Interview: Jazz's Williams on dodgeball theory
Published on Sep 18, 2010 06:50PM
Transcript of a media interview conducted with the Utah Jazz guard Deron Williams during the
Dodge Barrage charity dodgeball tournament Saturday at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City.
Williams on the Dodge Barrage:
It's our second year doing it. We have a lot more teams and a lot more sponsorships. We're going to raise more money, and that's what it's about.
On why he is continuing to hold the dodgeball-based event:
It's just fun. I don't know why we picked dodgeball. But it's something that we thought would be fun and be a little different. There's always the golf tournaments, the dinners, stuff like that. We wanted to do something different. Just have fun. Something that more people could afford. And so we came up with this.
On facing pressure as the defending champions:
A little bit. We were just talking. There's a team that drove down from [Los Angeles] that plays in a serious league. So, it's going to be tough this year. But we'll be all right.
On playing with teammates:
Yeah, we've got a couple guys. Ronnie's playing. Kyle [Korver's] a former teammate. Big Al [Jefferson's] going to play with us. So, we'll be all right.
On being able to interact with the fans and build the tournament up during its second year:
It's great. We've had a good turnout this year. This is a lot better facility, as you can see, just because it's bigger and can hold more people. We've had a good turnout. Not only the teams and the participants, but also people coming in and watching. Buying shirts and buying gear. So, it's been great.
On other teammates watching but not playing:
I didn't know who was going to be in town. My team filled up pretty quick.
On Jefferson's dodgeball talents:
He said he's a little rusty. But he said he'll help us out. He's going to be a big target; I know that. He better be able to catch — he's got good hands.
On the key to his game:
You've got to have a team strategy. We usually send the fast guys to go get all the balls, then send them back. And you don't want to get caught with your whole team with no balls. Because then they'll just pick you off.
On the Jerry Sloan of his team:
We're a team. We're just one unit. We don't need coach. ... We're all stars.
On training for the upcoming season:
Nothing. ... That was just for the video. That's all that was. That was just for the viral video.
On heading into training camp:
I'm just worried about this dodgeball tournament today. We'll see y'all a week from Monday and talk about the season all you want.
On what his charity has been able to accomplish:
I think it was great. It's good to get different foundations together and do stuff like this. I think it was good for Ronnie Price. It was his first big event. He's had another one as a kickstarter, but this was his first big event. It lets them see how things are ran, and I'm glad we could have him along with us.
On having his teammates' support:
Yeah, yeah. I really appreciate them coming out and supporting. The rookies really didn't have a choice. It was mandatory that they be here. But everybody else, I really appreciate them coming out and supporting us.
On keeping it going:
Oh, yeah. This is my favorite event. I like my golf tournament, too. But this is just a fun, fun event for everybody out here. ... We might do one in Chicago. — Brian T. Smith
