Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
July 8, 2001

Dooling was the tenth player selected in the 2000 NBA Draft. (Allsport)

The L.A. Clippers are looking to turn things around and they are doing it with youth. One of these young, talented players is guard Keyon Dooling.

Clippers guard Keyon Dooling stopped by to chat about his first year in the NBA, playing in the DADA Summer Pro League and much more.

Dooling was the tenth player selected in the 2000 draft by Orlando, where he was then traded to the Clippers. This past season he averaged 5.9 points and 2.3 assists per game.

Before joining the Clippers, Dooling was a standout sophomore guard at the University of Missouri. He lead the team in scoring (15.3) and assists (3.64).

The DADA Summer Pro League is in its 32nd year and is the country's premier summer professional basketball league. The games take place at The Pyramid on the campus of Cal State Long Beach.

Keyon Dooling: Thanks for joining me, I'm ready to take your questions!

Question: Keyon are there any players on your summer league roster that haven't made it in the NBA and get their second chance now like Wayne Turner from Kentucky is trying with the Knicks

Keyon Dooling: There are some. I don't know all the names right now. But there are only three guys from the NBA. On my team.

Question: Keyon, How do you think the new rule changes are going to affect your game ?

Keyon Dooling: I really don't know! I have to get familiar with the rules. Hopefully it won't have too much of an effect.

Question: Keyon, if the Clippers keep this young nucleus together, how far can this team go?

Keyon Dooling: I think with more time and experience we will be one of the primary teams in the league!

Question: What was the first thing you did when you were drafted into the NBA?

Keyon Dooling: The first thing was to hug my family! I wasn't at the draft so that is pretty much it.

Question: What is it like having a living legend like Elgin Baylor as a GM. Has he given you any pointers?

Keyon Dooling: Yeah he has. It is always good to have a legend around. We play in the Staples Center and his retire jersey is there. It's inspiration.

Question: Are you excited to play with Elton Brand and how do you see him fitting into the team?

Keyon Dooling: I am definitely excited. I think he will take us to a whole new level.

Question: As a Tigers fan I hated to see you go. Do you ever wish you had stayed another year or so with the chance of a national championship?

Keyon Dooling: I think about it all the time. I definitely had a lot of fun in college. It was a great place to be. But you need to pay bills. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Question: Hello Keyon, describe what it's like playing against the greatest basketball players in the world in the NBA?

Keyon Dooling: Oh.. it's TOUGH! Night in and night out. You have to mentally and physically ready all the time. You could easily get embarrassed out there. Keyon, on your free time off of the court what kinds of things you like to do for fun?

Keyon Dooling: Just spend time with my family mainly. And play PlayStation.

Question: Were there more off-court distractions in your first year than you expected? And what kinds were there?

Keyon Dooling: Not at all. Everything that comes at you is what is expected. No big time surprises.

Question: Where are your favorite places to eat in LA ?

Keyon Dooling: Home and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. My fiancee is a great cook.

Question: I was wondering if you think Toby Bailey will get picked up this year by the clippers? Please tell me the chances.

Keyon Dooling: I have no idea about Toby. I wish him the best because he is a good player.

Question: How old were you when you started playing basketball

Keyon Dooling: I was pretty much born with the ball in my hands. My father and older brothers were big time basketball guys so they had me going early.

Question: Hi Keyon, who were your biggest influences basketball wise growing up?

Keyon Dooling: My older brother. They used to beat up on me everyday on the court.

Question: Keyon what kind of music do you listen to and who are your favorite recording artists?

Keyon Dooling: I listen to Hip Hop and R&B. My favorites are Trick Daddy and R Kelly.

Question: Keyon, what do you think of all these high schoolers going to the draft instead of college?

Keyon Dooling: I can understand where they are coming from. If you are coming out and can be a top 5 that is. Personally I found college was a good time to develop and learn. But if their skills really are already at that level, then they can do it.

Question: Hi, how do you see the Clippers starting lineup next year

Keyon Dooling: Right now it is really up in the air. A lot can happen between now and training camp. So you never really know.

Question: Keyon with the summer league and weight lifting are there any break times in the NBA life?

Keyon Dooling: You know, after the season if you aren't in the playoffs you get a break. You need that because the season is kinda long.

Question: What was the highlight of the regular season for you this year?

Keyon Dooling: I don't know. I don't think I had just one. Wait.. yeah... Dunking over Dikembe.

Question: What was the hardest part of adjusting to the NBA game on and off the court?

Keyon Dooling: The biggest adjustment was playing at that high of a level every night against the best players in the world. Off the court, it was time management. Getting rest and eating properly.

Question: Hello Keyon, ss there a big rivalry in LA between the Lakers and the Clippers?

Keyon Dooling: I wouldn't say so. We're probably on the opposite ends from each other. They are one of the best in basketball and we are trying to get where they are, I would say it is a friendly rivalry. Not nasty.

Question: Why did you pick your jersey #?

Keyon Dooling: My number from college was taken. So I thought I could see myself being #1.

Question: What part of playing in these summer leagues is the most fun?

Keyon Dooling: I have NO idea. This is my first time playing in the summer league and we haven't played a game. Hopefully everything will be fun about it.

Question: What player in the NBA has impressed you the most as far as being tough to play against?

Keyon Dooling: No doubt. Allen Iverson.

Question: What do you think is the weakest part your game right now, what do work on the most in practice?

Keyon Dooling: Just making the right decisions. Making the pass instead of taking the dribble. Things like that.

Question: Hey, your old buddy Clarence Gilbert is still draining threes at Missouri. What do you think of your old team's chances this year?

Keyon Dooling: I went up there this summer. I think they have the talent to do something special this year!

Question: If you weren't playing pro ball what would you be doing?

Keyon Dooling: I would be a senior in college!

Question: Is it true what they say about the groupie scene in the NBA? How do you protect yourself from the people trying to bring you down?

Keyon Dooling: To an extent I guess. I am about to get married so I don't get involved in the groupies. I don't surround myself with those types of people, the ones who bring you down. I am very family oriented.

Question: What advice can you give to a young player?

Keyon Dooling: Always work hard and be nice to people. There is more to life than basketball. Do it while you can and when you are finished, learn from it.

Keyon Dooling: Thanks for being here today. I enjoyed the questions. It was nice talking to you! Bye!