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Joakim Noah was one of four 2007 NBA Draft prospects working out at Target
Center in front of the Wolves brass on Wednesday afternoon. After showing
everyone that rumors of his extremely intense work-rate were true, he sat
down to address the assembled media.
Q: On his draft workout experience thus far:
Noah: This is like a dream come true. Everybody wants to play in the NBA,
especially when you play basketball, and this is like a dream come true. I'm
really happy about what we did at Florida, but now it's time to move on and
live the dream. I think that right now (I can't) take anything for granted
and just enjoy this process, even though it's hard and we work hard and
you're tired all the time, and you're going from city to city to showcase
your skills. I feel like I'm living a dream. I'm living a dream and I'm just
so excited to be in this situation right now and I can't wait for the draft
in New York City, my hometown.
Q: On his first draft workout:
Noah: This is my first (workout). We were actually in Orlando for pre-draft
and we didn't have to do much at all. All we had to do was a little of
testing here and there, but we haven't worked out in five or six days, and
when you're used to a routine where you're working out every day, I mean it
was kind of hard today. I definitely enjoyed it. Minnesota's a great place,
and I definitely had fun working out and just trying to get in shape and show
these guys what I can do.
Q: On his decision to turn pro this year rather than last year, and instead
of next year, and whether others should model his decisions:
Noah: I don't recommend anything to nobody. I felt like I followed my heart.
I have no regrets in my life. I feel like I've made a great decision; a
decision that made history and I'm very happy about that. I feel like last
year was priceless it doesn't matter how much money was involved. I feel like
what we did was special and something that I'll never forget for the rest of
my life.
Q: On if he is surprised about the situation of former University of Florida
head coach Billy Donovan:
Noah: Surprised? Definitely. I was definitely surprised. I was 100-percent
sure he was definitely going to stay at Florida, but I feel like Orlando
definitely gave him a great situation and I'm sure it all happened really
fast for him. But regardless of what happens, it's his life; it's his
decision. Everybody has a lot of opinions, but it's his life and he's going
to have to make the best decision for himself and follow his heart. I was in
a little bit of the same situation last year where I had a big decision to
make, and regardless of what happens I love him to death. He's like another
father figure to me and regardless of what happens, it doesn't affect our
relationship.
Q: On whether Donovan would make a good NBA coach:
Noah: I think he would be a great coach wherever he is, because he's so
passionate about the game and for his love of the game and for his passion to
win.
Q: On his NCAA tournament experience in Minneapolis in 2006:
Noah: We got some good memories out here. Beating two of the Big East
powerhouses, in Georgetown and Villanova, in Minneapolis a couple of years
ago; some of my greatest memories at the University of Florida, it got us to
the Final Four. It's really cold out here, especially during that time, but
it's a lot of love. I love it out here; a lot of Swedish people, I'm half
Swedish, and it looks a lot like Sweden, and especially at this time of year.
It's a beautiful place. I haven't seen too much of it, but I like the spirit,
I like the atmosphere.
Q: On the possibility of playing for the Timberwolves:
Noah: I would love to play (in Minnesota). Kevin Garnett has been one of my
favorite players growing up and just being able to play against him and get
better, that would almost be like a dream come true. Right now, what's weird
about this situation is it's not like college where you have a decision to go
where you want to go. Anybody can pick you and those are things that you
can't control. So, as a player, all I can do is play hard everyday and
showcase my skills, and then hopefully somebody will like me.
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