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E-News Sign UpDraft04: Clippers.com Q&A With Ben Gordon
| Posted: June 20th, 2004 |
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"It went well. Everybody competed against each other and I thought I played well throughout."
In January, your coach, Jim Calhoun, sat you down and told you that he didn't know if you were ready for the NBA. You responded by going on a tear that helped lead the Huskies to the 2004 NCAA title. What changed after that conversation?
"I think I was just going through a slump [at that time]. Everybody goes through a slump--it was just one of those things you have to play through. Everybody knew what kind of a player I was and what I was capable of. So I [had to] just flat-out prove it."
What word would you most like used when describing Ben Gordon?
"Winner. I've won a championship at every level I've played at. Whatever organization I end up playing with, my focus is to one day get my team in a position to win a title."
At UConn, you've were the model of a student-athlete---hitting the textbooks as hard as the court. Are you already thinking of a life after basketball?
"When you get to the NBA, you get exposed to so many different business people and I want just to be able to own my own business one day. I want to be an all-around businessman. As far as anything outside of that, I just want to be sure I invest my money wisely as well.
What will mean the most for you next season: a last second, gaming winning shot or a dunk on [former UConn teammate] Emeka Okafor?
"(Pauses and then laughs) A last second game winning dunk on Emeka!"
