Exclusive Paul Millsap Interview May 26, 2007 Posted by Ryan McNeill in Writer: Eric G. Satterwhite The NBA Draft recently conducted the Draft lottery where million dollar businesses (a.k.a. NBA franchises) attained their draft fate nigh small featherweight orbs evacuated through a vacuumed vent via a plexi-glass contraption that approximate an igloo visually. Moreover, the choicest Draft pick taken a year ago was chosen at 47th and suits up for the Utah Jazz. Last summer the Jazz drafted the only player in NCAA Division 1 history to lead the nation in rebounding three consecutive years. Utah actualized a player that shot 52 percent from the field his rookie season and played an eye-catching role as of this writing as an audacious curtain-raiser in the Jazz drive to the Western Conference championship. The view that has been presented is the NBA fandom assessment of Paul Millsap the player. Paul Millsap the person is a 22-year old native of Monroe, Louisiana that is most gracious of his opportunity and equally as appreciative of his NBA status. Millsap was raised by a single mother and extended family and did not play organized basketball until he was a High School sophomore and promptly became a starter on a successful prep program in Louisiana with his first foray into organized hoops. Millsap’s Uncle DeAngelo Simmons has no reservation in stating that he lived his hoop dreams through the Jazz first year player. It was Simmons, who is the brother of Paul's mother, that trained the teen player in the rudiments of becoming a pro player. Simmons and Millsap would run five miles a day in Louisiana delta heat that has the oppressive nature of being tumble-dried in a dryer. No wonder Millsap can exert his will in pursuit of errant shots without fatigue. The Millsap family is regularly grouped at Jazz home games creating a generational lineage that after catching a glimpse of make the TV shows like the Walton's and Brady Bunch as inviting as skunk soup. The Millsap's sense of family is the real deal and character is the essence of the teachings Paul's mother Bettye Millsap grounded him with knee-deep. Too good to be true? Not for Hollywood. Robert Newman, founder of Athletes & Artists International Marketing, has communicated to me that a manuscript and book about Paul's uncle DeAngelo and his sacrifice to the family good is in the pipeline for a motion picture. Per Newman his Hollywood pals are enamored with the roots of truth of the Millsap's power of love and the dynamism of the family unit. Newman states, "No one gave this family anything." Agreed, the rewards of earning your keep is entrenched in Paul Millsap slightly left of his solar plexus. Walk with HoopsAddict.com as I rapped with Paul Millsap Friday evening May 25, 2007 as the Jazz seek to get back in the playoff series against the formidable Spurs of San Antonio. To my readers I'm truly feeling you out there. Much obliged. Now let's check out the words of Paul Millsap. HoopsAddict.com: The Jazz are trailing 2-0 and have the next two games at home. What's the general team atmosphere going into Saturday's Game 3? Paul Millsap: We still have confidence as a team. We're at home and that furthers our (The Jazz) confidence that we can play well and be successful. HoopsAddict.com: Team execution is a hallmark of the Jazz and Jerry Sloan. Do you expect your team to approach the game with the necessary focus to attain the success you speak on? Paul Millsap: Of course. We had two great days of practice. After the last practices we feel we have gained the edge and fight to do well Saturday night. The team struggled the first two games in San Antonio but we feel real confident going into Game 3 with support of the home crowd. HoopsAddict.com: The Jazz are one series away from the NBA finals. As a rookie did you envision your first season being this successful? Paul Millsap: I never imagined it would (first season) be this successful. At first I was just happy making an NBA roster. I always thought we would have a good season. At training camp I felt that we had a good team and would make the playoffs. I did not expect us to be one of four teams still playing. I do not think anyone expected us to be playing in late May. HoopsAddict.com: Coach Sloan has played you significant minutes in the playoffs. You have earned the respect of Jerry Sloan without question. Talk about Coach Sloan and the trust he has afforded you? Paul Millsap: When I first arrived in Utah it was tough because Coach Sloan did not cut me any slack. Coach has been given me tough love ever since I have been in Utah. Coach readied me by wanting me to put out 100% so that was not out of the question for me since I play with effort and spark. HoopsAddict.com: That's humble of you to say that you play with spark since you have provided "thump" off the bench. Let's push back to the Golden State series when teammate Derek Fisher had a memorable performance after arriving in the second half during Game 2 after flying cross country due to a family emergency. Talk about how that served as an inspiration? Paul Millsap: It impacted me in a major way. That day when he flew East Coach put me in the starting lineup. When Derek showed up based on how the game was going it was a sigh of relief. It not only inspired me it inspired everybody. Watching the heart Derek played with it toughened our team another notch. HoopsAddict.com: I and others can resonate with your observation. Back to business with the Spurs, you mentioned that the team＊s confidence and mettle is bolstered by playing in front of the home crowd. Any expectation for Saturday's game? Paul Millsap: As a rookie it's real good to see our veterans confident and worry free. Watching how our veteran players go about practicing and preparing relaxes me and let's me know I have to bring it on game day. I think home court will be great for us. ..... there's more & more in the article .. http://hoopsaddict.com/2007/05/26/exclusive-paul-millsap-interview/ --

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