As a family, the Vucevic clan would move wherever Borislav Vucevic would play. Nikola was born in Switzerland, moved to Belgium for a number of years, and spent his summers in Montenegro, where many family members still live. “I enjoyed living in different places,” he says. “I learned a lot about different cultures. I learned how to speak Serbian, French and English. But I knew that if I wanted to play in the NBA and play against the best, I needed to go to school in America.”

Any great high school players who want to go straight into the professional ranks would be wise to use the logic of Vucevic applied to his options in Europe. “I would have had to turn pro at an early age,” he says. “And a lot of teams don’t trust playing younger players right away, so I probably would have had to sit a lot. It’s hard to show NBA teams what you can do. Even then, if I were to get drafted, I would have to buy my rights back from the team I am on. It’s not the best situation.”

Vucevic came to the United States to play at Stoneridge Prep in Simi Valley, CA, where he was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. He went on to play at USC, leading the school to the NCAA tournament and earning an ALL Pac-10 First Team award in the process. “College was a great experience,” Vucevic says. I was able to improve my game. I was also able to get an education. In Europe, once you turn pro, teams don’t want you to focus on schoolwork. I had the opportunity to improve my skills in games in front of 20,000 people. It was wonderful.”

http://www.myfoxla.com/video?clipId=8919040&autostart=true

http://www.myfoxla.com/story/22464676/fox-11s-friday-night-sports-talk-with-ryan-hollins-and-louie-vito

Rajon looked right at home on the panel with style aficionado’s Joan Rivers, Giuliana Rancic, Kelly Osbourne and George Kotsiopoulos. When asked by Joan about his relative lack of height, he quipped, “I’m pretty average as far as male height, but in the NBA I’m a little short. But, I’ve got a lot of heart.” In that classic Rajon-way, he won over the hosts with his straight to the point honesty and likeable humor.

The Celtics guard, who was asked to bring a piece of clothing for the “Stash It… or Trash It,” segment, proudly showed off his much talked about zebra-style blazer worn for a post-game Playoff press conference last season in the first round of the Conference Finals. Despite Rajon’s sartorial prowess, Rivers disagreed and in the end the General Idea blazer had to be trashed.

Does Rajon have a future as a fashion correspondent? We wouldn’t be surprised.

I’ve just been chillin’ at my parents house in the Inland Empire. I actually started working out a little bit earlier than usual. I watch every (playoff) game. Every game. I told myself that I wouldn’t, because we didn’t make the playoffs, but I’ve been glued to that TV. Oh yeah, by far. I realized how tough it is. I missed the playoffs my first year, but after being in the playoffs my next two years, it made me miss it.

Q: What was your favorite series?

My favorite series would definitely be the Warriors and San Antonio. Or Warriors and Denver. The Warriors were just an incredible team in the playoffs. I definitely had fun watching them.

Q: What was your first year in Dallas like after playing in Indiana?

It was a little bit of an experience. Even though we didn’t make the playoffs, I got the chance to play with a Hall of Famer like Dirk, playing in a good organization like Dallas. It was definitely a good experience for me. The biggest change is just being on a big-market team. In a big market, we were on TV almost every other day. In Indiana, we didn’t get on TV until like the playoffs. They have more of a team, more committed to each other. In Dallas, it was one-year contracts — everyone had different things on their mind — but at the same time, we were able to bypass all that and still try to come together as a team. I think that’s where leadership came in. But there’s definitely pros and cons between a big market and small market.

Q: Does the difference in TV market size actually affect you day to day?

It does make a little bit of difference. From a family perspective, you want to see us play as much as you can. We got a chance to be on TV, excluding the exception of League Pass. Being on a small-market team, you’re not always seen all the time. Everybody’s always like ‘Who’s that? Who’s that?’ It does make a difference.

Q: Do you get recognized more when you’re out and about? And do you have any stories of crazy fans?

Yeah, man, it’s crazy. I didn’t think that would change, but I do have a little bit more notoriety in Dallas. Everybody notices me a lot more because I do play in Dallas. I’m on TV a lot more. I haven’t had any too crazy experiences when it comes to fans. The only thing I have — ‘cause I don’t mind signing anybody’s autograph or taking pictures — the only thing I have is when I’m eating, and they want to shake my hand. That’s the only thing.

Q: Were you surprised when Indiana traded you to Dallas?

It was kind of a mutual decision. Indiana, they felt like I could use my talents elsewhere and I felt the same way too. Indiana’s a great place to play, but I knew it was going to be my contract year and I’d have an opportunity to go a team where I could do those things.

I didn’t know too much about the organization. Of course, everybody knows about Mark Cuban. I was definitely excited to embark on a big challenge. I didn’t know exactly what I was getting into, but me personally, to be able to go to a new team and still have the same success was definitely fun.

Q: Do you have any good Mark Cuban stories?

Mark is just one of those guys who’s constantly yelling at the refs. He’s never yelling at the team. He’s very positive with the team, but he’s very negative at the refs. Mark, he’s one of the best owners because he cares. Every time you see your owner trying to fight for you throughout the game, that’s encouraging.

Q: Are you still open to returning to Dallas, or are you more inclined to look elsewhere?

It’s up in the air. We’ll see. We’ll see how that all plays out. Dallas is not a bad spot to play. The organization is good. I love the fans. We’ll see. It’s up in the air. I know there are a lot of other teams that have interest, but Dallas is one of the teams I’d love to come back to.

Q: How tough was it watching UCLA struggle after you left, missing two out of three NCAA tournaments?

It was a little bit hard just watching those guys. We knew it was going to be a little bit tough because we had some players that left earlier than usual. I thought Coach Howland did a good job with the players that he had. I thought he did a good job this year. I think they’re going to be right back where they need to be. Their recruiting class is on the positive side of things. The new coach, I’ve heard good things about him.

Q: Were you surprised when UCLA fired Ben Howland?

I didn’t think they would do it as soon as they did, but the writing was on the wall. They’ve been trying to get Coach Howland out of there. People have been saying a lot of negative things about him, which was pretty unfair to him and the players that were there. I think Coach Howland’s probably one of the best coaches out there. It’s unfortunate to see anybody lose their job.

Q: Did you have a chance to talk to him after the firing?

I talked to him. I had a chance to chat it up with him a little bit. We kind of just talked about our experience together. We were very, very optimistic that he’ll get a job again. I know he’s in Santa Barbara chillin’ right now, waiting for a new coaching gig.

(He’ll take a year off,) I think that’s what it is. Coaching at UCLA is a lot of work. You’ve got to know what you’re doing. I think he handled that pressure over the course of the year, the least several years. I thought he did a great job. Especially players that left, he didn’t expect them to leave but they did. He’s had some success with pressure, but I think he handled it well. But I think he definitely needs a break.

Q: How did you feel about the Steve Alford hire?

I didn’t know too much about him to be honest. But I’m hearing a lot of good things about him. I’m hearing he’s a defensive coach, which is something we do need. That’s what Coach Howland did bring to the table. Any time we have a new coach that’s from a winning organization in New Mexico — they did a good job despite being knocked out early — he’s had some success. I think he’s definitely a worthy candidate of handling the pressure at UCLA. I’m definitely happy for him. I want to see what he brings to the table. I’m actually going (to UCLA) right now to do a workout, but I haven’t talked to him personally.

Q: What’s your favorite UCLA memory?

I think my best memory there would have to be against Gonzaga (in the 2006 Sweet Sixteen). I think we were down 20 that game. [The Bruins trailed by 17 in the first half, and by nine with just over three minutes left.] I’m exactly sure. The game seemed out of reach. We weren’t going to come back. We were getting ready for the summer. We managed to turn things around it and make it one of the best games in college basketball. We happened to make it all the way to the Final Four, just from that one experience.

Q: What was going through your head as the team capped that comeback?

I couldn’t believe what was going on, to be honest. I didn’t understand what was going on. I just knew we got the jump ball and next thing you know, the ref is pointing towards our side. I remember Jordan (Farmar) had passed to Luc (Richard Mbah a Moute), and we had this one-on-one. As soon as we got that jump ball, and it was going our way, I just knew we had the game from there on out.

Q: What did you think of Adam Morrison crying?

Everybody talks about that. From a competitor’s standpoint, he really cared about the game. I’m pretty sure everybody brought that up. The pictures were all over, just from that one game, about Adam Morrison. He was an exceptionally good player in college. I think he was the best college player at the time. To beat his team, to overcome that deficit was fun.

Q: Do you feel bad for him at all? It seems like that moment has overshadowed his career.

Yeah, but you know, everybody has their highs and lows in life. I think he’s definitely known as one of the best college players, even though his NBA career didn’t pan out. I think everybody still knows him for the talent he brought to college.

Q: Your basketball camp at your alma mater, Etiwanda, is entering its third year. What made you want to start running one?

I always wanted to work with kids. What better way to start than with a basketball camp, especially in your own neighborhood? I could’ve done it at UCLA, but I decided to do it locally at Etiwanda. A lot of kids, they don’t have the opportunity to go to a basketball camp, especially an NBA basketball camp. I just want to be able to give that privilege to kids around the neighborhood.

Q: How many kids came out last year?

We had a lot. It’s been growing every year. The first year, we had about 100 kids. Second year was over 200. This year, I’m expecting a higher number. I just want the kids to come out and participate. It’s not a lot. They can afford it. It’s a lot of fun. You don’t just talk about basketball. We talk about life, school. Not everybody’s going to be a basketball player. There’s got to be ways we can impact kids’ lives and make them more enthusiastic about life in general.

Q: Is this something you wish you had when you were in middle school or high school?

I went to basketball camps here and there, but I think the difference — something that I wanted to do a little different was, when I did go to basketball camps, I didn’t necessarily see the host of the camp or the NBA player every single day. They’ll probably just stop by the last day of the camp. Basketball players, they have a busy schedule. I really want to set aside my time, be there at the camp every day, every minute, working hands-on.

Q: Is there any financial assistance for families who can’t afford the full $99?

I think it’s affordable. It’s not that much. But if they did, I just want them to just come. Just show up. We’ll figure out something at the door that’s reasonable to help that kid out. Just show up. The camp is more important than the financial side of things. We definitely try to make a big impact on these kids lives, and I don’t want them to not show up because of money. If we have to figure out a situation at the door, I’m all for it.

Q: Who else is working with you on the camp?

I’m going to be the main one helping them out. I’m working with my traveling coach, a guy that I’ve worked out with pretty much my whole career since I’ve been in the NBA. We have a lot of players that play Division I basketball that are coming back to help out too. A lot of guys at the college level and the professional level will be helping out. Nothing’s set in stone (as far as names), but these coaches — what I’m really trying to do is trying to get some NBA players to talk to these kids. We didn’t get that last year. We’re trying to bring at least two or three players down. I think that’d be neat for the kids.

There is no telling who will drop by for the Steve Nash Foundation’s sixth annual Showdown match in Manhattan.

On a San Antonio Spurs team that steps into the spotlight reluctantly, and occasionally petulantly, Green seems only too happy to entertain questions and relay his story.

No one wanted to talk to him in Slovenia. There were rarely demands for interviews when he was playing in Reno or Austin. His phone rarely rang after he was cut first by Cleveland and twice was cast off by these Spurs.

Now that Green has cemented his status as a pivotal role player for San Antonio in the finals, he can be forgiven for enjoying a little bit of the attention that so many of his teammates shun.

”It’s been a long journey,” Green said. ”It’s been a roller-coaster ride for me. I’m very happy and blessed to be here and have this opportunity, and I just want to take advantage of it.”

Green scored 12 points in San Antonio’s Game 1 victory over the Miami Heat, hitting four 3-pointers and taking turns defensively on stars Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.

He is in the first season of a three-year deal that will pay him close to $12 million and starting for a team that is going for its fifth championship. Not bad for a guy who played 28 games and was cut three times in his first two seasons in the NBA and openly wondered if he had what it took to play in the top basketball league in the world.

”I’m very proud of Danny,” Spurs point guard Tony Parker said. ”We had him, then we cut him, came back, cut him, came back, and he just showed a lot of toughness mentally. It’s not easy to make an NBA team. And Danny is very important in what we do.”

After a standout career at North Carolina, Green was picked in the second round by the Cavaliers. He played sparingly in 20 games as a rookie, becoming fast friends with James, who was still one year away from making the jump to Miami.

He was waived by Cleveland before the next season started and picked up by the Spurs. Green lasted less than a week in his first go-around in San Antonio, but was brought back for the final month of the season before the NBA lockout left him without a team that summer. Green went overseas to play in Slovenia and also labored through NBA Development League stints with Reno before getting another shot with the Spurs.

”Some days you wake up and don’t realize where you’re at and you go, ‘What the hell am I doing here?”’ Green said. ”That happened in a couple of cities, places. Reno, some places overseas.”

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich and Tar Heels coach Roy Williams harped on him constantly to refine his game. He worked tirelessly with Spurs player development specialist Chad Forcier to improve his shooting form. What used to vary wildly from one shot to the next turned into a smoother, more consistent release.

”The business has helped me grow a lot; the organization has helped me grow. My teammates, everybody has played a key part in who I am today,” Green said. ”I’ve learned a lot, been a sponge and just continued to take criticism in stride in good positive energy.”
James chuckled when asked to compare the Green he saw as a teammate to the one who was drilling 3-pointers to beat him in Game 1 – the implication being that there’s really no comparison at all.

”I’ve seen the talent he had,” James said. ”He showed the talent when he was in North Carolina. Once he got to Pop, Pop gave him confidence. You get the opportunity, you go out and make the most of it.”

Green said he learned from James as well.

”I watched him on and off the court, learned a lot of things about being a professional,” Green said. ”I also tried to add some things to my game. Obviously I’m not capable of doing the athletically nice plays that he does, but I try to add a little bit here and there.”

Green is shooting 43.2 percent on 3s in the postseason this year and went 4 for 9 in Game 1, a nice bounce-back after a poor showing in the Western Conference finals against Oklahoma City last year.

Two summers ago, he was in Slovenia just trying to hang on to an NBA dream that seemed so far away. Now he’s in South Beach, and he’s appreciating this stage as much as anyone.

”I can’t tell you the worst place. There’s been a couple places that were kind of dreadful,” Green said. ”Obviously when I was overseas we visited a couple places that were rough. I was in Reno in the D-League; it was different. Those lifestyles make you pretty much appreciate the NBA lifestyle.”

By JON KRAWCZYNSKI, Yahoo

Noah is the first Bulls player since Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen in 1997-98 to be named to NBA All-Defensive First Team. The six-year NBA veteran averaged 11.1 rebounds per contest, while blocking 141 shots during the regular season. Noah also recorded career highs in points and assists while being selected to his first NBA All-Star team.

Conley led the NBA with a career-high and single-season franchise-record 174 steals and ranked third in the league in steals per game (2.18).  The six-year veteran recorded a steal in a team-record 64 consecutive games from Nov. 16-March 30, the longest streak by any player this season and the third-longest streak in the last 26 seasons behind only Chris Paul (108) and Michael Jordan (77).

The Lakers guard said he applies this philosophy is his everyday life. “I hesitate to brag about it, but I drive a hybrid vehicle. I have solar panels in my house in Phoenix and I just try to recycle as much as I can.”

Watch more: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1HpMHeU3Xc