Barbosa Interview

[jbeecham]

http://www.nba.com/suns/news/draft03_barbosa_030626.html

Brazilian guard Leandro Barbosa, selected 28th overall by the San Antonio Spurs, spoke with Phoenix reporters through a translator after his draft rights were dealt to the Suns for a conditional future first-round pick. The following is a transcript of that question and answer session

Question: What are your thoughts about coming to Phoenix?

Leandro Barbosa: I’m extremely happy. My thoughts are very happy. Phoenix is a strong team. I’m just happy.

Question: How did your workout in Phoenix go on Wednesday?

Barbosa: I think I’m the type that I don’t practice very well. I play very well. My legs are sore, but I still worked hard. I think I had a good workout.

Question: Could you describe your game for fans in Phoenix that haven’t seen you play?

Barbosa: I like to push the ball, pass the ball, read the game and shoot threes.

Question: Do you feel the language barrier is going to be a problem for you?

Barbosa: I don’t think so.

Question: How often are you working on studying English?

Barbosa: Two hours (a day).

Question: Are you picking it up quickly? Is it difficult for you?

Barbosa: I’m learning how to speak and understand what people are saying.

Question: What do you think of people that say you are not ready to play in the NBA?

Barbosa: I’ll work very hard so those people won’t say that again.

Question: How are you recovering from your hip flexor injury?

Barbosa: Good. I feel better now.

Question: Will you be able to participate in the summer leagues with the Suns?

Barbosa: It is very important to me.

Question: What are your thoughts on playing alongside and learning from a guy like Stephon Marbury?

Barbosa: I’ve really enjoyed his game. We have very similar styles of games so I’m going to learn a lot from him. I’m going to be asking him a lot of questions.

Question: Do you anticipate any contract problems with your Brazilian club (Baura Tilibra)?

Barbosa: No. No. No. No.

Sounds like a good kid with a good head on his shoulders. Is his first name Leandro or Leandrino or both?

 

[Chaplin]

Outside of Hinrich, I think Barbosa is probably my fave point guard in this draft, just based on athleticism. Paired with Zarko, I think this is a terrific draft...

 

[Krangodnzr]

Originally posted by jbeecham
http://www.nba.com/suns/news/draft03_barbosa_030626.html

Sounds like a good kid with a good head on his shoulders. Is his first name Leandro or Leandrino or both? [/B]

I think the "ino" means little Leandro, like "ito" in Spanish.

 

[slinslin]

Leandrinho is a nickname like Nene.

It means something I think. Nene means baby since he always played with the older players. Not sure what Leandrinho means.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Re: Re: Barbosa Interview

Originally posted by Krangthebrain
I think the "ino" means little Leandro, like "ito" in Spanish.

krang is correct. little leandro. love this kid. i think phx is in for a special surprise. remember, this is a staff and organization that just knows great pgs. kj, kidd, nash, marbs, and now barbosa? could be. seems to be a trend. let's hope that's so.

 

[Griffin]

according to Barbosa, his name means "young Leandro," although something might have been lost in translation; "'little" makes a little more sense

here's an older interview from nbadraft.net in case anyone missed it:
http://nbadraft.net/barbosainterview.htm

 

[PhxGametime]

Does anyone know when qualifying Tournament is this year and if Brazil is host country and if they're automatically qualified... I'd like to see Barbosa in action.