Hornets.com 1-on-1: Portland’s Rudy Fernandez
By: Jonathan Diedrich, Hornets.com
November 14, 2008
Hornets.com chatted with Portland Trail Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez prior to Friday’s Western Conference matchup at the New Orleans Arena. The native of Spain is one of four high-profile Blazers rookies and is off to a great start in his first NBA season:
Hornets.com: What differences have you seen in NBA style of play vs. the European game?
Fernandez: It’s the same style to me. Here in the NBA the game is faster, more physical and the defense is more aggressive.
Hornets.com: Did any members of your family of friends make the trip overseas to be with you during your rookie season?
Fernandez: For the first month my mom was with me, but now I live by myself.
Hornets.com: What players did you follow growing up in Spain?
Fernandez: In the NBA, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Larry Johnson.
Hornets.com: With NBA players now leaving for Europe, why did you decide to come over at this time?
Fernandez: My dream was to play in the NBA. Playing in Portland this year is going to be a great opportunity for me. They have great young players and it should be a great experience for me.
Hornets.com: Do you think Ricky Rubio is ready for the NBA?
Fernandez: I think he is intelligent for his position. I think he needs to improve more on his offense. I think in two or three more years he will be great.
Hornets.com: Most people don’t know that your sister played in the WNBA. Tell us a little about her.
Fernandez: Marta is a very good player. She was the first one to come over to the U.S. (from our family) and play in Los Angeles (for the Sparks). Maybe she’ll come back to L.A. another time, but she was a great example for me.
Hornets.com: What is your favorite food?
Fernandez: Pizza or pasta
Hornets.com: What is your favorite website?
Fernandez: I don’t have a favorite but I like to look up Spanish news and movies.