HoopsHype.com Interviews

Peter John Ramos: "I may pull my name out if I'm not in the Top 15"
by Jorge Sierra / April 20, 2004

Peter John Ramos: I started playing when I was 13. I used to play when I was in New York, but not much. But then, they got me a coach and I started playing seriously.

How tall are you exactly? In some places I've read 7-foot-2, in others 7-foot-3...

PJR: Right now, I weigh 280 pounds and I'm 7-foot-4.

Is it true that you are still growing?

PJR: It could be. I don't know. I don't know for sure.

You declared yourself eligible for the draft three weeks ago. Who advised you to do that?

PJR: Nobody. It was my own decision. It was a decision I made myself. I've been working hard and I think I deserve it. I think it was the best decision for me.

What are your plans for the next two months? Are you going to play in the Puerto Rican league or will you come to the U.S. so that NBA teams can see you?

PJR: I have not made any decision about it yet. I don't know. For now, I'm just going to keep working hard on my game and then we'll see.

Is there any chance that you pull your name out of the draft?

PJR: It's possible. We'll see. If I'm not going to be among the Top 15, I may pull my name out of the draft. But if they are going to take me between 1-15, I'm definitely staying in the draft.

So the 15th pick would be enough for you?

PJR: Yes. Anywhere between the No.1 pick and the 15th pick is fine with me.

If you don't go to the NBA next year, would you consider the possibility of playing in Europe?

PJR: I have not made a decision about it. That's not the plan, but you never know how things are going to work out. We'll see.

Do you follow the NBA much in Puerto Rico?

PJR: Yes.

Any team you like in special?

PJR: I've always liked the Lakers. They have been my favorite team since I was a kid. But if it's about the draft, I don't care about the team. Any team that selects me, I'm going there.

What's your favorite player in the NBA?

PJR: My favorite player is Shaquille O'Neal.

Felix Rivera, the president of your club (Criollos de Caguas), said that you could be a dominant player like Shaq or Yao in a couple of years. Do you agree with him?

PJR: Of course I do. I know that when I get there, I'm going to shine. I know that because I've worked very hard and I'm going to continue working very hard to achieve my goals.

In which areas of your game do you think you have to work on the most?

PJR: I work on everything. I know I have some good things, but I have to work on everything every day.

How would you describe yourself as a player in a few words?

PJR: I would describe myself as a player who works really hard. I pursue my dreams to the fullest. And I'm a player that likes challenges. I would also have to say that I'm very focused on what I do. Very focused.

Jorge Sierra is the editor of HoopsHype.com

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