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Tony in Novato, CA asks...
Adonal, in my eyes you are definitely the most underrated player in the NBA. Who are some other players you feel don't get enough credit for what they do? Also, who is the toughest person for you to guard (other than Shaq)?
[Adonal] Thanks for your compliment! I feel there are several "under-rated" players in the NBA. Two of which come to mind are now current team mates. Calbert Chaney and Clifford Robinson have proved to be tremendous keys to creating a winning team. Both are very hard-working and know how to play the game.

The toughest player to guard for me has to be Amare Stoudamire from Phoenix. He is very mobile both on the floor and in the air so it is difficult to get good position on him while trying to defend. Tim Duncan also causes many problems because of his athleticism and terrific court knowledge.

Sean in Orinda, CA asks...
What are your thoughts on re-signing with the Warriors? Are you going to try to stay or do you think there is more opportunity with other teams in the NBA?
[Adonal] Having been in the NBA for 7 years now, I will have to really evaluate my options at the end of the season. A lot will have to do with my play this year and if the Warriors have me in their future plans. We will have to see what happens!

Greg asks...
So long as there's a fair allocation of playing time between you & Erick, does it matter to you who starts the game? Some fellow Warriors fans I've talked to suspect that the only reason Erick should start is due to his slight height advantage & to get the opening tip! I'd really like to see both of you stick with the Warriors for the long-term.
[Adonal] Thanks for the support! Erick is a really good center and I feel that he and I do make the best "center tandem" in the NBA.

Greg in San Diego, CA asks...
Have you met/had a chance to speak with Emeka Okafor of the UConn Huskies? His game reminds me of yours, as does his devotion to academics, not to mention the fact that he'll be coming out of the northeast. What do you think of his game?
[Adonal] I will have to check him out this year. My only real experience with UConn in the 1996 NCAA Tournament when Colgate played the No. 1 ranked Huskies. Unfortunately we lost, 68-59.

Jake in McKinleyville, CA asks...
1. Over the last year I noticed a great improvement in your free throw shooting. I'm going to be a junior in high school next year and I normally shoot around 70% from the line. I was wondering if you have any tips as to how I could improve my foul shooting?
[Adonal] Practice, practice, practice. I work really hard on my form and maintaining consistency in my shot. Keep working hard and good luck!

2. I'm 6'3" and I average about 3 blocks a game. My problem is that I always end up batting the ball clear up into the stands. I was wondering if you had any tips for controlling the ball after the block?
[Adonal] Great question! As a shot blocker, you really cannot determine where the ball is going to go once you get a hand on it. Just be careful not to hurt anyone!

Ari in Palo Alto, CA asks...
Hey, my mom is also from a small island in the Caribean called Grenada. Do you have any relatives from there?
[Adonal] I have no relatives on Grenada but have been there many times since it is only 3 miles away from my home island of Canouan in the Eastern Caribbean. It is a beautiful place!

Claire in Walnut Creek, CA asks...
Your free throw shooting has improved a lot over the years, how many free throws do you typically shoot a day?
[Adonal] I shot 75 to 100 free throws a day during the summer, and during the season I do from 25 to 50 after practice.

Mads in Odense, DK asks...
I was wondering what the chances are of the Warriors reaching a playoff position in the next season? Do you think that it's possible for you?
[Adonal] I think we have a great chance to make the Playoffs this year. In addition to several experienced players arriving, other teams in the Western Conference (Utah, Seattle) are going through some major changes so we might just sneak in!

Nancy asks...
Did you watch the NBA playoff games? Have you actually been to any of the games live?
[Adonal] I traveled a lot during the Playoffs so I only would catch the highlights on Sportcenter.

Sasha in Fairfax,CA asks...
You are my favorite Warrior. I am 16 yrs old and recently got my drivers license. Where did you learn to drive? Back on you Island or in NY? Do you now have a CA licence or NY one? My dad bought me a car. I drive to work, school, and my relatives place in Atwater, but my dad won't let me drive to the Oakland Arena. What do you think?
[Adonal] I learned to drive in upstate New York when I was in High School. I had a New York State Drivers License and now have one for California. If your parents will not allow you to drive to the Arena, maybe you could drive to the Pleasanton BART station and take BART to the Coliseum. Either way, remember to always be careful and wear your seat belt!

Alex asks...
What music do you like to listen to?
[Adonal] I listen to all types of music. My favorite is Caribbean Soca!

Taki asks... How hard is your little cousin "Alexus" working? I know he will make it because his heart is bigger than mountains, in kindness and determination. By the way his article on your page was great!
[Adonal] Thanks for your kind words regarding Alexus. He had a tryout earlier in the summer with the Denver Nuggets and is working hard to make a team with NBDL. I hope to be playing against him someday soon in the NBA!

Lorenzo in Daly City, CA asks...
For the NBA Draft what kind of player should Gary pick a big man, point guard, any kind of forward, or to you it doesn't really matter?
[Adonal] No big man! We have plenty of size and Erick and I are continuing to work hard on being the best center combination in the NBA! The Warriors are pretty well stacked at each position so a good all-around athlete is fine with me!

Brandon asks...
I admire your game and have watched you since your very first game as a Warrior (in fact I went to that game). But anyway, I wanted to ask you how can I learn to play defense as good as you?
[Adonal] Learn to play 'smart" basketball. You should study the game and all of its fundamentals. As for defense, learn to slide and utilize good footwork. You should also aim to beat your opponent to the spot to always get an advantage on positioning. With much practice you should be the best you can be!

Paul in San Francisco, CA asks...
Is Caribbean pronounced with an accent mark on the first or second syllable?
[Adonal] It is region specific, but on my island we say, "Carrybe-an."

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