I think blocking a shot at a crucial point of the game is the most incredible feeling.
I've taken my bumps and bruises, but you've got to be willing to get knocked down and pick yourself up. You can't get discouraged. You can't lose sight of what your goals are.
I'm a very emotional player. I use emotion because my team feeds off it.
In college you learn about college
If we win, I don't care if I get 20 boards or five boards.
I think if I had one year of college, I'd have done better with the mental part [of the NBA].
My reward is just to be a better man. You're so close to losing a loved one ... the ultimate goal is to be a better daddy, a better son, a better teammate.
I know I'm a good person. I know I can play basketball.
It's a huge, huge pressure that so many people depend on you. The type of player I am and people look at me to come out and perform a certain way. Not being able to play on the biggest stage of the season, it's frustrating. One thing I wanted to do was not be frustrated about it and figure out what I can do to change and better myself on the court.
I always find a couple of hecklers... I'll kinda look at them, stare at 'em, and let them know I can't be stopped.
I wanted to prove people wrong who didn't think I could play at this level. I also wanted to take care of my family. It was a chance to play against the best players in the world. Mentally and physically I don't think I was ready, but I was ready to take on the challenge.
If my team isn't motivated, it's my fault. I can't consider myself the best of the best until my team is able to get out of the first round.
I want to be in the best winning situation. I don't want to be around anybody who's just interested in playing out the season and then going home for the summer.
To represent the United States in international competition is special recognition that not many players receive and I am really looking forward to helping USA Basketball regain its status in international basketball.
We are a terrible defensive team right now. We're not putting forth the maximum effort that we need to put forth, especially in our position. You'd think that we'd put forth that maximum effort to not only win the game, but to get a good rhythm to get into the playoffs.
Austin had a concussion tonight. That's the way it goes for us. We get one back, we lose one. Or lose two. We've had the most difficult time the last two years just keeping a full roster. Hopefully at some point at the end of the tunnel some good things can happen for the Indiana Pacers.
We shouldn't even get paid for this game. I'm not trying to take anything away from the Bobcats, they played a heck of a game, but we feel like we are at another level. I felt like we were the expansion team tonight. I'm thoroughly embarrassed.
We can't wait around for Superman to come in here and save the town, save the team. It's up to us to get it done.
If I can go to the U.S. Army and fight the war at 18 why can't you play basketball for 48 minutes?
