NCAA Regional Semifinals Chat

March 22, 2001

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Sammie: Can you describe the feeling you got when you won the championship last year?

Mo Pete: That was an unbelievable experience, and something that I always dreamed of, ever since I was a kid. I dreamed of going out my senior year with the National Championship; it was a dream come true. Even today, sometimes, I have to pinch myself to make myself believe that I did it, because that's something that doesn't happen too often. Everyone can't experience it, and that's what makes it so special.

Aaron: How do you feel the team has adjusted to all of the new acquisitions? Have you benefited from them?

Mo Pete: Yes, we have benefited. I think that we've done a great job of having guys step in and accept their roles. Even through all the trades and having new guys on the team, our coaching staff has done an excellent job of finding guys that play together, and having guys that play together. I think we are going to be a better team as a result.

Another Aaron: I know your roll is to cut/slash into the lane, crashing the boards, and spot up for the three. Has Coach Wilkens given you any ideas to post-up your opponents? I've always thought you could be a good post-up player.

Mo Pete: Good question! That's one aspect of my game that I've really been working harder on. In college, I played on the post-up. It's a big adjustment from playing in college to the NBA on the post, and I've played and posted up guys a little bit this year. That's something you can look for more in the future.

Ed: You had a tough game against Charlottes. Does that mean training will be even more difficult following a loss?

Mo Pete: Any time you lose a game and you don't play well, you want to come back the next day and have a hard practice. I think it teaches you how to face adversity, and fight through losing. I think it also teaches you how to win.

RA: How is the chemistry on the Raptor team, and what is it like playing with big Oak?

Mo Pete: (laughing) I think we have great chemistry. That's one thing I like about this team, because guys have really bought into accepting their roles, and playing together. As far as playing with Oak, he is a class guy. I've really learned a lot from him. He's like a big brother; he's not always going to tell you what you want to hear, but 95 percent of the time, he's right.

Avi: Hey, Mo. What's up? I am really glad that you came to Toronto, and I hope you stay here for a long time. You and Vince (hopefully he stays too) can become a great duo, and I think that we can have something good happening here. My question for you is - I know you love Michigan St., but if they play Duke in the finals, do you think that they can beat Duke? Honest answer, please. Go Raptors!

Mo Pete: What's going on? (smile) That was a very good question. I do think that we can have something good going here in Toronto. I would like to grow as a player, win the NBA championship, and bring basketball at a higher level, here. Of course, I know that Michigan St. will beat Duke in the National Championship if they meet, because our guys at Michigan St. have a lot of experience in the Final Four. I am pulling for them all the way. Go Raptors! Go Spartans!

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