Lucas Nogueira is one of the most intriguing players in this year's draft. He followed up a breakout season playing in the Spanish ACB league for Estudiantes Madrid with a tremendous performance at the adidas Eurocamp. We got a chance to sit down with Lucas to get to know him better as well as discuss his performance at the event. Bebe's answers were in Portuguese and translated by his agent.
Q: Talk about this event. How do you feel you played yesterday?
A: The event has gone well. I feel like I had a really good year and this event is giving me the chance to showcase my abilities in front all the scouts. It's allowing me to show what I can bring to an NBA team, which is to protect the rim, run the floor and finish at the rim and now it's just time to work hard.
Q: Have you gotten any feedback, you or you agent, from teams after yesterday's performance?
A: I feel that I drew a lot of interest from NBA teams, but my agent and I also need to make sure it's a good fit with the team that I go to. I would like to go somewhere that a team will be on board with my development, and I can contribute.
Q: What are your memories from this event two years ago?
A: Two years ago I feel like I didn't take this event as seriously. But I don't want to think about it now. Just want to move forward and focus on the future.
Q: Talk about what life was like growing up in Rio de Janeiro and how you first got into basketball.
A: My life was good growing up. Being around a lot of good people and my family. I grew up playing soccer but when I grew so much I was chosen to play on the basketball team. It was a surprise to me and I never thought it would lead me to where I am today. It was a bit of a surprise to my family too because my father and older brother both played soccer.
Q: What about size, are your parents tall as well?
A: I'm actually adopted so my parents are short.
Q: You have shown a lot of improvement in the past year. Is there an area of your game that you have focused on, and what has changed that has made you better in the past year?
A: I have dedicated myself to being a winner. My will to win has always been there and I have become dedicated to being more mature and improving.
Q: What aspect of your game needs the most work?
A: My low post game, my jump shot, man to man defense and the most important thing is getting stronger.
Q: You have gotten stronger, you are definitely getting there. What type of role do you envision yourself playing in NBA?
A: Playing with energy and giving effort and everything else will come.
Q: Who is your biggest role model?
A: My older brother Sandro.
Q: Is there an NBA player you model your game after?
A: Marcus Camby. I also like Kevin Durant it's ok.
Q: What about Joakim Noah?
A: Yes. Actually people have said that. Also Marcus Camby and Chris Anderson.
Q: Do you think another season in Madrid would benefit you? Or would you like to go to the NBA right away?
A: I feel that I am ready but it's up to the NBA team to decide where I can become better.
Q: What are some of your interests outside of basketball?
A: Futbol. And keeping in touch with my friends and family in Brazil.
Q: When is the last time you went home?
A: July of last year.
