Interview of And1’s Escalade

HoopsVibe.com: Do you read what people say about you and what they think about you as a player?
Escalade: Well actually when I was sick couple month ago, I had a bunch of messages from people saying "get well’, praying for you hoping you feel better and that really meant a lot man.

HoopsVibe.com: Do you watch your show on TV before it goes out?
Escalade: Yeah we watch it on the bus, we kinda make it like an event you know, get together and watch it, laughing…

HoopsVibe.com: What kind of kid were you?
Escalade: Well I cared a lot for school and basketball, we were going to church all the time.

HoopsVibe.com: At what age did you start playing ball?
Escalade: Man I started I was 5 or 6 years old.

HoopsVibe.com: Did you play in the street right away?
Escalade: Yeah I grew up in New York City so you know there is a park at every block in NY. But I also grew up playing a lot in school. I grew up in this building (Madison Square Garden). My brother (Mark Jackson) played for the Knicks when I was 10/11 years old so I was a ball boy here. Also when I was seven years old my brother was playing in Saint John. I was coming here, watching him play against Patrick Ewing from Georgetown and sometimes sitting next to my brother on the bench, the same bench I am sitting in right now.

HoopsVibe.com: This must have been a great feeling for you playing in your home town today?
Escalade: Absolutely, I know all these people that work here, the security staff, everybody. I grew up in this building. My brother played 7 years for the Knicks. But I also played in high school. I was All Star America. I played four year at the University of Louisville, played in the ABA, Dominican Republic, Germany, France…

HoopsVibe.com: How is the Tour this year versus last year? Any different?
Escalade: Tour is great. But you know it gets harder every year, level is going up, people watch you moves and know what’s coming!

HoopsVibe.com: How do you see yourself in 3 to 5 years?
Escalade: 3 years? 5 years? Doing the same thing I’m doing now.

HoopsVibe.com: Have you been approached by any NBA team?
Escalade: I mean I did couple summer leagues. But I feel really comfortable in what I do today. And that’s really what I love to do.

HoopsVibe.com: Now tricky question for the end. Spyda vs. Professor. One on One. Who wins?
Escalade: (Smiling). In a one on one, Spyda wins ’cause he is stronger. But Professor’ got skills man.