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.

It's not up to anyone else to make me give my best.

Allah says in the Qur'an not to despise one another. So the criterion in Islam is not color or social status. It's who is most righteous. If I go to a mosque - and I'm a basketball player with money and prestige - if I go to a mosque and see an imam, I feel inferior. He's better than me. It's about knowledge.

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

My type of basketball is about how to create space, how to maneuver, how to get your shot off.

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