“The Heckler” on a Fan Speaks Out

November 21, 2007

Ben Wallace and Aaron Gray Interview

And the man in the middle is Ben Wallace and Aaron Gray. So far Wallace is not playing like the guy who cost the team $60 million to pry him away from Detroit. Gray, while looking like a possible option in the pre-season, has does nothing but gather splinters since the season started. In this interview, Wallace comments on the teams’ chances to make the finals and what he did to improve in the off-season. Gray explains the difference in the pro game compared to college and if he regrets staying an extra year in college.

The Heckler: Now that’s it’s your second year with the team, do you feel more comfortable with your teammates and your surroundings?

Ben Wallace: Yea, I feel more comfortable and a little more relaxed because I know the system. I know what to expect.

TH: You seemed to thrive in Detroit when the team added Rasheed Wallace, another big player who could help out on defense and with the rebounding. Do you think adding Joakim Noah to the team this year can help you in the same way even though he’s a rookie?

BW: He brings a lot of energy to the game and that’s something you can always use, so it definitely helps me a little.

TH: In addition to Noah, you added a couple of other rookies and Joe Smith to the team. Do you think with the additions to the team this season, you have what it takes right now to make it to the finals this year?

BW: I think we have a better opportunity this year to go a little bit further in the playoffs. I think this team is built for the playoffs right now. So I think with the guys we added and the ones we already had, the sky’s the limit. It’s about us going out now and working it.

TH: Do you think once you get to the playoffs that it’s match-ups based on who you play that determines how far you get, that sometimes you match up better against one team than another.?

BW: The playoffs are really about match-ups. If you’ve got a good match-up, you can go out and play with anybody. If you don’t match up well with teams, then you’re going to struggle a little bit.

TH: Is there any part of your game that you worked on this summer that you wanted to improve on?

BW: Just winning, that’s all I work on is winning. Whatever it takes to win, that is what I be doing.

TH: Do you have any specific goals for yourself this year like maybe being Defensive Player of the Year again?

BW: My biggest goal is to stay healthy. If I stay healthy, I give myself a chance to help this team.

Aaron Gray

TH: What have you noticed so far that the difference is in the NBA compared to college ball?

AG: The pace of the game, the rules of the game, not being able to be in the key, which is where I mostly like to be, on both offense and defense. One night you see Dirk (Nowitzki) and one night you see Gilbert (Arenas), so you get star struck a little, but once the ball goes up, you’ve got to be ready to play.

TH: How is the speed of the game different in the pros compared to college? Is that something you have noticed?

AG: Definitely, the type of play, the pace of the game. You’re doing a lot more pick and roll, and defensive rotations. You can’t just think about it but you have to react and do it before you actually think about it. It’s tough and it’s definitely an adjustment.

TH: The NBA is a lot more physical. How is that affecting your game?

AG: I love to be physical. If teams want to get into that type of game and with guys like Big Ben, we’re not going to shy away from that.

TH: What would you say the strength of your game is right now, and what do you think you need to work on the most?

AG: I like to rebound the ball, I play pretty good post defense. I need to work on my defensive rotation; I need to be more consistent down low on the blocks, so that my teammates feel good about passing me the ball down there.

TH: The team has been lacking a post-up presence. Do you think with time that’s something you can offer to the team?

AG: I think it’s something we continue to develop everyday. My teammates are getting more comfortable throwing me the ball in the post, especially me not only making moves but being able to pass the ball out of the post and creating match-up problems. That’s something that I’ve been working real hard on and it’s going to be a test of time.

TH: Has there been anything the coaching staff has specifically told you they wanted you to work on?

AG: No, I think they’re real happy with my progress. Their big thing is to get better everyday and come in and work hard. Obviously I’m not where I need to be to be a consistent player in this league.

TH: You stayed in college for an extra year and were thought to be a first round pick last year. You fell to the second round this year. Any regrets about not coming out sooner and getting that first round money and guarantees?

AG: It was a little different but I definitely don’t have any regrets. I signed a two year contract and I think my opportunity here is a better situation. I’m happy where I’m at. It’s a winning place and I’m glad to be a part of it.

TH: Do you think it makes it a bit easier for you coming to a winning team instead of a rebuilding project?

AG: Oh definitely. It just makes you better everyday in practice playing behind guys like Ben Wallace and Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. You’ve got this coaching staff that has built this program up and it’s great that not only are you going to come in and win some games but you’re also going to learn from great guys that know what it takes to win.

TH: Do you think that extra year of college helped make your game better?

AG: Definitely. You know I was the focal point at the University of Pittsburgh. The ball was going through me on offense and the spotlight was kind of all on me. So another year of that can do wonders to prepare you for the next level.

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SportzNutz Columnist Darrell Horwitz isn’t shy when it comes to “A Fan Speaking Out”… he holds nothing back and tells it like it is, from a fan’s perspective.  A Chicago native, Darrell is a lifelong Cubs and Bulls fan. Along with his “A Fan Speaks Out” column, Darrell is the fan writer for the Chicago Cubs, here on SportzNutz.  If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to email Darrell at darrell.horwitz@nutzworld.net

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