RYAN GOMES Q & A

[mkwest]

Gomes dropped in to watch his new teammates participate in a summer league practice.

How does it feel to be an LA Clipper?

Feels good to be on a team with good up-and-coming young players. Players such as Eric Gordon, Blake Griffin – hasn’t got a shot to play yet but he will be playing this season – we’ve got leaders in Baron Davis and Chris Kaman. With the additions of [Eric] Bledsoe and Al-Farouq [Aminu] this should be an interesting season for us coming up. I am glad to have the opportunity to be a part of this franchise and a team that seems to have the foundation already set. Just adding little pieces here and there to help them get better. With the likes of Randy Foye, also, who they signed. I think it should be an exciting year coming for the LA Clippers.

You were a late second round draft pick in 2005 (50th overall selection). Is there any advice you can give to some of the players on this year’s summer league team who are now in a similar position you were in ’05?

The main thing with me was to have confidence. I didn’t have a contract going into summer league. It was one of those things where you have to go in there and try and prove yourself. Don’t let the stats affect how hard you play and the assets you can bring to a team. We all came from college or a former place where you might have been the best player on the team, you might have had to do a lot. At this level, people are put in places for particular roles that you have to do. And whatever is asked upon you to do that week, besides playing hard, everything else should fall into place.

I just went out there with the mind set “I want to be the hardest working player” and I continued to get better and work on my skills after that and I was able to still be here today and playing into my sixth year in the league.

What do you think about the Clippers Practice Facility?

This is my second time here. I was here when I was with the Timberwolves. We practiced here last April. It is wonderful. It is the best practice facility in the league. Great location. A lot of players live right close to here. Airport is close. The only thing is that the arena is a little bit far. But you practice here more than you play in the arena so I think it is a great location and practice facility.

Full Q&A @ Clippers.com

[mj_shoefanatic]

I like his demeanor(no bruno) but that frohawk need to go.