You had a successful coat drive to benefit the Salvation Army last November. Why did you choose to support a coat drive?
“I thought the coat drive was a good idea, obviously because of the cold in Minneapolis, but also nobody really had a stamp on that. I remember growing up in Portland, a guy like Brian Grant had a coat drive. Also, a guy like Rasheed Wallace had a coat drive. I thought it was a good thing to get a head start in the community.”
What’s your reaction when you hear about NBA players waiving guns at one another in the locker room?
“Around here I am not afraid of it (happening), just because we have so many good guys on this team. I don’t think the front office or the coaching staff would allow guys that weren’t high character around the organization.
“It is bad for the NBA. I’ve never seen anything like it, so I wouldn’t even know how to react.
Your uncle is Mike Love of the Beach Boys. How often do you listen to the Beach Boys?
“I love the Beach Boys. I have a whole 50 song play list on my iTunes and my iPod. I always enjoyed their music but I was kind of embarrassed (when younger). People would make fun of me in Oregon, like, ‘Oh, your uncle is a Beach Boy.’ When I got to UCLA, people were like, ‘Your uncle is a beach boy? I grew up with them.’ These are kids my age. Then I thought it was really cool. It was like, yeah, he’s my uncle. No big deal. It’s feel good music. I think it’s phenomenal.”
Do you have a steady girl friend?
“I do. She’s out in L.A. (and) she goes to UCLA. Her name is Elise. She is a fourth year senior graduating this year in June. She is a Newport Coast girl. That’s the greatest spot…if you’ve ever been there. Unbelievable. ”