Chat Transcript
CBS SportsLine.com
July 17, 2001

Jason Richardson became the first collegiate player selected in the NBA draft, going fifth to the Golden State Warriors. (Allsport)

 

Golden State Warriors Guard Jason Richardson chats about the upcoming season, playing hoops during the summer and much more.

A tremendous leaper and super finisher on the break, Richardson can handle the ball, create his own opportunities, and rarely tries to do too much.

His all-around game is highlighted by good defensive intensity and dedication to conditioning.

A second-team All-American selection, Richardson helped Michigan State reach its third straight Final Four. He led the Spartans in scoring (14.9 ppg), field goals (182), 3-point percentage (.403), steals (38) and blocks (28) last season.

For more information about the Summer Pro League, check out www.summerproleague.com.

Jason Richardson: Hello everybody! Thanks for joining me in the chat!

Question: Yo J Rich, you're doing off the hook in summer league. How did you do in today's game? Points? Rebs?

Jason Richardson: Not playing too much the last two weeks. We've been beating them kinda bad. Less than 20 minutes today. 14 or 15 points. I don't remember.

Question: I have read where people have compared you in style to Vince Carter. Would you say that is accurate?

Jason Richardson: That is a little accurate. We are similar with athletic ability. But I have a long way to go to reach him. You can see that in the past few years he has improved with his jump shot. I hope that happens to me too.

Question: Hello Jason, What type of "Impact" do you want to make as a player in your Rookie Season in the NBA?

Jason Richardson: I want to make a big impact. I want to support my team as much as I can and play as much as I can. I'll do whatever it takes for my team to win.

Question: It pains me to say this but the Warriors haven't been real competitive. What will you do to not get discouraged if the team is not real successful for a while?

Jason Richardson: Just stay focused and positive. I will go out there, have fun, and give 110% all the time. I know it will take some time for the team to get things right and be successful but we can do that.

Question: How is playing in the Summer Pro League helping you?

Jason Richardson: It is helping a lot to understand the NBA rules and the style that is played. The long quarters too! It is helping a lot to get me ready for the NBA.

Question: Have you spoke with Coach Cowens yet? What will it be like to play for "one of the fifty best players of all time"?

Jason Richardson: It will be great to play for him. He has been through a lot. One of the 50 best ever to play? Who else would you want to learn from?

Question: There has been talk of Hughes playing point, could you play the point?

Jason Richardson: I'll leave that to Larry.

Question: What was the feeling when your name was called on draft day?

Jason Richardson: It was incredible. Hard to explain. It was one of those big dreams you want to accomplish since you were little. And it happened!

Question: You were the first college player chosen in the draft at #5, did it surprise you so many high schoolers went ahead of you? And what is your opinion of kids skipping college to go straight to the pros?

Jason Richardson: It didn't surprise me. I was expecting them to go. I wasn't mad or anything. It was great for them. They accomplished their dream right out of high school. The same dream I had when I was little. If kids are talented and skilled enough, they should be able to. There are a lot of sports where kids go from high school and not even out of high school! I think if they are good enough, they are lucky enough to be able to fulfill their dreams.

Question: Where in the draft did you think you were going to picked? Did you expect to be picked in front of Battier and Griffin?

Jason Richardson: No, I didn't expect that. I was thinking 7, 8, 9 .. something like that. When Golden State picked me I was surprised. The Bay area is a great place to live. Beautiful place. I was very happy.

Question: I have heard that a lot of rookies can't handle the money they receive, they get hooked on drugs or gambling. What will you do not to get trapped?

Jason Richardson: I won't get trapped because I was raised right. I was taught right from wrong by my mother and grandmother. Sure you go out and buy some things you never had and that you wanted but I am putting my money away and planning to live off the other money, the endorsement money. I have to save money for my daughter's future too.

Question: Where can we find you when you're not on the court? What are some of your hobbies?

Jason Richardson: I don't do too much. I like to stay in the house and watch a movie. But I do get out to the mall and movies. Things with my daughter.

Question: What's the best movie you've seen recently? Who's your favorite actor/actresses?

Jason Richardson: I haven't been to one in a while. I will be going with my girlfriend when I get back home. My favorites are Al Pacino and Halle Berry.

Question: What kind of music do you listen to? In other words, who gets you pumped up for bball games?

Jason Richardson: Rap, Reggae, R&B, Gospel.

Question: If you could do anything BUT basketball, what would it be?

Jason Richardson: Probably a teacher. I like to work with kids and help them.

Question: Is there someone you truly look up to?

Jason Richardson: My uncle. He helped me throughout my life and has been a positive role model.

Question: A lot of players form charitable foundations or sponsor events to raise funds for a certain cause, giving back so to speak. Do you have any ideas on what you'd like to do to "give back"?

Jason Richardson: Yeah. I have a few. Next summer I want to start a camp for underprivileged kids in my hometown in Michigan. I wanted to do that this year but was just too busy. Also maybe some charity games too.

Question: Are you looking forward to playing great teams like the champion Lakers and other western clubs?

Jason Richardson: Yes. I look forward to the guys like Kobe, Shaq and Webber. You watched them on TV and now you get the chance to play against them.

Question: With all the talent on your squad, should we expect to see some results?

Jason Richardson: I think so. We are a very young team but we have a lot of talent. Once we get used to each other and get the chemistry we will be pretty good.

Question: What is your ultimate goal in the NBA? When all is said and done, what would you like to be most remembered for?

Jason Richardson: I want to be remembered for just playing the game well. Like Magic, Michael, Bird. I don't want to be forgotten.

Jason Richardson: Thank you everyone for joining me. I'll chat with you all later!