Jahlil Okafor Quotes

There are guys like Chance the Rapper; I’m a big fan of his.

Of course, in college, you’re traveling, especially when you’re with Duke basketball, but in the NBA, it’s on a whole entire level.

I think from losing my mother, I appreciate having good people around me.

I set really high expectations.

It’s nice to be able to go against bigger guys and be able to bang.

I like playing in the post, so a system that plays to my strengths is important.

I’ve had a lot of struggles in the NBA, so to have some type of success, it just feels good, and makes you want more.

I was a big sweet-tea guy.

The games are really long when you’re not out there.

You have half a second to make your mind up to know if you’re going to shoot, pass, drive. Don’t hold the ball too long, and make your decision quick.

Ever since third grade – I never even noticed it until after the game – people were telling me how crazy my dad is. I think I’m so locked in when I’m playing on the floor, I only hear him maybe during timeouts or when we’re up 20 or 30 and I’m on the bench. But when I’m in the game, I don’t hear him.

I think, yeah, Chicago is the best basketball city in America.

Shaquille O’Neal was probably my favorite athlete growing up. I loved how dominant and unstoppable he was, but also his charisma off the court. He was someone I gravitated toward.

I’m a big fan of black uniforms.

I can play with my back to the basket, but I can face up as well.

You see a lot of guys in the NBA make dumb mistakes.

I’ve been working on all my aspects of my game.

I always knew I wanted to be in the NBA and play myself in a video game. That was my goal when I was a kid.

Being in the city of New Orleans, meeting the people, it’s been nothing but hospitality and a lot of love.

Around sixth or seventh grade, I fell in love with Tim Duncan and his all-around game. That’s when I started watching him. Then my father introduced me to Hakeem Olajuwon. Those were the two guys I modeled my game after.

Coming out of college, I got a lot of notoriety for being the old-school center.

I’d like to win Rookie of the Year.

My main focus, my pride is right there on the block. That’s where I’ve always played and my focus has always been.

People in New Orleans have been so supportive of me and the team. I love walking around here, because the people have been great.

That’s one of things I’ve heard about Brooklyn – how good they are at developing players.

I’m definitely used to being the centerpiece of a team.

I wasn’t always a willing passer.

I get that every game. High school. At Duke. When I do the introductions, I get a little butterflies. Once I step on the floor, I’m fine.

There’s three banners I want to hang – ACC regular championship, ACC tournament championship, and, of course, the national championship.

Playing games and watching film, I’ve been able to see the improvements I can make and how much better I can be. It’s exciting to think about it.

I have a lot of eyes on me because of basketball, a lot of young people looking up to me. It’s made me grow up faster.

I’m just trying to get better each game.

I became a better talker on the floor, being at Duke, being in leadership with Coach K, and I think I got better defensively as the season progressed.

When I found out that I’d been traded to Brooklyn – it was pretty much the best feeling in the world.

I’ve always been a Kobe fan; he’s one of my favorite players.

I definitely want to play for a school that throws the ball in the post.

I want good players around me because it’s all about winning.

I’ve always been the tallest guy in my age group, which always made me go right down in the post.

There’s a lot of pride I have coming from Chicago because so many great players have done so many great things in the league. I definitely want to keep that tradition going. So yeah, I want to represent Chicago in the best light possible.

I definitely feel like I’m the scapegoat for a lot of The Process issues.

My father has his master’s degree. My uncle does as well.

I try to make really close bonds with people.

It feels good when your teammates are telling you on the bench that they’re hyped.

I don’t want to say why I should be picked over somebody. I just want to say why I should be picked for any team.

Speeding obviously is illegal. I know that’s not what you’re supposed to do.

In college, when you lose one game as a top team, it’s like the end of the world.

My rookie season, I wore 8 because I had wanted 15, but it’s retired in Philadelphia. I had worn 15 in college.

One time, I palmed some medicine balls, just because people wanted to see if I could do it.