Brook Lopez Interview

I'm not entirely sure how you'd go about categorising a typical NBA player, but whichever way you look at it, I'm certain New Jersey Nets centre Brook Lopez wouldn't fit the mould. 

This is a guy obsessed with Disney, a guy more interested in writing novels than twitter posts, and a guy whose beach-bum drawl sounds as if he'd prefer to catch a wave than a lob pass. 

Speaking from Disneyland (where else?), Lopez told 24/7 that his extracurriculars have always fallen outside what's generally considered "normal" for a basketball stand out. 

"You know I'm just not your average NBA player," said the 21-year-old. "It's just the way we (he and his twin brother Robin) were raised. My mum's a very intellectual person, you know, my whole family is. 

"They wanted us to be whoever we were. We played basketball a lot but we also shared a lot of other interests; we read, wrote and just did a lot of creating. 

"We always collaborate, we're always doing work. Robin does a lot of drawing and creative stuff and I do a lot of writing. We have a lot of ideas." 

But while his creative streak and affection for Bambi may make him somewhat of an oddity amongst his fellow players off the court, on the hardwood, where it counts, the 7-footer fits right in. 

As an NBA freshman he posted 13 points, 8 rebounds and nearly 2 blocks in just over 30 minutes per game for the Nets, finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting behind Derrick Rose and O.J.Mayo. 

He's pleased with the numbers, but the former Stanford Cardinal said he was determined to build on last season's performance. 

"I thought I had a good all round year, but going into next year I want to be a completely better player. I don't think there is one thing that I can't get better at. I want to be a more efficient post player, better on the pick and rolls, better on defence and moving laterally." 

With the departure of the Nets second-leading scorer and veteran leader Vince Carter to the Magic this summer, Lopez knows he must assume a bigger role both on the floor and in the locker room, a prospect that sits well with him. 

"Losing Vince obviously hurts a lot but it's a good situation for both of us," he said. "Vince will be on a championship contender where he can really play to his strengths. Playing off Dwight (Howard) he's going to get a lot of open looks. And it's a good opportunity for me to grow both offensively and defensively, but most of all as a leader." 

And as for more touches? 

"You know, if that comes, then that comes. I'll be ready and hopefully coach (Lawrence Frank) will be impressed enough to come to me more often." 

Heading into the 2009-10 season the new-look Nets (featuring ultra-athletic rookie Terrence Williams and the impressive Courtney Lee) are young and relatively inexperienced. Expectations are low, but Lopez believes the team has a chance of cracking the East's top eight. 

"I sure hope we can make the playoffs," said Lopez. "That's what I have been working on, so hopefully I will get the opportunity. It's one of my goals." 

But right now Lopez is concentrating on making the most of his off-season; mixing a lot of hard work on the practice court with a little writing, the occasional outing to Disneyland and a trip overseas. 

This weekend Lopez will be in London for the Adidas NBA 5 United Tour, an outdoor 5-on-5 tournament and entertainment event. It will be his second time in the capital (last year he crossed the pond with the NBA Europe Live Tour) and he's excited to be making a return. 

"I'm just looking to have a good time," he said. "I'm going to really enjoy the festivities and enjoy hanging out with the guys there. Last time I was in London I only saw a few sites like Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and Trafalgar Square, so I'm really hoping to get more in depth this time and try and get lost in the city."

- For more information on the Adidas NBA 5 United Tour click here.