In many ways, my job in soccer was like my job in basketball now. I had to protect the goal. That was the name of the game, not letting the other team score.

I don't think Michael had to retire for us to get the spotlight, because when you win, it commands attention.

When I look at the system here and look at my position - not just as a basketball player, but when I look around me at the values of the people and the culture and compare them with the values of where I came from - I feel so blessed to be from Africa.

My background playing soccer gave me a natural advantage over many of the American-born players.

I'm the kind of person who always wants more.

All these boundaries - Africa, Asia, Malaysia, America - are set by men. But you don't have to look at boundaries when you are looking at a man - at the character of a man. The question is: What do you stand for? Are you a follower, or are you a leader?

I'm shy, but sometimes my voice is so clear and strong.