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New Orleans forward DaJuan Summers sat down with Hornets.com recently to discuss some of his interests away from the game of basketball. The third-year NBA veteran has played 172 minutes for the Hornets this season, already nearly matching his total of 198 in 2010-11 with the Detroit Pistons.
People who've had the most influence on his basketball career: All of my coaches, collectively throughout my career. In college (at Georgetown) with Coach Thompson, to here with Coach Monty (Williams), even in Detroit with Coach Frank, theyve all helped me on and off the floor.
Person who had the most influence on him off the court: My mom. Shes been through a lot, shes struggled a lot. So her story has played a major role in how I approach my life.
Best moment as an athlete: Playing in the Final Four in college.
How he chose his uniform number: I wore number 22 in the Jordan All-Star Game and when I came out of high school. When I got to Georgetown I couldnt get number 22, so I just went with number 3. So I always wanted to wear number 22, but I just got the opportunity to wear it now.
Hidden talent: I can sing a little bit, I have a touch for music. I love music. Its always been a passion of mine just like basketball, so thats one of my hidden talents.
Favorite thing about New Orleans: Eating. The food is amazing down here. I havent been to see all of the other things that the culture offers, but the food has been phenomenal so far.
Pregame ritual or superstitions: Im not superstitious. We work too hard at our games to be superstitious about it, so I dont do it.
First job: This. This is my first job.
Favorite athletes as a kid: Michael Jordan and Michael Johnson, because of their fierce competitive nature.
Closest friends currently playing on other NBA teams and/or in other pro sports: Rudy Gay, we grew up together, hes one of my best friends. Ive known Jarrett (Jack) for a while, Greivis (Vasquez). I have a lot of friends in the NBA. In the NFL, Darrius Heyward-Bay of the Oakland Raiders, we were high school roommates.
Favorite type of music: R&B and rap. Im a Jay-Z fan, Kanye (West), Drake, Lil Wayne. In R&B I like Raheem Devaughn, that type of stuff.
Favorite TV show: Ive got a lot of TV shows. Entourage when it came out. I used to watch True Blood because it came on after that. Hung, I used to watch that too. But back in the day, Martin, I watched that the most.
Favorite movie of all time: I get that question a lot Im a movie buff. If Im not on the court, Im at home watching movies so I cant pick one. I watch a lot of movies, but I wont watch horror movies though. I like action movies. Armageddon is one of my top movies, a lot of action and drama, so if I had to pick one that would be up there.
Favorite websites: ESPN.com and NBA.com to stay posted with whats happening around the league.
What he enjoys about Twitter: It is @DSummers35. Its cool to hang out with the fans, get their feedback. Its more personalized, more so than Facebook which is broad in general. I can tweet after the game and get the fans feedback about the game.
What he enjoys about Facebook: I dont get on it very much. I dont add people I dont know, so its just my family and some friends.
