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Ask Marcus
Celtics guard Marcus Banks has sorted through the hundreds of e-mails he has received and selected a few he is going to answer this week... if your questions wasn't answered this time, don't be discouraged. Marcus is holding on to all of the e-mails and promises to try to get to all of the questions, and encourages everyone to keep sending in your questions about basketball, life as an NBA player and anything else you may want to ask him!
Have your own question for Marcus? Ask now »
Aarika Smith of Lee wrote: Why do you wear number 11?
Marcus: I always liked Isiah Thomas. Besides, my college number (#3) is retired for Dennis Johnson.
Adem Althor of Durham, NH wrote: Hey Marcus, what do you do for fun in Boston? Who do you hang out with on the C's?
Marcus: I like to go out to eat (Italian food – the North End has some great restaurants) and go to the movies. I like hanging out with my family and staying in and just playing PlayStation. My teammates are all really cool – I hang out with all of the guys from time-to-time.
Lionel Cruz of Lawrence, MA wrote: Who was the toughest player you ever had to guard in your career?
Marcus: My cousin Prutt... ha, ha. He was on my high school team.
Felipe in Cambridge wrote: Marcus, what would you want to most improve in your game, and how would you do that?
Marcus: I have to work harder than I do now, and just be patient because it takes time to be a great player in this league.
Alex Newcomer of Groton, MA wrote: Hey Marcus, How do you and the rest of the Celtics stay fresh on the road when you have to stay in a hotel and deal with jetlag? Do you have any secrets that make travel and staying in hotels easier?
Marcus: Well, I just stay in the hotel and sleep or watch movies so that I will have the energy to stay fresh.
Shawn McKenzie of Lima, OH wrote: What's up Marcus? Glad you didn't go to L.A. in that trade... What does it mean to you to play on a team like Boston with all of their tradition?
Marcus: It is a huge responsibility. Everyday we are reminded of the greatness that we are surrounded by (the championship banners hang in our practice facility). It means an awful lot to me.
Salim Smith of Attleboro wrote: What's your workout program like? Does it change during the off-season? How so?
Marcus: In the off-season I run on the treadmill every other day and then go to the gym and shot for an hour. Then I play pick-up ball at UNLV with the college guys.
Nick D. or Watertown, MA wrote: Marcus, what is it like playing with Gary Payton? What are some of the things he has taught you?
Marcus: Playing with Gary is great. He is an awesome teacher; I have learned so much about being on the court and running the team. He has also taught me about being a professional off-the-court.
Sherry Cooper of Leicester, MA wrote: Hi Marcus, what do you like to do in the little spare time that you have?
Marcus: I love being with my family. I live with my cousins and my family comes to visit me when I am in town for a few days.
A fan from Boston wrote: Hey Marcus! What is you favorite kind of music, and who is your favorite artist?
Marcus: I like rap and R&B. Right now 50 is hot, but I love D-Block the most.
Michael DeMartino of Aarhus wrote: Hey Marcus, I was wondering, what would your life be like if you weren't playing ball? Any particular career you would pursue?
Marcus: I would try to own my own business or I would be involved with kids.
Brian Driscoll of Boston wrote: Who is the hardest player you have ever covered in college and in the pros?
Marcus: Well, from college I can't recall, but in the pros I would have to say A.I.
Malcolm Hall of Dorchester, MA wrote: What is it like being away from your hometown, and your family and friends for so long?
Marcus: It's hard but that's why I have my cousins living with me. And my parents come to all of the games on the West Coast and fly out for long home stands.
Ryan Brown of Springfield wrote: How old were you when you first got into basketball?
Marcus: Days old! My parents put a ball in my crib when I was delivered!
Shane of Quincy, MA wrote: Dear Marcus, Did you ever get cut from your middle school (Jr. High) basketball team? My school had tryouts last week and I got cut. I am very curious and depressed as to why I didn't make the team. Could you please give me some advice?
Marcus: Well, MJ (Michael Jordan) got cut, too, and he went on to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Just keep working hard on your game, and show up next time with the confidence you need to avoid getting cut. Good luck!
Geoff Kehlmann of Newton, MA wrote: Hey Marcus! Thanks for taking the time to answer questions. I was wondering what college life is like in terms of managing schoolwork and basketball. How did you find the time to "hit the books" while at the same time trying to improve your game?
Marcus: In college you have study hall, which is mandatory. So that is where we would "hit the books."
Jenny of Ipswich wrote: Who was your favorite basketball player growing up?
Marcus: I loved Michael Jordan. He was the greatest person to me.
Casey Coupe of Windham, NH wrote: Hi Marcus, I think you are an awesome player. I can't believe how fast you are. Has basketball always been you favorite sport? Did you play any other sports when you were younger?
Marcus: I have always played basketball, but I loved football, too.
Danny Audetete of Milton, VT wrote: Marcus, everyone knows the upside to playing in the NBA (fame, money, etc.). Give us the downside in what you've seen so far.
Marcus: I haven't really seen one because it's all a blessing.
Dan of Colorado wrote: Hi. You guys travel a lot... almost every three days you are in a different city. Does this affect the way you play the game?
Marcus: Sometimes because of the time change or on back-to-back nights in different cities. The plane rides can wear you down.
Jessie S. of Portland, ME wrote: Hey, do you have a nickname? If so what is it?
Marcus: I don't have one yet, but I'm looking for one! Do you have any suggestions?
Jon B of Orlando wrote: I'm a huge UNLV fan... how was it playing for the Rebels?
Marcus: It was a dream come true. I grew up watching the Runnin' Rebels, so to become one was great for me!
Samantha Bean of Belmont, NH wrote: What is the hardest thing to overcome whenever someone on your team gets traded and someone new comes in their place?
Marcus: It's tough because you hang out with that person one day, and then the next day they are gone. And now you have to mesh with this new personality and how the team chemistry stays in tact.
Marcus: Thank you to everyone who submitted questions... if I didn't answer your question this time around, I will try to get to it in the future. Keep sending in questions, and I will talk to you all real soon. Thank you for continuing to support the Celtics!
