Cory Jefferson interview

Today we got to interview Nets rookie Cory Jefferson. People have given him the nickname "re-bounder specialist" and other names like that. Read how he responds to that name and so much more!

1) At what point did you realize that playing Basketball professionally is a possibility? 

 I first realized that I had a chance of playing professionally during my redshirt sophomore year..

2)What was your greatest moment in college basketball?

 Beating Kansas in Waco / playing in the NCAA tourney my senior year..

3)What was your mindset prior to declaring for the draft?

I just wanted to live out my dream of playing in the NBA..

4) What was your thoughts the night before and the night of the draft?

 The night before I just kept thinking of how it would feel to hear my name called on draft night; the night of the draft, I just had whole lot of thoughts and emotions.

5) At any point at the draft did you think you may not be drafted?

There was a point during the draft where I was telling teams that I didn't want to be drafted because they wanted to send me straight overseas..

6)Which player would you call your role model or inspiration?

I didn't really have role models growing up but my favorite players to watch and learn from were Tim Duncan and KG.

7) How did it feel being drafted to Brooklyn? Where you ever a fan of them?

 I didn't really grow up having a favorite team but I love being a Net..

8) On your instagram you posted a picture of you in a Brooklyn hat. Did you want to be drafted by the Nets?

 I wanted to be drafted by whatever team wanted me..

9) What are you looking forward to this season?

I'm looking forward most to being out on the floor with that Nets jersey on and contributing to my team..

10) Nets Daily called you the "rebound specialist", what do you say to that?  Do you agree with that title?

 

I like that title, I think it shows everybody how hard I work on the court..

11) What advice would you give to someone trying to fulfill their dream in general and specifically in basketball?

To anybody trying to accomplish their dreams I would just say don't let anybody tell you what you can't do … and to the ones with dreams of playing professionally, be the person that works the hardest and be around the people that want to work hard.. 

Thanks Cory!

Meeting Vinny Guadagnino

Yesterday I met Vinny Guadagnino. Vinny is one of the stars on Jersey Shore. I know you're all wondering how this came to light, so let me tell you.

I was at the event in Barclays Center (details on the previous article) and I saw on the guest list that Vinny will be there. Of course, I got excited, but as a journalist I was forced to keep my cool. As the celebrities started walking the carpet, I realised that Vinny's publicist was literally two feet away from me. Being as professional as possible, I decided to hand him my business card. We started to chat a bit, and eventually he told me he'll get me a one question interview with Vinny. I was super excited, especially that vinny was running late and was really done with the media. This interview was super special because of how nice Vinny was. He seemed really sincere with what he was saying and even though we only spoke for about a minute, he seemed genuine.

Big shout out to Vinny and his publicist, Mr. Roger!

CC Sabathia and Robinson Cano event

Although it's not basketball season, basketball hasn't stopped in Brooklyn. Last night the Barclays center hosted a Celebrity basketball game to raise funds for CC's PitCCh foundation and Robinson Cano's RC22 foundation. TSS was fortunate enough to gain access to the red carpet and the event. 

We arrived there two hours early and was shocked by a hello from Robinson Cano. He was super nice and made a couple jokes and told me that tonight will be a nigh to remember, he was so accurate! At about 6:10 the red carpet started. Celebrities like Tiki Barber, CC Sabathia, Robinson Cano, Melo, KD, Derek Jeter and even Rihanna where there. They walked out one by one, took pictures and did some interviews. We had the privilege to catch up with a few players and hear what they had to say about the event, here are some quotes.

Vinny from the Jersey Shore: "It feels amazing (to be here), I am here to support CC Sabathia"

NeYo "It feels fantastic, spend time for a good cause" when asked if he was playing tonight he reluctantly said "ya,ya"

Tiki Barber said "My job is to pass the ball to someone who can shoot"

CC Sabathia:"It means everything to be here" 

Derek Jeter also said he was excited to be here!

As you can see, this was no ordinary event. Celebrities from all walks of life came together to support a great cause! The event raised over 1 million dollars.

The publicist sent us the following summary of the event of last night: Thursday night, CC Sabathia and Robinson Cano joined forces along with Roc Nation Sports to present the Summer Classic Charity Basketball Game at Barclays Center. All proceeds from the event served to benefit Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation and Cano’s RC22 Foundation equally while aiming to increase opportunities for underserved youth in the areas of education, wellness and fitness – the night successfully raised $1,040,000! Team Sabathia took on Team Cano with a competitive celebrity match-up led by master of ceremony Angie Martinez. Sabathia and Cano had some help coaching on the sidelines from NBA and MLB pros including Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, JR Smith, Kyrie Irving and James Harden. Some stellar player performances included Chris Brown with 18 points (who was rarely seen without the ball in his hands running up and down the court) and Terrell Owens with 23. The real “star” of the game was DJ Khaled - fans chanted for his return to the court every time he was benched for an unfortunate play. Ultimately, Team Cano secured the win by 2 points. The 8,500 spectators included some familiar faces – Rihanna sat courtside alongside girlfriends Melissa Forde, Skylar Diggins and Cara Delevingne sipping on D’USSE cocktails throughout the entire game.

Michael Gruen

This article was created for TSS.