Draft Quotes: Evans, Casspi, Brockman
June 26, 2009 by kingsconnect
The Sacramento Kings newest additions had the following to say after the 2009 NBA Draft:
Memphis point guard Tyreke Evans (4th overall)
On his excitement level leading up to being selected:
“I’d say from 1-10, it’s probably a 10. I’m very excited it’s over with. I know where I’m going, I love Sacramento, it’s nice out there and I’m looking forward to playing.”
On what he’ll bring to the Kings:
“I’m going to bring a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of energy, a lot of heart out there and try to play hard every night and win as many games as I can.”
On which position he feels most comfortable with right now:
“I get that question asked a lot. I just tell them I’m a basketball player. If the coach wants me to play the point guard, I can play the point guard position. If they want me to play the two, I can play the two. So it doesn’t matter to me.”
On his general thoughts and going number four to Sacramento:
“I worked so hard to get here, and now it is here. Sacramento is a great place to play, and I am just really excited.”
On doing the second workout with the Kings:
“I thought that they were pretty interested in me, and I knew there were a couple of guys they were looking at and I was one of them. I was willing to do whatever it takes to get there. When I went to Sacramento individually, I shot the ball well, and when I went there for my second workout with the other top point guards, they said that I was a lot stronger and physical. I know that I can get to the basket whenever I want, and I think that is what sealed the deal.”
On his workout with the other guards:
“I felt that I was a bit more advanced. I had a lot of advantage in my size, my strength and length. When I jump and they jump, I am jumping over them and had a lot of advantage over those guards.”
On what made him think Sacramento was the place for him to be:
“I thought it would be a good fit for me and they are young. They are trying to build something together. With me coming in, I think I can bring a lot in scoring, passing and being a good teammate. We can get back on track this year and win some games.”
On how he will fit and if he can run a team:
“I’m good at either position (point guard or shooting guard). I played point guard at Memphis and shooting guard in high school. I know how to play them well. If you put the ball in my hands, I can play the point. I think I will do well in that role and also at the wing.”
On how he would characterize today and the emotions involved:
“We thought this was a crazy Draft this year because we didn’t know who was going where. It was a fun process, and at the end of the day I am happy and smiling, so that is the best part.”
On if he feels ready for the NBA after being a standout college player:
“I feel like I can come in here and compete. I have been playing against older guys my entire life, so I’m comfortable. I have played against a few NBA players this year. I think that I can go in there and be ready.”
On his leadership and getting teammates on the same page:
“If I am out there playing point guard, I’ll be talking to the guys and speaking up, letting myself and everyone know what we should do. I just want to get in there, bring it together and try to win a lot of games.”
On his message to Kings fans:
“Come out and watch us this year, Kings fans, it’s going to be an exciting season. We’ll be fun to watch and I’ll be fun to watch this year, and keep cheering.”
Maccabi Elite forward Omri Casspi (23rd overall)
On being drafted:
“It is a big event, a big surprise for me, my family and my country. It is something that I, my family and country have waited for a long time to happen. I am the first Israeli to be drafted in the first round, and it is a historical day. It is everything for me. I am so happy right now. No one can even imagine. I cried like a baby, and it is something I try not to do a lot, but I am just happy to be in this position and to come to this team. I hope to make the team better.”
On if he will be a passionate and energetic player:
“I am going to do everything that it takes. I am going to bring a lot to this team and do everything that this team needs me to do to be successful. I want to do what is best for the team.”
On where he thought he’d fall in the Draft:
“I can’t tell you exactly because I really didn’t know, but I know I had very good workouts in the three weeks I was in the U.S. against a lot of good players. The Draft is crazy because you don’t know where you are going to go and everyone is watching. You just want to hear your name and then I heard David Stern say my name. I can’t say that I was surprised. It was more like a dream come true. It is big for me and it is big for my country. I feel very blessed to be in this position right now.”
On the time it was in Israel:
“It is actually 6:30 in the morning. I didn’t get any sleep. Everyone was at my house, all my friends, family and some media. I don’t think I am going to sleep much before I come to Sacramento. I think I am going to get some sleep on the flight.”
On playing in the NBA next season:
“Yes, definitely that is the plan. I know Sacramento needs players to come in and help — to play good from the beginning and that is my goal. That was my goal from the beginning. I am excited about it.”
On joining the Kings:
“I worked out with the Kings in June, and I figured I had a good shot there. For me, whenever people ask me about it, I just say the same thing, I am just happy to come to the NBA. I want to show I can play and I can develop to become a good player. I want to do the best for the team. Now that Sacramento chose me, I feel like it is the best place for me to play. I know that they want me and that they appreciate my skills, my toughness and all the things I can bring to the team. It is going to be a great place to play and to develop. I am just happy.”
Washington forward Jon Brockman (38th overall)
On the excitement of being drafted:
“It is a dream come true to have your name called during the Draft. I’m really looking forward to staying in Sacramento and on the West Coast and playing with AAU teammate and college teammate, Spencer Hawes.”
On his game:
“I’m just a tough-nosed rebounder who gives all out energy when he’s on the floor. I’m a really physical basketball player.”
On what he knows about the Kings current roster:
“I was down there for a weekend and got to watch a couple of games. I haven’t really looked into the roster too much, but I met a couple of players and got to know them. I enjoyed being down there and had fun hanging out with Spencer. I’m happy to be there.”
On how long he’s known Kings center Spencer Hawes:
“I think we’ve known each other since Spencer was in 7th grade and I was in 8th grade, so I’ve known Spencer for a long time.”
On his familiarity of playing with Hawes:
“We workout together nearly everyday in the summer and the off-season. When we played together in college, we had that connection because of when we played in AAU. We play really well together. We know each other’s tendencies. It’s definitely an advantage to play with someone who you’ve spent a lot of time playing with in the backyard and practicing for AAU games.”
On rebounding and toughness:
“Most of rebounding is a desire to want to go and get the ball, not being afraid to go through elbows to get the ball. That’s the way I play and approach the game.”
On his familiarity with Coach Paul Westphal:
“I’m very excited. I watched him coach for a long time, and I know my college coach knows him. I’m very excited and looking forward to playing for him.”
On his message to Kings fans:
“Get ready. There were a lot of moves with three players coming in who are really going to help out, bring a lot of effort and whatever additions the team needed. I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and being a part of Sacramento.”
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