1. Could you find the main reasons why Menorca did not stay in the ACB?
There were a lot of reasons why Menorca didn't stay in the ACB. The main reason is we didn't win games. I thought only one team this past season was going to the Leb Gold division. I pray and Hope Menorca goes back to the ACB as soon as possible.
They have great fans.
2. Nevertheless, you played really well (16.3 points and 3.1 assi.)
Are you happy about your game?
I am happy how I played this past season in the second best league in the world, NBA being number one of course. It would've been real great if we had a winning season though. The reason why I play basketball is I want to Win and I want to be the best.
I would like to thank God for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills in the ACB. My coaches and teammates in Menorca also believed in me which allowed me to play well.
3. Everybody that met you said you are a really good professional. Which aspects of you game did you improve this season working in extra practices?
I believe attitude is probably the number one thing teams look for in a player.
These last 3 years as a professional, I have work extremely hard on my game. When I was in the NBA Development league, BC Kiev in Ukraine, and Menorca, my teammates and coaches can tell you that I was the last person to leave the gym. I love working on my game because I see the improvements and I am witness to the statement "Hard work pays off".
4. Which players and coaches helped you the most to get better at your game this season?
When I played for the Colorado 14ers in the NBA D-League, my coaches Joe Wolf and Kent Davidson would workout guys after the practices. My roommate at the time was Von Wafer (Houston Rockets) and we used to go the gym at nights to get more shots up.
When I played for BC kiev in Ukraine, my coach Tomo Mahoric had individual workouts in the morning practices and I would stay after every practice with my teammate Manu (Georgian Player) to get more shots up. This past season in Menorca, I learned a lot from Ricard Casas, Javier Imbroda, and player development coach Gaspar Roura. We watched film together and worked on a lot of pick and roll situations. My teammate Koko (Bulgarian Player) and I would work on our game after practices. I also watch a lot of film on this website called Synergysports and it allows me to watch and study NBA, college, and International games.
5. And back to when you were growing up, who were your favourite players?
Favorite players growing up were: Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson, Tim Hardaway, John Stockton, Baron Davis, Rod Strickland, Khalid El Amin, Damon Stoudamire, and many more. I'm from Los Angeles, California so I used to watch High School Players like Kenny Brunner (Compton Dominguez), Bean (Crenshaw), Brandon Granville (St. Bernards/ Westchester), Gene Parker (Gardena Serra), Jason Hart, Danny Walker (Fremont), Tony Bland (Westchester) Keilon Fortune, Wesley Stokes (Long Beach Poly), Marlon Parmer (Verb), and Tito Maddox (Compton).
6. Do you feel an attachment to shorter stars that have succeeded in this league, past guys like Spud Webb, Tyrone Bogues, or some current players?
I would like to say thanks to guys who paved the way for shorter guards like Nate "Tiny" Archibald, Spud Webb, Mugsy, Isiah Thomas, Michael Adams, Earl Boykins, and etc. I learned a lot from them. Current players like Aaron Brooks, Nate Robinson, Jose Juan Barea, Dj Augustin, and Sebastian Telfair are opening doors for players like myself and other guards trying to get in the NBA.
7. How many times did someone say to you something like, “You cannot be a pro, you are too short”?
Heard that statement a lot of times but I love when people say, I'm too short to play basketball. I love proving people wrong. Pretty soon I hope they will stop making that statement in all sports.
8. How can a small player survive in a giants’ basketball world?
I don't think I'm small. I may look like I am 5 '10 but my heart and soul is like somebody 7 feet. We have to remember that David beat Goliath. Size to me doesn’t mean anything in sports. It’s all about heart and Skills.
9. Did you ever play against/with any player quicker than you?
That's a good question. Nate Robinson, Aaron Brooks and Jose Juan Barea.
10. Now you are playing in the Summer League for Portland. Do you think you can stay in the NBA next season? Did Nate McMillan talk to you?
I just finished summer league with Portland and I feel with the performance I just had, I can play in the NBA. I came off the bench for Portland and when I got in the game, I showed energy and leadership. I averaged 12.5pts and 4.6asts with Portland so hopefully I caught some eyes of NBA General Managers and top teams in Europe. It only takes one team to give you an opportunity. Coach Nate McMillian and the coaches wanted me to bring energy, get respect from my teammates, and just be myself. I would like to thank God and Portland for the opportunity to showcase my skills in
Summer League.
11. Who is the player that impresses you a lot in the Summer League, and why?
Blake Griffin showed why he was number one in the draft... My teammates Dante Cunningham and Jeff Pendergraph impress me also. I didn't know Dante he can shoot that well and how explosive Jeff was. Demar Derozan, Brandon Jennings, and James Harden played well too.
12. Who is the player that impresses you a lot in the ACB and why?
Players that impressed me in the ACB were Igor Rakocevic, Pablo Prigioni, Ricky Rubio, Victor Claver, Saul Blanco, Brad Oleson, Taquan Dean, Carl English, and etc.
ACB has a lot of great players and coaches. Hope the players in the ACB don't be mad if I didn't mention their name.
13. What about ACB, if you don’t stay in the NBA do you think you are going to come back to Spain? Did you have any offers from the ACB or any team in Europe?
I told my agent Andre Buck that if the NBA doesn't work out this year, my plan B would be the ACB or play for a Euroleague team in Europe (Jeter signed for Cajasol, few days ago). I think playing for a Euroleague team in the ACB is best of both worlds in Europe because you’re playing against the best two times a week. That's what it’s all about right, Winning and playing against the best. This past season in the ACB, I played in the best league in Europe and I was Top 5 in scoring (16.3pts) 3.1asts, 1.7 steals, and evaluation ranking was #2 (14.5) point guards, behind Ricky Rubio. Averaged 20 points against Tau and 5 other teams in the ACB. I think the top teams in Europe would love to have a playmaker on their team who has a great attitude, brings energy, and wants to be a WINNER. I'm hungry for Wins. I had a good season in the ACB and good summer league with Portland. Now I have to wait and see what God has plan for next season.
Thanks Carlos for the interview.
Grace, Peace, and Blessings to you Carlos.
