Dime is the premier basketball magazine, covering the NBA, NCAA, High School, Playground and International basketball - as well as sneakers, fashion and music.
Issue link: http://dimemagazine.epubxp.com/i/56522
Q&A; INTERVIEW. Aron Phillips PHOTO. NBAE/Getty Images Cole World Don't say we didn't warn you. In our NBA Draft Preview in Dime #64, we told you the best sleeper in the draft was going to be Norris Cole. So far he's more than lived up to his billing. After four years at Cleveland State, Cole has become the biggest surprise this season for a Miami Heat team hell-bent on making it back to the NBA Finals. And while he introduced himself to the world with 20 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals in 29 minutes off the bench in only his second game of the season – a win over Boston in Miami's home opener – the 28th overall pick has con- tinued his stellar play all year. It seems the only person not surprised by his success is Cole himself. and friends were at the house. I found out by watching TV before even hearing from my agent. Dime: What was the first thought that went through your mind when you heard your name called? NC: I finally made it. It's a long process, and to finally hear your name called means you finally made it. Dime: Transitioning form your role at Cleve- land State to your role in Miami, was there anything you wanted to work on in preparation? NC: I always want to work on my game. I always want to constantly get better. I knew my role would change drastically, but almost every rookie's role changes once they get to the NBA, so that wasn't a surprise at all. Dime: With a predominantly veteran team, has there been any sort of rookie hazing so far? You Q&A; know, besides pink backpacks and donut runs. NC: Yeah, but that's normal stuff. Getting them basically whatever they ask for. They don't do anything too crazy on this team. As you said, they're veterans, so they're more relaxed. But we've got our rookie duties with us. It's nothing bad. Dime: Coming into this year, what has sur- prised you the most between the college and the NBA level? Norris Cole: It hasn't been so much a surprise, but all the athletes are obviously better. Less margin for error. The rules are a little different. Other than that though, no big surprises. You obviously expect the level of play to go up, so there hasn't been any huge surprises. Dime: After the NBA Draft in June, how did you prepare for the season, not knowing when or if it was going to happen? NC: I wasn't on campus as much as past summers. If I was still in school I would've been working out on campus. I had to do a lot more individual training rather than team training. Running, getting in shots, skill work – making sure my body was right. Dime: Since you knew you were going to Mi- ami, but couldn't speak with any of the team personnel, were you able to get up with any of your future teammates? NC: I talked to LeBron [James] a little bit, and I talked to Mario [Chalmers]. I played with him in a couple summer league games. We didn't really talk about the schemes we were going to do, they were just congratulating me on being in the League, and telling me to work hard and be ready. Dime: Where were you Draft Night? NC: At home in Dayton, Ohio. My family 27 Dime: From the other rookies that you are close with, have you heard anything bad? NC: Nah. I mean, I've talked to other rook- ies, but we don't talk about rookie duties or stuff like that. We talk more about playing, how they doing and how they living. Dime: What's your housing situation like in Miami? NC: I'm all setup and it's nice. I like living in Miami. I enjoy it. Dime: What was the first thing you bought after being drafted? NC: I'm not going to say what it is, but I got myself a gift that I've been wanting for a long time.