Video: Oklahoma City Press Conference

March 10 -- Chris Paul was named the T-Mobile Rookie of the Year Wednesday, receiving 124 out of a possible 125 first-place votes for the award. Paul led the T-Mobile Rookie Rankings from start to finish and led all rookies in minutes, points, assists, steals and free throw percentage. This summer, Paul will be one of 23 players working out with Team USA, looking to earn a spot on the roster for the World Championships in Japan. We caught up with Chris as he was heading to his second press conference of the day.

T-Mobile Rookie Report: How has the day been so far?

Chris Paul: Somewhat hectic, but it's been fun. It's been well worth it. We did the press conference in Oklahoma City this morning, hopped on the plane and now we're in New Orleans.

RR: What gave you the confidence to know that you could play at this level from Day 1?

CP: I felt like I put in a lot of work last summer, getting ready for the draft. And then after the draft, just working out. I worked out a guy named Idan Ravin and a guy named Steve Kostorowski up in D.C. They really pushed me and they worked me as hard as I could have been worked. Then getting to the Hornets, most of the credit goes to Coach Scott. He had the ultimate confidence in me, put the ball in my hands and let me play.

RR: What was the best moment of the season for you?

CP: It's kind of funny, because I think the best game of the year was a game that I didn't play in. It was a game against the Wizards in Oklahoma City. We were losing by one and David West hit a shot from the top of the key to win the game.

RR: Worst moment?

CP: Losing at Phoenix or losing at home to Utah, knocking us out of the playoffs. That was probably the lowest point.

RR: Looking back, can you put your finger on what went wrong during that stretch in March when you guys really struggled?

CP: I really still don't know what it was. Especially after playing so well before the All-Star break, how we came off of that break. I've never seen anything like it before. At the same time, if we're in that situation next year, I just know that I'll let myself and the team know that we have to turn it up a notch.

Paul is ready to get back to work. Layne Murdoch/NBAE/Getty Images

RR: Is it frustrating to watch the playoffs?

CP: It's extremely frustrating to watch the playoffs, to see those guys still out there playing and competing and knowing that we beat a lot of those teams that are still playing.

RR: Do you have a prediction?

CP: It's kind of tough. Detroit is always going to play well and they play with so much confidence. This series between the Mavericks and the Spurs is something that you've definitely got to stay tuned to.

RR: What have you been doing since the end of the season?

CP: I've been home, enjoying seeing my family. I actually went up to see two of the games between the Wizards and the Cavs.

RR: How is your thumb?

CP: It's fine. I'm going to rest another week or so and then probably start getting ready for July, playing for the USA team.

RR: Are you looking forward to that?

CP: I cannot wait.

RR: What are looking forward to most about it?

CP: Playing with some different players, the best players in the league. And just putting on that USA uniform again.

RR: Is there any specific part of your game that you really want to work on this summer?

CP: Oh yeah. I definitely want to get stronger, improve my range and just fine tune some things. I think you can never handle the ball to well or shoot too well.

RR: You guys have a lottery pick this summer. What's the first piece of advice you will give that rookie when you meet him?

CP: When you get that playbook, really study it. No matter how talented you are, if you get on that court and don't know the system, then you can't play anywhere.

RR: Was that an issue for you?

CP: When coach gave me my playbook, I looked at it. Then on my flight from North Carolina to Las Vegas for summer league, I read that playbook the entire way there.