http://www.nba.com/kings/news/Franci...145657-58.html
Were you surprised that you went as low as you did in the draft, and what were your thoughts as you slid down further into the first round?
“I thought I was going to go a little higher than I did, but it happens and I’m still happy with my opportunity right now. I’m happy to play with them because they fit right into my style."
Have you ever been to Sacramento?
“Yeah, I worked out there before. I had a good workout when I went over there.”
What do you know about the Kings right now?
“They are a great team…they shoot the ball and do a lot of pick-and-rolls and they want me to produce and that’s what I’m going to do.”
We have heard a lot of the so called ‘experts’ talk about your game, how would you describe your game?
“My game, um…I can do a lot of things. I can bring the ball up the sometimes and shooting, inside-out shooting and running pick-and-rolls…I used to do that at Louisville a lot the past three years so I feel comfortable doing it.”
Describe what it was like inside your moms’ house when you heard your name called out?
“It was, it felt great you know, for me having to wait for 23 picks, it was hard for me. But, me hearing my name, and by the Kings, I think they play my style of ball. It felt great.”
It’s been said that defense is the emphasis of this off-season, how are you defensively and what can you bring to this team?
“Well when I was in Louisville I used to guard 1’s, 2’s and 3’s, so I know it’s going to be a challenge for me to guard smaller guys and bigger guys so you know, I’m just gonna work on it and get better.”
What position do you expect to play when you get to Sacramento?
“Well, it doesn’t really matter. Whatever they want me to do I will do. I will bring whatever they want me to bring to the table and I’m gonna work hard everyday to get better.”
One of your assistants was Reggie Theus. Did you ever talk to him about Sacramento at all?
“No, not really, but they called me after my name was called and they continued to say good things about me and they had a good talk.”
How many people are in your moms’house right now?
“Um, there’s like 50 people here.”
We hear that you were on the Athletic Director’s honor roll, are you still going to pursue trying to get your degree, because a 3.0 seems like you were going in the right direction.
“Oh I will, I will finish. I will go back in the summer and take some computer classes when I can.”
For Kings fans, tell us what you’re like off the court.
“Off the court I’m a funny guy, happy guy. I like to communicate with my teammates and see what they are all about, ya know, just have fun."
You said you came and worked out for the Kings, did you meet any of the current Kings players while you were there?
“No, nobody was there when I worked out. I was looking forward to it but nobody was there.”
Your life is obviously going to change immensely, what is one of the first purchases you are going to make once you get your contract settled this summer?
“I’m gonna buy my mom a house. I’ve been wanting to do that for a while, ya know. Just taking care of her and let her know that I’m working for her. She has been working for me for all of these years so it’s time for me to pay it back.”
Talk about how different you are as a person since the tragedy happened with your brother.
“Well, I’m just more dedicated and I take things more serious because you never know what’s going to happen tomorrow.”
Did Rick Pitino call you after the draft?
“Yeah, we had a good talk. He congratulated me and told me that he was proud and, that’s my coach and he did everything he could for me and he made me a great player.”
How many times has your cell phone rang since you got drafted?
“Ha ha ha, I don’t know. Probably like 50.”
Who did you talk to from the Kings since you got drafted?
“Geoff Petrie.”
And what did he say?
“He just said thank you and he is looking forward to seeing me and looking forward to getting me over there. You know, he’s happy that they picked me and all that.”
When do you expect to be here in Sacramento?
“I’ll probably be there on Thursday.”
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We picked a winner....
Q and A with Garcia
Interesting, huh? He got to be on his favorite team.
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