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Dig deeper into Adonal's mind! Check out Ten Random Thoughts!


Here are your April questions for Adonal...

Dennis asks...
How did you like CATS? I saw you and your family at the Orpheum when it played there in Dec. I thought it was a pretty weird play for something that ran so long on Broadway.
[Adonal] It is weird. But it tells a larger story about inherent conflicts that exist in any society. Even cats can have the same hang up that we have. And of course, the lives of the cats represent different facets of our society played out to its ultimate conclusion -- treat people as you would like to be treated and do not judge people or cats by how ugly their skin color and clothes might look. I can go on but I think you will get the picture.

Kyle in Garden City, NY asks...
What's it like having a professional NBA career?
[Adonal] It is truly a wonderful thing, but like anything, it has its faults. I get upset at times, but then I remember that I am one of just 400 NBA players in the world. More than anything else, I love it daily.

Mark in Ceres, CA asks...
1. I have visited the Democracy Matters website, and what frustrates me most about politics is the media coverage. The mainstream media does not cover the policies of the people running for office but rather they focus their attention on who is leading in the latest poles. And the way that TV cuts such short 10 second parts of speeches and uses them for news makes it is easy to take the words of politicians out of context. So what is your favorite newspaper/website for world current events/news?I have visited the Democracy Matters website, and what frustrates me most about politics is the media coverage. The mainstream media does not cover the policies of the people running for office but rather they focus their attention on who is leading in the latest poles. And the way that TV cuts such short 10 second parts of speeches and uses them for news makes it is easy to take the words of politicians out of context. So what is your favorite newspaper/website for world current events/news?
[Adonal] I read the New York Times. I listen to NPR. I watch the BBC and CNN to compare their different coverage and hopefully get a little closer to the truth of what's going on in the rest of the world.

2. What is your favorite NBA city to visit and why?
[Adonal]Vancouver was definitely one of my favorite cities because it is truly a beautiful city. But I think now that it is out of the league, New York has replaced it, because it has what you call high culture. They have one of the best theatre districts in the world. And more than that, it's the city that never sleeps. It's almost like you're in a different planet all together. You can never be bored in New York.

Justin in Orlando, FL asks...
What are your thoughts on Emeka Okafor? Do you think the two of you would work well together if you were on the same team?
[Adonal] Clearly, any player that helps his team win an NCAA title certainly possesses wonderful skills that can be utilized at the next level. He will be a good pro. He shows that he has a lot of different things. Good offensive game. And more important he is educated and able to pick up anything that he hasn't yet learned. It would be an honor to play with him, if he truly loves the game. I think I would be able to play with anyone who loves the game.

Amos in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario asks...
I would like to know if you do any charity work on Canouan or Union Island or if you just focus on the US?
[Adonal] I am always looking for ways to help St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I have been involved with a lot of individual stuff, providing uniforms, trophies and other aids to teams and individual people. I have started my first Read to Achieve program at Canouan Government School and also brought an NBA basketball player (Erick Dampier) and coach (Clifford Day) to the island for a two-day camp. And I will continue to look for ways of bringing my brand of charity and profound sense of education enrichment to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. So the answer is yes. And I will continue to do even more as I try to figure out how to start a charity organization that focuses on the islands specifically.

Jacob in San Francisco, CA asks...
When you were in college what was your favorite NBA team and did you think you would ever play in the NBA?
[Adonal] I never thought I would be good enough to make it to the NBA. I loved watching the Lakers and New York Knicks.

Philip in Fairfax, CA asks...
I sure liked the way you finished this season any chance you'll be around next year?
[Adonal] I would love to be. I am waiting to see what the Warriors want to do and what moves they make.

Jason in Toronto, Canada asks...
There is a small group of fans in Toronto that love you. Will you show the love back?
[Adonal] I always give the people of Toronto lots of love. It is one of my favorite cities to visit. Not only do I have an enormous amount of Caribbean friends and family. But I can always get some serious Caribbean food and that's always a plus. I will continue to reach out and show love to all my Toronto people. From a basketball prospective, anything and everything is a possibility. I will evaluate everything with the utmost patience and enthusiasm.

John in Columbia, SC asks...
What your impressions of rookie Mickael Pietrus thus far on and off the court. Is he adapting to the west coast living?
[Adonal] It was a very interesting year for Mickael. Certainly, it was a set back for him getting hurt. It always is for any player. But it was truly amazing for him to come back and have an incredible second half of the season, maybe equal to the other rookies. He's showed he has a unique understanding of the game and will continue to learn. Mickael is going to be a great player in this league.

Alex in Martinez, CA asks...
1. Do you like the Lakers and Shaq?
[Adonal] No matter how much you may despise the Lakers for their winning, they must be commended for winning so many titles. I think it's a testament to Phil Jacksoin and Kobe Bryant, and more importantly, to the dominance of Shaquille O'Neal. Respect must be paid to greatness.

2. Who is taller You or Shaq?
[Adonal] Shaq, by 3 inches.

3. How many 3 pointers have You made this season?
[Adonal] I was going to shoot one. But Musselman came up and threw me off the floor!

Paolo & Chris in Fairfield, CA asks...
What type of music do you like to listen to, before a game or when at home?
[Adonal] Music is an essential part of a pre-game event for most NBA players. And the kind of music depends on state of mind at that time before the game. Moments leading up to game, you might be so hyped that you need to listen to something smooth to bring you down. Or when you are flat, you need to listen to something up tempo to lift your spirits. When I am down, I listen to a lot of Caribbean music. When I am hyped, I listen to jazz or classical.

Matt in Lafayette, CA asks...
I was wondering on your way to becoming a pro player what was the hardest obstacle you had to overcome?
[Adonal] Fighting the small minds of people. In basketball, people have the tendency to stereotype players (like a player is only known as a scorer or a defensive specialist). And no matter how they have improved or tried to grow, everyone refuses to see it. It is important for players to keep working on their skills and trying to become better. It can be very difficult, but when you push and push and continue to learn every part of the game, and when you are put in situation when you can put into action what you have learned, it is truly wonderful and a victory.

Mark in San Jose, CA asks...
What's it like be a NBA Player? Do you ever wish that you could be like other people (not a NBA Player) so that you could go to places like the mall, movies, dine at McDonald or regular restaurants?
[Adonal] Being tall has its own unique curse. If I wasn't a basketball player, everyone would still think I should be a basketball player. That's why when I was in college with my dad, a 5'4” Phd., and people would ask if I was a basketball player, I would point to my dad and say HE is the basketball player. So, the point is whatever path you chose in life, there's going to be pros and cons. And all you can do is make the best of the situation that you have been presented with. As a basketball player, I've been blessed with great gifts and the opportunity to meet wonderful people and the ability to entertain wonderful fans, and that I wouldn't change for the world. Having said that, there are times when it can become overwhelming.

Oris asks...
What is the key to blocking a shot clean?
[Adonal] Very simple! Timing plus the principle of verticality plus spacing between you and the offensive player plus refs holding their whistle plus not being afraid to get dunked on plus playing good position and understanding that a block is a last resort = Good shot blocker!

Paolo & Chris in Fairfield, CA asks...
What type of music do you like to listen to, before a game or when at home?
[Adonal] Music is an essential part of a pre-game event for most NBA players. And the kind of music depends on state of mind at that time before the game. Moments leading up to game, you might be so hyped that you need to listen to something smooth to bring you down. Or when you are flat, you need to listen to something up tempo to lift your spirits. When I am down, I listen to a lot of Caribbean music. When I am hyped, I listen to jazz or classical.

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Previous Q & A Sessions

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KLF March Campaign 2010 ·
Worldwide!
Last year's March $10K campaign was so successful that we raised almost $13,000.00 so we've brought it back for and raised the stakes! For full details, click here >
Interview with NBA.com's David Aldridge! ·
Mr. Fifteen
Adonal recently sat down with NBA.com writer David Aldridge about basketball and politics. Read the interview here >
Note from Adonal: ·
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Wishing you a healthy and prosperous 2010 and beyond!
Support the cause! ·
2010 KLF Calendars
Support Adonal's Kerosene Lamp Foundation by purchasing a 2010 KLF Calendar. Buy them here >
12/17/09 ·
Back in uniform!
Adonal is back on the court and sends a special "thanks" to the entire Magic Medical Staff for a speedy recovery from pre-season knee surgery.
10/28/09 ·
NBA Season Opens
Adonal embarks on his 13th NBA Season. To get all the latest NBA news click here >
10/04-23/09 ·
NBA Pre-Season (Orlando Magic)
Adonal and his Magic team mates prepare for the 2009-10 NBA Season. To visit the Magic's official site click here >
9/24/09 ·
World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame (Boise, ID)
Adonal was one of three professional athletes who were inducted at the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame Ceremony at Qwest Arena in Boise, ID. Click here to read the story >
9/14/09 ·
The NBA Loves Democracy Too (The Daily Free Press)
Adonal recently sat with Boston University's student newspaper to talk about Democracy Matters. Click here to read the article >
Full Calendar >>