The Official Site of Jermaine O'Neal

Thu, Apr 17th 2008, 11:17

Jermaine sits down with Slam Online

The season came to a disappointing 34-46 finish, but with the return of Jermaine, and winning 11 of the last 16 games, the Pacers are optimistic about the future. Jermaine sat down with Michael Tillery of Slam Online to talk about what to expect from JO next year.

MT: J.O. What’s it like to finally get out there and play?

Jermaine O’Neal: It’s been a long time man. It’s been a few years since my knee has been healthy. I tore my meniscus last year and I told the staff not to tell anybody because I knew there was going to be a lot of talk about it. I ended up having surgery last summer and it didn’t go as well as we had hoped in rehab, but it was effective because it made me work harder. Now, my knee is healed. It’s the best my knee has felt in two years. It’s all about getting my cardio and my rhythm back, trying to be effective and learning how to punish guys all over again in the low post.

MT: It had to be mad frustrating sitting out and watching the game from the bench. What did you learn the most from being on the sidelines? Was there another aspect of the game you picked up during this time?

JO: Oooh yes, the mental part. They biggest thing I’ve learned over the two and half months is that I’m getting older. I’m not the 17 or 18 year old that I used to be where I could come in and do things and get away with it. I’ve always thought over the last couple of years that no matter what was wrong I could always outplay the guy who is playing in front of me. Now that I’m getting older, my body is starting to talk to me a little bit differently. I feel like I’m going into my prime. I have an knowledge and understanding of how I’m supposed to approach the game and it’s something I had to really learn. It’s kind of a culture shock for me because I had to see my team struggle. That hasn’t happened for a long time and it was difficult sitting for so long.

Now I know what I have to do. I’m taking it all back to the drawing stage. I’ve put together a great staff that’s gonna put my honor all back together. I’m not far from it. The knee is just about 100% strength. The healing part is already done. I’m really exciting and very much looking forward to getting back on the court next year.

MT: What message would you like to give to NBA fans? If you look at the league right now, no one is really thinking about Jermaine O’Neal because you’ve been out even though you have All NBA talent.

JO: I would tell them that I appreciate the support. I still get a lot of support in every arena in the NBA. (Looks me dead in the eyes. I saw the warrior in him) Come next year…they are gonna get what they are used to seeing. This is going to be the first summer in a while that I’m not going to have to rehab for two months. I’m going into the summer totally healthy, so I’ll get an opportunity from day one. I missed 2 and a half months. I’m not taking time off at all. I’m taking a week and a half off after the season is over and I’m getting right back at it. Look for me to return to my dominant form next year. I was able to make the all star team the last couple of years and the knee wasn’t 100%. Now I know what I need to do. It’s not about being athletic and it’s not about having talent. It’s about thinking the game. Now I understand the game a lot more now. I haven’t slowed down a step. I’ve picked it back up. It’s important to me to get it all back.

Check me out next year (winks) you’ll see.

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