Draft Workouts 2005 – Ronny Turiaf
With the 2005 NBA Draft rapidly approaching and the Celtics holding the 18th, 50th and 53rd picks overall, Celtics.com will be bringing exclusive behind the scenes info from some of the draft workouts held at The Sports Authority Training Center in Waltham.
Ronny Turiaf is a 6-10 power forward out of Gonzaga, who flirted with entering the draft last year, and was likely considered a first round pick. He eventually decided to return for his senior season at Gonzaga where he averaged 15.9 points and 9.5 boards per game. He’s an athletic power forward who is excellent at blocking shots from the weak side. He has good footwork in the low post and can knock down the open jumper when asked to. His best fit in the NBA may be as a scrappy rebounder/defender. Turiaf is a native of France and speaks four languages. He competed for the French National Team in the 2003 European Championships, on a squad that featured NBA players Tariq Abdul-Wahad, Boris Diaw, Tony Parker and Jerome Moiso. Check out what Turiaf had to say after his workout for the Celtics.
Celtics.com: How do you think the workout went today?
Ronny Turiaf: The workout went good. I shot the ball ok, I played hard in the two on two (drill), and did good on the conditioning and test drills. So I did a good job and I am just happy to get an opportunity to come down here and wear the Celtic uniform and give a positive presentation. And I am happy to have a chance to showcase my skills here.
Celtics.com: What is it like to workout here, with all the championship banners and retired numbers overhead?
Turiaf: You don’t get that anywhere, except for LA maybe, but when you look at it and see they (Celtics) won ten championships in 12 years, you think ‘oh wow, I’m in something sacred right here; it’s just awesome.’ Just putting that Celtics jersey on makes you feel like you’re a part of the Celtics organization. I’m just so happy I get the chance to come down here and am able to workout for the team.
Celtics.com: You seem like a knowledgeable young player, do you study the history of the game?
Turiaf: Definitely, that’s what I do – play basketball and study the game. I know the great players. It’s just unbelievable to see what kind of success the Celtics organization has had. This is a great opportunity and I just like to know where I am going (to workout) and what kind of history has happened there, but you can’t not know what has happened here in Boston.
Celtics.com: Was this your first work out?
Turiaf: Second workout.
Celtics.com: How did this one compare?
Turiaf: It was pretty similar as far as the shooting drills. The only thing different was that running drill that the Celtics do at the end.
Celtics.com: What did you think of that last Celtics running drill?
Turiaf: Honestly, I thought it would be harder, that’s why I kind of paced myself. I wish we could do it again right now. You get used to seeing that kind of trademark everywhere you go, which is cool; I like it.
Celtics.com: What strengths do you bring to an NBA team?
Turiaf: I would bring some energy, because that’s what I have. Whenever I get on the court I just give my all to a team. As far as basketball goes, I am good on the block, shooting jumpers from 15-17 feet, playing with my back to the basket, rebounding the ball, blocking shots, and being a hustle-guy. I have no problem saying Ronny Turiaf is a hustle guy. Anytime I step on the court, I am going to give 125% for my team.
Celtics.com: What do you feel are your draft prospects?
Celtics.com: I really try not to think about it – as far as where I am going to end up. I am just trying to do my best, to give it all I can, to showcase my skills to the GM’s and player personnel directors, and help them try to make the right choice. If I get drafted in the second round, then I get drafted in the second round. That’s what can happen, but I try my best to hopefully get that guaranteed contract because I know I can guarantee that which ever team drafts me will get somebody who wants to be a part of their organization.
Celtics.com: What do you think of the current Celtics roster?
Turiaf: The current Celtics have some great young guys, as far as Al Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, Antoine Walker at the three, Ricky Davis at the two, Gary Payton at the one, and Paul Pierce starting – with Ricky off the bench. The have good guys – they have Mark Blount and stuff, so they are a good team. It’s just a matter of playing together for a long stretch and creating those feelings of playing together and knowing what the other guys on the court are thinking. I think that whatever happens, they will be fine next year.
