As a newcomer, I was often expected to carry the bags of the older players, or get them burgers. That can make you feel pretty miserable.

Of course parents want their children to confide in them.

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.

Basketball gave me a lot, which is why I want to stay connected with this sport later on, maybe working with young people. But it would be more in the background. Being in the spotlight was never really my thing. I never wanted to be famous.

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.

If theres an injury, for a couple games, you can have guys step in. But for a long period of time, it always catches up with you.

I want to raise a family and have a couple of small Dirks running around. But it will not be easy to win my heart.