The newcomer to Lokomotiv Kuban gave us his first interview after arriving in Krasnodar.
- What are your first impressions of Krasnodar?
- A little cold, food has been better than I expected. I haven't seen too much, like I haven't went downtown and really explored, so I haven't seen what it has to offer, but the people have been really nice to me and my teammates, so it's been good to me.
- How did the team meet you?
- The team has been great, guys joking. It makes it kind of easier because I was already familiar with a couple of guys. So it makes it a lot better than when you go into a brand new team. It's cool with them and the other teammates and it kind of gave me a rundown on the team and just helping me get through this.
- Whom of Loko players have you known before?
- Pat Miller and AC [Antonius Cleveland] are really like my brothers. I went to both of their weddings. I knew them for a while. Pat Miller went to my school, we worked together since I've been in college, so we've been knowing each other for some years, and AC was in the same conference with me as college. We played together in Israel, well against each other in Israel, Australia, G League, so I've been with those guys for a minute. We actually have group texts and talk outside of being here.
- Is your father really a locomotive engineer?
- Yes. I don't know how y'all know that, but yes.
- Do you know that our club's symbol is a train?
- Well, I like that. I'll take that. That's a good sign. Yeah, I was meant to be here then.
- You started playing basketball in high school. Why you haven't played before?
- I played like in the streets with my friends and stuff, so I just like having fun, whatever my friends are doing. I started playing in high school because my friends in high school were playing on the team. And so I wanted to be around them. And then that wind up taking his own form. So it wasn't something that was like purposely. It just happened.
- What about your playing style? Our fans already have compared you with Ja Morant.
- Well, I hope I can live up to that. That's a lot of expectations. I play hard. I like playing fast, kind of wild sometimes. But over the years I've gotten comfortable being wild, so it doesn't look as wild or feel as wild to me. But in the air, I like to play a little fancy sometimes. I just like to have fun. I grew up watching Allen Iverson, my favorite player being from Philadelphia. He always made the game fun for the fans. And I think that's kind of what you play for the fans. And that's who give you your inspiration and your momentum. So as long as the fans are having a good time and enjoying the show and we can win, then it's always good for me. But I'll take Ja Morant. That's always a good comparison.
- Defense or offense?
- For me, it's always defense. That's kind of what I love, defense. I love doing what other people don't like to do. And it's always a challenge guarding the best players. It kind of makes you better and challenges your character. So, I'm always going to go defense. And I've put a lot of work into getting better.
- What kind of person you are?
- When I was younger, I was a very hyper person, and very energetic, always joking and just over the top. And now I've kind of gotten older and kind of dialed it down and had my fun. So I'm more of a chill, relaxed, just like to enjoy the vibes and real mellow type of guy. I still have those moments where it comes out and I know how to have fun. And I like everyone around me to have fun and be happy. That's kind of been my trait, especially like over the years, especially that's why I love being a part of teams. I like for everyone to be the best they can be and have the most fun around me.
- What do you do in your free time?
- I taught AC yesterday how to make alfredo from scratch, the alfredo sauce. He made the noodles and stuff. But I like eating. I love food. I love trying food. I've been to a lot of places and tried a lot of food. Coming from China, they eat a lot of different things, so I've tried a lot of their food. Anything food-wise, most of the things food-wise, I'm willing to try. I just like different foods and different textures and different tastes. Kind of, it amazes me how things could come together and different flavors make one flavor. So I just like, I love food. So, when it's up to me, I'd rather just be chill and mellow and eat food and sleep. Nah, cook, play the game and sleep. That's literally all I do.
Share with Friends: