Meet the GM : Episode 2

[Cyrisnyte]

In our next interview, we connect with RiotPunch, the GM of the Hornets!

1. What got you interested in basketball?



My Dad. He got me into sports as soon as I could comprehend words. I spent my whole childhood and teenage years going to Wisconsin Badger basketball games with him and I idolized the players (Duany "Doc" Duany, Mike Kelley, Jon Bryant, etc.). Him and my Grandpa even built me a regulation size backboard and rim in the unfinished part of my basement so I could hone in on my skills at an early age. That gave me a head start on a lot of my peers, which I am thankful for.

2. If you ever played basketball, what level did you play to?

I played all throughout school, my final game as a senior in High School. I made All-Conference for the first time as a sophomore and started ever since. I got offered to play at UW-Whitewater, but decided to go to UW-Milwaukee instead. Had intentions of trying out for the practice squad, but became an alcoholic instead.

3. If you played, what position did you play and comment on your style of play?

In High School I played 1-3, most commonly playing the 3. I was a great slasher/defender and had to guard the opponent's best every night. I was a streaky shooter, but when I was on, say goodnight. Some gyms in particular I just couldn't miss in. I miss those days.

4. What is your favorite NBA team and why?



My Milwaukee Bucks. I'm from Wisconsin and am loyal to my teams. It has been a rough time remaining loyal to the Bucks, but it's finally starting to pay off now that we have The Greek Freak, Jabari Parker and Middleton. Future looks bright!

5. What has been your favorite moment ever in the NBA?



Not a particular moment, but damn I was so enthralled with those Bulls/Jazz finals. I still go back a watch them on Youtube sometimes, just to hear that NBA on NBC theme and see Jordan, Pippen, Stockton, Malone all warming up. Gives me chills. That's when the NBA was at it's best, IMO.

6. Name your starting 5 (All-Time) in the NBA.

Magic Johnson
Michael Jordan
LeBron James
Tim Duncan
Lew Alcindor

Feel bad leaving out Bird, Wilt, and The Big O, but there it is.

7. If you could be the GM of another CSL team which would it be and why?



Bucks. Simply because they are my Bucks. Doesn't hurt that they have LeBron also.

8. What player do you enjoy the most in the CSL and why?

AD. Dude is just a monster across the board.

9. What player has disappointed you the most in the CSL and why?

Marcus Smart. I was so psyched about acquiring him, and he just didn't work out. Also, Giannis, because he is so much shittier than his real life counterpart.

10. What one statistic do you look at the most when considering a trade and why?

Drive stop percentage, I guess. Lots of factors, but you can't have a team full of defensive sieves.

11. What would be the theme song for your team this year?



Gettin' Jiggy (Wiggy) Wit It - Will Smith

12. Who is in the CSL Championship this year and who wins it all?

Pelicans / Pistons with the Pelicans winning in 6.

Thanks again to RiotPunch for providing us with a look inside of the GM of the Hornets.

[Sun Scorched]

Dude. 90's basketball was insane. I grew up a Barkley/KJ//Majerle Suns fan.

People think I'm crazy when I say that Barkley could take LeBron in a one v one game. But I'm for real. The guy beat Jordan for MVP and people forget that, plus, players in the 90's just had an extra edge, you know?

[KW]

I wish I was 10 years older so I could've enjoyed 90s ball. Of course the Jordan era, but so many other highly interesting teams. I wasn't even around for the first three peat and was way too young to know anything about the second three peat

[WillyJakkz]

Haha great interview and yeah Barkley was such a beast and freak of nature...completely dominating at his height, could shoot, drive, dribble, JUMP, pass, had power, was tough, could do it all. The first guy I ever saw block a shot by catching it out of the air (on Ron Harper).

[8time]

Pretty cool

[RiotPunch]

Thanks for doing these, man! It was a fun way for me to kill some time at work.

[Chilikonkarne]

Cool interview - loved the Bucks when they had their big 3 : Cassell-Allen-Robinson

[OneNole]

Cool interview - loved the Bucks when they had their big 3 : Cassell-Allen-Robinson

Hated those Bucks and George Karl then. I did Sam Cassell, but hated the rest.... I actually agree with most things you said Riot.

[Rizzo]

It definitely is a great time to be a fan of the Bucks. They have a promising young core that should bring them out of the depths of the East. I can't wait to see what happens if Maker develops as well. Scary youth and length!

Wisconsin basketball?!?

[andrei]

Loving the interview - well done Riot and Jeff

[hardenwithnod]

Good stuff, 90's was definitely insane times for basketball.

[blackice]

Awesome read and some insight into a great GM and a great guy. Happy your Bucks are good again, what a team to follow. Giannis is gonna run the league in a year or two, but Parker is the guy I like watching the most.