Jeff Adrien Interview - NBADraft.net

Hi Jeff, tell me… how
did it go in Chicago?

It was cool. Being at the combine was an honor, you know. I’m
able to play against some great players I’m just happy to get the opportunity
to show what I can do on out there.


	Jeff Adrien

Which trainer have you enjoyed working with most throughout
the draft process?

I’ve been working out in
San Francisco with Bob Hill And Frank Matrisciano. Bob Hill is
teaching so much about the game, teaching me new moves, and I get to
go up against Blake Griffin and his brother everyday. It’s been
great preparation out in S.F.

What are you hearing about
where you might be taken and who has expressed interest in you?

I haven’t really heard a
whole lot about that. I just want to get in right now.

Who have you worked out
with so far?

I’ve worked out for the Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers,
San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, and then in Houston it was a three team workout
with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Memphis Grizzlies and the Boston Celtics.

How tall are you really?

I’m 6’6"1/2, with a 7’2"
wingspan.

What have you worked on
most from last year to this year, and right now as you prepare for the
draft?

Getting stronger and working
on quickness. I know I’m not going to be an incoming star.
You know, I understand that, but I’m always gunna stick my nose into
it and get loose balls, and I try to emphasize having fun. You
got to enjoy the game. I’m working on a lot. Expanding
the range on my jumper, just putting in the time.

You’re looking to be in
the NBA next year, in your everyday life, everyone is probably giving
you advice. How do you filter all of this and who in your life
has always given you advice you can count on?

I’m just trying to take it
day by day. Everyday I try to work harder. My agent at Priority
Sports gives me advice to get me motivated for these workouts, which
helps. Friends are showing support that grew up with me in Brookline,
MA. It’s a long process but if you want to make it, you got
to get in front of as many teams as possible, have them get to know
your personality.

Okay. Let’s talk
about your personality. You’re looked at as a guy who can add
leadership and toughness to a team. Was there something about
the way you were brought up that made you this way?

Growing up in Brookline – where
I grew up at – it was tough sometimes. My mom was out there workin’,
and it wasn’t easy. She’d give you a few bucks to go buy some
food and you had to be smart with that money. I was out there
playing with older guys, bullying you on the court, telling you you’re
not good enough. I’m undersized, you know, and that’s always
been my thing – I can’t be the tallest guy on the court, but I can
be the toughest.

Which NBA player did you
imitate growing up?

I used to imitate the guards. Well, except for Hakeem. I was
trying to be Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, McGrady. I used to watch watch
Hakeem’s moves too though, and I got a little "dream shake." I don’t
use it a lot, but it’s there.

Who would you compare yourself
to right now?

I still think I could be like Mike! No, I’m just playing. There
are a lot of undersized power forwards who have had great success, and their
helping me out. Craig Smith, Paul Millsap, Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Evans from
Philadelphia, and in Houston they got several of those kinda guys. Those guys
are opening doors for people like me, and people out there are watching that.

Alright, Jeff. Last
question. Who is going to win the NBA Championship this year?

Oh man. It’s up in
the air. Everything’s wide open as of now. Last year,
you saw two top teams with Boston and L.A., but this year things are
a little more balanced. I thought Boston was going to go further,
but they lost to a good Orlando team. I think the team that shows
the most toughness is going to take the ring.