Big Easy Buzz Blog - January 20, 2012

Off the Court: Greivis Vasquez
Friday, January 20, 2012
By: Jim Eichenhofer, Hornets.com

New Orleans guard Greivis Vasquez sat down with Hornets.com recently to discuss some of his interests away from the game of basketball. The 6-foot-6 point guard is in his second NBA season, after spending his rookie year with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Person who had the most influence on his basketball career: “Definitely my father. He has always been my mentor, the guy who motivates me. He’s always been there for me in good times and bad times.”

Best moment as an athlete: “When I got drafted. It was really cool to reach my goals. I never thought I was going to be in the NBA. Now I’m on a team with a group of young guys who want to get better. That’s something real cool.”

How he chose his uniform number: “I admired a guy who played in Venezuela. His name is Diego Guevara. He wore 21 for UNC-Charlotte. That’s why I chose 21.”

One thing fans might be surprised to know: “I’m a funny guy. I have a good personality. I haven’t shown it yet, but eventually when I get more comfortable I’m going to show who I really am.”

Favorite thing about New Orleans: “The fact that there are always a lot of things going on. Plus the food is great.”

Pregame ritual: “I usually take a nap, then come to the arena early for a workout.”

First job: “Playing in the NBA.”

Favorite athlete as a kid: “I always loved Kobe. He was the man.”

What he’d doing if he weren’t an NBA player: “Probably a TV broadcaster.”

Closest friend currently playing on another NBA team: “Rudy Gay of the Grizzlies.”

Favorite types of music: “Salsa, hip-hop. I really like Jay-Z.”

Favorite TV show: “SportsCenter. I watch a lot of ESPN.”

Favorite movie of all time: “Troy.”

What he enjoys about Twitter: “I enjoy staying connected with the fans, and for people to see what we do and see that we are regular human beings. I like being connected with all of my fans and all basketball fans.”