Get to know a Toronto Raptor: Terrence Ross

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http://sports.nationalpost.com/2012/...terrence-ross/

Throughout the pre-season, Post basketball reporter Eric Koreen will ask a few personal questions to members of the Toronto Raptors. Today: rookie Terrence Ross, 21.

Who was your favourite player growing up?

I think Kobe just because he was doing it all: shooting, dunking, playing defence. He was exciting to watch, so it might be him.

Do you remember his 81-point game against the Raptors?

Yeah, I remember that. I was watching that at home.

A few people around here are still trying to forget that night.
Yeah, I’d hope so.

Of all of the coaches you’ve had during your career, who has been the most influential in your development?

[University of Washington coach] Lorenzo Romar. He taught me so much. After I was with him for two years, it’s crazy how much my game changed. He really helped me be an all-around player. Off the court, he helped me become the young man I am today.

What was your game like before?

Really, honestly, before that all I was really known for was shooting — not even getting to the basket, not playing defence, really not playing defence. Just shooting. I couldn’t do anything else but shooting.

Who is your favourite teammate ever?

(Quincy Acy, another Raptors rookie: “It’s your boy. And if you don’t say that, I’m going to hit you in your head with this box.”)

TR: You did not say me.

(Acy: “I did say you.”)

TR: This is what you said: ‘I do not like him, something, something, something, blah, blah, whatever.’ I think, my best friend, Noah Kone-Nelson. He’s in Montana right now. I grew up with him. We were on the same team since we were in sixth grade. We’ve been close ever since. We’ve been doing everything together since. We talk to each other on a regular basis. It would probably be him.

What are your expectations for yourself this year?

Just to help the team win. I want to make an impact on defence and then, on offence, make the right plays, hit the open shots. Just do everything I’m expected to do.

What is one think people probably don’t know about you that they should know?

I don’t show much emotion on the court. When my teammates get a dunk on somebody or something, I’ll show it then. But other than that? Whether we’re winning or losing, I have the same demeanour.

Is that a conscious decision, or is that just natural for you?

It’s just natural. I’m just laid-back. If I’m angry, you’ll know. But I’m not animated with my emotions.