MAGIC: Chat Transcript: Travis Diener

Chat Transcript: Travis Diener

In his first year in the NBA, Orlando Magic point guard Travis Diener has already shown that his deadly outside game and on the floor leadership speak volumes. A second round selection (38th overall) by the Magic in the 2006 NBA Draft, Travis has seen limited action as a rookie, but has been effective when his number has been called. He scored a career-high 14 points against Milwaukee back in December and has been in double figures on two other occasions.

Travis finished his standout career at Marquette - where he and Dwyane Wade led a talented squad to the 2003 Final Four - as the school's all-time leader in three-point field goals made. That outside game has translated well in the pros where he has already hit 22-of-47 attempts (47 percent) from beyond the arc in his young NBA career.

On Thursday, Travis took a timeout to chat with fans on OrlandoMagic.com. See what he had to say about his college days, his first season with the Magic and much more.

Jordan (Columbus, OH): Hey Travis, long time Orlando fan here, how do you like playing in Orlando so far?

Travis Diener: So far everything's been real good, I enjoy the atmosphere and the fans. We have a lot good guys on the team, with a good mix of players - young and old. It's good.

Milwaukee: What is the biggest change you have had to make in your game as result of going from college to the NBA?

Travis Diener: The biggest change would be trying to get bigger and stronger. In this league everyone is so quick, fast and big, you have to keep up with that, keep pace with that.

Dustin (Seattle): What moment so far in your rookie season has stood out to you the most?

Travis Diener: When I went back to Milwaukee there were lots of fans there to see me and I got my career-high that game. That was fun. I was happy to play well that game, that was a highlight for me.

bridey (west allis, wi): what do you miss most about marquette and college life besides basketball?

Travis Diener: What I miss most about college life is the camaraderie between my teammates. It was like a family there. I may even miss the closeness with the players more than the basketball itself.

FRANKIE (INDIANAPOLIS): Who would win in a 3 point shooting contest, you or Steve Novak?

Travis Diener: Ha-ha (Laughing) We've played numerous times, I think I'm up right now, but it's almost even. He can flat-out shoot the ball, so we'll have to see what happens.

Alex Union City,NJ: Which rookie would you like to play one on one?

Travis Diener: Hmmm. Which rookie? As a competitor playing one-on-one with Chris Paul would be great. He is having a great rookie season. He's probably having the best year for a rookie, so that would have to me my choice, to go up against the best.

Matt (Norwalk, CT): When you were a child what NBA team did you want to play for?

Travis Diener: I was always a Bulls fan. My favorite player growning up was Michael Jordan. He was the best player ever. Also, I followed the Bucks too.

Brad (Gadsden,Alabama): Travis, Whats you fav pre. game meal?

Travis Diener: Probably just something light. Seafood or something. I like to keep it light.

Larry (Seattle): hey travis, do you and your ex-college buddy dwayne wade still keep in touch? also, when you played with him at marquette, did you have any idea he would turn out to be this good in the nba? keep up the hard work and i hope i see you on the floor more!

Travis Diener: Yeah, me and Dwyane have a good relationship. I speak to him every week or so. Our relationship is strong and will always be there. In college, I don't know if anyone knew he'd be this good, but I always thought he was a special player. The thing is, how good he got in the NBA so fast. I think that took everybody by surprise, how quickly he became one of the best players in the league, which he is right now.

Tre LaMora, Rochester, NY: Do you feel underated because your were 2nd round pick? Is it true that second round picks have to prove themselves more than 1st round picks do?

Travis Diener: I think so. YOu have to prove that you belong more. A first rounder gets a guaranteed contract, and in the second round there is no guarantee. It's about getting onto a team where you can be successful and then when you get the chance you have to make the most of it.

Dennis Orlando, FL: Where do you have to work on most to gain more minutes in the NBA?

Travis Diener: I think I have to get more experience. It's just my first year, so I have a lot to learn. Also, getting bigger and stronger will help. That's the main thing.

Kevin - Whitefish Bay, WI: How does an NBA practice compare to a Tom Crean practice session?

Travis Diener: In college it's a bit more intense and longer. In the NBA you play so many games, the practices are shorter. It's very, very intense in the NBA and it's challenging. But it's just much shorter. With 82 games you have to get some time for your body to recover. So NBA practices have to be very efficient in a shorter amount of time.

Travis Diener: Thanks for all the support to the fans in Orlando. It's been great to be welcomed to the city and the franchise here. Also, thanks to everyone back in Milwaukee and in my hometown. I appreciate you sticking by me all these years. Also, we with the Magic will keep working hard to win some more games. Thanks again.