Vince Answers Emails

Q: 

Hello Vince, I would like to ask what is it like to be a professional basketball player? Does basketball have to be your life to play it? I’m 17 years old playing in amateur league and I like this game a lot and I work for it, but I’m in situation where I don’t know what to do. Could you suggest something? By the way, I adore your game and I respect you as a person, you are really a nice person on court and off court, as I know.
OK, SEE YOU SOON :)!

Justas from Lithuania

A: 

Well Justas, in my opinion I think if you want to be the best and play at the highest level, you have to want it and love it because it is not going to be easy.  When its tough and seems very hard, the love and passion you have for the game will push you to do better and work just a little bit harder.  I also feel that once you get to the professional ranks, basketball should be a major part of your life or you won’t last very long.  Thank you for the kind words on my game and how I handle myself on and off the court.

Q: 

Hello Vince,

First of all, I would like to apologies for my English, it’s not my first language. I’m from Lithuania and I’m your biggest fan in all EUROPE. I have some questions for you and your career in NBA.

1. With all respect for NEW JERSEY NETS, but don’t you think about changing team? I have noticed that almost every season, the team that you’ve played, had some problems in some positions. Of course these problems were solved, but it was done too late. Time is running very fast, and You can’t wait for teammates to grow up like players. And when they grow up, they are traded to other teams, and then again team’s game is based only on yours shoulders. Again, with all respect to your current teammates, but isn’t it time to change team with more powerful potential, where teammates will have more experience and more power? I understand that trust and honor to your teammates is the key to victories, but…

2. I think that there is no other player in all NBA, who is deserved to win NBA championship more that you are.  It’s very sad to hear about Your injuries. But I trust in You, You are the best basketball player EVER and I know that one day I will be the happiest man in the world, because on this site I will read news – Vince Carter is the NBA champion. Of course it’s too early to speak about the end of Your career, but what are your plans to the future?

Will we see another coach Carter?

I wish You that all Your dreams come true, best wishes to your family ant the one You love, best wishes to You – like basketball player and best wishes to You – like person.

Martynas from Lithuania

A:

Martynas, I really don’t know if I’m going to coach when I am done playing.  I will say that I do love teaching and explaining the game to others.  So, maybe I’ll coach or possibly become a TV analyst explaining this wonderful game I play.  Oh yeah by the way Martynas, to your first question – SURRPRISE!!  What you were saying did, in fact, happen for me.  I think you already knew what I didn’t know—That I was going to become a member of the Orlando Magic!!

Q:

How did you pick it?

If you couldn’t chose #15, what other number would you wear?

Cichocki

A:

Hi Cichocki.  I was given the number 15 as a freshman in high school and I never looked back.  If I didn’t wear #15, I would probably wear #6 to honor Dr. J (Julius Erving)