Q&A with Thunder draft pick James Harden

wouldn’t say I’m going in there to prove people wrong, but just going in there and just try to stop people is something that I have to have in my mind.

Q: There was a story that said your high school coach always had to convince you to shoot. Are you a guy that likes to get everybody involved before you start scoring?

A: Definitely. That’s why I think Sam Presti and those guys chose me, because I’m a pass-first guy. They have great scorers over there and so with my ability to pass first and score second, with those great players over there it helps that organization a lot. Even my college head coach told me to shoot the ball more.

Q: What stood out about the Thunder’s interview process?

A: Just being there for two days gave me a great feeling about that group of people there. Their great. We had a lot of bonding time just getting to know each other and not just the basketball player but the person off the court. And so it was just a great feeling. I felt comfortable. They felt comfortable with me. And just being honest and being myself was something that I tried to do.

Q: Did you do anything?

A: No. I mean I hung out with them. In the morning before my flight I actually went to the gym just to put some more shots up before I left to go to my workout in Memphis. So just to be around the facility was something I was trying to do.

Q: That was voluntary? You came back that morning on your own?

A: Yes. I actually lifted some weights and then put some more shots up before my flight.

Q: What were you impressions of Oklahoma City in general?

A: Very, very quiet. Very relaxed. A lot different from where I’ve been in L.A. and Arizona State. I mean, obviously the people there are very nice. It’s just a great feeling that I got, especially from the people that I surrounded myself with. So overall it was great. Now, I’m looking to go there and work and help the organization win.

Q: Can you put into words what it’s like to hear your name called?

A: Definitely a sign of relief and just excitement. You work so hard to get to this point. Once you’re hear it feels great. But this is just the beginning of a new life. It’s something that I had to deal with to be the best player that I can be.

Q: Is that what the pounding of the chest was about, a sign of relief?

A: Yes. Definitely. I was nervous. There was so many trades going on before, I was nervous about where I was going to get selected. And once my name got called, a sign of relief definitely showed.

Q: Any advice you have for Sam Presti about the 25th pick?

A: Um, Jeff Pendergraph. He’s a great player. (Laughs).

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