Inside Dish - Jan. 08 2008

When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing in the 6th grade. I was more interested in football, and after the season was over our coach made us go out for another sport to stay in shape.

Did you think about playing in the NBA when you were a kid?
Not really. My first love is football. I thought about playing in the NFL all the time.

When did you first realize that you might actually make it into the NBA?
I would say my sophomore year in college. My coach told me that a lot of people were looking at me and that I might have a chance to make it to the next level if I just worked at my game. But even though he told me, I didn't really believe him. I still thought it was a long shot coming from a mid-major college.

Were you shocked when you were drafted into the NBA?
I wasn't really shocked. I was surprised that Chicago drafted me because I didn't even workout for them.

Shawn Marion played on your high school team [Clarksville High School, Tennessee]. Who was the better player?
I was the stud of the team and one year younger too. We played together three years.

Who was your NBA idol?
I didn't really have one. I was a big football guy. Of course, everyone liked Michael Jordan. But I was a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I liked Kordell Stewart, Greg Lloyd, and Rod Woodson.

How did you get your current nickname “Tennessee”?
Coach [Avery] thought of it because Brandon Bass and I were always getting confused when he would call for us during the games. We never knew if he was saying “Bass” or “Hass” so he just started calling me “Tennessee” to help with the confusion. Obviously, I am from Tennessee.

How did you feel this fall when you found out that you were traded to Dallas?
I was surprised at first and was a little worried about moving my family. But I was also very happy because I would be on a team that has a chance to win. Being part of a good team was exciting. It was a little easier leaving Minnesota because they traded away Kevin Garnett.

Have you adjusted to the Mavericks' way of playing basketball?
At first it was a little tough, but once I figured out the terminology, it was easy to figure out what is going on.

Do you have any New Year's Resolutions?
Not really.

What is your favorite TV show?
I love “House” right now.

What is your favorite movie?
I like so many movies it is a tough call. I like “Gladiator” and “300”. I like action movies. I love the Jason Bourne movies.

What is your favorite basketball movie?
“Glory Road”

Who is your favorite actor?
Denzel Washington

Who is your favorite actress?
Halle Berry and Jessica Biel

Who plays you in the made-for-TV movie?
Bernie Mac

What is your favorite NBA city?
Miami

What is your favorite Dallas restaurant?
Haven't been to one

What is in your refrigerator since you don't eat at restaurants?
I got a lot of turkey meat and Gatorade, but mostly my son Bailey's food takes up most of the fridge. He is only two but he is already running things. My wife [Tiffany] makes me a lot of spaghetti and Hamburger Helper too.

What is your favorite fast food?
Probably Sonic

What is your favorite late night snack?
Oatmeal

If someone jacked your cell phone, who's the most famous person's number they would find?
“The Ticket” Kevin Garnett

When was the first time anyone ever asked you for an autograph?
We had a good team when I was in high school, so I would say probably my sophomore year.

Have you ever asked any NBA player for his autograph?
When I was a freshman in high school, the Knicks played San Antonio in Nashville and I got Charles Oakley's autograph.

If you could be any superhero who would you choose?
I don't know, but I would want to have X-Ray vision.

What is your favorite pastime on your days off?
I like to play video games and sometimes I go bowling. I mostly play Splinter Cell.

Boxers or Briefs?
Neither, athletic shorts

What is your newest gadget?
I got a new portable satellite/TV that I can use when I go on picnics.

Who are your best friends in the NBA?
Kevin Garnett, Troy Hudson, Spree [Latrell Spreewell] and Ervin Johnson.

Just one more question…just kidding…that's it.

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