What has been the most challenging thing in these first couple of days?
"I don't think there have been any real challenges, other than trying to stick to our principles and not let up. We have to grind a little bit and we have to stick to what we're doing from a defensive standpoint. And we (as a coaching staff) have to keep talking to them about the rebounding and the little things that are effort based. So far though, it's only been conversation. I've maybe only had to say things once and I have seen definite efforts of what I have asked them to do, so I think it's a very positive thing."

When you get past the bigs like Kenny Thomas, Mikki Moore, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Brad Miller and get down into the younger guys -- Justin Williams and Darryl Watkins, would you break down that battle -- What do you want from them and what you are seeing from them?
"When you get down to that point, it’s really just about effort, loose balls, taking a charge, offensive rebounding and defensive presence."

Is it a close competition between them?
"I think it's early to make it into a full-blown competition. I think when there are fewer players out on the court and those guys start getting more reps and we're going up and down freely we'll be able to tell more about that. It's obviously not about points, because we don't need those guys to score. But when it comes to rebounding and blocking a few shots and making your presence felt from an energy standpoint, that's what is going to make the difference."

We've had a chance to see Justin, what does Darryl bring to the team?
"He's a better perimeter shooter. He's not nearly as athletic. He's a big body and adequate rebounder but they are extremely different types of players."

Does Rashid Byrd factor into that battle?
"He's long and athletic and he hasn't had enough reps up and down the floor for me to really say anything. His length is something we have to keep an eye on."

Were you cognizant of the influence Chuck Person had on Ron Artest's offensive game in Indiana before you brought him in, or did you take that into consideration?
"Yeah, I was, but I had already started a conversation with Chuck. I believe you have to listen to your vets. You have to be accepting of things that are important to them. It didn't make the decision but it was definitely a plus."

What does Chuck bring to the coaching staff?
"Chuck is tremendous. He's done a lot of work with Indiana and their defensive scheme of things and I think they've been a pretty good defensive team over the last several years. He has great street cred, he's passionate, he's a nonstop worker and his personality is strong. I was looking for an assistant who had some size and had a presence. I'm fairly laid back and Kenny Natt is fairly laid back, so I needed somebody who brings a pretty stern look and a demeanor that is the same and he fits that perfectly. But he does have a good balance of being kind of fun and friendly with the guys and they respect him tremendously."

Do you see him influencing Ron more on his offensive game?
"I think Ron is capable of playing a lot of offense, but I really want him to concentrate on playing defense. Watching him shoot and watching him offensively, that's going to be there for him, but what is going to get him back to his all-star caliber is his defense. Offense is not going to get him on the all-star team or help us get to the playoffs."

Is Shareef Abdur-Rahim feeling any better?
"Yesterday he ran, but today he hasn't done much running, so I've told him that the season is long if we work this right, you'll be a real solid add at the right time. So I'm just hoping he's getting better as we go. When you get to be his age you never know how they're going to react. I know they can take anywhere from three months to six months."

What are you sensing from Spencer Hawes about his frustration with his knee injury?
"He's pretty down today about it but there's nothing he can do about it. The best thing he has going for him right now is his youth. If there's some clean up stuff that needs to go on with his knee, I had that done when I was 19 years old and I was back running in 14 days and I never had another problem with my knee until I was 34 years old."

When is that clean up going to take place?
"I don't know, they're taking another look. I'm just saying, IF that is what has to happen. The first indication is that there are some particles in his knee that need to be cleaned up. But his MRI is in Seattle so we're waiting for that before we make any decisions of what has to happen."

Whenever anybody hears about Microfracture surgery, which he had five years ago, they get worried, is that something that comes into play at all here?
"I have not heard that at all so I would be surprised if that word came up."

How hard have the two a days been? What have practices been like?
"Practices have been hard. The good thing is, this is one of the only training camps that I've really seen guys get through it, pushing themselves and nobody is dragging. I know everyone came in, in tip top shape."

How great is it to see everyone come in to Training Camp in good condition?
"It's great. Sometimes you don't see guys come into training camp in shape and you don't see guys finishing drills, but coach is running us and guys are getting through it."

This is the third coach you've had since you arrived in Sacramento, are there challenges that come with that?
"Once you get past the first couple of days it's alright. The first day you try to get a feel for how practices are going to be and how things go, after that it’s back to normal."

Coach Theus just said that he believes that your defense is the key to you getting back to an all-star level, do you agree with that?
"Yeah I think so, scoring would be great but I'm definitely going to get back to playing hard, competing and trying to lockdown my opponent. We have shot blockers up front now, so when I was in Indiana we had Jermaine O'Neal, and now we have Mikki and Justin, so if I send my guy into those guys it will (be a great help)."

Would you say this is the best set of defensive players you've had around you since you came to Sacramento?
"Yeah, when Brian Skinner was here he blocked a lot of dunks and that was real impressive, but this is definitely a good group."

What do you do during the down time between morning and evening practice?
"I just go home, rest, drink a lot of liquids and stay off my feet."

Have you ever been in Brad Miller's RV?
"No, where is it?"

It's just right outside in the parking lot.
"I've never been in it. I didn't even know he had it here! I'll check it out and see what's up! I think it's probably real plush, knowing Brad, I'm sure he hooked it up!"

What is the main difference playing for a coach that was a player in the NBA, compared to playing for a coach who wasn't?
"I think the difference is their feel for the game because they have been through every possible situation multiple times."

Was your house growing up one that people were always running in and out of?
Yeah I think between all my friends and family members, that was kind of the spot where we (gathered together). Everything in the city, you could walk to everybody’s house. So when we were kids - we’d walk to school, we’d walk home, we’d hang out – because everything was so close.

What was your high school like?
It was a Catholic Jesuit High School. It wasn’t as (strict) as some (other private schools). We didn’t have to wear uniforms. But they were pretty strict sometimes on your discipline.

Is your younger sister your only sibling?
Yes.

Are you close?
She’s a volleyball player so she took a different path.

Is she tall as well?
Yeah, she’s 5’11 or so. She wishes she was taller!

How tall is your mom?
She’s probably about 6’1.

Were the Sonics your team growing up?
Yeah we always had season tickets. Especially when I was a little kid, I tried to go to as many games as I could. We remember watching (Gary Payton), (Shawn) Kemp, guys like Nate McMillan when you’re growing up. That was my favorite team as a kid. Now to watch them, obviously you have to put that to the side, but still you have a soft spot in your heart for your childhood team. To see all the stuff it’s going through now, I just think it’s a little bit ridiculous.

Did you ever go to camps with some of the players from the Sonics when you were growing up?
I didn’t go to camps. When I was growing up, I had a chance to meet Nate (McMillan) at the end of his career and when he first started coaching. I played AAU with his son Jameel since I was in the sixth grade. I was somewhat able to acquaint myself with his family and know him a little bit. You realize what good people they were too. That just makes you like them that much more.