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Headed to the Finals!

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From: T.M.
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207577.5 in reply to 207577.4
Date: 1/29/2012 10:30:12 PM
Overall Posts Rated:
44
Well tonight Lorenzo Catapang also stopped by to answer questions:

About his role on the team "Mostly I'm just asked to play good defense, prevent other guys from scoring in the paint. If we need me to score, I can do that, but that's not really my game."

About his 70% FG percentage Team's can't leave me unaccounted for, but I don't ever feel like I need the ball to be effective. If I'm open, my teammates will find me and it's my job to make the shot and score us some points, especially since I'm usually getting the ball right near the rim. When I can't make those shots consistently, it's time for me to get out of the league."

About his 0% career FT percentage "Honestly, I think some voodoo doctor or someone put some sort of curse on me. I mean, I can make three-pointers from time to time, but not a single free throw? It's not my fault, I swear."

About rumors that the Tornadoes will be looking to shop him at the beginning of next season "This game is a business. I understand that. If they feel they can get better value for their money, then they go ahead and do that. It's their job to the fans to get the best player they can get who gives them the most for their money, and it's my job to make sure I'm that kind of player. I go out there and try to approach every day like I'm trying to prove that I deserve to be here."

About the Avenel centers "Both of them are young, 20 or so, have great size, legit 7 footers both of them, so it's gonna be a challenge. They're both very good at making shots, making a very high percentage. So I'm looking forward to going out there and competing with them and trying not to let them make those shots."

About being from the Philippines and a redhead "Obviously I'm not your typical Asian or Pacific Islander, I guess. I mean, both tall and a ginger? I can understand you being confused. But that's where I was born and raised, so yeah, I guess that makes me a Filipino."

From: T.M.
This Post:
00
207577.6 in reply to 207577.5
Date: 1/29/2012 10:57:05 PM
Overall Posts Rated:
44
While Catapang was giving his interview, Li Zhizhi was answering questions for another local sports reporter. The transcript of their interview can be found here:

Reporter: "May I call you Li?"
LZ: "你说中国吗?"

Reporter: "Uh...I'm sorry--"
LZ: (pronounced accent) "My English not so good. I need, what you call? Translator. 谢谢您"

Reporter: "So anyway. What has it been like being part of such a talented team, especially one with such great depth at the point guard position?"
LZ (through translator): "At times it has been frustrating, not being able to play this game which I love. But I know that I can play with anyone in this league, and I will get my opportunity as I show that."

Reporter: "Tell us a little bit about how you deal with Angelo Iriarte and Len Smiley."
LZ: "I am honest man; I know both these players are more athletic than me. But I am better passer and just as talented. It is, ah, unfortunate that injuries have prevented me from always being out on the court, but I am confident that someone will recognize my abilities."

Reporter: "Is it ever difficult, having to talk and interact with these players off the court after competing so hard with them for playing time?"
LZ: "I do not think so. Both of them are younger than me and very respectful, which is something so many of today's younger players lack. Coach makes the calls on who plays, not them, so I do not have issue with them."

Reporter: "If you win a championship, could you see yourself coming back for a third season with this team?"
LZ: "It is hard to say. Ultimately the goal is to win championships, but at the same time I wish to play more and that is not always possible on this team. I will make decision in offseason."

Reporter: "As I'm sure you're aware, this upcoming draft has great athletes with great potential at the guard position, and sources have indicated that the front office will be looking to add a longer-term project to work with and hopefully mold into a future superstar. What are your thoughts on this?"
LZ: "If they feel that is best, then they will do that. Athleticism and potential are not everything though."

Reporter: "Well it's been great having you join us Li. Before you leave, what's been the biggest adjustment for you as you came over from Taiwan to the United States?"
LZ: "People have been very friendly, very nice. But your Chinese food is terrible."

Reporter: Well that's all for now. Everyone, that was Li Zhizhi."
LZ: "再见"

From: T.M.
This Post:
00
207577.7 in reply to 207577.6
Date: 1/30/2012 3:10:11 PM
Overall Posts Rated:
44
Today we briefly check in with Simon Zoric:

On his high assist totals Really, I just get the ball to guys and they make shots. The defense tries to prevent me from making the basket, and I give it to Rich or Rafa or any of the guys on the team and they just make them pay. I don't really have to do much of anything."

On playing C at 6'7" Really, in this game it's not about what you look like or what you might be able to do because of your height or age or potential or whatever, it's all about what you do on the court and what you can bring. I just go out there, rebound, do whatever I can, and I keep playing. Being 6'7" really has never stopped me from doing that, and as long as I can do that I can play."

On his relationship with Lorenzo Catapang Lorenzo's a great guy, very unselfish, very classy guy. I've learned a lot about playing defense, being a professional, living life both on and off the court."

About his future with the team I'm obviously more than fine with coming back if they want me. But at the same time, I was traded to this team, and I know I can be traded by this team if they feel it makes them better. So that's just the way it goes, I guess."

From: Lemony

To: T.M.
This Post:
00
207577.8 in reply to 207577.7
Date: 2/2/2012 4:53:25 PM
Overall Posts Rated:
3131
Great interviews! As always, fun to read, and looks like you're going to D4. I actually want to face you next year! Hope you come into my league..