Mike Wilks Chat Transcript
January 23, 2006
| Mike Wilks joined the Cavs for the 2005-06 season after playing in 48 games with the World Champion San Antonio Spurs in 2004-05. Wilks played a season-high 27 minutes and had a season-high five rebounds vs. Milwaukee on Jan. 7th. |  |
Joey Campbell: I read somewhere that said you are the best dunker on the team, but you can't palm the ball. Is that true?
Mike Wilks: I can palm the ball a little bit. I don't really palm it when I dunk. I like to throw the ball up and let it bounce then tip dunk it.
Matt (New Philadelphia, OH): Mike, I'm little too. How can you not get blocked when you go up for shots man?
Mike Wilks: I do. I try to use my quickness and speed to create space so that I can get my shot off. But sometimes, when I go to the rim, I get my shot blocked. But one of the things I do is shoot the ball high which is called a floater.
Jim (Huntsville): Mike, Do you miss Huntsville at all??? The kids at the Boys & Girls Club miss you!!!
Mike Wilks: I miss Huntsville a lot. I lived nearby in the offseason. I miss the kids at the Boys & Girls club as well. Please tell everyone that I said "hello".
C.J. (Shaker Heights, OH): Do you have any pregame rituals?
Mike Wilks: Not really. I'm not superstitious, but I do like to pray before I play and I have a pregame routine where I get up shots and stretch.
Matt (Wadsworth): You've played on a World Championship team. Is this team capable of winning a ring now or is this a year to build on? Do you wear your ring often?
Mike Wilks: We definitely have the talent that it takes to win a championship and if we execute our defensive schemes consistently, we believe we are capable of playing with anybody. I don't wear my ring that much.
Marvin (Milwaukee, WI): How are you adapting to the change from being with the Spurs to being with the Cavs? We love you!
Mike Wilks: I'm adapting fine. I've been on several teams and have learned how to adapt. I have great teammates and the staff is great. It's like a family. Everyone is helping me adapt very well.
Michael Homan (Tulsa): Hey Mike, we're so proud of you. Keep up the good work! How are you enjoying married life? How do you best manage all of the uncertainties and transitions that come with playing in the NBA? We hope to see you in Oklahoma City this spring. Blessings to you- Michael and Heather Homan
Mike Wilks: Thank you and blessings to you as well. I look forward to seeing you. Married life is great. It gets sweeter each and every day.
Houston, TX: Hey Mike! You are an awesome back-up. I think the Cavs could really use you in the long run. Have you ever had anyone that you have looked up to?
Mike Wilks: On the court, I've looked up to Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson and one of my favorites today is Earl Boykins.
Matt (Wadsworth): What kind of a coach is Coach Brown? Is he similar to anyone you've played for previously or heard about?
Mike Wilks: Coach Brown is what we call a players coach. He is very young and aware of what's going on in our generation. He is very knowledgeable and we respect him a lot. He reminds me of Popovich because he teaches the same principles. He is a very personable and approachable coach and I love playing for him.
Cleveland: Mike, when did you decide when you wanted to be in the NBA? And was it a hard process getting there?
Mike Wilks: I've always thought about the NBA growing up as a kid, but my main objective was to use basketball to get a scholarship and a college education. Once I was able to graduate from Rice, I decided to pursue my dream of playing in the NBA. It wasn't an easy process to get here. I tried out for several teams and even played in the NBDL. There are a lot of talented guys who could play in the NBA, but I am thankful that I have this privilege.
Kevin from Barberton: I read in the Akron Beacon Journal that your throw downs have stopped practices. Have you ever dunked in an NBA game, do you plan on entering the Slamdunk competition? Also, what is your vertical leap? Thanks Mike, happy to have ya here in Cleveland.
Mike Wilks: I've never dunked in a NBA game, but hopefully I will get one soon. I'm not going to be in the dunk contest, but I'll be watching. I'm not sure what my vertical leap is. I have not tested my vertical for about 7 or 8 years since I first got to college. Thanks everyone. I enjoyed chatting with you all.
