Brandon Roy
Brandon Roy
Brandon Dawayne Roy is an American retired professional basketball player who played for the Portland Trail Blazers and Minnesota Timberwolves in the National Basketball Association. He was selected sixth in the 2006 NBA draft, having completed four years playing for the Washington Huskies. His nickname was "B-Roy", but he was also referred to as "The Natural" by Trail Blazers announcer Brian Wheeler. On December 10, 2011, Roy announced his retirement from basketball due to a degenerative knee condition, though he...
ProfessionBasketball Player
Date of Birth23 July 1984
CitySeattle, WA
I had to have confidence in myself to keep taking shots. We're a scrappy team and we showed we can hold a lead in the second half.
They just dominated us in the second half.
I penetrated and they sent the bigger guys on the floor after me. Earlier in the season I was able to shoot over smaller guys in there. Walters didn't guard anybody but me.
I had a mentality to be a lot more aggressive. There were times when usually I would penetrate early and kick it out and try to find other guys. Tonight I was like, I need to be more aggressive because in bigger games, no matter what, guys are going to look to me to be more aggressive. So I have to start preparing myself now.
In the first half, I caught myself just running up and down the court thinking too much that this is my last game.
(Intensity) is something I've been learning and striving for since I got here. Coach is always on me about my intensity level. He told me I was talented but I had to pick up my intensity level. In the past, I would often defer. This season I wasn't allowed to do that. He had to stay on me to make sure I bring it every night. Now I'm seeing that all the hard work paid off. Playing hard all the time can be rewarded.
He's still a sophomore. He's had good games. He's a good player. As he gets older, he'll do more. Big guys can do it, but it's hard for a guard to come in and dominate this conference.
He's the key to their team. If he can't get going, it'll be a tough night for everybody.
I don't think it crossed my mind we were going to lose that game. I'm still kicking myself. For the first time in basketball, I feel sorry for myself.
He's labeled as a freshman, but we don't look at him as a freshman anymore. He's not afraid. The kid's a warrior. When he hit that shot, came back and knocked his free throw down, that really made us feel like we had a chance to win this game. He stepped up big time.
I dreamed of this moment. And to be this close to the Pac-10 championship and still get some accolades for me, that's special.
I don't think Bobby was too worried. The other two might have been.
He's not afraid. In late-game situations, I look over there and he wants the ball.
He's made me a better player over four seasons. All summer, we played pick-up basketball and we'd match up against one another. When I penetrate to the basket, there are times when he stops me. His ability to guard big men and small guys definitely helps.