I don't try to come in and act like I know it all, and that's why I put the extra work in of watching film, getting an understanding of what you want from personnel, each player.

If given an opportunity, knowing I'll play 36 minutes a night, I can perform at a high level. Spotty or inconsistent minutes, which have been the case in the past, then the numbers fluctuate.

You can't let emotions get involved with what the common goal is: to win. At the end of the day, that's what it's all about.

All I care about is winning.

Jacqueline Woodson's books are such a gift to parents and children for their poignant subtlety and lyricism and their willingness to let a reader dwell in the pangs of realization that we sometimes try to protect our children from.

In the United States, if you're African-American, it can be assumed that your family has been here for generations. In Europe, colonialism is much more alive, and it's assumed you're from Nigeria or Senegal.

My dad worked nights mostly and while we were growing up, and my mother also worked, so there were times where, when it was just the two of us at home, and, you know, they gave us a pretty long leash, actually.

I come from a very sporty family.