Hebrews 11:1

When Ryan Anderson was in Toronto this weekend he talked with Hoop Addict about leading the NBA in three-point shooting percentage, how Gus Armstead helped him prepare for his rookie season and he shared some of his highlights from his rookie season.

Ryan McNeill: I hear you worked out with Gus Armstead this summer to prepare for your rookie season in the NBA. What kinds of things did you guys do to prepare for this season?
Ryan Anderson: I prepared with other NBA guys. He helped me develop my game off the dribble because people know me as being a shooter. He helped develop me as an all-around player.

McNeill: While doing research for the game I was impressed you shrugged off the attention of leading the NBA in three-point shooting percentage. Why did you brush off this personal accolade?
Anderson: I’m just trying to play my game and help my team. I’m willing to do whatever it is (to help the team win). They want me to take my open shots, work the ball around. Basically just be a spark off the bench. It’s a great honour to be up there for best three-point percentage – that’s an amazing accomplishment – but it’s not something I’m focused on too much. I’m just trying to play.

McNeill: What’s been the biggest adjustment going from college to the NBA?
Anderson: Just the speed of the game. Everyone’s at the peak of their athleticism, strength and playing ability. You’re playing with guys who are 10 years older than you so it’s a big adjustment but if you can just be smart about things and play your game then you can fit in and make an (impact).

McNeill: What have been some of the highlights of your rookie season so far?
Anderson: We went to Europe, that was an amazing experience, and playing against great players like Kevin Garnett. Just getting to know my teammates and getting involved in my community has been an awesome opportunity and experience so far.

Photo Credit: ICON Sports Media

When people think of the 76ers they generally think of well known names like Elton Brand, Andre Miller or Andre Igoudala. This season there’s a new name to add to that mix as Thaddeus Young is leading the team with 15.4 points per game while shooting a sizzling 44% from beyond the arc. Those are some pretty impressive stats for a player who’s had to switch from being the teams starting power forward last season to having to play the wing this year to make room for Elton Brand.

Before a recent game Young sat down to chat with Hoops Addict about what he worked on during the summer, his improved three-point shooting this season and why he values winning more than personal stats.

Ryan McNeill: You’re off to a great start this season while leading Philadelphia in scoring. What did you work on this summer so that you’d get off to a great start this year?
Thaddeus Young: Pretty much everything. I worked on my jump shot, my ball handling and (I did) a lot of agility work.

McNeill: Philadelphia doesn’t have a lot of guys who are known for shooting three-pointers and that’s something you’ve done a great job of so far this season. Is this something you focused on improving during the summer?
Young: Yeah, I was in the gym pretty much the whole offseason working on my three-point shot, pull-ups and doing a whole bunch of other shooting drills.

McNeill: You’re currently leading your team in scoring but Philadelphia is only 2-4 so far this season. Would you trade in your personal success for a couple more wins?
Young: Oh yeah, definitely! I was telling someone yesterday about this and how even if I were the last guy to score on this team and we were winning I’d be fine. I’m leading this team in scoring but I’m not happy because we aren’t winning. I’ll only be happy when we win.

McNeill: You talked about the importance of winning and you guys have some great pieces in place to do that this season. How are you guys going to jump start things and start piling up some more wins?
Young: I think we just have to go out there and focus in and play more Sixers basketball which is the style we played last year. Last year we pushed the ball down our opponents throats and just going out there and executing our game plan.

McNeill: Thanks for your time and good luck the rest of this season.
Young: Thank you.

Photo Credit: ICON Sports Media

When I heard the news that Allan Houston was attempting a comeback to the NBA and would be in Toronto early in the preseason,  I was excited about the chance to talk with him about his attempt to return to the NBA. Normally my only chance to snag interviews happens before games, however after the game last night I took a risk and approached him for a quick interview and he was gracious enough to provide me with some of his time despite not suiting up due to an issue with his quad. It was a classy move by a veteran player that I appreciated because he didn’t need to give his time to a reporter after he didn’t even suit up for the game.

There have been times over the past year where meeting a player has squashed the perception I had of them, however after spending some time with Allan Houston I gained an even greater appreciation for his professionalism and passion for the game of basketball.

Ryan McNeill: It’s been a couple of years since you’ve been in training camp with the Knicks. How does it feel to be back?
Allan Houston: It feels great to be back with the Knicks. My bodies still getting used to two-a-days but it feels great. It’s great to be back and to be able to contribute however I can. I don’t take being back for granted.

McNeill: Why did you chose to return to the NBA after three seasons away?
Houston: When I retired it happened so quickly, so when I started feeling good again I wanted to return to playing. Last year the timing was really bad. This year I just felt deep down it was something I was supposed to be doing. I just felt led to do this. It’s a different stage for me, it’s a different stage for the organization. At the same time, it’s a big commitment. I’m committed to the game and this organization. You look at something you can maybe pass down. Maybe I can share something I’ve experience on or off the court with these guys. Hopefully I can provide this team with a veteran presence that will be good for these guys. Ultimately, people ask me why I’m doing this and it’s because I love the game. The game has been so good to me and I figure why not (return) if I can still play.

McNeill: It sounds like you have a desire to mentor the other guys in this locker room. If for some reason you aren’t able to make the Knicks opening night roster, would you want to stay this season in a role as an advisor?
Houston: I’ve been so blessed to make it this far by not even looking past training camp…

McNeill: I’m sorry…
Houston: No, it’s okay. I understand what you’re saying. I just try to take it one day at a time. When that time comes I will think further about it but right now I’m focused on what I’ll be able to do on the court. I’ve made a physical commitment. My goal right now is to be in uniform and be able to contribute however I can.

McNeill: Do you plan to suit up for the Knicks next preseason game?
Houston: Probably. I want to rest the quad until I can function the way I can the presence on the court I want to be. I’m at the stage in my career where if I won’t get out there unless I can do the things I want to do. I’m just taking it one day at a time but most likely (I’ll play in the next game).

McNeill: Thanks for your time and good luck with your comeback attempt.
Houston: Thanks, I appreciate it.

Photo Credit: Icon Sports Media

It’s been nearly a decade since Trajan Langdon was setting NCAA records and playing in NCAA Finals Fours so it’s easy to forget what kind of talented and gifted player he truly is. After playing WHAT seasons in Cleveland most basketball fans in North America have lost track of his professional career since he began playing in Europe seven years ago. Losing track of the Alaskan Assassin’s career was a big mistake because he has been posting some impressive stats while winning two Euroleague Championships over the past three seasons.

When Langdon was in Toronto earlier this week for a game against the Raptors I talked with him about his favorite memories of playing in Europe, his goals are for the upcoming season and if he has any desire to return to the NBA.

Ryan McNeill: Playing some preseason games in North America has provided you with a chance to visit with some old friends and teammates. How have your past few weeks been?
Trajon Langdon: It’s been good. Obviously we’re coming here with the focus on getting ready for our season because we get back Thursday and we have a game Saturday. This trip is about business.
But coming back here and playing a couple of games back home is enjoyable. It makes for a little bit of an easier training camp.

McNeill: You mentioned going back “home” to Moscow this weekend. What are some of your favourite memories of playing overseas so far?
Langdon: I think the best memories are when you win and we’ve had a chance in the three seasons I’ve been here to win two Euroleague titles and make it to three Finals. I think those are the best memories because getting to those Finals is something everybody who is playing over in Europe aims to do at the beginning of each year and only two teams get to. To be able to get there three times in three years has been great.

McNeill: Being back in North America must bring back memories of playing at Duke and for Cleveland. Are you trying to return to the NBA or are you content playing in Europe?
Langdon: I think earlier in my career for the first few seasons I played in Europe I definitely was. It was something that was on my mind but now after being over in Europe for six seasons and about to start my seventh, I realize and understood this is where my career is. For me the idea of returning to the NBA isn’t pressing and not being able to do so isn’t something I’m disappointed in. I’ve thrived in Europe and I’ve been fortunate to be on successful teams and I’ve had a great career. I don’t know how long I’m going to play (professional basketball) but returning to the NBA is not something I’m pushing for. I’ve found a home in Europe and I’m comfortable.

McNeill: You may not be pushing to come back but you have a general manager watching you tonight who has signed countless players from Europe like Anthony Parker, Jose Calderon and Jorge Garbajosa. Does knowing that put any additional pressure on you tonight?
Langdon: No, not at all. For me this is our last preseason game before start up our season on Saturday so I’m just trying to come out and play well. Of course as an individual I think all of us want to play well and obviously playing in front of an NBA team you’re not only playing against one pro team but you’re getting seen by a lot of pro teams. But I think for us the more important thing is getting ready for our season and getting ready to defend our Euroleague title.

McNeill: Besides defending your Euroleague title, what are some of your team and personal goals for the upcoming season?
Langdon: The good thing with winning titles is you win titles, the bad thing is there are high expectations. So obviously for a team that has achieved what we have over the last three years, and what this organization has reaching six straight Final Fours, winning is kind of an expectation for us to get there. It’s going to be ver difficult for us this year because everybody is going to be gunning for the reigning title holders and we’ve lost some guys and added some new parts. I think we have a chance to be very good this season but it will take some time.

McNeill: Thanks for your time and good luck this season.
Langdon: Thank you.

Bouncing around the minor leagues for six seasons requires a lot of faith. Many people would have given up on chasing their dream, but Jamario Moon showed determination and was rewarded with making the Toronto Raptors opening night roster last October.

After the Raptors coaching staff and front office showed faith in him last October, Moon rewarded them with a highly successful rookie season which saw him participate in the NBA Dunk Contest and start 75 games while averaging 8.5 points and 6.2 rebounds.

Even though he finds him firmly established as an NBA player, Moon continues to lean heavily on his faith. He talked with Ryan McNeill during the Toronto Raptors media day about his summer, how important his faith is to how he lives life, his thoughts on the addition of Jermaine O’Neal and what his goals are for the upcoming season.

Ryan McNeill: Alright Jamario, my first question for you is how was your summer?
Jamario Moon: Man, it was great! It was hot, I went home to eat some good food and grandma cooked a lot of good meals for me so it was great.

McNeill: Did you have a chance to go on any trips with your wife or family?
Moon: No… well, actually I went on a trip to this beach resort down in Destin, Florida, for my anniversary, but that was about the only time I had to get away.

McNeill: Training wise, what did you do this summer to improve your game?
Moon: I just worked out. I did the same as before. Like I told the people last year, I’ve never really had a summer off so I’m used to working throughout the whole summer. I just kept working on every part of my game because I don’t like to focus on one or two things, I like to work on a bit of everything. That way I keep everything balanced out.

McNeill: You’re GM had a big summer by adding a six-time all-star in Jermaine O’Neal. Talk about how the addition of O’Neal helps you and the rest of the team.
Moon: Man… we’ve got Chris Bosh and Jermaine O’Neal on the blocks. Who do you double team? Then we’ve got Anthony Parker and Jason Kapono, two of the best three-point shooters in the NBA (to keep opposing defenses honest). That speaks for itself. We’re going to put Chris and Jermaine on those blocks and let people do whatever kind of defensive scheme they want to do. When they mess up, we’ll burn them. They’re used to double and triple teaming Chris, but now we have two on the block that can score the ball. So what are they going to do now? Are they going to leave Jason and Anthony wide open? Or, are they going to stay on Jason and Anthony and let Chris and Jermaine go one-on-one? It’s going to be hard to guard us this year.

McNeill: How do you plan to take advantage of this? How do you maximize your court time with those four guys grabbing the attention of opposing defenses?
Moon: Last year I didn’t really get an opportunity to show my offensive game but now that we have Jermaine and people are going to be looking to double team him and Chris, I’ve got to knock down those open shots when they pass the ball back out to me. That’s what I’ve been working on, those mid-range shots. I’ve been working on my three-pointer. Whenever they kick it out to me I’m going to knock it down.

McNeill: Last October when we talked you were relishing the whole under dog factor, now you’re obviously a big part of this team and a starter. Does your mind set change? Is there more pressure on you?
Moon: No. I mean, I didn’t really feel I had pressure on me last year. People doubted me forever, even in the minor leagues. In the minors they told me I would never make the NBA and I even got cut from a couple minor league teams. I just come in, work hard everyday and continue to do what I do – stay on the glass, play defense. Everything else speaks for itself. Number one, I just keep God first. I’m behind Him, so as long as I’ve got him leading me then I don’t worry about where am I going to go. I can only go up.

McNeill: Talk about that some more. How does your faith help you stay grounded?
Moon: I think a lot of times people try to do things by themselves. We forget we have to put everything in God’s hands. We should follow him, he’s our leader. That’s what I try to do. I don’t worry about anything, you can ask anyone on this team. I’m always smiling, never down. I just put whatever it is in God’s hands and I just follow His lead. That makes my job easy.

McNeill: What are some of your personal or team goals for this season?
Moon: I just want to come out and continue to do what I did last season. I just want to do it better. People say I played well last year, this year I want to play even better.

McNeill: Thank you for your time and good luck this year.
Moon: No problem.

Click here to listen to the audio version of this interview with Jamario Moon.

Photo Credit: Icon Sports Media

After being a second round pick by New Jersey in the 2006  Draft, Hassan Adams started eight games his rookie season and played in 61 games in total. Despite shooting over 55% from the field, Adams wasn’t able to sign a contract with an NBA team last summer and elected to play in Italy instead. The talented guard spent a year refining his skills and is now ready to return to the NBA with the Toronto Raptors this season.

Adams talked with Ryan McNeill during the Toronto Raptors media day about playing in Italy last season, how he’s grown as a player over the past 12 months and why he feels it’s important to give back to the community.

If Adams’ can back up the game he talked this afternoon, then Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo will have found yet another hidden gem toiling away in Europe.

Ryan McNeill: You had the chance to play in Italy last season. What are some of your favourite memories?
Hassan Adams: For me? The food. The food was absolutely great. I took (playing in Italy) as an experience. And for me, it was a great experience not just basketball wise but as a person. I had the chance to at least try to learn some of the language. It was tough, but I tried. I was real open to a lot of things. I got the chance to see the history behind Italy. It is very cultural there and I tried to take that in. I went to things like the Vatican and the Coliseum. And I loved it. Growing up as a kid I never thought I would have the chance to go to Italy to play basketball. I took it as an opportunity to broaden myself.

McNeill: A lot of North American born players say after returning from playing in Europe that it was a great opportunity to grow and mature on and off the court. How did playing in Europe help you improve your game and grow as a person?
Adams: For me, it was all about basketball. I feel it was more reps and more games. It’s a different kind of game than the NBA – a lot of different rules – but at the end of the day it’s still basketball. I felt like I got better because I always had a basketball in my hand. Then as a person, you grow because you’re not from there, so it made me open-minded. That makes you grow in itself.

McNeill: Your NBA.com bio mentioned that while you were at Arizona you volunteered with Arizona Special Olympics and Ronald McDonald House. Do you have any intentions of helping out in the community here in Toronto?
Adams: Of course! Definitely. I grew up in a community and that’s one thing I would never forget. Being a basketball player and role model I would love to do that. This is a new community for me. A new city. So, I’m just taking it all in.

McNeill: A lot of times a player might pick a specific charity or foundation because of a personal attachment. Is there a reason why you chose to work with Arizona Special Olympics or Ronald McDonald House? Have your family or friends been helped by either of these organizations?
Adams: Nothing with my family, I just see the happiness in the kids. Especially in the smiles that you bring to the kids. That’s a blessing in itself. That’s one thing I like to do, because it’s for the kids and for the people. When you walk into a place and see how you can brighten their day, that’s the key.

McNeill: Thanks for your time Hassan, best of luck this season.
Adams: Thanks!

Click here to listen to the audio version of this interview.

Photo Credit: Icon Sports Media

Toronto’s latest free agent addition, Will Solomon, talked with Ryan McNeill during the Toronto Raptors media day about his experiences playing overseas, what he did during 10 hour bus rides in Europe, what motivated him to return to the NBA, and he shared his expectations for the upcoming season.

Ryan McNeill: You’ve had the chance to play overseas the past couple of seasons. What are some of your favourite memories?
Will Solomon: I really appreciated the fans and the excitement of playing basketball over there. I just really enjoyed the past six years. That’s why I kept going back. There are a lot of fans that enjoy basketball and are die hard (fans) for the club that you’re playing for so that’s something I’ll miss. But here in Toronto, I hear they are die hard fans also. So, I’m looking forward to seeing that and experiencing something like there here in the NBA.

McNeill: Some of your new teammates have talked about going overseas and growing on and off the court. How did your time overseas help you mature as a player and a person?
Solomon: I think playing basketball overseas you’re there by yourself so you become a man faster. You’re not around your family, you’re just around your teammates and people from different cultures. It’s just basketball played at a high level every night. Jose (Calderon) played in the Euro League. (Louis) Scola. (Jorge) Garbajosa played here. And Anthony Parker is a former Maccabi Tel Aviv player like myself. So it’s really just playing against talented players and growing as a person.

McNeill: You were on a bus for 10 hours at a time with teammates. What do you do for 10 hours straight on a bus?
Solomon: Well… you sleep, listen to your iPod, talk, joke, stop for washroom breaks at gas stations, get back on the bus and eat. It’s really just a lot of growing as a team. Growing that tight bond and just being together. I think (road trips like that) are what builds a team. It builds a family. Something you need on a basketball team is being a family by learning what they like and don’t like.

McNeill: You had a lot of success and enjoyed your time in Europe. Why did you decide to come back to the NBA?
Solomon: I think with my age and playing there for quite some time, I think it was the time for me to come back and it was a great opportunity (to sign with Toronto). I don’t want to take this opportunity for granted. I just want to come in, work hard, take every step slowly and learn from the guys that have been here and hopefully we can be successful.

McNeill: What are some of the things you’re excited about for the upcoming season?
Solomon: I’m excited for this team! The sky’s the limit. We’ve got a bunch of young guys, a bunch of veteran guys and we’ve got some all-stars.

McNeill: What are some of your team or personal goals for the upcoming season?
Solomon: I think just taking some of my experiences and what I know and doing anything possible to help the team be successful.

McNeill: Thank you for your time and good luck this year.
Solomon: Thank you.

Click here to listen to the audio version of this interview.

Photo Credit: Icon Sports Media