I hate interviewers that never shutup! I saw a 20 minute interview. They ask a question and then they act like the guy is to stupid to answer so they explain the question. What a waste of an interview. I wanted to hear what does he think about the speed of the game as compared to euro. The physicality. Does he think he can play center. Which NBA player does he compare his game to. What player in practice does he think is doing the best. How is playing against Thabeet. What does he think about the other rookies. As he learned anything from the other players. Have the coaches told him what they want him to focus on. All of these questions didn't get answered. They spent more time talking about what he said about Dwight Howard and football and how much he likes Scola. And even when they did ask him some basketball questions they were closed ended and didn't really give him a chance to answer. Terrible terrible waste of an opportunity. Jason Friedman is 10 times better! What I learned. Machale hasn't told him what he expects out of him. He doesn't want to lose his quickness so he is not planning on adding weight. He thinks people are wrong if the the euro leg is soft. He hates refs who try to control the game like they are the 6th player. He wants to meet chicks.He wants to learn from Luis! He wanted to come to Houston.
I dont think this is entirely true. He just needs to get more time on the court, especially with all the other guys, and find out how he'll fit. Mchale has probably touched on a few things, but its hard for him to get too specific with any of the new players and even some of the bench. I'm almost sure D-Mo said in the press conference Mchale had talked to him about their expectations.
It may not be true but I am just telling you what he said. It is not my opinion. One of the talk guys said he spoke with Mchale said and Mchale told the talk guy (not verbatim) that with guys like DMO, Donatas does a lot of thing really well but to get him to focus on one or two things that you do great is going to be the hardest thing. Then the talk guy said I'm sure Mchale has told you this and DMO sad "Not really, about these kinds of things not really" He did say later he spoke with Mchale but from his words it wasn't about what he should focus. I am not passing judgement. Their time together has been short and I am sure this all will come in time. But that's what he said. Okay now? Th
The host was talking about focusing on the one or two things D-mo did well, but how can anyone really poinpoint that yet? Video clips and recruiting visits overseas aren't enough. Mchale has to work him out, get him to practice with the team and go against NBA competition, and then figure out what one or two things Donatas should focus on. It's too early to speak about specific expectations such as those, so it goes without saying that Mchale hasnt discussed that with him. On the other hand, more general expectations, like putting in work during the summer at TC, improving conditioning and strength, sitting down soon for film sessions, etc., can and probably have been talked about since he was drafted. From what i've read and seen, it looks like Mchale has gone out of his way to let players (new and old) know this during their initial meetings.
Wow, he has tons of personality! He speaks his mind and is already joking with people he has just met. A very confident and self-aware 20 year old. Looking forward to his playing many many years with the Rockets.
when the Rockets isolate him on Dwight Howard..and...then he does one of his spin moves on Howard...then...he will earn the title... 'THE DON"[/FONT][/SIZE]
HE HAS A LITTLE BIT OF DAVE COWENS IN HIM....MY GOSH...I ONLY HOPE HE HUSTLES LIKE COWENS DID....BETTER SHOW HIM SOME OLD FILM ON COWENS
D-Mo has got the thug act working. Expect some technicals for arguing with the refs and some on-court confrontations with players that he instigates. Expect McHale to bench him a time or two to teach him a lesson. And hopefully he matures to match his talent.