<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">It was Raptors rookie forward <font color="#0000ff">Charlie Villanueva</font>'s welcome-to-the-NBA moment. He was playing pickup ball with several NBA players at the IMG Academies in Bradenton, Fla., last August when Hawks veteran forward <font color="#0000ff">Al Harrington</font> decided to have some fun at his expense. "He was just saying, 'Give me the ball. I'm going to take this rookie. He can't guard me,'" Villanueva recalls. "You know, typical NBA stuff." The two went at it hard during the ensuing game, according to Villanueva, with each making plays on the other and talking smack. With <font color="#0000ff">Chauncey Billups</font>, <font color="#0000ff">Jared Jeffries</font> and a few of his Raptors teammates looking on, Villanueva held his own. When it was over, the 6-foot-9 Harrington came over to the 6-11 Villanueva and shook his hand. "He said good job, keep working hard," Villanueva said. "It definitely gave me confidence.'" </div>Source
I like Marty Burns, he actually made the point of having his own opinion when the raptors drafted CV and JG unlike most of the people in the media who just took their story from Vitale (who is possibly the worst analyst when it comes to pro basketball ever) and Steven Smith.
It was a nice read, I'm glad to hear that he is a nice guy and a team player. We need guys like that on the Raptors. Hopefully we can keep him for a long time.
Charlie Villanueva is looking pretty good so far in preseason. It is only preseason, but 17/5 on 50% shooting from the field and 55% from downtown is a very good sign. So far, he is proving his doubters wrong. Everyone knew Charlie had the talent, they just didn't know if he'd utilize it. Charlie admitted not playing to his fullest as a Huskie. This move isn't looking too bad right now and if he can continue working hard, maybe we can give Babcock a break, eh?
