I love basketball so much, I love playing it. I just never thought I could make it to college, make it to the NBA or stand up here today in front of you guys and be an NBA MVP. It’s just a surreal feeling, and I had so much help, so many people believe in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

I told Grant Hill back there – I just got done playing against him – as a second grader I had a Pistons Grant Hill jersey. That was the first time I walked into a gym. That’s when I fell in love with the game. My mom, I think she just wanted to get me and my brothers out of the house for a few hours. When I walked into the gym, I fell in love with the game.

I play basketball. I can't control the media, the way I play. I can't control all of it.

I'm always hungry. I want to be the best.

All this stuff is kind of surreal to me - Ididn't think I'd be in the league or none of that. It was making it to college. That's about it.

My style has changed and evolved mainly because I've grown to have more confidence in myself.

I just loved being in the gym. It was tough at times. Sometimes I wanted to quit, but I'm glad I stuck with it.