Your resume speaks for itself entering the draft: First Team All-ACC, MVP of the Final Four, National Champion. Yet some mock drafts have you going anywhere from late lottery to middle of the first round. Has that effected your approach to workouts at all?
"I have mixed feelings about that, but I know that the guys making those projections aren’t the coaches and general managers so I don’t hold a lot of stock in them. There have plenty of great college players who haven’t found the same success in the NBA. I believe I will have a good NBA career so those mock drafts mean nothing. I’m just looking forward to June 28 and in the meanwhile just impress as many teams as possible. If I go 1 through 10, great, but if go 10 to 20, it won’t matter. The team that selects me is going to get a guy who knows how to play and who is ready to play."
We had Raymond Felton in here last Friday and he said his decision to forgo his senior season at Carolina was based on the fact that he felt he had nothing left to prove after winning the title. What factored into your decision to leave Chapel Hill?
"It’s pretty much the same reason for me. I accomplished what I wanted to in school and improved my game every year. I felt I had reached my pinnacle at the college level and I was ready to challenge myself at the next level. Also the fact that our catalyst, Raymond, was going [pro] was a big factor because we came in together and won together so it was only right to leave together."
Your title team at UNC has as many as six guys who could be drafted, possibly four in the lottery. Are you guys keeping in touch during this workout process?
"Everyday! I call Raymond and Rashad [McCants] to see how their workouts went. I know the Clippers have seen both of them, Raymond came here and the team went and saw Rashad’s individual workout in Santa Monica last week. I also keep up with Marvin [Williams], Jawad [Williams] and Jackie [Manuel]. We could have six guys playing in the NBA next year which would be special. We’re all brothers and we’re going to stay in touch through phone calls and emails and we all want the best for one another."
How does it feel to join the UNC fraternity in the NBA with guys like Jerry Stackhouse, Rasheed Wallace, Antawn Jamison and Vince Carter?
"It feels great because all of those guys come back to Chapel Hill every year and we get to see the lifestyles they lead and how important The University of North Carolina is to them. For me, Antawn has become a good friend which is amazing because we were five years apart but we’re like brothers because we’re both part of the Carolina Family."
At 6’8” you will be an undersized power forward in the NBA, yet at the same height Elton Brand has shown that one can still be among the elite in the game. Has he influenced your game at all?
"I’ve tried to model my game after Elton’s. I’ve studied other undersized power forwards too like Carlos Boozer and Zach Randolph who aren’t the most athletic guys in the world but find a way to get the job done despite that. A lot of GM’s get sold on the 6’11” guy who looks good walking through the airport but can’t play. But that’s not me, I can play."
What do you feel are your strengths on the court?
"Being an undersized power forward, like Elton, I can really rebound the ball on both ends. I can step out and knock down the jumper or use a variety of post moves. I can also handle the ball when needed. I know how to play. There’s still a lot I need to work on both ends of the floor to get better as well as get into the best shape possible. That’s also a key for me."
Today’s workout had two familiar foes in Duke’s Daniel Ewing and Tech’s B.J. Elder. How did it feel to go up against those guys in this setting?
"All that ACC stuff is behind us. Once we all get on a team and are signed, sealed and delivered then we can break out the trash talk a little."
You’ve been working out in Santa Monica a lot, how do you like LA and the prospects of joining the Clippers?
"The Clippers seem like they have a solid starting five and are looking to get a guy who provides depth for them. I would love to play in LA. The city is great as are the people from what I’ve seen. I’ve been getting to like Santa Monica a lot. It’s been a great three weeks out here."
Where else have you worked out and what’s next on your schedule?
"I think just about everyone has been to see me workout in Santa Monica over the last three weeks. The Clippers, Golden State and Charlotte are the three teams I have visited."
