Exclusive Holiday Q&A with Got 'Em Coach
This blog has been our go-to for everything basketball related--from its hilarious commentary to its inspired images and photo selections, and we've got the exclusive Holiday Q&A with the author himself (a clutch move on our part, really). Find out what's on Neil P.'s wishlist, what he's looking forward to in 2012, and why his favorite Air Jordans are the IX's.
"Got 'Em Coach."
What's on your Christmas list this year?
Same thing as every year since I was 12: new basketball sneakers and the GI Joe aircraft carrier. Until I get those, my parents will receive the same hand-written list every single year.
Favorite memories from Christmases past? Notable games you've witnessed that took place on Christmas?
I'm a Lakers fan, which you'd think would mean big things for me as far as NBA memories on Christmas Day. However, I'm a miserable loser. Not in the colloquial sense. I mean, I get in such bad moods when my favorite team loses. I'd rather my team never lose than win a championship. When the Lakers play on Christmas day, they play big rivals (Shaq, the Celtics, LeBron), and I can barely watch for fear they'll lose, and I'll hate everyone and everything for the remainder of the evening.
What are you looking forward to in 2012?
I'm looking forward to the Lakers last run at a title with Kobe as the #1 option. He's a warrior, so I'm certain he'll be as fiery as ever, but it should be interesting to see how much he acquiesces into secondary role to let others shine as he slowly dips into the twilight of his career. I'm also hoping Manny Pacquiao finally gets a shot at Floyd Mayweather. If you think I get nervous watching the Lakers play the Celtics, wait until Manny and Floyd meet. My blood pressure will be 600/250.
Where do you draw your inspirations from?
From my close friends. I have a tight group of friends, and no matter what we're doing, listening to or watching, we always try to make each other laugh. I enjoy everything more when we're making jokes. I want my site to make the game of basketball more entertaining. Everyone who writes about sports acts like they know more than us, the readers. Fact of the matter is, almost every last one of us failed at playing sports professionally. I don't act like I know more about basketball than anyone else. I just want to entertain you, like I'm entertaining my friends.
Who are your favorite athletes? (Past & Present)
It's probably a tie. Magic Johnson is my favorite basketball player, and has been since I can remember, however, Manny Pacquiao has quickly tied him. Quite frankly, Magic would have no shot at competing with Manny for my affection, except he reminds me of my childhood.
Which pair are your favorite Jordans and why?
Easy. Air Jordan IX. White and black. When I first saw those, I thought they were from the future. The IX's were released at the peak of my (humble) playing career. I wanted them so badly, but the stores were all sold out. I wear a size 13. I bought a size 10, and jammed me feet into them. They hurt so bad, I couldn't wear them onto the court. Ended up just wearing them for special occasions, and bought the black and charcoal colorways to play in.
What's the best thing about your contributions to "Got 'Em Coach"?
I hope the best thing about my site is that the content you see on Got 'Em, you're only going to get on Got 'Em. I hope the site is as close to original as you can get. I work with that goal in mine. I want fans to watch games and think to themselves, "I can't wait to see what Got 'Em did with this moment from the game."
Special Holiday message to your fans/followers?
Merry merry! Happy this. Happy that. Whatever your holiday, I hope it's top shelf this season. And remember one thing, when life hands you lemons, just throw them away, because most people can't effectively use lemons.
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Photo courtesy of Got 'Em Coach
