, DC: How do you think you fit in to the new faster paced Bobcats style with Felton running the point?

Primoz Brezec: Good question. We did run at the tail end of last season and that went well. I think I did well when we played that way in the second half last season. I'm excited about it and looking forward to it.


Patrick D(charlotte): What do you think about Adam Morrison?

Primoz Brezec: I haven't seen him play very much, only one workout with him. But he's definitely a good player, was a great college player. It's a big step, from college to the NBA, but he's a good player and I think he's ready and he's gonna help us this year.


John (Charlotte): Hey Primo, how have you and Emeka meshed on the court? Do you feel you have a good chemistry when you're out there?

Primoz Brezec: We played his whole first season together, but last year, not too many games with his injury. But I think we worked together very well. He's definitely a different kind of player and I think we compliment each other.


turkey/izmir: how did you feel when you were drafted by nba in first round?

Primoz Brezec: What can I say? It was a dream come true. Teams showed interest in me and Indiana took me in the first round and it was very, very exciting.


Midland, NC: With all your travel and international basketball activities this summer, do you feel like you are in better shape or more fatigued than usual heading into training camp? MC

Primoz Brezec: I don't know. There were lots of guys on the US team this year, who went deep into the playoffs and then they went to the Worlds, so there is no excuse for me. Lots of people have been playing lots of basketball and I feel I'm in good shape and ready to go.


Charlotte: Sup Primoz, I was just wondering,how does it feel to go up against Shaq? Josh

Primoz Brezec: It's tough. My first season it was really tough and it hasn't gotten much easier. He is so strong and you have to really fight him. That's one of the best big guys to ever play this game, so you always look forward to it, it's about competing at the highest level. I look forward to it again this year.


Madou Limoges France: Hi Primoz how are you ? I say to you congratulations for your progression. At the beginning was it difficult to speak English when Bernie explained strategy for example at a time out ? Thanks for your answer.

Primoz Brezec: I learned English as a student for eight years, so my English is decent. That was not a problem for me.


Charles (Birmingham): Primoz, big ups to you for taking advantage of your playing time over the last 2 seasons with the Bobcats and showing that you're a true baller...what would you say has been your greatest area of growth since you've been with the Bobcats?

Primoz Brezec: I really don't think I'm much better than I was at Indiana, the only difference is that Bernie has given me a chance here. My confidence is up and my minutes are up and I'm playing well.


Tommy(Charlotte): Primoz! Hows it going? I've noticed that you've got a pretty nice shot for being a big man. What do you do to keep up that good shot? Good luck this season!

Primoz Brezec: Lots of shooting and repetition. Then, it's a matter of confidence. You gotta practice it every single day and then when the time comes in the game, you need to take the shot and be confident it will go in. It's a lot of hard work to make those shots.


joey lockhart charlottesville: Primoz, Who is best player youve ever played with and against,

Primoz Brezec: The best player I ever played with was definitely Reggie Miller. Against? Lots of players, Shaq, Tim Duncan, there are lots of great guys.


Richard (Charlotte, NC): Primo, What does your off season workout consist of, when trying to prepare for the next season?

Primoz Brezec: My international training camp started in June. Prior to that I did lots of shooting and lifting weights. Once I got to national team duty, it was practice twice a day, everyday. I've been doing lots and lots of practice and training.


Chris (Adelaide, AUS): How much better do you think the bobcats have gotten since you first got to the team?

Primoz Brezec: Obviously we've improved, going from 18 wins to 26 wins, despite almost everybody being hurt. I think this year, if we can stay healthy, we can be even better.


Charlotte: Hi, What are you looking to improve in your game as an individual? Thanks Sammy

Primoz Brezec: Yeah, definitely I want to improve in every aspect of the game. My back to the basket game is improving and my rebounding and shotblocking too. Those areas I'm working very hard on, and trying to get better and better.


Justin Charlotte: Do you think the bobcats can make the playoffs this year?

Primoz Brezec: Yes. We got better this offseason, we're a deeper team now. We have more experience as a team and I believe in this team. I definitely believe we have a shot.

Primoz Brezec: Thanks for writing in and asking questions, I really appreciate the interest and support of all NBA fans and especially the fans of the Charlotte Bobcats. Thanks again and come out and support the Bobcats.