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Currently in China with the Boomer’s, Dave had some spare time to answer some questions for davidandersen.com.au. Here’s what the Toronto Raptor had to say.
You’re in China at the moment with the Boomers, does it bring back memories of the 2008 Olympic games?
“Yes it does a little, I had a great time in Beijing. Although we are in a smaller city now, you can still tell your in China by the amount of people and different culture and buildings around. The Chinese love basketball and follow in passionately. So, we get noticed around the streets and have full stadiums at the games! “
How did it feel to back in the green and gold and come up with a win against China last night?
“It was great, we had a tough game. It’s new team with new systems so it will take time for everyone to click. Saying that, to win against China in China is never easy and we had to fight hard to get it. But that is what it is all about, working hard and building that kind of culture in the team!”
You sat out the last 15 games of the regular season due to soreness in your lower back, how hard was that for you and how is your back now?
“Very hard, one of the worst things for me is to sit and watch games. I love to compete and hate not being able to play. Right now, my back has come back to strength with hard work and also help from my trainers.”
What work have you been doing while you are back in Australia to ensure that you are fit and healthy for the Stankovic Continental Cup and 2010 FIBA World Championship and ultimately another season in the NBA?
“I have been working out with my trainers, I lift weights with Bruce Gray who looks after a lot of basketball players and really gets you strong. Then I do all my athletic work with Bohdan Babijczuk, he is great in getting my running technique down and getting my jump and body moving correctly. Add to that I do my Core and Pilates work for my back with Dominic Trimboli and I get a good balanced work load to build a base that can carry me in a tough 82 game season. I also shoot 2-3times a week and even have a run with my brothers down at Frankston sometimes.”
How would you describe your experience as a rookie in the NBA?
“It was great, playing against the best and most talented players in the world is what you dream of. So, to get the chance to compete on that level was fantastic. Also, to see the lifestyle of NBA was great, the team travel and the hard schedule with playing and flying so much. Then, to be around the great stars and meet some powerful people who follow the NBA is a great experience."
What did you find the most challenging in moving from the Euroleague to the NBA?
“The athletic level of the players and the gifted bodies that you encounter in the NBA is another level, some guys are so long and jump so high you really need to be smart to compete with them. But saying that you can always find a way, you just need to be creative.”
When you are playing in the NBA, do you get a chance to catch up with fellow Aussie NBA players like Patrick Mills and Andrew Bogut?
“Yes we usually catch up before the games when we go on the road or when they visit Houston. We do this as we normally fly out straight after games so there is no time to catch up after the game! It’s always good to bump into Aussies abroad and hear the accent!”
You’ve just been traded to the Toronto Raptors, what do you know about your new team and your new city?
“I know the city is one of the best in the world to live in. It will be a bit colder than Houston but very beautiful. Also, the Raptors have a few Europeans on the team so that should help me to settle in, there are actually a couple Italians so I can practice my Italian while I am there. It is also a team working towards making the playoffs so hopefully I can help them out."
How do you feel about the move from warm Texas to cooler Toronto?
“It will be a change, that’s for sure, going from serious heat to cooler Canada, but I have lived in very cold cities like Moscow so I think I can adapt to it."
When will you get to meet your new team?
“I’m not quite sure as to when I will meet everyone, but I am very excited and looking forward to all the new people and a new club.” |
