Clyde Drexler

My favorite player growing up was Julius Erving, because I loved the way he played above the rim, all of the tricks with the ball, big hands, and just phenomenal showmanship.

Growing up, people will tell you that you have a better chance to become an astronaut than becoming an NBA player. So when you finally get to the NBA, you've beat the odds. So when you put on that jersey, everything else is downhill.

In professional sports, things can change quickly. You keep your balance. You keep your perspective, and things will work out.

There's a lot to be learned by watching. I think the younger generation could fare a lot better in their game if they could sit down and watch some of the games of the past.

Going to the Portland Trail Blazers, who actually took the time to invest in me, was perhaps the best thing that ever happened to me in my career. I got to a small market where I could focus on basketball, basketball, basketball. No distractions.

I had a lot of wonderful accomplishments in the game of basketball. Of course, to win a gold medal for your country - it doesn't get any better than that.

It makes you a better player when you're around better competition. If you pay attention, you can learn something.

If you've got the best record, you're going to be the favourite. So you've got to play as the favourite with a bullseye on your back.

Because coaching is a challenge, it makes you want to come back. But if you do, you know you're going to be negligent in other areas.

We had some great years in Portland. We went to the finals twice. We won 63 games one year. You can't tell me those weren't championship teams.

There are going to be some teams in Europe. There are going to be some teams in Asia. And they're all going to be a part of the NBA umbrella, eventually.

All kids need to figure out how to manage their time as a young adult.