NBAGURU
G-League
I like the part where Tyreke says he want's to be a "better passer like Steve Nash" and that he want's to make the "All_Time Defensive Team" every year. Those are great goals. I hope we get him.
LINK: http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/27169/henry-abbott-at-nba-draft
Henry Abbott
This season it seems coach Cal yelled at you a lot. Was that a bad thing?
Tyreke Evans
He's the kind of coach who wants things done a certain way, and if you don't to that, he's going to let you know. It's nothing bad, though, he's just telling you how he wants it, that's all.
Kevin Arnovitz
You have a tight relationship with Jameer Nelson? Evans: I've known him for a long time. He played ball with my brother. He's one of those guys who's a good friend of ours. He tells me to stay focused.
Henry Abbott
You, Dionte Christmas, Wayne Ellington, Gerald Henderson ... you know them well? Take pride in Philadelphia?
Tyreke Evans
Wayne I've known him for a long time. Played AAU ball. We all played each other in high school and coming up. It's a fun thing.
Kevin Arnovitz
When people refer to you as a combo guard, what does that mean to you? Do you take it as an insult?
Tyreke Evans
I just think of myself as a basketball player. Some people see me as a 1, some people see me as a 2. But I just go out and play the game.
Kevin Arnovitz
Let's talk about SAC
Tyreke Evans
Kevin Martin is a good player, great scorer. Two big strong guards in the backcourt would be great for Sacramento.
Tyreke Evans
A lot people think I'm better with the ball in my hands. I did that at Memphis, people see me as a one. But I know Jonny Flynn, he's a friend. I could play with him, and I think I could play with Ricky Rubio. With two ball-handlers just more people you have to guard.
Henry Abbott
Why did your family run your own AAU team?
Kevin Arnovitz
Is it true that Barack Obama told one of the Maloof Brothers for the Kings to draft you?
Tyreke Evans
I was shocked when I saw that. I didn't realize Barack Obama knew who I was. I knew he was a big time basketball fan, but didn't know that he knew who I was. It was a great honor.
Tyreke Evans
I thank God for my brothers. A lot of good players don't have people to watch out for them. People offer you money. Young kids will want to take that. If they take it and they get caught, they're going to wish they never took it. Just keep playing basketball and try to get to the next level.
TexFTW (Gainesville, FL)
Reke, what's your signature move???
Tyreke Evans
I thank God for my brothers. A lot of good players don't have people to watch out for them. People offer you money. Young kids will want to take that. If they take it and they get caught, they're going to wish they never took it. Just keep playing basketball and try to get to the next level.
Jordan (Slinger, WI)
How do you feel you did in pre-draft workouts, overall?
Kevin Arnovitz
What are your thoughts about the Memphis situation?
Tyreke Evans
I think they'll be alright. It's going to take a while for them to get to where they were a few years ago, but they'll be alright. I heard they got one of the top recruits...that's pretty good. They've got a good coach and they'll be okay
Kevin Arnovitz
What's the hardest thing about the pre-draft/workout process?
Tyreke Evans
I think I did great. My stock went up. I was seven or whatever, and now top five. I showed my strength and size, and that I can score over little guards. After every workout they were calling my agent saying I looked like a young LeBron James. I think five on five would give us a better chance of getting hurt. Three on three you can show the coaches what you can do. I think it's perfect how they run the workouts.
Tyreke Evans
Traveling. Once I get there I'm ready to play basketball. But the traveling, catching the train, catching the plane, cramping up. That's tough. But once you get out there and play, it's all about basketball.
Kevin Arnovitz
Who's your model NBA type?
Tyreke Evans
In workouts team told me they didn't think I could shoot like that. I played in the dribble drive offense in college. One thing in my mind was to drive. But in college I scored most of my points from the 3-point line.
Tyreke Evans
LeBron James, Tracy McGrady. But Penny Hardaway was the first player I ever looked up to.
Zheli Hao (Guangzhou)
What are you going to spend your first NBA paycheck on?
Tyreke Evans
First thing I'm going to do is take care of the one that had me. My mom. If she wants a house, a yacht, or whatever. Then maybe I'll get a house or a condo or something, but I might rent.
SprungOnSports (Long Island)
Tyreke, what do you need to work on once you're drafted and getting ready for your rookie season?
Tyreke Evans
My shot. My passing ability. I'm a good passer, but I want to be a Steve Nash type of passer. I want to hit it on the spot. Fewer turnovers. My defense is good, but I want to make first-team All-Defense every year.
Ed (MD)
Tyreke, can you tell us anything about William Wesley
Tyreke Evans
He's a good fried of my brothers. There for me, helping out with the AAU team.
mike (ESPN)
How did you do on your SAT
Tyreke Evans
I did pretty well. Got into college! Took forever to take them though.
TexFTW (Gainesville, FL)
Reke, do you think any other Memphis player will be drafted besides you?
Tyreke Evans
I want to see my Memphis teammates taken, so we can take vacations together. I want to see Antonio and Dozier both get drafted.
Mackey (Ok)
Could you shut done Wade or Kobe?
Tyreke Evans
Nobody could shut those guys down. But you could possibly play good defense on them for a few possessions. Even if you're a tough player, though, they're still going to get that ball in the basket.
