<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The 76ers chose Andre Iguodala with the ninth pick overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft. An early entry candidate this year, Iguodala played two seasons at the University of Arizona. He was an All-Pac 10 honoree with averages of 12.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in his final campaign as a Wildcat sophomore (2004). He was the only player in the Pac-10 to rank in the top 20 in scoring and rebounding, and top 10 in assists, steals, and assist-to-turnover ratio. The 6-foot-6, 207-pound native of Springfield, Ill., posted career averages of 9.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists. Additionally, he had 10 career double-doubles and three triple-doubles.</div> <div align="center">Chat</div> The Chat will being July 8, Thursday at 2:30 PM EST.
Chat Transcript Jen (Aurora): Hey Andre.... did you know you were going to be picked when you were? and where were you and how did it feel when they called your name? Andre Iguodala: I was pretty sure I was gonna go in the Top 10. I was thinking it was Chicago or Philly. I was in the green room sitting next to my mother when I found out and it was pretty amazing. Ardja (Clementon, NJ): Welcome to the team! How does it feel to be with the 76ers, and what is your opinion of the level of intensity in summer league basketball, in comparison to college basketball? Andre Iguodala: I'm very excited to be with the team. This is a team that wants to win. The Summer League is a lot different from college, as far as the adrenalin and the level of play. Everybody is playing for a spot on the roster or for possibly a spot in the playing rotation, so the intensity is very high. John (Jersey): Hey Andre, you've posted 24 points and 16 boards combined in your 2 summer league games. From what you've seen so far, are you confident you can contribute to the sixers when the season roles around? Andre Iguodala: Definitely. Right now, this is a learning experience for me. I'm not too nervous, but there is pressure being a lottery pick and trying to live up to that. But, for now, I'm not worried about stats. It's about learning how to play with and against these guys and getting better. Dominique(Macon): Which position do you think you will be playing in the 2004-2005 season. Andre Iguodala: In the Summer League, they have me playing the 2 and the 3. I think my main position is the 2, but I think I may end up getting some time at the 1, to use my ability to see and make plays in the open court. Warren: Has anyone mentioned the possibility of you starting at the 3 spot? Which player has impressed you the most out of the players you've worked out with since you've been here in Philly? Andre Iguodala: I would say Willie Green and John Salmons. Willie can put the ball in the hole, especially after he gets the first two or three in the basket. John can play at two different speeds, which really sets him apart from other players. Marc (Clinton, MD): Andre- How do you see your game translating to the NBA? Do you see yourself as a Scottie Pippen type (as many have suggested) or is there another who you feel your style of play resembles? Andre Iguodala: I think Penny Hardaway too, is a another kind of player, who is long and can pass and can move and play in the motion offense. Yaz (Harleysville, PA): Have you tasted Pat's or Geno's cheesesteak's yet? Andre Iguodala: I had Geno's and the one right next to it, Pat's. They were both great. I can't say which is better. I went there the day after the draft and both were very good. Paul (Philly): Hey Andre... have you talked with new coach O'Brien yet? What are your impressions and how do you think it will be to play for him? Andre Iguodala: Yes, we talked the day after the draft when I went down to Philly. He is a teacher on the court and a great communicator and I look forward to playing for him. josh (flushing ny): do you think philly is the best enviornment for you right now as a rookie? Andre Iguodala: I think it will be a great place to play. I'll be spending most of my time in the gym and then at home. I will be working on my game all day everyday. But the area and surroundings are very good. sean (Strafford): I've notice your exciting dunking capabilities. Have you ever competed in a dunk contest, and would you ever like to show off your high-flying dunking skills in the NBA slam dunk contest? Andre Iguodala: Yeah, I've been in a few dunk contests. My senior year in high school and a few others. I'm not sure about the NBA Dunk contest, there are factors like if I am asked to dunk in it, and if I'm healthy and available or if I need to rest. We'll see. Anthony- Sicklerville: Which player on the sixers roster are you most looking to forward playing with? And what NBA player do you most want to guard? Andre Iguodala: The player I most look forward to playing with is Allen Iverson. I played with him at practice already and he is great. One of the players I look forward to playing against is Kobe Bryant. Jason(Flemington, NJ): The sixers got the steal of the draft by picking you. How do you think your adjusting so far from college basketball in Arizona to the NBA? Andre Iguodala: I think the hardest thing will be the 82 games. Sometimes back-to-back games and three or four games a week. I'm working on my fitness and want to be ready for that ground. I also want to be ready to bounce back from a bad game, put it out of my mind, and come back strong the next night and get a win. Matt (Havertown): What are your goals for your rookie year with the Sixers? Andre Iguodala: My main goal is to have the team win more games this year than last year and make the playoffs. I'd like to play in the All-Rookie Game on All-Star Weekend, and I'd like to make the All-Rookie Team too. Tyrone: What do you think your role with the 76ers will be? Being that your there First Round pick. Andre Iguodala: My role will be to be an aggressive defender. I will need to rebound the ball well, knock down shots when they are there, and be at strong all-around player and teammate and help my team in anyway to win games. Andre Iguodala: Thanks to all the fans, especially the Sixers fans, for the chat. It was great to talk to everyone, I'd love to do it again, and thanks alot.
