Joel, Raef, Sergio on Courtside
posted: 9/25/2006 at 10:30 PM
It was a first for Trail Blazers' rookie Sergio Rodriguez, in this time of many firsts for him. He is still learning the English language, and therefore was a little nervous about coming on our radio show, Courtside Monday Night, presented by L.A. Weight Loss.
But, we told Sergio that he did great, and that his language skills had improved dramatically since we first talked to him at the Las Vegas Summer League in July. I had a chance to do a quick TV interview with him in Vegas, and I could tell that he was very uncomfortable with a one-on-one interview at that point. He's come a long way since then. He's also helped lead Spain to a World Basketball Championship since then, so he's obviously made strides on the court as well.
We addressed his play for his national team, and his impressive play so far with his new teammates in Portland. Monday morning I watched him have probably his best session so far in playing pick-up games with the other Blazers. Sergio's first NBA training camp is now just days away.
We also addressed the culture shock Sergio must be going through, as a young man in a brand-new country, looking to make the leap to the big stage and bright lights of the NBA. He's handling it very well, but says he also knows he faces some big hurdles. There will certainly be times when he'll be longing for his home in the Canary Islands. Christopher Columbus made a stop in the Canary Islands on his way to discover the new world, and Sergio probably knows, at least a little now, how Chris was feeling.
To listen to the entire interview with Sergio,
click here.
We also took a trip into the Trail Blazers frontcourt during the show. Joel Przybilla, who received a standing ovation at Sunday's Family Reunion event, joined us at the top of the show. Joel talked about how he's down to a weight of 237 pounds, and how he feels that has a lot to do with why his knees are feeling so healthy.
To listen to the interview with Przybilla,
click here. Helping Przybilla in the middle this season will be Raef LaFrentz, who, like Joel, has purchased a home very near the Blazers practice facility. LaFrentz has loved what he has seen of his new team so far, and is fired up for the start of training camp. LaFrentz was so excited about his trade to Portland, he made the trip to the Vegas Summer League just to get a look at some of his new teammates. He's been in Portland for the past month and a-half, getting set for the season. LaFrentz also talks about his past with Przybilla. Raef was the host on a recruiting trip Joel took to Kansas, when he was deciding where to play his college ball. LaFrentz says he quickly realized that Przybilla had already decided to stay close to home and attend the University of Minnesota.
To listen to the LaFrentz interview,
click here.I mentioned this during the show last night, and we'll be talking much more about this in the coming days, but a big change is in store for our radio program. On October 26th, the show moves to its new day, Thursday. This is something we've thought about doing for a long time, and it's finally happening. Years ago, when the show started, Monday was the light night for NBA games. Now, Thursday has the fewest games during the regular season. In an attempt to keep the show on a more consistent night during the season, we're moving it to Thursday. We'll have many more reminders in the near future, we just wanted to get the announcement made early. Enjoy the interviews.
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I was impressed with Sergio as his English has improved and I could tell that he has a quick mind with already a good understanding. Spanish food is very good as I have tried to cook several dishes since we drafted him. there is a place in cornelius that is a mexican supermarket but thats a bit far to go for him. :P
Raef seems to be excited vs earlier when he seemed annoyed to be a blazer. I hope Jamaal does feel a little better too but to me it seems that he doesnt want to be a blazer and will just go threw the motions.
Hi Mike. That is great. As a supporter of Sergio I think it can be important for a young player like him to get the appropriate atmosphere in the team. He is very young and you should "take care" of him in this changing period of his life. I see you are doing it quite enthusiastically.
What I have noticed about Sergio's attitude as player is that basketball is a passion for him, rather than a proffession. And that is wonderful, and helps to explain his "magic" on the court.
By the way, this year's roster seems very attractive. Can't wait to see the first matches.
Last three years I had the chance to see Sergio Rodriguez play here, at Estudiantes Club from Madrid.
First time I saw him I felt something that no other player I have saw before. Each time Sergio takes the ball, al the people in the Arena rise up their heads, waiting for something Sergio to do...
I know Sergio have a long way to improve himself to become a great NBA guard, and as well, a great NBA player. He have to improve his defense, his shooting... but he has "magic" when he takes the ball and begins to bounce.
I am a lucky guy, becouse I know Sergio personally. He is a very shy guy, and I know he is improving about the language and defense and shooting...
You, Portland fans are so lucky to have Sergio on your team that I coudn't express. Take care of him, and be sure he will be the reason this season you will rise up from your seat, when the "magic" come to your Arena.
My apologizes about my writting english, it was a long time since i didn't write anything...
Sergio, felicidades por el campeonato, que no te pude decir nada. Desde la tienda mi mas sincera enhorabuena...
PD: Me debes una cosa... ;)
Tranks so much for give us the posibility to hear Sergio at the radio. I expect that he´ll be involved in the city and in his way of live really soon. We miss him a lot here at Tenerife, his born place, specially the people who knows so much (Herminio for example. Sergio knows who is him).
Thanks again for give us the posibility to follow Sergio´s movements and sorry for my english.
Hi Mike! Can you see??? There are a lot of fans of Sergio "Magician" Rodriguez follow his adventures at the NBA, just because he is AmAzInG.I had listen his interview at the radio.Maybe his english is not perfect yet (mine is worst),but he speaks clearly and i think he did it very well.Tell him to enter at your blog to see all the people who knows that he is great!!!!
ChAcHo ErEs Un CraCk, QuE GaNaS De vErtE JUgAr DE NuEvO!!!!
HAVE FUN.....CrIsTiNa
English academies in Canarias must be experiencing a big growth.
A ver si mejoramos ese inglés. ;-)
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