10 Random Thoughts

April, 2004

Click here to send a question to Adonal ! >

This is a new and unique way to get into Adonal's head. Read Adonal's answers to questions regarding anything from basketball to politics to the latest love affair on 'Friends,'asked on the fly by free-lance reporter Chris Navalta.

1. Who is the most misunderstood player you've ever played with, past or present?
[Adonal] Latrell Sprewell. Every man has a breaking point. And when the incident happened between him and P.J. Carlesimo, people only saw his breaking point. They didn't see the process of how it happened. It's not necessarily a matter of blame. I thought it was a matter of historical buildup. But people didn't see that. What they saw was the end result. And the end result became the reflection of how he is looked at as a person.

2. You're a Philadelphia Eagles fan. What are your thoughts on Terrell Owens coming to the team?
[Adonal] Can someone say SUPER BOWL? I think a player of his caliber was one of the missing pieces for our team. And as you know, he's a very great target for Donovan McNabb.

3. Speaking of Owens, he didn't leave the San Francisco 49ers on a good note. Do you think it's a no-win situation when a player bad-mouths his old team when he's on a new team, as opposed to if he was still on that team?
[Adonal] It's absolutely a double-edged sword. You can't win in that kind of situation. If you're part of the team, and you're saying bad things about them, you're being disloyal. You may be offending players, you may be offending management. And if you do it when you're already gone, then you are considered a coward, having to wait until you leave to do it. And that's why you should always choose your critique very, very seriously and be very analytical about it. When I say something about a person or an organization, I want to be able to face them the next day and say, I would say it again if I were in the same situation. And I will face you knowing that I have given the best critique that I have.' And I think that should be the standard. Because if people know you're unhappy on a team, they're going to hate you either way. The only thing you can do is be as brutally honest, open and frank as you can be. Don't make it a personal attack. But get to the source of what is the problem.

4. Have you ever had an embarrassing moment when you said to yourself 'I hope the TV cameras didn't get that one?'
[Adonal] When I misjudge a dunk and it results in me getting dunked on. That's embarrassing. I'd think to myself: 'I hope that didn't make SportsCenter.' If someone like Vince Carter or Kobe Bryant did it, at least it's expected out of them. But if it was from someone unexpected, I'd be like 'Holy Cow! Him, of all persons dunked on me?'

5. What are your thoughts on the steroid controversy in Major League Baseball?
[Adonal] I think the league (MLB) needs to set standards and hold people accountable. Since technically, the things they can use are not illegal under the substance abuse policy, the league should install more fines and more penalties. And basically, they should have an education system that shows people what happens if you take steroids. I think the whole idea of testicular shrinkage is a good deterrent. I just hope it doesn't affect the way people watch baseball. Because when it comes to hitting a home run, a lot of that is still based on ability. In the final analysis, steroids may make you a little stronger. But you still have to have the instincts. And no steroid can ever give you that.

6. When facing someone who is significantly taller, like Yao Ming or Shawn Bradley, are there any adjustments you have to make on the court?
[Adonal] Absolutely. There are guys on 29 different NBA teams that can play the center position. And every guy has a different calling card - a go-to move of some sort, and a certain feel to the game. And as a defender, my job is to combat that. So, if the guy is taller, but slower, you may try to be faster. If the guy is really, really strong, you should try and hold your ground as much as you possibly can and beat him early. If the guy is smaller, you have to get much lower and be prepared to move your feet. It all depends on whatever play you're running. Every play calls for a different strategy, because most players are different.

7. Who do you think has the coolest hair: Steve Nash, Andrei Kirilenko or Ben Wallace?
[Adonal] When Ben sticks that big afro out, you can't help but pay attention to it. Nash's hair still fits into a certain norm. But it's been a long time since someone has really let their hair grow out of control. So when you see Ben's hair, it becomes reminiscent of the old days. I'm just jealous that I can't grow out my hair the way he can.

8. Do you think there are more owners in the NBA more concerned about losing money than there are owners concerned about losing games?
[Adonal] I think there are a lot of owners in the league who are worried about losing money. But in some sense, it's understandable because owning a team is like owning any other business. You're in it, hopefully, to make a profit. But I do think there are some owners out there who do care about winning games. But I think those are few, for the most part.

9. When you're on a date, what CD are you popping in first?
[Adonal] You've got to go with Barry White or Al Green. For me, you can also play some reggae. A little Bob Marley if you're feeling a little groovy. I think those are three areas where you can't go wrong.

10. When you are travelling, what always goes on the plane with you?
[Adonal] My laptop, a journal, a book to read, and an extra pair of clean underwear (in case my luggage gets lost)!

Other 10 Random Thoughts

Back to Ask Foyle

Return to top ^