Athelete Now chat with PP on 11 Jan 2000

[kevin lok <kevin.lok@lycosmail.com>]

they also got AD, DB and PP's email addresses. (don't spam)

check it out at http://www.athletenow.com/

<excerpts>

guest-BigFan: Do you prefer playing shooting guard or small forward?
Paul Pierce: I think I like the shooting guard position a lot better
because of the players I get to defend. Guys like Reggie Miller, Ray
Allen, Kobe Bryant. I think it's probably one of the more difficult
positions, and that's why I like it.

munky-guest: Paul do you like using the internet when you're not on the
court??
Paul Pierce: I use it from time to time. I like to go in the evening, to
the chatrooms, when I have some spare time. I go on the Internet so I
can check out the standings, and how other players are doing.

Jonboy61086: How is the Celtics' future looking from your perspective?
Paul Pierce: I think we have a bright future, we have a lot of young,
talented players, and I think we are going to get better as time goes
on. I think that we can win a championship if we keep everybody around
for a long time.

guest-wexford: What do you think about when you're playing for the
Celtics...and the legacy of other great players like Bird?
Paul Pierce: I think you have to be honored just to put on a Celtics
uniform, because they do have such a great tradition, and you try to go
out each and every night and play as hard as you can so you can one day
try to go out and add to the legacy, as your own piece of legacy.

Texas_Sun: When you were first signed, what thoughts went through your
head?
Paul Pierce: Honestly, I couldn't believe I was going to be a Celtic. I
grew up a Lakers fan, because I grew up in Inglewood, CA, and the
Celtic's were a great rivalry with the Lakers.

blueyes: What's the one most important factor in being a pro ball
player?
Paul Pierce: I think the one most important factor is acting like a pro,
on and off the court. Acting like a pro, and just being professional
about everything you do.

LIL-DARRYL: Paul, how did you feel last year when Jason Williams and
Vince Carter were getting all the acclaim as rookies, even though you
are the most complete player of the three?
Paul Pierce: It's nothing...I didn't feel bad at all. The only thing
that I can do is go out and play the way I play, whether people like
that or not.

guest-wexford: Hey Paul, what's your best specialty on the court in
terms of moves?
Paul Pierce: I think a shot that I have down pretty good is driving the
ball with my left hand, and pulling up with a short base line jumper.
That's my "go to" move.

Xiannie-2: How does your personality change when you hit the court?
Paul Pierce: It changes. It definitely changes. I think off the court
I'm more laid back, and on the court, sometimes I'm like an animal. And
I think you have to be...because you have two teams trying to achieve
one thing. I think the "hungriest team" is the one that's gonna win.

KentucKY1`: How many hours per week does the team practice?
Paul Pierce: Well let's see...if we go seven days, it can go anywhere
from 15 hours, to 21 hours. Depending if we had a good or bad week
playing in games.

dukerox: Compare the differences and similarities of Roy Williams and
Rick Pitino.
Paul Pierce: I think they are similar in that they're great competitors,
and both of them hate to lose. Also, they both know how to push their
players, and make them better players.

IamDAgreatest: How do you deal with the press?
Paul Pierce: Well, I think one thing you have to always do with the
press is always keep your cool on good nights and bad nights, because
there are gonna be nights where you're gonna get questions that you
really don't wanna answer. And I think the best thing to always do is to
be positive.

TheRock-GW: I now you were teammates with Raef Lafrentz in college. What
was he like, how do you think he'll do in the NBA, and would you ever be
his teammate again?
Paul Pierce: I wouldn't mind playing with him again. I think he's going
to have a great career in the NBA. He's a great competitor, just like
me, And I think would be a great combination for the NBA.


Marty-guest: Hello Paul, What do the Celtics need to do in the upcoming
months to be a playoff contender?
Paul Pierce: If we can play better defense, and win some more road
games, I think we will definitely be a playoff-bound team.

ThatsMrGoat2U: What is the hardest part about what you do?
Paul Pierce: Dealing with the coach yelling at me. But that's not too
bad. I just have to deal with it and keep playing.

blueyes: Do you feel any responsibility as a role model for today's
youth? Does that bother you?
Paul Pierce: No it doesn't bother me... I know that the position I'm in,
I am portrayed as a role model, and I just try to go out and act like
one. There are so many kids who don't know right from wrong. And if me
being a basketball player is someone they will listen to on doing the
right things, then I will accept that as a responsibility as a role
model.

AthleteNow: The last whistle has been blown and the final shot has been
taken. Do you have any last comments you want to leave with your fans
Paul?
Paul Pierce: Have faith in the Celtics!! We're gonna be the team in the
new millennium. Thanks for joining me tonight, And if you get a chance,
tune in and watch us. And thanks again!


AthleteNow: We'd like to thank everyone for AthleteNow: joining us
tonight, and a special thanks to our guest, Paul Pierce! This chat has
been a production of AthleteNow and Talk City, Inc. in association with
AthleteNow.com. Copyright 2000, all rights reserved.