Big Easy Buzz Blog - January 17, 2012

Off the Court: Squeaky Johnson
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com

New Orleans native Squeaky Johnson, an NBA rookie, sat down with Hornets.com recently to discuss some of his interests away from the game of basketball. The 5-foot-10 point guard took a circuitous path to the NBA, making his debut in the league at 28 years old.
People who had the most influence on his basketball career: “Both of my parents.”

People who had the most influence on his development off the court: “My older brothers, Monty and Clifford.”

Best moment as an athlete: “Probably beating Kentucky in the NCAA tournament (a 2004 second round victory, 76-74).

Best moment in the NBA: “Trying to box out Dirk Nowitzki.” [grins]

How he chose his uniform number: “It was actually 0, but it went to Al-Farouq Aminu, so I changed mine to 5.”

One thing fans would be surprised to know: “I’m a great chess player.”

Favorite thing about New Orleans: “Everything. The people, the accent, just everything about it. To say it in one word, I’d say it’s the swag.”

Pregame ritual: “I like to drink three Gatorades and a water, so I’m really hydrated for every game.”

First job: “Cutting grass in college. Wouldn’t say I enjoyed it, but I got to know I did not want to do real work anytime soon.”

Favorite athlete as a kid: “My older brother. He was one of those guys that was good at everything, whether it was baseball, football, just at anything. He was the best.”

What he’d be doing if he weren’t an NBA player: “Probably coaching, or trying to help younger kids out. Letting them know that they can overcome anything.”

Best friend in professional sports: “Probably Dwayne Mitchell (currently playing for Ironi Ashkelon in Israel. He previously had stints with the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles D-Fenders).”

Favorite type of music: “R&B/gospel.”

Favorite TV show: “24. Jack Bauer. I love the action and the adrenaline. I’m a save-the-world kind of guy.”

Favorite movie of all time: “Honestly, all the Rocky movies or Rudy. I’m always pulling for the underdog.”

Favorite website: “Probably www.nba.com/dleague.”

What he enjoys about Twitter: “I enjoy being able to talk to people and let them know that we’re normal just like them. It’s @Squeaky_Johnson.”