Updates
Mon, Jul 14th 2008, 09:12
Q and A with JJ
Q: Balancing academics and athletics is a struggle for many kids at the high school level. You were able to do it at even a higher level by playing at such a high profile and great academic school at Duke. What tips do you have for kids out there struggling to get a good balance of both?
A: When you are focused on a sport it definitely can be a challenge to maintain good academic standing but I believe anyone can do it with
the right attitude and work ethic. When I was in high school my rule was this: I couldn’t go work on basketball until I was done with my
homework. In college, I took my work on the road and often times had to stay up late into the night to get work done. My first two years at Duke I wasn’t committed to academics and I just “got by”. But my junior and senior year I made school a big priority and was named to the “All-ACC Academic” team twice.
Q: Of all the moments in your career both in college and in the NBA what moment meant the most to you personally?
A: The moment that meant the most to me was having my jersey retired at Duke. Growing up a Duke fan, there was no greater honor than to
see my number hang in the rafters.
Q: With all the hype over the USA mens basketball team and of course your wonderful Duke coach, Coach K, leading the way, What do you think are their odds in the olympics this year?
A: I’d say the odds are pretty darn good that the USA wins the Olympic Gold. Its obviously going to be a huge challenge because the rest of the world has certainly caught up to us. However, Coach K has taught that team to play as a team and the concept of being a part of something bigger than yourself. When you combine that coaching with the best talent in the world- I like our chances.
Q: What kind of workout regimen do you follow? Do you think that lifting too much can lead to a loss of shooting touch?
A: You can read my June 18th blog to see what kind of workout routine I follow in the offseason. As for shooting and lifting, I see no effect that lifting has on my shot. I think that whole “myth” is just that- a myth. A lot of NBA
guys lift before games.
Comments
kestrel | on 15/7/08
Getting your jersey retired must have been one of the best feelings ever…i also cried. I am a 3 sport athlete and i go to school full time so I want to say thank you foro your advice…so thanks!! peace and love kestrel
diana | on 15/7/08
you have to check out the website weplay.com its awesome!
Shay | on 14/7/08
The best way to see this is copy and paste to Yahoo, Google pulls up more than one thing.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=ee73e63418003b47d7d5
diana | on 14/7/08
i can only imagine how you felt when you got your jersey retired i cried with you.