Brian Smith: Interview with Miller

[Nikolokolus]

http://columbian.com/article/20091214/BLOGS05/912149994/-1/blazerbanter

I like him more the more Brian Smith writes about him.

On how he feels in the offense:

I feel fine. I understand you have to be patient as a point guard coming into a new system. You don't want to be patient too long, as far as wanting to run a team. That's a coach's decision. I support that. For me, I'm going to support the players. I think this is a time, we don't want to split up as a team, separate.

On the offense:

It's a struggle. We could point to a lot of things. But right now, it's not even really our offense. It's our defense. The games that we have lost, the teams are shooting high percentages and not allowing us to play easy basketball. So, when teams score the ball and do it easy, it makes it harder on the offense. So, if we can figure out our defense and get back to controlling teams and not letting them get over 100 points, then we'll be all right.

On playing late in the shot clock:

But that happens at times. This is a first for Brandon. He takes a lot of pressure on his shoulders, and we don't want him to do that. I think we've just go to continue to stick together. It's an injured team right now, it's a hurt team. So we just can't take it upon ourselves. We've got to relieve pressure out of everybody and figure out ways to get easy baskets, create easy baskets, whether it's forcing turnovers, the energy, all that stuff.

On staying positive:

I'm staying positive because I like this team. Regardless, you're going to have ups and downs in your career. Situations that you have to learn to adjust to. And I'm not the type of guy that's going to walk away from a situation 'cause it ain't going my way. I'm going to take it as a challenge and adjust to it. I don't open my mouth. I just observe. And when the time is to step out and get it going, then that's what happens.

Imagine that a beat writer who doesn't stir up shit, but still manages to get one of the most reclusive and closed off players in the league to open up.

 

[alex42083]

That last quote by him about staying positive is a real nice thing to hear. He seems to want to be here, although he may not openly show it. And he's not one to quit just because things aren't working out for him like he expected. Good stuff. Too bad we weren't healthy, and able to actually show how good we can be.