Mike took the time to respond to some questions and comments during King's training camp to answer some questions as he prepares for the upcoming season.
From Tina in Folsom:
I don't have a question, just wanted to welcome you to Sac, home of the Greatest Show on Court and the LOUDEST fans in the NBA. The Bibby Bandwagon is rolling strong here already. Fasten your seatbelt, Mike, you're in for the ride of your life. GO KINGS!!!!!
Tina, I'm looking forward to it!
- Mike
From Kate, 25, in Vancouver:
You must be so excited about the 2001/02 season. For the first time in your NBA career you will have the opportunity to really showcase your massive talent. I think that the Kings have a real shot at the championship now that they have your dependable skills. I live in Vancouver and I am really going to miss having an NBA team and going to games but I am happy for you that you have the chance to move your career to the next level. You are going to be so exciting to watch this year. Good luck Mike, I am a huge fan
Thanks Kate, I am really excited about this season. Believe it or not, a little bit nervous too.
- Mike
From Vernon, 18, in Vancouver:
I know its tough to answer this before the season's started, but do you think Chris Webber will be the best player you've ever played with so far in your career? And do you think a combo of Chris and yourself can be similiar to a Stockton/Malone combination?
Hi Vernon,
I think C-Webb is a great player and one of the best I'll ever get the chance to run with. As for the Stockton/Malone comparison, I can only hope that we become similar to them. Who wouldn't want to be compared to two future Hall of Famers.
- Mike
From Inderjit K, 14, from Abbotsford:
I have watched u play for over 2 years and u have amazed me, being traded probably one of the most amazing moments of ur life, to finally know u will be recognized for ur great talent. I wanna start off by saying u r one of the best NBA players around. You have a lot of talent which ppl havent seen because u were not in a playoff team, but now that u r in Sacremento, I think u and Webber will be the stars of ur team! I will be coming to Sacremento to watch one of ur games hopefully in 2002, crossing my fingers. My question is, because u havent been to the playoffs, how will u prepare ur game mentally and physically? Will u change anything from ur usual routine? Thanks a lot and hope to see u in Sacremento......GO KINGS!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the compliments Inderjit. I'm excited about being on a team that has a great chance to get in the playoffs and go deep. My preparations for the season happens in the summertime. I feel that I worked very hard this summer and I feel very prepared.
- Mike
From Jordan Magette,
Hey Mike, I know that you and Michael Dickerson became really close once he was traded to Vancouver in 1999. I know that because you two played together in University it was easier for you two to bond on and off the court. Now that you two are playing for different teams will you two still remain friends, and does this upset you in any way? Also, what changes will you have to make playing with your new team?
Hi Jordan,
Mike D. is one of my good friends. We both had busy summers, so I didn't get to see him much. I'm looking forward to seeing him when we play his team this season.
- Mike
From Stephanie Campos, in Maple Ridge:
Hi Mike. I just wanted to say that I am a huge fan of yours. I have been a fan of yours since you first started playing for the grizzlies. I am very happy you are playing for Sacramento because they are my favorite team and you are my favorite player so it just makes things easier! I wanted to thank you because on April first when you played Utah Jazz this year you threw your wristband at the end of the game and I got it and it was one of the best days of my life. Any ways, I was wondering what kind of music you listen to and who your favorite singer is? Also who is your favorite NBA star of all time?
Stephanie, I'm glad you got the wristbands. I listen to rap. I don't have a favorite singer. My favorite player of all time is Michael Jordan.
- Mike
From Janelle Roger, 13:
Hey Mike,
I am one or you biggest fans and I followed all of your NBA career, I am really excited about you playing on the Kings because they are my favorite team. Anyways, my question is, how did you feel playing on a team that wasn't very good at all and how did you fell when everyone at Vancouver was trashing you? I really admire you for sticking with Vancouver like that.
Janelle, it's hard when you're not winning a lot of your games, but you just have to keep trying your best. I didn't pay much attention the trashers, because there were a lot of positive people out there who supported us.
- Mike
From Joyce Radobenko, 15, in Yuba City:
Hi Mike,
I just went through surgery on both of my shoulders because the ligaments were loose and so they could slip out of socket easy. So they surgically "tightened them." I don't know if you have had major injuries or surgeries, but my question is how do I motivate myself to getting back to basketball. I am totally determined to play in November and my doctor thinks it will be fine but how is a good way to keep your spirits up? I love basketball so much and I love playing so it has been hard not playing but if you could just give me some advice or encouragement that would be great! Thanks for your time. This is really cool that you do this for you fans!
Thanks for your support Joyce, and I hope you have a full recovery. Once you get the go ahead from your doctors, you should chase your dreams with all your might. Good luck.
- Mike
From Sang Lee:
Have you and Mike D hungout this summer? If so, what kinda things do you guys do besides ball?
Mike D. and I didn't see each other much this summer, but when we did, we either played ball, got a bit to eat or played video games.
- Mike
From Dave Slape, 25, in Tucson:
Mike,
I am definitely one of your biggest fans. I remember first hearing about you when you came down to Tucson to play Salpointe in a regular season high school basketball game and that you would be playing basketball at Arizona. I have always been a sports fan but never really had a favorite player until I saw the greatness of your game, and as dickey v. said it after your made a jump shot in the tournament against Kansas, "Bibby's got ice water flowing through his veins." Well I became one of your biggest fans. My question to u would be, do you have any regrets about leaving school early? I know all the Arizona basketball fans were praying you would stay another season, I know I was. My other question would be, how was college life for you down here? Did u enjoy it ? I know if I had the opportunity to got to the U of A I would definitely enjoy it. Well I hope to hear from you soon and I am looking into getting tickets to a suns, kings game sometime in December.
I have no regrets about leaving school early Dave. I love what I'm doing now. I enjoyed my life in Tucson, but my dream was always to play in the NBA. I hope you get some tickets. See ya,
- Mike
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