WEBVTT 00:00.000 --> 00:02.669 (female announcer)  Production funding    for "Sports Files" is 00:02.669 --> 00:04.571  made possible in part by.. 00:04.571 --> 00:07.507 (male narrator)  Infiniti of Memphis has    moved to Germantown road 00:07.507 --> 00:10.143  just half mile north of   Wolfchase Galleria and is proud 00:10.143 --> 00:13.347  to support W-K-N-O for its   quality broadcasting and service 00:13.347 --> 00:14.314  to our community. 00:14.314 --> 00:16.583  Quality and service --   No wonder Infiniti of Memphis 00:16.583 --> 00:21.588  feels at   home on W-K-N-O. 00:27.327 --> 00:30.197 My guest today on "Sports Files" is Memphis Grizzlies guard 00:30.197 --> 00:31.932 Nick Calathes. 00:31.932 --> 00:48.615 [theme music] 00:48.615 --> 00:51.018 The Memphis Grizzlies are one of many N-B-A teams that rely 00:51.018 --> 00:53.553 heavily on numbers and data to make plenty 00:53.553 --> 00:55.455 of their basketball decisions. 00:55.455 --> 00:57.624 It's actually something they call analytics. 00:57.624 --> 00:59.993 The data is used to determine everything from matchup 00:59.993 --> 01:02.362 advantages to who should be drafted. 01:02.362 --> 01:05.666 And speaking of numbers, since the All-Star Break guard 01:05.666 --> 01:10.003 Nick Calathes ranks third in the N-B-A with 2.6 steals per game. 01:10.003 --> 01:13.740 Calathes has accomplished this despite playing only 14 and a 01:13.740 --> 01:14.741 half minutes per game. 01:14.741 --> 01:18.145 And of the top seven players in steals per contest since the 01:18.145 --> 01:22.616 All-Star Break, all besides Calathes are playing at least 31 01:22.616 --> 01:24.251 minutes per contest. 01:24.251 --> 01:26.253 With that type of defensive production, 01:26.253 --> 01:28.889 Head Coach Dave Joerger is not afraid to use his second year 01:28.889 --> 01:31.258 point guard in key situations. 01:31.258 --> 01:34.227 And knowing he is firmly a part of the team's rotation, 01:34.227 --> 01:36.897 Calathes is playing with added confidence. 01:36.897 --> 01:39.366 Today the former Florida standout joins me to talk about 01:39.366 --> 01:42.369 his role with the Grizzlies and the team's chances of going 01:42.369 --> 01:43.704 all the way. 01:43.704 --> 01:47.274 He also reflects back on his 20 game N-B-A suspension and how he 01:47.274 --> 01:50.243 hopes to play the rest of his pro career in the N-B-A, 01:50.243 --> 01:52.612 despite overtures to return to Greece, 01:52.612 --> 01:55.148 where he holds a dual citizenship 01:55.148 --> 01:56.149 with the United States. 01:56.149 --> 01:58.251 Nick Calathes is next on "Sports Files." 01:58.251 --> 02:08.862 [theme music] 02:08.862 --> 02:09.863 Good to see you again. 02:09.863 --> 02:10.764 Thanks so much for your time. 02:10.764 --> 02:11.698 It's good to see you, my man. 02:11.698 --> 02:12.699 Thank you for having me. 02:12.699 --> 02:15.635 Let's talk about the start to the post all-star game portion 02:15.635 --> 02:16.636 of the schedule. 02:16.636 --> 02:17.638 A little slow. 02:17.638 --> 02:20.007 I know you've won some ballgames but I know Coach Joerger's not 02:20.007 --> 02:22.843 exactly pleased with the way you guys have played. 02:22.843 --> 02:25.646 Why the slow start out of the gate to start the second half? 02:25.646 --> 02:28.382 Um, I think, you know, obviously coming back from such 02:28.382 --> 02:29.383 a long break. 02:29.383 --> 02:33.553 You know, we had six, seven days off and it's tough to get back 02:33.553 --> 02:34.654 in to a little rhythm. 02:34.654 --> 02:39.326 And I think it's going to take a couple of games to get back but, 02:39.326 --> 02:42.062 um, I thought, uh, you know, we're getting it back, 02:42.062 --> 02:44.064 I think, the last couple of two games. 02:44.064 --> 02:45.866 And, uh, we're getting better. 02:45.866 --> 02:47.868 It's a daunting second half schedule. 02:47.868 --> 02:50.203 And again, I say second half but the bulk of your games were 02:50.203 --> 02:52.205 played before the all-star game. 02:52.205 --> 02:55.075 The post all-star game portion, a lot of back to backs. 02:55.075 --> 02:58.945 You opened up with, what? -- five games in seven nights 02:58.945 --> 03:00.881 and all of them in all different cities. 03:00.881 --> 03:02.883 Just one in Memphis on your home court. 03:02.883 --> 03:04.451 So, that's tough, isn't it? 03:04.451 --> 03:06.486 On an athlete to have to travel that much and have to 03:06.486 --> 03:07.587 play in different arenas. 03:07.587 --> 03:08.588 Oh, for sure. 03:08.588 --> 03:11.358 It's definitely tough and obviously a lot of traveling, 03:11.358 --> 03:12.359 like you said. 03:12.359 --> 03:14.694 And then, like before, you know, coming back from an all-star 03:14.694 --> 03:16.897 break where you really didn't do much, 03:16.897 --> 03:19.566 you know, to keep up the rhythm that we had 03:19.566 --> 03:21.501 before the all-star break. 03:21.501 --> 03:23.503 And, you know, we got to get it back. 03:23.503 --> 03:26.073 And I think the past couple of practices have been really good. 03:26.073 --> 03:28.608 And I feel like we're catching up. 03:28.608 --> 03:32.579 What do you think overall about this team? 03:32.579 --> 03:34.815 You had a tremendous pre all-star game. 03:34.815 --> 03:37.617 Of course in your schedule, you guys certainly had one of the 03:37.617 --> 03:39.786  better records in   all of the N-B-A. 03:39.786 --> 03:42.456  Third best,   second best in the West. 03:42.456 --> 03:44.458  With what you   see out there, Nick, 03:44.458 --> 03:47.227  how good are you guys and how   good can you be when it comes to 03:47.227 --> 03:48.228  the post season? 03:48.228 --> 03:49.663 (Nick)  I think we could be great. 03:49.663 --> 03:51.665  I think, you know,   obviously the sky is the limit. 03:51.665 --> 03:53.900  I think we still   haven't shown what we can do, 03:53.900 --> 03:55.735 all of us when we're rolling. 03:55.735 --> 03:58.538 And I feel like, if we get to the point, 03:58.538 --> 04:00.774 I feel like no team in the N-B-A can beat us. 04:00.774 --> 04:03.877 And, you know, we have a great chemistry with one another on 04:03.877 --> 04:05.045 and off the court. 04:05.045 --> 04:08.181 Your game has really risen a level, 04:08.181 --> 04:10.517 especially late with the way you're playing defense. 04:10.517 --> 04:12.986 Have you always prided yourself in playing the defense? 04:12.986 --> 04:16.556 I think I started when I went overseas. 04:16.556 --> 04:19.893 I thought that's when I really started to focus on defense and 04:19.893 --> 04:22.496 I think it just picked up from there. 04:22.496 --> 04:25.599 I think in high school and college I thought I could have 04:25.599 --> 04:27.601 probably played better defense and focused it more 04:27.601 --> 04:29.169 on the defensive end. 04:29.169 --> 04:33.073 But I feel like I started really playing when I got to Europe. 04:33.073 --> 04:37.377 (Greg)  It's a fine line between   playing really good defense and 04:37.377 --> 04:38.545  gambling too much. 04:38.545 --> 04:41.615  You're obviously   very effective in steals 04:41.615 --> 04:43.416  and turning teams over. 04:43.416 --> 04:45.218  And again,   it's a team. 04:45.218 --> 04:47.320  With Tony Allen and   Mike Conley, yourself, 04:47.320 --> 04:51.158  others that like to gamble   but gamble when it's a high 04:51.158 --> 04:53.160 percentage for you guys to get the steal. 04:53.160 --> 04:56.496 Talk about that, the philosophy of trying to turn 04:56.496 --> 04:57.531 the other team over. 04:57.531 --> 05:00.901 Like you said, gambling without a purpose, 05:00.901 --> 05:02.068 you can't do that. 05:02.068 --> 05:05.071 Because you're putting your teammates in a bad situation to 05:05.071 --> 05:06.072 have your back. 05:06.072 --> 05:08.074 And I think, you know, if you go for a steal, 05:08.074 --> 05:11.511 I feel like, you know, you dang near should have it. 05:11.511 --> 05:17.284 But I feel like if you're pushing the tempo and you're 05:17.284 --> 05:22.622 making teams, you know, take bad shots and really pressure in to 05:22.622 --> 05:27.828 teams, I think then you can really put the up tempo on their 05:27.828 --> 05:29.429 part and then turn them over. 05:29.429 --> 05:31.731 And I feel like that's what we're good at. 05:31.731 --> 05:33.967 I feel like, you know, obviously Mike Conley and Tony, 05:33.967 --> 05:39.172 they can make guys, you know, I guess over-react and push them 05:39.172 --> 05:42.809  to a point where they   don't want to be pushed. 05:42.809 --> 05:44.811 (Greg)  Have you learned   a lot from those guys? 05:44.811 --> 05:47.614 (Nick)  Yeah, watching them   for the last year and a half, 05:47.614 --> 05:49.549  I think I really learned a lot. 05:49.549 --> 05:51.551 You know, how they use their angles, 05:51.551 --> 05:52.886 how they use their length. 05:52.886 --> 05:56.056 Well, obviously not Mike but Mike's speed 05:56.056 --> 05:57.224 and how he uses speed. 05:57.224 --> 06:01.461 It really frustrates their opponent. 06:01.461 --> 06:02.462 You're in the rotation now. 06:02.462 --> 06:03.463 You're getting your minutes. 06:03.463 --> 06:05.465 Earlier in the season, obviously you weren't. 06:05.465 --> 06:07.467 We'll talk about that more in a second. 06:07.467 --> 06:10.370 But knowing that you're going to get minutes seemingly every 06:10.370 --> 06:12.939 game, a lot different feeling than when you weren't sure when 06:12.939 --> 06:14.941 you were going to come in to the game. 06:14.941 --> 06:15.942 Right? 06:15.942 --> 06:17.944 It's a lot different knowing that you're going to be on the 06:17.944 --> 06:19.946 court and you know you're going to get time. 06:19.946 --> 06:22.415 I feel like it's not so inconsistent. 06:22.415 --> 06:24.784 You know, being out and not knowing when you're going to 06:24.784 --> 06:26.786 play, it's, you know, a roller coaster. 06:26.786 --> 06:27.787 You don't know. 06:27.787 --> 06:29.789 You don't know when you're going to be out there. 06:29.789 --> 06:30.790 And you don't know. 06:30.790 --> 06:31.791 It's tough to catch a rhythm. 06:31.791 --> 06:34.494 And I feel like now that I've been playing and hopefully 06:34.494 --> 06:35.495 I keep playing. 06:35.495 --> 06:38.531 I feel like I've gotten a rhythm and I'm more consistent. 06:38.531 --> 06:41.501 What has Coach Joerger said to you about how he's trying 06:41.501 --> 06:42.502 to utilize you? 06:42.502 --> 06:44.771 Just, you know, bring energy. 06:44.771 --> 06:47.874 Make the teammates better around you. 06:47.874 --> 06:49.209 You know, things like that. 06:49.209 --> 06:53.146 For the second unit, I feel like that we've really come in and 06:53.146 --> 06:56.983 bring up a defensive presence that not many second units 06:56.983 --> 06:57.984 can handle. 06:57.984 --> 06:59.986 And I think that's what's the best part about us. 06:59.986 --> 07:03.423 How tough was it for you to start the season 07:03.423 --> 07:05.258 on the suspended list? 07:05.258 --> 07:08.595 Obviously you had the summer to think about everything 07:08.595 --> 07:09.763 that went down. 07:09.763 --> 07:14.200 And then to just get back in to a rhythm with this team. 07:14.200 --> 07:16.202 It's obviously tough sitting out a lot, 07:16.202 --> 07:17.203 watching these guys play. 07:17.203 --> 07:19.205 Obviously they did very well without me. 07:19.205 --> 07:23.576 But just being at practices and locker room making sure they see 07:23.576 --> 07:28.415 me there, making sure they know that I'm all about the team. 07:28.415 --> 07:30.417 And then just, you know, getting to a rhythm like I said before. 07:30.417 --> 07:36.289 It's obviously tough, you know, sitting out in the first 13 07:36.289 --> 07:37.290 games and not playing. 07:37.290 --> 07:39.893 And then not playing for the first 30 games. 07:39.893 --> 07:41.695 It was difficult. 07:41.695 --> 07:44.097 But I always made myself ready. 07:44.097 --> 07:48.802 Worked out in the gym hard and when my time came, 07:48.802 --> 07:50.804 I wanted to take the opportunity and get it. 07:50.804 --> 07:53.573 There's no question that talent wins a lot of championships. 07:53.573 --> 07:56.009 But that talent has to be all on the same page. 07:56.009 --> 07:58.011 This is a team that has a lot of talented players, 07:58.011 --> 08:01.147 maybe doesn't get the accolades that some of the other teams do 08:01.147 --> 08:02.182 around the league. 08:02.182 --> 08:04.184 But the chemistry is incredible. 08:04.184 --> 08:06.186 Is it as good as what we think it is behind closed doors. 08:06.186 --> 08:07.887 Are you guys all that close? 08:07.887 --> 08:08.888 Yeah, for sure. 08:08.888 --> 08:11.624 You know, we all go out to eat after the games. 08:11.624 --> 08:14.561 We'll go out to eat on the road when we land. 08:14.561 --> 08:18.965 I feel like, you know, this team has probably been the closest 08:18.965 --> 08:19.966 team I've been around. 08:19.966 --> 08:23.770 You know, we can tell each other stuff that, 08:23.770 --> 08:25.772 you know, what we think will get them better. 08:25.772 --> 08:26.773 And they'll listen. 08:26.773 --> 08:30.777 And then obviously, you know, joking around 08:30.777 --> 08:31.778 and stuff like that. 08:31.778 --> 08:34.748 It's a lot of fun. 08:34.748 --> 08:35.749 It really is. 08:35.749 --> 08:37.751 (Greg)  Things we can't talk   about probably on the air. 08:37.751 --> 08:38.752 For sure. 08:38.752 --> 08:40.754  But when it's time to get   serious and when it's time to 08:40.754 --> 08:42.756  have each other's   backs, you know, 08:42.756 --> 08:43.757  we'll be ther   for each other. 08:43.757 --> 08:45.759 (Greg)  And you have   that veteran leadership. 08:45.759 --> 08:48.027  The guys have been together   for a long time with Z-Bo, 08:48.027 --> 08:50.030  with Marc,    with Tony and with Mike. 08:50.030 --> 08:52.065  You have that core unit   that leads this team. 08:52.065 --> 08:54.100 (Nick)  Yes, we've had those four guys, 08:54.100 --> 08:55.335  uh, have been through it. 08:55.335 --> 08:56.336  They've been through a lot. 08:56.336 --> 08:59.973  And, you know, they   obviously help guys like me, 08:59.973 --> 09:01.908 guys like, you know, Jordan Adams, 09:01.908 --> 09:04.310 things that guys haven't been there, 09:04.310 --> 09:07.080 and, you know, can teach us a lot. 09:07.080 --> 09:09.416 Nick, we know how good this team is defensively. 09:09.416 --> 09:11.418 And we've seen you improve over the last couple 09:11.418 --> 09:13.286 of years offensively. 09:13.286 --> 09:15.288 But I'll just ask you straight out. 09:15.288 --> 09:17.290 You know what's out there in the west. 09:17.290 --> 09:19.292 This is going to be a battle in the post season from round one 09:19.292 --> 09:20.293 all the way through. 09:20.293 --> 09:24.597 Do the Grizzlies have enough shooting to win it all? 09:24.597 --> 09:25.598 I believe so. 09:25.598 --> 09:27.267 I believe we really do. 09:27.267 --> 09:30.837 You know, guys like Courtney Lee, 09:30.837 --> 09:34.974 guys like, you know, Jeff Green, Mike Conley, Vince Carter. 09:34.974 --> 09:37.377 I think if you take Mike off the ball, 09:37.377 --> 09:41.347 I think it brings a whole 'nother game for us, 09:41.347 --> 09:43.349 you know, having another shooter out there. 09:43.349 --> 09:45.185 And I think we can. 09:45.185 --> 09:47.287 Obviously, you know, you've got to take shots in the play-offs, 09:47.287 --> 09:51.057 you know, and it's a more slowed down game, 09:51.057 --> 09:52.525 which I think it benefits us. 09:52.525 --> 09:54.160 It benefits our style. 09:54.160 --> 09:55.995 And I think obviously like you said, 09:55.995 --> 09:58.231 it's going to be a lot of battles every round, 09:58.231 --> 09:59.365 every game. 09:59.365 --> 10:00.900 And I think we're looking forward to it. 10:00.900 --> 10:04.471 Alright, let's talk about the other part of your career and 10:04.471 --> 10:06.973 that was, of course, playing overseas, 10:06.973 --> 10:09.142 playing in Greece, playing a year in Russia, 10:09.142 --> 10:11.744 being a part of the Greek National Team. 10:11.744 --> 10:13.746 You decided right out of Florida. 10:13.746 --> 10:15.815 You're one of the most heralded players coming out of college 10:15.815 --> 10:18.785 that year that you were going to go play overseas. 10:18.785 --> 10:20.787 Give me the reasons why even though you were 10:20.787 --> 10:21.788 a second round pick. 10:21.788 --> 10:23.790 No guarantees but you were drafted. 10:23.790 --> 10:25.792 So, what was your thought process? 10:25.792 --> 10:29.162 You know, my brother played over there for two years 10:29.162 --> 10:31.064 before I did in Greece. 10:31.064 --> 10:33.500 And, you know, I talked to him a lot. 10:33.500 --> 10:35.668 I played on the national team the two years 10:35.668 --> 10:37.337 before I left Florida. 10:37.337 --> 10:41.474 And, you know, they made a very big offer. 10:41.474 --> 10:44.244 And it was tough to turn down. 10:44.244 --> 10:46.646 It was tough to, you know. 10:46.646 --> 10:49.282 They didn't know if I was going to be late first 10:49.282 --> 10:50.517 or early second round. 10:50.517 --> 10:54.654 And, you know, I didn't have any guaranteed money on the table. 10:54.654 --> 10:58.458 And I thought, you know, I thought the team in 10:58.458 --> 11:00.393 Panathinaikos, which is in Greece, 11:00.393 --> 11:02.896 they just won the early title and they're the best team 11:02.896 --> 11:03.897 over there. 11:03.897 --> 11:05.899 So, I thought I could really learn a lot 11:05.899 --> 11:07.500 if I played over there. 11:07.500 --> 11:09.302 And, you know, so, I went. 11:09.302 --> 11:12.939 I took that chance and I thought I don't regret it at all. 11:12.939 --> 11:14.941 I thought it made me a better player. 11:14.941 --> 11:16.943 I thought I got to experience things that not many basketball 11:16.943 --> 11:19.979 players experience, the traveling to different 11:19.979 --> 11:21.247 countries, seeing the world. 11:21.247 --> 11:23.249 And, you know, I'm back here. 11:23.249 --> 11:28.821 And hopefully I can make the best of it here. 11:28.821 --> 11:29.822 And that's how it went. 11:29.822 --> 11:32.725 Well, you have dual citizenship in Greece. 11:32.725 --> 11:35.395 You not only played there but were very successful. 11:35.395 --> 11:36.396 So, you're right. 11:36.396 --> 11:37.397 You bettered your game. 11:37.397 --> 11:39.399 You certainly made a name for yourself. 11:39.399 --> 11:41.834 But I think it's probably every basketball player's dream to one 11:41.834 --> 11:43.169 day play in the Association. 11:43.169 --> 11:45.138 So, you get the chance. 11:45.138 --> 11:47.840 Obviously the Grizzlies got your rights from Dallas. 11:47.840 --> 11:48.908 You play. 11:48.908 --> 11:53.379 But then there was talk off season last this past summer 11:53.379 --> 11:54.847 that you wanted to go back. 11:54.847 --> 11:57.984 And I'm sure the money is more lucrative. 11:57.984 --> 11:59.986 The Grizzlies said they want to keep you. 11:59.986 --> 12:01.921 So, was there any animosity there? 12:01.921 --> 12:03.923 Once they said, "Listen, we're keeping you," 12:03.923 --> 12:05.291 was it, "Okay, I'm good. 12:05.291 --> 12:07.393 "I'm set, I'm ready to go. 12:07.393 --> 12:09.395 Let's move forward with the Grizzlies."? 12:09.395 --> 12:10.663 Yeah, I was 100% on board. 12:10.663 --> 12:13.132 Once they said that they want me, 12:13.132 --> 12:16.636 that they see a role for me to play here, 12:16.636 --> 12:20.039 I was 100% in to being here, playing for this team 12:20.039 --> 12:21.708 and helping them. 12:21.708 --> 12:24.477  And obviously I know what their   goals are and I know obviously 12:24.477 --> 12:25.478  we're a very good team. 12:25.478 --> 12:29.849  And I'm glad that obviously   I got the chance to do this. 12:29.849 --> 12:32.252  And hopefully I can do   it for many more years. 12:32.252 --> 12:33.720  I love playing   for these guys. 12:33.720 --> 12:36.723 (Greg)  Were you not sure if   your role was defined at first? 12:36.723 --> 12:38.958 And that's why you didn't know if you had the future. 12:38.958 --> 12:40.627 That's why you hesitated? 12:40.627 --> 12:42.629 You know, it was a lot of things. 12:42.629 --> 12:44.063 The suspension obviously. 12:44.063 --> 12:46.065 You know, I didn't know what they thought. 12:46.065 --> 12:48.434 You know, it was a whole bunch of things. 12:48.434 --> 12:52.538 And I think it was just to be honest with you, 12:52.538 --> 12:53.673 a big misunderstanding. 12:53.673 --> 12:57.243 And obviously once we worked it out and once, 12:57.243 --> 12:59.445 you know, I really talked to the people upstairs, 12:59.445 --> 13:02.348 I think everything was put to its place. 13:02.348 --> 13:04.350 And we moved on from right there. 13:04.350 --> 13:09.689 Was there much negative feedback from fans or anybody, 13:09.689 --> 13:12.125 fellow basketball players? 13:12.125 --> 13:14.293 Did they send you a text or e-mails? 13:14.293 --> 13:16.896 No, it was never any negative feedback. 13:16.896 --> 13:19.699 Obviously I think everyone was supportive obviously. 13:19.699 --> 13:23.136 There was a very dumb situation, what happened 13:23.136 --> 13:24.237 with the suspension. 13:24.237 --> 13:27.240 You know, I can't really talk about it but, you know. 13:27.240 --> 13:30.376 Yeah, it's behind me. 13:30.376 --> 13:34.013 And I'm glad I can help this team right now. 13:34.013 --> 13:36.749 Do you see one day down the road, 13:36.749 --> 13:40.386 maybe many years from now, that you play again in Greece 13:40.386 --> 13:42.021 or play in Europe? 13:42.021 --> 13:44.023 To be honest, I hope I stay here. 13:44.023 --> 13:46.025 My goal is to finish my career in N-B-A. 13:46.025 --> 13:48.728 Obviously the N-B-A is the best league there is. 13:48.728 --> 13:52.265 First class, you know, playing for these fans. 13:52.265 --> 13:56.936 Playing for, you know, I guess the toughest competition 13:56.936 --> 13:58.471 in the world. 13:58.471 --> 14:01.107 And I'm glad I'm here. 14:01.107 --> 14:03.176 My focus right now is to play here. 14:03.176 --> 14:05.178 I know they're glad to have you. 14:05.178 --> 14:08.047 What part of the game do you need to improve upon the most? 14:08.047 --> 14:09.749 I think right now my shooting. 14:09.749 --> 14:12.185 I think my shooting is the big thing. 14:12.185 --> 14:14.620 Make sure I can knock down a three. 14:14.620 --> 14:16.756 Obviously in Europe, it's a different line, 14:16.756 --> 14:17.957 the three point line. 14:17.957 --> 14:20.993 So, you know, I had to get used to it. 14:20.993 --> 14:24.030 But I feel like I'm working really hard at it 14:24.030 --> 14:25.231 and I'll get it. 14:25.231 --> 14:28.267 I mean, once I, you know, start knocking them down, 14:28.267 --> 14:29.402 I'll be fine. 14:29.402 --> 14:31.804 In high school, you played with Chandler Parsons, 14:31.804 --> 14:33.906 who you would go on and play with at Florida, right? 14:33.906 --> 14:34.907 (Nick)  Florida, yes sir. 14:34.907 --> 14:37.377 And you guys were 31 and 3 at Lake Howell, 14:37.377 --> 14:38.377 won a state championship. 14:38.377 --> 14:39.378 How good was that team? 14:39.378 --> 14:40.379 Unbelievable. 14:40.379 --> 14:42.982 We had me, Chandler. 14:42.982 --> 14:45.985 We had a kid named Joey Rodriguez who was the starting 14:45.985 --> 14:48.721 point guard for V-C-U when they went to the Final Four. 14:48.721 --> 14:50.490 So, we had a very strong team. 14:50.490 --> 14:53.960 And, you know, we went to the state championship three years 14:53.960 --> 14:55.962 before that and never won it. 14:55.962 --> 14:58.364 So, our senior year, we made sure we won it. 14:58.364 --> 15:00.800 And, you know, we won by I think 47 points. 15:00.800 --> 15:02.402 It was a make sure we.. 15:02.402 --> 15:06.105 We didn't want to be the Buffalo Bills or that kind of thing. 15:06.105 --> 15:08.541 So, we made sure that we took it. 15:08.541 --> 15:10.877 You took that success in high school to college. 15:10.877 --> 15:12.879 And it seemed like a natural for Florida. 15:12.879 --> 15:14.313 And it was for Billy Donavan. 15:14.313 --> 15:16.315 What was it like to play for Billy the Kid? 15:16.315 --> 15:20.119 The won two national championships not while you were 15:20.119 --> 15:22.522 there but in recent years. 15:22.522 --> 15:24.524 What was it like at Florida under Billy Donavan? 15:24.524 --> 15:25.525 It was great. 15:25.525 --> 15:27.527 He's, you know, I feel like a player's coach. 15:27.527 --> 15:30.163 He knows the game, has played professionally, 15:30.163 --> 15:34.667 played in the N-B-A, has one of the toughest work ethics that 15:34.667 --> 15:35.668 I've seen as a coach. 15:35.668 --> 15:39.305 He's always in the gym and it was great playing for him. 15:39.305 --> 15:42.875 And I'm glad I stayed home and played for him. 15:42.875 --> 15:44.977 And it was a great opportunity for me. 15:44.977 --> 15:46.479 Do you stay in touch with him? 15:46.479 --> 15:47.480 I do. 15:47.480 --> 15:49.482 I talk to him, you know, as much as I.. 15:49.482 --> 15:51.717 Not as much as I want to but, you know, 15:51.717 --> 15:54.220 I talk to him as much as I can. 15:54.220 --> 15:56.722 After he got the 500th win this past week, 15:56.722 --> 15:58.724 I texted him and told him congratulations 15:58.724 --> 15:59.792 and things like that. 15:59.792 --> 16:02.528 When you talk to a former coach, is it more 16:02.528 --> 16:03.629 about how they're doing? 16:03.629 --> 16:06.165 They ask how you're doing away from the game. 16:06.165 --> 16:08.167 Or is there something technical you'll ask 16:08.167 --> 16:09.435 about the game itself? 16:09.435 --> 16:11.671 I think it's more of, "How you doing, Coach? 16:11.671 --> 16:12.672 How's the team lookin'?" 16:12.672 --> 16:13.973 Things like that. 16:13.973 --> 16:18.311 I think, you know, he's focused on his season and I'm focused 16:18.311 --> 16:19.312 on my season. 16:19.312 --> 16:23.049 Obviously probably can't watch many Memphis Grizzlies games the 16:23.049 --> 16:25.051 same as I can't watch as many Florida games. 16:25.051 --> 16:27.687 So, it's how you doing and obviously I hope everything is 16:27.687 --> 16:29.689 going well with family and things like that. 16:29.689 --> 16:32.058 How fluent are you in speaking Greek? 16:32.058 --> 16:35.695 I feel like I can understand it if people talk to me. 16:35.695 --> 16:38.264 Me talking back, it's difficult. 16:38.264 --> 16:40.499 I've still got to learn a little bit more. 16:40.499 --> 16:43.536 But if people are speaking to me, 16:43.536 --> 16:46.239 I can get a sense of what they're talking about. 16:46.239 --> 16:48.307 So, if I ask you and put you on the spot to say, 16:48.307 --> 16:52.311 "The Memphis Grizzlies have a great shot 16:52.311 --> 16:54.914 to take it all the way," can you say it in Greek? 16:54.914 --> 16:58.150 No, that's why I have to go talk to Kosta Koufos and tell him 16:58.150 --> 16:59.452 to translate it. 16:59.452 --> 17:01.187 Kosta is fluent. 17:01.187 --> 17:03.556 You're in a league championship in 2011. 17:03.556 --> 17:04.857 What was that like? 17:04.857 --> 17:06.859 I mean, I know you haven't been a part 17:06.859 --> 17:07.860 of an N-B-A champion team. 17:07.860 --> 17:08.861 Hopefully that'll happen. 17:08.861 --> 17:10.863 But was it as crazy as you would imagine 17:10.863 --> 17:12.465 the N-B-A championship is like? 17:12.465 --> 17:13.599 It was wild. 17:13.599 --> 17:14.600 It was definitely.. 17:14.600 --> 17:17.069 I think it's up there. 17:17.069 --> 17:20.239 Obviously it's probably not the most prestigious 17:20.239 --> 17:21.908 as the N-B-A is. 17:21.908 --> 17:24.810 But, you know, over there in Europe, 17:24.810 --> 17:26.812 it's the biggest accomplishment. 17:26.812 --> 17:30.583 And, you know, you got a sell-out crowd of 17,000, 17:30.583 --> 17:32.251 18,000 people going crazy. 17:32.251 --> 17:36.789 And it was definitely one of the best moments of my basketball 17:36.789 --> 17:38.791 career probably so far, you know, 17:38.791 --> 17:40.893 to hold the trophy up and, to me, 17:40.893 --> 17:41.961 to be a big part of it. 17:41.961 --> 17:46.032 And I'm glad that obviously we could win it. 17:46.032 --> 17:48.034 Nick, you're off the hot seat but we're not done 17:48.034 --> 17:49.035 with the interview yet. 17:49.035 --> 17:51.037 We like to end all our interviews with something 17:51.037 --> 17:52.038 we call "Five for the Road." 17:52.038 --> 17:54.040 So, it's five questions, first thing that comes to mind. 17:54.040 --> 17:55.041 Alright. 17:55.041 --> 17:57.043 Favorite professional team, sports team? 17:57.043 --> 17:58.044 You can't say the Grizzlies. 17:58.044 --> 17:59.478 Denver Broncos. 17:59.478 --> 18:00.746 (Greg)  Why? 18:00.746 --> 18:02.882 Peyton Manning. 18:02.882 --> 18:04.550 Favorite pro-athlete? 18:04.550 --> 18:05.351 Would it be Peyton Manning? 18:05.351 --> 18:06.252 (Nick)  Peyton Manning. 18:06.252 --> 18:07.687 How about if it was an N-B-A player, 18:07.687 --> 18:09.622 all-time N-B-A player? 18:09.622 --> 18:10.556 Jason Williams. 18:10.556 --> 18:12.491 White chocolate, Jason Williams. 18:12.491 --> 18:13.359 Grizzlies Jason Williams. 18:13.359 --> 18:14.660 Okay. 18:14.660 --> 18:16.062 Favorite music, musician, group, genre of music? 18:16.062 --> 18:19.966 What do you like to listen to? 18:19.966 --> 18:20.967 I'm both. 18:20.967 --> 18:23.035 I'm kind of like a country-rap kind of guy. 18:23.035 --> 18:27.873 So, you know, let's say Blake Shelton maybe for country. 18:27.873 --> 18:29.442 And then let's go.. 18:29.442 --> 18:31.844 For rap, let's go Lil Wayne. 18:31.844 --> 18:32.845 Okay. 18:32.845 --> 18:33.846 So, you're country and rap. 18:33.846 --> 18:35.848 Not a new genre called country-rap. 18:35.848 --> 18:37.216 Maybe you can start that. 18:37.216 --> 18:39.618 You like to listen before a game? 18:39.618 --> 18:41.220 You don't? 18:41.220 --> 18:43.923 I'm not really that big of a music guy to be honest. 18:43.923 --> 18:45.925 So, you know, I'll turn on the radio. 18:45.925 --> 18:46.926 But I won't. 18:46.926 --> 18:48.928 You know, I don't have my ear phones in. 18:48.928 --> 18:51.530 It seems like athletes are always doing that. 18:51.530 --> 18:53.633 Favorite movie of all-time? 18:53.633 --> 18:54.900 Favorite movie of all-time? 18:54.900 --> 18:56.268 Wow. 18:56.268 --> 18:57.903 Uh, man, funniest. 18:57.903 --> 19:00.206 I really like "The Wedding Crashers." 19:00.206 --> 19:01.207 Yep. 19:01.207 --> 19:02.208 I like "Braveheart." 19:02.208 --> 19:05.978 I like.. 19:05.978 --> 19:07.013 There's a lot of good ones. 19:07.013 --> 19:09.148 It's tough to pick. 19:09.148 --> 19:11.684 And we'll end it with your favorite T-V show. 19:11.684 --> 19:12.752 What are you watching now? 19:12.752 --> 19:14.453 "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. 19:14.453 --> 19:17.123 You still go reruns of "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?" 19:17.123 --> 19:19.125 That's my favorite T-V show of all-time. 19:19.125 --> 19:21.127 I guess right now, I watch "Scandal." 19:21.127 --> 19:22.128 I'm a big fan of "Scandal." 19:22.128 --> 19:24.130 Well, Nick, thanks again for all your time. 19:24.130 --> 19:25.131 I appreciate it. 19:25.131 --> 19:27.133 I know you guys are really busy. 19:27.133 --> 19:28.267 Thanks for carving out some time to be with us. 19:28.267 --> 19:28.968 Thank you for having me. 19:28.968 --> 19:29.635 Thanks so much. 19:29.635 --> 19:30.369 That's Nick Calathes. 19:30.369 --> 19:33.673 We'll take a quick break and "Overtime" is coming up next. 19:33.673 --> 19:56.862 [theme music] 19:56.862 --> 19:58.631 Undoubtedly you have heard the expression. 19:58.631 --> 20:00.966 "A long time in the making," as well as, 20:00.966 --> 20:03.369 "Good things come to those who wait." 20:03.369 --> 20:06.372 Well there's no question each of these expressions is apropos 20:06.372 --> 20:09.108 when describing the Bass Pro Shop Pyramid. 20:09.108 --> 20:12.111 Yes, years after the idea first surfaced and through many 20:12.111 --> 20:15.881 construction delays, the enormous Bass Pro Shop Pyramid 20:15.881 --> 20:18.284 is set to open in Memphis on May 1st. 20:18.284 --> 20:21.721 The Former Tomb of Doom was built in 1991 and was home to 20:21.721 --> 20:23.956 the Memphis Tigers and Memphis Grizzlies 20:23.956 --> 20:25.958 until the opening of FedExForum. 20:25.958 --> 20:28.994 The Memphis Pyramid ranks as the sixth largest pyramid 20:28.994 --> 20:30.896 in the world. 20:30.896 --> 20:33.699 Besides the economic boost that the arrival of the Bass Pro Shop 20:33.699 --> 20:35.701 will mean for the city of Memphis, 20:35.701 --> 20:38.337 it will also give residents and visitors alike 20:38.337 --> 20:40.473 another great entertainment option. 20:40.473 --> 20:43.476 There is absolutely something for everyone! 20:43.476 --> 20:45.845 Legendary fisherman and former "Sports Files" guest, 20:45.845 --> 20:48.748 Bill Dance, takes us on a tour of the facility. 20:48.748 --> 20:50.616 (off-screen female)  Stand by for picture. 20:50.616 --> 20:51.650 (off-screen male)  Roll sound. 20:51.650 --> 20:52.852 (off-screen female)  Rolling. 20:52.852 --> 20:56.822 (off-screen male)  Action. 20:56.822 --> 20:57.990 Hello, everybody. 20:57.990 --> 20:59.625 Welcome to the Memphis Pyramid. 20:59.625 --> 21:01.560 You're not going to believe everything. 21:01.560 --> 21:02.561 Come on. 21:02.561 --> 21:04.563 I've got so many things to show you. 21:04.563 --> 21:06.565 You're just not going to believe everything going on here. 21:06.565 --> 21:08.567  When you first   enter the Pyramid, 21:08.567 --> 21:10.569  you're going to absolutely   amazed at just how big it is. 21:10.569 --> 21:13.139  When finished, it'll be one    of the largest retail stores 21:13.139 --> 21:14.406  in the entire world. 21:14.406 --> 21:17.409  Larger at its base   than a full city block. 21:19.812 --> 21:23.716 Here we are in the swamp where we'll have 600,000 gallons of 21:23.716 --> 21:28.354 water, with 1,800 fish, with 36 different species. 21:28.354 --> 21:29.822 And I'm so proud of this store. 21:29.822 --> 21:32.291 I am so proud, especially because it's here 21:32.291 --> 21:33.292 in my hometown. 21:33.292 --> 21:36.228 It's one of the world's largest retail stores. 21:36.228 --> 21:39.532 Look at the size of some of these Cypress trees. 21:39.532 --> 21:42.401 And this area is full of them! 21:42.401 --> 21:44.403 Okay, in this part of the aquarium, 21:44.403 --> 21:46.405 we've got something really unique. 21:46.405 --> 21:49.708 We're going to have boats floating right here. 21:49.708 --> 21:51.343 I would be totally underwater. 21:51.343 --> 21:52.478 Isn't that unique? 21:52.478 --> 21:53.879 You bet it is. 21:53.879 --> 21:56.882 Alright, let's go up to the next level. 22:03.522 --> 22:04.890 Did you do all that? 22:04.890 --> 22:05.791 I did. 22:05.791 --> 22:06.425 It's gorgeous. 22:06.425 --> 22:07.359 Well, thank you. 22:07.359 --> 22:08.060 I got to go. 22:08.060 --> 22:10.496 See ya! 22:10.496 --> 22:12.231 Hey, we got another great feature right here. 22:12.231 --> 22:15.334 Forty-five hundred square feet designated for Ducks Unlimited. 22:15.334 --> 22:18.137 This is the home of Ducks Unlimited right here in Memphis. 22:18.137 --> 22:20.940 Everything that comes down the Mississippi flyaway is going to 22:20.940 --> 22:23.342 be found right here. 22:23.342 --> 22:26.879  The Bass Pro Pyramid will also   house the new big Cypress Lodge, 22:26.879 --> 22:30.249  an amazing collection of   over 100 unique accommodations, 22:30.249 --> 22:34.587  including duck lodges, tree   house suites and rooms complete 22:34.587 --> 22:37.690  with screened in   porches and incredible views. 22:37.690 --> 22:40.092  Hey, and check this out. 22:40.092 --> 22:45.731 Got a 2,600 square foot governor's suite and wait 'til 22:45.731 --> 22:48.500 you see the view. 22:48.500 --> 22:51.503 How about that? 22:54.306 --> 22:55.474 Hey, this is a fish bowl restaurant. 22:55.474 --> 22:57.676 Nineteen-hundred square feet. 22:57.676 --> 23:00.145 Hey, right here they're going to have a gigantic aquarium with 23:00.145 --> 23:01.247 freshwater fish in it. 23:01.247 --> 23:04.216 Hey, I even put one of my big catfish in there. 23:04.216 --> 23:06.752 Hey, this is just one of the big catfish I caught 23:06.752 --> 23:07.753 out of the Mississippi River. 23:07.753 --> 23:10.389 They're going to put it on the wall here along with a lot of 23:10.389 --> 23:11.891 these other big catfish. 23:11.891 --> 23:13.025 All these trophies I caught. 23:13.025 --> 23:15.027 Hey, I got a lot of things to show you. 23:15.027 --> 23:16.028 Come on. 23:16.028 --> 23:17.596 Phew, I'm out of breath. 23:17.596 --> 23:18.697 So much going on here. 23:18.697 --> 23:19.698 Wow! 23:19.698 --> 23:20.699 Come on, keep up. 23:20.699 --> 23:21.700 Let's go. 23:21.700 --> 23:24.069 I feel like I'm swimming under water. 23:24.069 --> 23:26.071 This is a back drop of a bowling alley. 23:26.071 --> 23:28.173 Look at all these underwater mounts. 23:28.173 --> 23:32.177  Hey, the Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl   will feature 13 lanes of bowling 23:32.177 --> 23:33.512  in an underwater setting. 23:33.512 --> 23:35.514  Hey, you got to   see it to believe it. 23:35.514 --> 23:38.083  When finished, each lane will   be complete with special ball 23:38.083 --> 23:41.353  returns like this one. 23:41.353 --> 23:42.988 Will this dry in time for the opening? 23:42.988 --> 23:44.723 This will be dry just in time. 23:44.723 --> 23:45.724 Yes sir. 23:45.724 --> 23:46.725 Oh, it will? 23:46.725 --> 23:47.726 Mhm. 23:47.726 --> 23:48.727 Look on my finger! 23:48.727 --> 23:49.728 I tell ya what. 23:49.728 --> 23:52.665 This place is going to be absolutely amazing. 23:52.665 --> 23:55.200  Let me show you something   else that's quite remarkable. 23:55.200 --> 23:59.972  We've got the world's largest   free standing elevator that's 25 23:59.972 --> 24:03.442 stories tall, open on all four sides. 24:03.442 --> 24:06.478 It's over 323 feet tall. 24:06.478 --> 24:07.479  You sit and look. 24:07.479 --> 24:11.850  You can really appreciate   just how big this Pyramid is. 24:11.850 --> 24:14.386  Well, welcome to   the top of the Pyramid. 24:14.386 --> 24:17.222 You can see, you've got an observation deck here facing due 24:17.222 --> 24:21.026 west and we've got one here facing due south. 24:21.026 --> 24:25.731 But what we've got right here, this whole area where this steel 24:25.731 --> 24:29.034  construction is,   that's going to be glass. 24:29.034 --> 24:32.037  So, when you walk out on it,   you're looking straight down. 24:32.037 --> 24:33.038 Scary? 24:33.038 --> 24:34.506 Nah. 24:34.506 --> 24:36.508 Hey, we got live artillery range. 24:36.508 --> 24:37.509 We got a live pistol range. 24:37.509 --> 24:39.511 Hey, we got a clothing department. 24:39.511 --> 24:41.513 Hey, we've got so much stuff to show ya. 24:41.513 --> 24:43.515 Hey, we've got a fishing department. 24:43.515 --> 24:44.516 We've got a hunting department. 24:44.516 --> 24:50.055 We've got 26,410,000 cubic feet of enclosed volume. 24:50.055 --> 24:51.056 Phew! 24:51.056 --> 24:52.057 Are you comin'? 24:52.057 --> 24:53.058 Come on! 24:53.058 --> 24:54.059 We've got a boating department. 24:54.059 --> 24:55.060 Oh, the marine department! 24:55.060 --> 24:57.062 I haven't even told you about the marine department. 24:57.062 --> 24:58.063 Hey, something else. 24:58.063 --> 24:59.999 We're going to have the largest water fowl department 24:59.999 --> 25:00.999 in the world. 25:00.999 --> 25:02.000 It's custom made. 25:02.000 --> 25:03.001 Thanks a lot, Bill! 25:03.001 --> 25:05.003 And I can't wait to see the finished product. 25:05.003 --> 25:07.005 The Memphis Tigers hoop squad will play their final regular 25:07.005 --> 25:09.008 season game Sunday in Cincinnati. 25:09.008 --> 25:11.010 Then they're going to head to Connecticut next week for the 25:11.010 --> 25:13.011 American conference tournament in Hartford. 25:13.011 --> 25:15.381 They will not have the services of Austin Nichols. 25:15.381 --> 25:18.684 The Tigers football team has opened up spring football camp. 25:18.684 --> 25:21.520 One of the major stories going into next season is how Head 25:21.520 --> 25:25.023 Coach Justin Fuente will replace eight defensive starters. 25:25.023 --> 25:28.093 The annual spring game is scheduled for April 10th. 25:28.093 --> 25:31.430 And congratulations to former Tigers linebacker Charles Harris 25:31.430 --> 25:35.267 who earlier this week was named the 2014 American Athletic 25:35.267 --> 25:38.103 Conference football scholar-athlete of the year. 25:38.103 --> 25:40.172 Harris started all 13 games for the Tigers 25:40.172 --> 25:41.240 and finished second in tackles. 25:41.240 --> 25:45.577 In the classroom, he compiled a 3.64 G-P-A. 25:45.577 --> 25:47.613 And that will do it for now. 25:47.613 --> 25:50.048 Once again, "Sports Files" will come your way next week on 25:50.048 --> 25:52.484 Friday at 7:30 p-m. 25:52.484 --> 25:54.920 Until then, have a great week and we'll see you next time. 25:54.920 --> 25:57.756 [theme music] 26:09.301 --> 26:11.036 (female announcer)  Production funding   for "Sports Files" is 26:11.036 --> 26:14.006  made possible in part by.. 26:14.006 --> 26:16.275 (male narrator)  Infiniti of Memphis has    moved to Germantown road 26:16.275 --> 26:18.777  just half mile north of   Wolfchase Galleria and is proud 26:18.777 --> 26:21.747  to support W-K-N-O for its   quality broadcasting and service 26:21.747 --> 26:22.881  to our community. 26:22.881 --> 26:25.451  Quality and service --   No wonder Infiniti of Memphis 26:25.451 --> 26:27.386  feels at   home on W-K-N-O. 26:27.386 --> 26:31.386 CLOSED CAPTIONING PROVIDED BY W-K-N-O, MEMPHIS.