Hawks' Batista Sits Down With NBA.com/Espanol Miami FL, January 4th, 2006 -- (translated from Spanish) For the past three months, Esteban Batista has been enjoying the most competitive league in the world. Batista spoke about his learning process and new life in Atlanta. There have been rumors about a crisis in the locker-room and ot her team issues, how has this evolved? I believe that there was never a crisis because in spite of the losses we stayed united. We are a young team; we understand each other very well, and for that reason I believe that a crisis never existed. There were certain preoccupations because victories were not reached, but that didn’t mean tension among the players nor with the coaching staff. Now luckily the team is winning, and we are more united than ever. The team obtained the first week with more victories than defeats since the 2003-04 season, what do you think about this? I am very happy about this, especially considering we came from a negative streak that nobody enjoys. Luckily, the team had a very good change in attitude and the way we play, and we achieved three victories against very good rivals. What are your main goals this season? To play more, to continue gaining minutes and to make a name for myself in this league are my main goals this season. I also want to continue helping the team to attain good results. What advice would you give to the children and young fans from Latin America who dream about someday playing in the NBA? I believe that the dream of any basketball player is to get to play in the NBA. Fortunately, I am one of the privileged players to be living this dream, so I would say to them to believe in themselves, work hard, have clear goals and fight to make them happen. With hard work and persistence anything can be obtained. What has been most difficult in your adaptation to the league? The language barrier is taking a toll on me. It’s very hard for me not being able to express myself and say what I want, but it is something that you have to go through. I am trying to learn English as rapidly as possible, and I hope that in a short time this problem will disappear. And easiest? Adapting to the good life (laughter). The life of the NBA is a very good life. Life and playing style are very comfortable for players. Hopefully I can continue enjoying this for the next several years. How is your new life in Atlanta? Good. It’s been about three months since I arrived in Atlanta, but I have not had time to go out and get to know the city because we are always traveling. But I hope to get to know the city more and more in the near future, as well as to get to know more Latin people since the Latin community here is pretty big. So far, I am very happy in this city. Recently you traveled to Uruguay and met the president. How was this new experience for you? It is a joy that the president of your country meets with you. I gave him a Hawks’ jersey with my name. Even though I was in Uruguay only one day, I had time to visit my family, which helped me recharge my batteries. I came back very happy because in Uruguay there is a lot of fans following my work in the NBA, which gives me motivation to continue working hard. What do you miss the most from Uruguay? My family is what I miss the most, especially during the holidays. But these are things that you have to go through, so I am trying to overcome this stage as best as possible. With which of your teammates do you get along the best? John Edwards and Zaza Pachulia are the teammates who I am always with. Zaza, who comes from Europe, has customs somewhat similar to ours and speaks a bit of Spanish. Josh Childress is just a good person whom I get along with very well. What NBA player do you most admire? Tim Duncan and Shaquille O’Neal. I admire Shaq because of his charisma on and off the court, and Tim because of his personality when he is playing. These are players who I have followed prior to my arrival in the league. It is a dream come true to face them on the court. Who does the best dunks in the league? Josh Smith What was the best Christmas gift you received this year? I still haven’t received anything, but I hope it arrives before the end of December. What gift would you refuse to ever give anyone on Christmas? Solitude. To be alone during this time of the year is really hard. Do you have a Christmas message for all the NBA fans in Latin America? I wish them all a merry Christmas and hope that next year is the best year ever for all the Latins who follow the NBA... a big hug everyone. 資料來源 http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/NBA_Espanol_Interview_With_Batista_011906.html --

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