part 2
http://www.********.net/interview/melo/
Keith: What about the improvement of your game? What do you attribute that to?
Melo: Growing, working hard and getting used to listening more. I've soaked up a lot of advice from a lot of great players. I want to be remembered as one of the best when I leave and I know what path I have to take to get there.
Keith: I know you are very close to MJ. How much has he helped you in your career?
Melo: More then anyone. he has pulled me aside, showed up at my games, my place just to talk when stuff was going wrong for me. He has always backed me though. Some people take him the wrong way. He gives tough love. A lot of players can't take that. For me, that's what I needed. I have a million people who will tell me whatever i want to hear but it's the ones who tell you what you need to hear that you want to associate yourself with.
Keith: You are the face of Team Jordan now. How does that feel?
Melo: Really good. To have the chance to carry that torch is an honor that most players would love to have. I won't let him down.
Keith: You have a teammate in AI that might be the most under appreciated superstar of all time. How much has he helped you?
Melo: That's why I like you. You know your **** Keith. I feel you man. He gets nowhere near the credit he deserves except from the fans. He plays so hard. I haven't seen anyone like him. You have been next to him. He's so little but he attacks you like he's 7 feet. Plus nobody can hold him. I'm not here to start anything but he practically begged to be on our USA team. You have one of the best players in the game begging to play and he doesn't get a look. That's hard to swallow. At the same time he's taught me how to chill out on stuff like that. I was frustrated when I didn't make All-Star teams and even losing Rookie of the Year hurt. I am so competitive that I hate to lose at anything. AI told me to just work hard, be myself, not let all the outside stuff get to me and I'll be ok. i take that to the bank.
Keith: Well said. I expect a huge season out of you this year. What are your goals?
Melo: Just to win a championship. Personally I want to perform to the best of my abilities but I'm not shooting for individual achievements anymore. If I play the way I should those will come. AI and me both agreed we weren't going to let the critics be right. So put that on notice. We are going to be something serious next year.
Keith: I want to wish you good luck and thank you for taking the time bro. i always give every player one last thing to say to the fans who are reading this. You need to get down to Houston also bro.
Melo: Thanks. Denver you guys have something to look forward to. Keep your faith in us and we got you guys i promise. I'm going to try my best keith. I'll get at you. Peace
new Melo interview (team USA, AI, MJ)
