Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
July 10, 2001

Battier averaged 19.9 points, 7.3 rebounds during his senior year. (Allsport)

Memphis Grizzlies forward Shane Battier stopped by to chat about being drafted, winning the college national championship and much more.

Battier became the first player in the ACC to record at least 1,500 points, 500 rebounds, 200 blocks, 200 assists and 200 steals during his career while playing at Duke. He ranks in the Duke career top five in three-pointers, three-point percentage, steals, blocked shots, and charges.

Battier averaged 19.9 points, 7.3 rebounds during his senior year and won the Wooden Award for Player of the Year. The Blue Devils won the 2000-2001 National Championship by defeating Arizona in the title game.

Drafted sixth by the Vancouver Grizzlies, Battier will be making the move to Memphis along with the rest of the Grizzlies.

Shane Battier: I am glad to be here and I look forward to some astute questions!

Question: When did you start playing basketball?

Shane Battier: I started as long back as I can remember. My first memories of life included basketball. But my first organized team was 3rd grade.

Question: Are you looking forward to playing with Jason Williams on the Grizzlies?

Shane Battier: I am! I am excited to play with him as his is one of the most exciting guards in the NBA. I just hope I don't drop his passes!

Question: Does it bother you at all that you waited to graduate and still went so low in the draft?

Shane Battier: Not at all. I am thrilled to be the #6 pick and a Grizzly.

Question: How quickly do you think you can make an impact in the NBA?

Shane Battier: I think I can step in right away and help the team. I will play hard and with a lot of energy every day. Hopefully that will help the team right away.

Question: What do you think should be Memphis' nickname?

Shane Battier: Ha Ha! I really haven't thought about it at all!

Question: What number would you assume if 31 was ever taken by another player? Ps. Thanks for being such a great inspiration, I made a big site in tribute :-)

Shane Battier: Well first of all thank you! Luckily #31 is available and I will be #31

Question: How did it feel the day you came back to Cameron after you won the National Championship?

Shane Battier: It was an unbelievable day. I have never seen so many people as happy as the people around campus that day. It was a month long celebration.

Question: What if Jordan comes back, will you wanna play against him?

Shane Battier: It would be a dream to play against him! Anyone who has grown up watching him daydreamed of playing with or against him so it would be a dream for me.

Question: I get very anxious before games, how do you get yourself to relax?

Shane Battier: I take a nap, listen to music and try not to think too much about the game.

Question: Do you think you can turn those fans into the next "crazies"?

Shane Battier: I hope so! The people of Memphis are knowledgeable fans. Hopefully we can put out a team that is exciting and they can cheer for.

Question: Did you ever consider leaving when Brand, Avery and Maggette did?

Shane Battier: No. I liked college too much and wanted to graduate.

Question: Have people treated you differently since you joined the Grizzlies? And I want to thank you for e-mailing me back that day and going to my website.

Shane Battier: My life has basically been the same since the draft, to tell the truth. I don't feel any different and people don't treat me different. I'm just in the NBA now.

Question: What was your favorite part of your 4 years at Duke?

Shane Battier: My favorite part of Duke was the people. I had great friends and had a great time meeting people from all over the world.

Question: If you had to compare yourself to another NBA player, who would it be?

Shane Battier: I would say I am unique. I wouldn't compare myself to any one player. I am a blend of many, not one particular player.

Question: Describe what it will take for the Grizzlies to be a playoff contender in the future?

Shane Battier: I think we have a lot of talent on the team. We have to come together as a unit and play hard nightly. If you do that in the NBA you will win ballgames.

Question: You obviously are going to have a lot of endorsements since you were the face of basketball for so long. What have you signed contracts for so far?

Shane Battier: The only one I have signed was a trading card deal. I have a couple more deals pending.

Question: Are you helping Coach K recruit new Dukies?

Shane Battier: Well, I am not allowed to do that anymore since I am alumni. But he doesn't need my help! They will have a great team next year and the next few years.

Question: Do you think high school players should come to the NBA so soon?

Shane Battier: I think that is the individual's decision. There is no right answer for this question. For me there was nothing better than college or 4 years than graduating.

Question: What do you think about the rule changes that are gonna happen this upcoming season?

Shane Battier: I don't think there is a consensus on how it will change. I think there will be a premium on jump shooters but who knows?

Question: Do you have any advice for just-entering high school players?

Shane Battier: I would say my advice would be to dream big. Make a promise to yourself to work hard to fulfill your goals. Whatever you can do. Run that extra mile or put up 100 extra shots. Your work will pay off.

Shane Battier: I would like to thank you for your great questions! I have to head out now. Thanks again!