Review A Chat With Shane Battier

Chat with Shane Battier
Hosted By Total Sports & GoDuke.com

Kaddra Greene asks How has your popularity from basketball affected your personal life, your family?
I'm alot more recognized in public now, especially around here. Whenever I go to the mall or the movies, people stop and ask for an autograph. That's pretty cool considering I'm only a 21-year old kid. My family hasn't been hassled by it. When I come home, I still have to clean the dishes and make my bed. No different.
Jim Pailin asks First, thanks for being a Blue Devil, dude. But as an alum, I wonder if you can put into words what it feels like to put on a Duke Univ. b-ball uniform before a game, especially a big game. (Yea, they're all big game
To tell the truth, its indescribable. Its a very special feeling to arrive at your locker the day of a game and see your jersey with your name on it. Its indescribable.
Katie Wright asks What's it like to play for a coach like Mike Krzyzewski?
Its great. I've learned so much since I've been here, not just about basketball but life. I consider myself lucky to play for him.
RAYMOND CLUFF asks who is your favorite nba team and what team has been the hardest one that you have played againest in college.
Detroit Pistons, Carolina because of all the passion involved in the game
Britt Ricks asks If Duke played UConn again do you think Duke could beat them.
Same lineups as last year: I think we would have a great shot at beating them but unfortunately its something you would talk about in fantasy games.
Elicia Jamsa asks What has been the most fun game that you have ever played in at Duke??
The most fun game had to be the Carolina game my freshman year when we came back from so many points down. The place went beserk, it was unbelievable.
Rick Lemire asks Who is the best offensive player you have faced and why. Duke players are eligible!
I say it would be a tie between Elton Brand and Antawn Jamison. Elton was so big and physically dominant. Jamison was so quick. Both were really tough to defend.
Benji Smith asks Do you plan to pursue your basketball career in the NBA? And if so, how long do you want to play?
I definitely want to play at the next level as long as God blesses me and keeps me healthy.
Cory Bowen asks do you have any regrets for picking Duke over the other schools such as Michigan?
none, I've been completely and utterly happy with my choice.
Danny Thornton asks Hello Shane, I was just wanting to know who was your hero\role model growing up ? ( #1 BLUE DEVIL FAN ) P.S. I really hope you come back for your senior year!! Your a awesome player and a class act and I love watching you play !!!!!
My heroes/role models growing up were my parents. They instilled so much in me growing up and I'll never be able to repay them. I'll always admire them for that.
Leslie Gwyn asks Hi, Shane...which is more satisfying and/or exciting--playing for a number-one, prohibitive favorite like last year's team, or starting fresh and building something new with a young team like this one?
I think with starting with a young team is more fun because you have to fight and scrap and its more fun. When playing for a juggernaut like last year's team, it became repetitive. I don't mind winning by 30 points but playing close ones and winning is very rewarding.
Sarah Sanders asks What player, past or present, do you admire the most, and which player is most influential to you?
I think really look up to Grant Hill. I try to pattern my game around him and pattern my personality around him. I'm fortunate enough to be good friends with him. He's just a great guy, probably the MVP of the NBA right now.
Lindsey Gray asks Hey Shane I love you....okay when your playing at different stadiums, and there fans say or chant rude comments..does it affect you any?
No, I use it as motivation. I've heard some pretty crass things. I just pretend they are cheering for me.
Ben Kaplan asks How has your game of basketball changed since coming to Duke? Also did you pattern your defensive game after anyone? thanks BK
In high school, I was pretty much a back to the basket player. At Duke, the coaches have improved my game facing the basket. I think I've become more of a complete player and they have worked with me defensively.
david hawley asks what is your most memorable game ever???
Unfortunately it was the national championship game. It was a dream come true, but falling short. I'll never be able to forget that.
jocelyn simmons asks hello shane, i just wanted to let you know that you and the rest of the team are doing a wonderful job. keep up the good work!! i want to know will you be able to live up to the expectations from last year to this year? and how do you feel about the critics doubting DUKE from last year's team to this year's young team?
This year's team is a different team. We don't try to match the expectations of any past team. We are the 2000 Blue Devils. The only critics that matter to us are the coaches, players, and the others inside our program.
Duke fan asks Hi Shane, First of all I would like to say Great season that you and the team is having this year. Two questions for you. How has your role changed for this year since Brand, Avery, and Maggette has left. Also I know that your younger brother Jeremy is coming to Duke to play football, I heard also that he is a good basketball player is there any chance that he might walk-on on the basketball team next year? Thanks. GO DUKE.
I'm asked to do more offensively. As well as being a tough defender and rebounder, I'm asked to score alot more.
Eric Densmore asks Shane. My name is Eric Densmore and I am a senior at Hartwick College in Oneonta NY. My question for you is do you feel more pressure this year now that you are the "go to guy than you did in the past two years? Eric Densmore
I really don't. I'm confident in myself and my teammates so there really isn't any need for individual pressure.
CRAIG EVERETT asks First of all the thing I most respect about your game is: knowing exactly what your role is on the team at that particular moment. No matter what season, what team, or even what lineup that presently is on the floor with you. I think your points, rebounds, blocks, assists, come not when most convenient but most vital. 'MVP STYLE'. Question is 'What (if any) pregame rituals do you have that help prepare you? Good Luck in the rest of the season.
Ever since my freshman year in high school, I've had a 64 oz. bottle of Gatorade before each game. Its my power juic. I also listen to alot of music, rap, hard rock, and take naps on game days. As soon as I wake up from my nap, I'm ready to go.
Byron Stapleton asks Do you plan to go to the NBA after this season?
I think right now I'm leaning on coming back. I'm having too much fun. I'm much too young to be an adult.
Christy Widner :) asks What made you choose to go to DUKE University? What do you do in the off season to keep in shape?
As soon as I stepped on the Duke campus during my official visit, I knew it was the place for me. In the offseason, I spent most of my mornings on this track near where I live, running for distance and running sprints, just getting in shape.
Jason Lankford asks Hey Shane!Do you think your basketball team has the talent to win the NCAA championship?What are the chances of you and your team going all the way.
I think we have as good a shot as anyone this year. There is no real dominant team in the country. Whoever gets hot in March is going to win it all. We have as good a shot as anyone.
Brad Merchant asks It seems this team has come a long ways since November, given the improvements of some key players. How different do you feel this team is, and yourself as a player from when you tipped off against Stanford in Novmeber?
We're alot older. We understand the game of college basketball a little better. We understand the value of each possession, especially in the ACC. With that, we are able to control the game a little better.
Emily Arthur asks First of all, I have to say that I've never been so impressed by the way a player plays the game until I watched you play that first college game your freshmen year. My question pertains to your drive and dedication to the game. Where do you think this has come from...was it something that was acquired, learned, or something you were born with? Thanks and go Blue Devils.
I think its a little bit of all three. My parents have also instilled a hard work ethic and dedication in any endeavor I try. Part of it is a personal hunger, whether its checkers or basketball or whatever or I try. Third, its manifest at Duke.
Rod E. asks Hey Shane, what's up? Do you think with the departure of last year's group that you are now free to showcase more of your skills on the court? Also, do you think by taking more shots in the game that it has helped you offensive growth? GO DUKE!!!
I think so. When all those guys left last year the veterans, Carrawell, James, and I, looked at it as an opportunity to step up, out of the shadows as role players.
Greg Hubbard asks Shane, How did you learn to become such a great defender and take the charge like nobody else in the country? Is your brother going to play basketball for Duke next year? Thanks.
I have had great coaches. They've always instilled the fundamentals of great defense in me. The charges have always been there. There's nothing to it, except a little courage and not minding getting bumped up a little. My brother has a great shot at playing football at Duke. He will make a decision after the season.
BILLY MAGEE asks OF ALL THE ACCOLADES THAT GO WITH BEING A REPRESENTATIVE OF DUKE UNIVERSITY WHAT IS THE MOST GRATIFYING OUTSIDE OF BASKETBALL
The most gratifying part of representing Duke is probably when I go visit kids in the hospital. I've done that in Durham and back home. The looks on their faces make me feel really good and it reinforces the things I believe in and what I work for.
Marc Carlson asks Shane, It has been a pleasure watching you play and develop into such a great player over these last few years. What has been your greatest accomplishment up to this point? Your biggest disappointment? Also, what are your goals for this season, next season, and after Duke? Thanks, Marc Carlson
I would say my greatest accomplishment on the basketball court has been winning the 1999 national defensive player of the year award. There have been alot of great players on the court over the years and it was quite an honor to win it.
Kevin Stanford asks My name is Kevin Stanford. I am a sophmore at Georgia Southern Univesity. My dream has always been to attend Duke University. I have watched almost every basketball game since about 10 yrs old. With the academic standards and the reputation of Duke, did that influence your decision about going there? A degree from Duke is like getting a degree from Harvard. What impact did that have?
Definitely, I knew when I picked a school that the basketball would deflate someday and I would not jump as high or run as fast. I knew going to Duke with all of its intelligent people, it would prepare for me life. I knew after Duke I would have a great career and a great life and be successful. Thank you everyone for submitting so many great questions. I'm going to practice. Take care and cheer us on this year. Go Duke! Moderator: Thanks Shane and good luck the rest of the season.

Review A Chat With Shane Battier

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