I had never picked up a basketball before. I went through a grueling audition process. It was almost as if I was learning to walk. It would be like teaching somebody to dance ballet for a role.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I want to play basketball so bad.
I was into basketball, but then once I found contact sports, it was over. I never played basketball again in my life.
I was in school to play basketball; I wasn't trying to be a doctor. It's hard to talk about the NCAA rules and everything that happened in the past because I've just been focused on practicing and getting ready... I was trying to reach my dreams, and that's to play in the NBA.
It wasn't until late high school and early college that I gained enough size and skill to make me welcome on intramural basketball teams.
I played basketball. I went to school and played basketball and was trying to pursue that as a career path and kind of just fell into acting.
Basketball is one of those rare opportunities where you can make a difference, not only for yourself, but for other people as well.
Basketball wasn't going particularly well, but in my senior year, I did a play and got a wonderful card from a professor that said, 'I don't know what your plans are after school or if acting is a part of it, but you have something special.' Hearing that from someone who I had so much respect for pointed me in that direction.
I like basketball, but please don't ask me basketball questions because I've got a lot to learn.
With 'Love & Basketball,' I played ball my whole life and did track at UCLA. So, I'm an athlete. And it was very important for me to get it right. I started with casting: As an athlete, there's nothing worse for me than watching a sports movie and the woman that they hire can't run or can't shoot. It sets women's sports back years.
I always wanted to be a basketball player. Nothing more, nothing less.