Transcript of interview with Patrick Turpin
Q: Patrick, thank you for joining us, and congratulations on becoming a member of the DC Breeze. How do you feel right now?
A: Thanks, thank you very much. It's definitely a relief, you know, just sitting there with my family, waiting to hear my name called but never hearing it. So when Tweak finally called, I was--well, it was just like a huge weight off my shoulders.
Q: Now Patrick, take us through that process. You were projected as a top 5, top 10 talent and a sure first rounder. What was going through your mind during that time?
A. Yeah. Like you said, everyone was saying before the draft how there was no way I would slip out of the first round, how I might go as early as number 2. My agent was telling me that there way I dropped past number 7, that he had a promise from Philly that they would take me. Then of course they took someone else instead, and I ended up falling all the way out of the first to DC at number 17. But I'm just happy to be here now and looking forward to proving to everyone else that they made a mistake in not taking me.
Q: Coming out of Lincoln High School, you were one of the top recruits in the country, but instead of going to college and playing in the NCAA, you chose instead to play overseas for a year. Take us through that decision.
A: Sure. Well I knew I wanted to play pro ball, so it really came down to, I could go to school and play there, and do the stuff that comes with it, or I could go play pro somewhere else, get some valuable experience, and basically paid to do what I love to do and what I'm best at. When you put it that way, the choice was easy at least for me. So I went and played over in Israel for a season, came back and put my name in the draft, got picked, and now here we are.
Q: You're listed as a shooting guard at 6'10", but obviously with your size and athleticism you can play other positions as well and Tweak has already suggested you may eventually see more time at the 3 or 4. What do you think about that?
I mean, it's fine. I got a reputation as a shooter, but really listed position doesn't mean that much, and I know offensively I can play wherever. Defensively it'll be an adjustment, but it's nothing I can't do.
Q: What's one area of your game you really pride yourself on?
A: My offense. Shooting from outside, working down low, being able to score from anywhere on the court.
Q: What's one thing you really want to try to improve at the next level?
A: Just getting stronger to match up with some of the bigger guys inside, then working on my handle and being able to create my own shot, rebound and run the break, things like that.
Q: Who are some players you really look up to?
A: Guys like Wes Childs, Frank Tanner. Those longer bigger forwards with well-rounded games. Childs, more of an offensive threat, Tanner, a well-rounded, more defensive player. Then watching the U21 games this past season I really like the game of Herbert Jones. He's a younger guy but a guy whose game I like, who I may match up with some day.
Q: How do you feel about playing alongside of (#1 overall pick) Carlos Leñero?
A: Carlos is a great player, great defender, underrated on offense, very unselfish with the basketball. Obviously a freak athlete and he deserved to be picked where he was. It'll be fun playing with him and definitely a challenge, going up against him in practice. But it'll make both of us better.
Q: What's the first thing you're going to do with your first paycheck?
A: Well first I need to find someplace to live, then I want to take care of my parents, because you know they've taken care of me for my whole life. So now that I have the opportunity, it's only right that I should do the same for them.
Q: Well Patrick, it's been great having you with us. Good luck and welcome to DC!
A: Thanks, same to you. Good night.