I always wanted to be a basketball player. Nothing more, nothing less.

As a star you never know when people are really serious.

Off the floor I'm really laid back, like nothing really fazes me too much. But on the floor I do get emotional and a little carried away. However, I started playing when I was 13 to have fun with my teammates, and that never stopped. I enjoy traveling and having fun in the locker room with the guys. Life is too short to be miserable.

I know, basketball is a dance. I didn't understand the significance of that type of training at first. I was supposed to read poems.

I played all kinds of sports when I was young: tennis, handball, basketball, some soccer. I focused on basketball when I was 16 or 17 and then came to the U.S. when I was 20.

Obviously, (winning the division) is big. To be No. 1 is always important.

The best player I've ever played against is Kobe Bryant. I have seen him do some stuff that is just unbelievable.