Eurobasket.com | Interview with James White

12.11.2009 American guard James White signed a contract with Spartak SPb and will play in Superleague A this season. He was very kind to answer some of the questions to Stanislav Tyutyunnik from Eurobasket.com in this interview.

Would you please tell us something about your basketball beginnings? Who was your basketball idol growing up as a kid?
My idol growing up was Shawn Kemp. I started to play the game at age 4 or 5. I played throughout grade school, junior high, then high school and AAU ball for DC Assault.

What do you know before signing with Spartak SPb about the team, the country and Superleague?
I had a number of choices in Europe, including a team in Turkey and one in France. I also got an offer in China. I was told I was in the mix as well in Italy, and it really came down to choosing the best team and league: I felt I was a call-up candidate in the NBA but I didnt want to wait until January or February. The Russian League is among the best pro leagues in the world, and my agent, Bill McCandless, told me good things about Russia, St. Petersburg, Spartak and its management.

What's the main reason of moving to Russia?
I have been on the NBA track for some time, and by going to Europe, I feel I can open up all markets without excluding one marketand as I saidthe Superleague is a very good league, and St. Petersburg plays as well in Europecup! If I like the team, and if I do well, I should think Id have a chance to come back to St. Petersburg, to other teams in Russia, or to other leagues in Europe.

What do you think you could bring to Spartak SPb?
I bring athleticism and energy, first; scoring second, and, third, a sense about the game. I have a 7.1 wingspan so I can guard 3 positions, but I would think that the team will want me to score, play defense, and win.

Which role suits best for you right now? Are you ready to come off the bench if coach will use you as a 6th man?
I am a basketball player. I do what the coach asks, with the primary aim being to win.

Most of the russian basketball fans are excited to see you in our country. They expect great slamdunks from you. Will you show some dunk power in your first game in Superleague A?
If I have an opening, I look to finish in the best way: sometimes that means a lay-up, and sometimes that means dunking the basketball. In Europe, with more zone defenses, dunking is really something you do most on the break. I am actually, I think, a good to very good spot-up shooter: but whatever helps my team win, that is what I will do.

Which are your favourite types of dunks this year? Were you excited with so-called 'Kryptonite dunk'?
I appreciate the respect you give me in the dunking area, and I am sure that fans will see me dunk, but dunking is a small part of the game of basketball. If its 1-5% of basketball, then I better take care of some other things first. My best dunk is always the one I havent yet done.

Do you review your own and other dunkers' videos to make improvements? Who are in your list of top-5 dunkers?
I dont review my dunks, they often just happen. The best dunkers in the world are/were: Julius Erving, MJ, Vince Carter, Kobe, Josh Smith.

Will you prepare any 'Russian special' type of dunk for your fans?
I havent yet thought about thatcheck back with me once I get accustomed to the expectations of the team.

Lebron James told this autumn that he wants to dunk over ex-president George Bush. What about your answer to King?
Ha-ha. He can do what he wants. Hes the King. Year 2001 - McDonald's High School Slam Dunk Contest - that David Lee's undressing dunk that brought him 1st place and made you only 2nd.

Were there any worse disappointments for you since that time? Would you tell us about your most memorable basketball moments?
If losing a dunk contest was my worst moment, then I should think my career would have been more steady and predictable than it has been to date. I think my most disappointing moment was getting traded by Houston late in the early fall and being released by Denver three weeks later. In Denvers Vet camp, I brought my A game a positive attitude. While management disagreed about keeping or releasing me, in the end being shown the door hurt. I feel Im more than good enough to play at the NBA level, and time will tell. My most memorable moments: Being drafted #31 overall in 2006, and winning Championships at San Antonio and Fenerbahce.

What was your highest point in your basketball career so far?
My highest moment is the improvement I feel I have made as a player in the past year. I took that improvement, and found success at the NBDL level.

What about your current shape - how did you spend your summer and early autumn?
Until about ten days ago, I was in Denvers Vet camp. But I am in good shape now, as I play every day.

What are your strong sides as a player?
Scoring, getting to the free throw line, and man-to-man defense.

What about your weaknesses, which aspects of your game need improvement?
I must continue to get stronger physically, and my aim is to get better and better every day in every phase of the game.

You had an experience with the FIBA Europe basketball rules while playing in Turkey. Are you comfortable with that rules? How do you see yourself in offense in the paint with no 3-second defensive zone violation from bigmen at all?
Well, the American game is isolation, and match ups. European basketball is more of a team game. Part of the reason is that European teams can pack zones, which puts a premium on hitting shots andon the other endmaking the opponent miss.

'White still has a tendency to complain animatedly after any foul call made against him' - should this report from Draftexpress alert us, especially in consideration of arguable refereeing in Russian Superleague?
I have improved in that area 100%. I bring emotion, and sometimes that emotion is misinterpreted. I will say all referees have my respect. They have a tough job.

What about your temperament on and off the court?
Laid back and friendly. At Fenerbahce I felt I was a good teammate, and I stay in touch with many of my teammates from that team.

Your personal aim for this season?
Win every game.

White and Internet - do you like social networks, blogging, etc.?
I am on Facebook, but I dont get there as often as other players. I tried Twitter, but that got old real fast.