Aug. 3, 2006

LAS VEGAS – Hornets.com’s Dennis Rogers had a chance to catch up with Chris Paul after he and the rest of the USA team defeated Puerto Rico 114-69 on Thursday night.

In front of a sellout crowd of 18,218 at the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of UNLV, Paul helped lead the USA to a convincing 45-point victory over Puerto Rico. Paul chipped in with five points and eight assists in 15 minutes. Although Paul’s numbers weren’t the flashiest, he was the consummate floor leader for the USA, always looking for his teammates.

Rogers: What was it like playing your first Team USA exhibition game?
Paul: It was really a great game. We came out and tried to put a lot of pressure on them. Today, they were ready for us. We were really excited at first and we gambled a little too much. But the second-quarter team picked it up and the third-quarter team blew it out of the water.

Rogers: How has your experience been participating on this team?
Paul: It has been great so far. It is a blessing to be able to play with all these guys... I am very fortunate to have this opportunity.

Rogers: How are you holding up? You haven’t exactly gotten a lot of rest this offseason.
Paul: I am good, I have been playing a lot of basketball and a lot more is left, then training camp will be here before you know it, but it is all well worth it. I am a little tired, but it all goes away when I get on the court.

Rogers: How has it been playing for Coach K?
Paul: Even though we faced each other while I was at Wake and he was at Duke, there is a mutual respect... practices have been tough, he has been working us hard... I am in great shape. We learned that this team can be one of the best ever if everyone just contributes their own little part. On any given night, a different guy can be the leading scorer.

Rogers: As of right now you are the starting point guard. Are you ever in amazement that you get to play alongside LeBron, Carmelo, D Wade and so many more?
Paul: Definitely! It is an amazing opportunity to play not only alongside all these guys, but to play for your country. It is an experience that I will cherish forever.

Rogers: Who has been the player that has impressed you most during practice and games?
Paul: Carmelo for sure. He has really stepped his game up this summer and is killing people on the court.

Rogers: Are you now a Vegas expert?
Paul: Pretty much. I got here (in Las Vegas on July 12 during Vegas Summer League) and have been pretty much been here... I left for a couple days to go home to Charlotte and (former teammate) Speedy Claxton’s wedding in New York.

Rogers: You are off to China at 6 a.m. tomorrow (Friday). Are you excited about the trip?
Paul: I’m very excited. I’m not excited about the long flight, but I’m ready to get over there and see what it’s all about. We had a great showing tonight. We won every quarter and that’s what it’s all about. We picked it up on defense, then got out in the transition and that is when we’ll be at our best. It was unbelievable tonight… when you hear that “USA, USA...,” it starts out by only a few people chanting, but it starts getting louder and louder and it sends chills through your body. Then, you go out and pick up the pace.