Johan Petro is a common sight at the Furtado Center. While the Storm is wrapping up another training camp practice, the Sonics 7-foot center from France is waiting on the sideline, ball in hand, eager to take the court with his countryman, guard Mickael Gelabale.
But before the two hit the court for their one-on-one matchup, SUPERSONICS.COM cornered Petro on the side court to get the big man's take on the NBA playoffs, quick trips and summer plans:
Are you watching the playoffs?
No, not really. (He breaks a smile). Of course.
What's the biggest surprise to you?
Golden State-Dallas.
Prediction time: Game 6 tonight, Dallas or Golden State?
The game is going to be very interesting. It's going to be tough for Dallas to beat Golden State at home, with them just one game away from the second round. I'm going to pick Golden State.
West champion?
San Antonio-Phoenix winner.
East?
Detroit.
NBA champion?
Phoenix looks good, but San Antonio is San Antonio. They're tough.
(At this point, Storm center Ashley Robinson joins the conversation. She likes Phoenix, but defers to Johan, saying "You played against them, what do you think?" "I mean, we got beat by a lot by San Antonio," Petro says. "How about this: Whoever wins the West. That's my champion."
Coolest thing you've done since the season ended?
I went to L.A. for a week. (Petro and Gelabale were in L.A. for Games 3 and 4 of the Lakers-Suns series, taking in the games while visiting with countryman Ronny Turiaf, a reserve forward for the Lakers.)
What are your summer plans? Any big or special trips planned?
I am going to France for a week or 10 days; I'm going to go back to Guadeloupe to chill out a little and then come back here to work out.
