Drew Gooden Chat Transcript - June 27, 2002

Drew Gooden joined Grizzlies.com for a live chat following the Grizzlies' press conference to introduce the new rookie forward. The following is the transcript from Gooden's cybercast chat.

QuiGonJin85: Drew, first of all congrats on finally being in the NBA, what are your goals for this season, and how do you plan on achiving theses goals?

Drew Gooden: My goals are to make it to the playoffs, keep working hard and play basketball.
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go_sosa21: Drew...what number will you wear here?

Drew Gooden: Single "0".
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go_sosa21: What do you feel you can add/bring to this team?

Drew Gooden - Rebounding and doing things to help the team win.
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lg103: Did you know the Grizzlies were going to select you?

Drew Gooden: I knew that they were interested in me. Jerry West told me that they liked me but, I didn't know who would select me.
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rapscallion85: Who are you looking forward to playing in the league

Drew Gooden: Everyone.
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grizzlies.com: Drew your thoughts on playing with Jerry West

Drew Gooden: Jerry West is a guy who knows the business and who also played the game. He's one of the greats. It means alot that he is with this team. The sky is the limit.
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grizzfane22: When will you meet your new team mates?

Drew Gooden: I'll probably meet them in summer league.
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grizzlies.com: Drew, what do you think your role with the Grizzlies will be next year?

Drew Gooden: My role will be to come in and contribute right away as far as scoring, get in some rebounds and play defense
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dt_radio: Drew, do you feel pressure to live up to Gasol and Battier???

Drew Gooden: Yes, one of my goals is to be Rookie of the Year. I'll have to work hard and help the team win games.
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grizzlies.com: What do you think the toughest adjustment from college to NBA will be?

Drew Gooden: The biggest adjustment will be in playing the game. Also, dealing with guys who pick on rookies because they don't know any better. ;-)
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grizzfan: Are you worried about the 82 game schedule?

Drew Gooden: I'm not worried about the 82 games. Actually, I'm looking forward to it.
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NotoriousOPP: What do you think about Memphis as a city, Drew?

Drew Gooden: I like it so far, I haven't been many places yet. Mostly, I've been in the Pyramid.
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grizzlies.com: Drew, what's your fondest college memory?

Drew Gooden: Playing in the Final Four. That was the best.
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theduchessofoaktown: What is your favorite music? Favorite artists?

Drew Gooden: I listen to rap and r&b. 2Pac is my favorite of all time.
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grizzlies.com: What was it like playing for Roy Williams?

Drew Gooden: It was a great experience. He helped me become the professional that I am today.
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sparkthis_1: Drew do you have any pre-game rituals before games? or Superstitions?

Drew Gooden: I don't split poles - that's my superstition.
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Grizzlies.com: Can you explain "splitting poles"?

Drew: Splitting away from the person/group you are walking with to avoid a light pole.
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go_sosa21: Who do you look forward to playing against in the upcoming NBA season?

Drew Gooden: All of them (teams).
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grizzlies.com: Which player would you like to play most?

Drew Gooden: I would like to play on the same court with Jordan. He has been my hero since childhood.
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grizzlies.com: Did you guys know that Drew plays piano? When did you start?

Drew Gooden: I started as a kid. I never took lessons. I got it from my dad, he plays in a Jazz band. I'm not professional but I'm pretty good. :-)
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lg103: Who are your NBA heros?

Drew Gooden: Michael Jordan and KG.
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go_sosa21: what size shoe do you wear?

Drew Gooden: I wear a size 16.
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ku13jayhawk: Are you planning on keeping in touch with the KU players u were with last year?

Drew Gooden: Of course. That's my KU family.
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grizzlies.com: Drew, what was your most memorable pre-draft experience

Drew Gooden: Meeting Jerry West was my best moment.
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lg103: Any favorite draft canidates that you enjoy working out with??

Drew Gooden: I knew everybody in the first round really well. They are all good players.
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NotoriousOPP: Thanks for joining us, Drew..looking forward to seeing 0 put up some numbers for us at the Pyramid this winter.

Drew Gooden: Thanks everybody.
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grizzlies.com: Thanks for joining us today and welcome to Memphis, Drew!


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