The Official Site of Jermaine O'Neal

Question:

How are you guys adapting to Jay's system he's putting into place?

Answer:

Jay's system is pretty much what we did in Indiana, boxing, closing the paint, pushing the ball baseline and sideline. Then it's easier for me to come over and block shots, take charge and support Chris. For me, it's easy, for my teammates it's not, because they've been playing a different style. A lot of fans won't recognize it as a big difference, but it's tough.

Question:

What's your approach when you face Dwight Howard?

Answer:

I'm going to be as aggressive as possible. I'm going to try and drive the ball as much as possible. That's what you do against great shot blockers. If you let him sit in the lane, he's going to clog it up, but if you make him move, he's going to struggle a little bit.

Question:

how is life treating you in TO?

Answer:

I love Toronto. The city and organization has been great to me. It's been a nice change, a very nice change for me and my family. Looking forward to making some special things happen, but everything outside of basketball has been perfect for us.

Question:

How will the Toronto’s Twin towers help the 3 point shooting for the Raps

Answer:

Teams are going to have to figure out where they are going to double from. Teams have to ask who they want to double, me or chris, but you really can’t come off of a guard on this team. It’s really a tough situation for teams to come up with a defensive scheme for us.

Question:

Have you been surprised with what Bargnani brings to the team?

Answer:

He's physically stronger and he's a hell of a lot quicker than I thought he was, I haven't seen a guy that size move that quick. His skill level was a lot higher than I thought it was, the things he can do at seven foot, being able to put the ball on the floor. It's just my opinion, but if you keep him as a four (power forward) or five (centre), and him coming off the bench, there's not a four or five in this league that could guard him.