The lack of playing time in his first NBA season didn't discourage the former Marquette standout but rather motivate Diener to take his game to the next level. As the veteran on Orlando's summer league team in July, Diener was very impressive. And in preseason action in October, Diener saw plenty of minutes and put up 23, 14 and 10 point performances.

This season, the Magic are still very guard heavy, but Diener will be called upon to deliver when needed. His deadly outside shooting ability (9-of-18 from three-point range during the preseason), improved ball-handling and better adaption to the NBA game should be a bonus for Orlando throughout the season.

On Thursday, Nov. 9, before Orlando packs up for a three-game road trip, Travis took a break to chat with fans on OrlandoMagic.com. See what Travis had to say about the Orlando backcourt, his teammates and much more.

Jason (Atlanta): How do you plan to take how you played in preseason and apply it to your games now?

Travis Diener: It's a whole different ballgame, comparing preseason to the regular season. But I was productive in the preseason and I want to carry that confidence over into the regular season and perform as best as I can when given the opportunity.

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June (Orlando): How hard was it to adapt to the NBA game? What was the transition like? Are you 100 percent there now?

Travis Diener: Yeah, I think I'm adapted to the NBA game now. The lifestyle, going from college to the NBA and all the travel is a bigger thing than the actual game on the court. But I've made that adjustment. It's tough rookie year, but with that under my belt, I feel confident this season.

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Jim (Cottage Grove): HI Travis, Who is your closest friend on the team? Were you a Bucks fan growing up?

Travis Diener: We have a very close-knit team here, and I hang out with alot of the guys. James Augustine lives in the same complex as me. The younger guys hang out alot, while the older guys go home to their families and kids. Guys like me and Jameer and JJ are younger and hanging out together. And, yes, I was a Bucks fan when I was growing up.

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Rafael Rivera (Orlando): Are you surprised in the success that your ex Marquette teammate Dwayne Wade is having?

Travis Diener: In college I always expected Dwyane to be a good pro in the NBA. But I didn't expect he'd reach these heights, where he is one of the best players in the world. Anyone who knew him before would tell you he was a great talent and a great teammate and very focused and humble and a good guy and that he would do well in the NBA. But for him to become one of the greatest players in the world in such a short time is a surprise, and a credit to how hard he works.

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Robert (Chicago): Having grown up n Wisconsin, what are some of the main lifestyle differences that you are finding living in Florida ?

Travis Diener: For over 23 years of my life I was accustomed to cold weather and snow in the winter. Now, in November and December it's like 73 degrees where I am. So the weather is a big difference.

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Robert (Schaumburg, IL): Hi Travis, I was wondering in what aspects of the game do you think that you have most improved upon since last season?

Travis Diener: I think just the transformation and the evolution of my confidence. I was tight last year, and this year, I'm just letting it flow and not worrying too much about making mistakes. Summer League helped me out, I was able to do things with the ball, shoot and pass, and that's the way I've played my whole life and I'm trying to apply that now in the regular season.

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Tim (Fla): Hey Travis, you guys got a bit of a road trip coming up. What are your thoughts on it? What are you looking forward to?

Travis Diener: Going to Indiana, Minnesota and Boston is something, and last year we only won 10 games on the road. It's tougher on the road, but we need to overcome that and try and get off to a better start on the road this season.

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Drew (Manalapan, NJ): What is it like being in such a prominant backcourt with Jameer Nelson, Carlos Arroyo, and Keyon Dooling? Good Luck on the upcoming season. GO MAGIC!!!

Travis Diener: It's great. The minutes might not be there for me right now, as we've got one of the best backcourts in the league, with Jameerr starting and Carlos backing him up and those other guys, but I can learn from them. I couldn't be in a better position to learn from guys who can help me become a success in the NBA.

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John (NJ): What are your favorite cities to play in on the road? Why?

Travis Diener: Hmm. I love to go back to Milwaukee to see my family and friends and all the fans who supported me for four years. Other than that, I love to go everywhere. I liked Boston last year, I had never been there. Going to LA is always fun. New York, obviously. It's great to visit all these places. Not everyone gets the opportunity to travel like we do and I try to make the most of it and embrace it.

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Matt (Edgewater): Hey Travis, who wins in a 3-point shootout? You, or fellow Marquette alum Steve Novak?

Travis Diener: Ha-ha. I've always said Steve was the best shooter I've ever been around. But I would never bet against myself. But besides me, you couldn't go wrong choosing Steve to make a big shot for you when you need it.

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Mateen: Hey Travis, long time magic fan here. Most Magic fans expect the Magic to make the playoffs and be one of the top 5-8 teams in the east. What are your realistic expectations to how far the Magic go, and how deep do you think the Magic can get in the playoffs, should they make it?

Travis Diener: I think everyone on this team expects us to do very well and reach goals. We expect to make the playoffs, improve every game. Hopefully we can peak at the right point...at the end of the year and I think we all expect to make the playoffs, and once we get in there, we can build on that. We have to get into the playoffs and then we can make a run.

Travis Diener: Thanks to the fans in Orlando and back home who are supporting me and the Orlando Magic. We're gonna work real hard to reach our goals and play exciting basketball.