Sasha Vujacic
I figured it was worth a shot. Based on what I had read about Lakers guard, Sasha Vujacic I thought he'd be open to answering questions.
After being directed to his good looking official website by my colleague who covers the Lakers for Examiner.com, I realized he understood the power of careful fan interaction and the appearance if not the reality of being open and available.
He's one smart cookie that Sasha. Or maybe it's the folks who run his website. In fact it's a combo plate of both. Sample Sasha's site, here
I got in touch with Emily Ho, identified on the site as its Managing Editor. The site is interactive, up to date on Laker and Sasha news and its newest feature gives you Vujacic's Tweets, straight off his Twitter page.
It also offers fans the opportunity to feel connected to Vujacic like the ability to send him head bands that he wears on the court. Smart business run by Ms. Ho.
After looking at his open invitation to get up close and personal I got in touch with Ms. Ho to whom I submitted questions for Sasha to answer.
I got an email today with a nicely typed Word doc attached. Although I believe I might have been able to delve deeper in person, and I will try to do that at a Laker practice, here is taste of The Machine's views on life and his career:
Q: What part of your game has improved this season?
A: I have been working on taking the ball to the basket. The injury I had at the beginning of the season was frustrating, but I hate making excuses.
Q: Do you notice a difference on the second unit without Lamar Odom?
A: It's a little bit different. We play a different kind of baskeball, but we're good enough and mature enough not to let it affect us. If we play as a team, as a unit, we are very hard to beat.
Q: If you could start on another team, would it make you want to go elsewhere?
A: No. I made the decision to stay here because my heart is purple and gold. I want to win the championship, and I'm here to get my ring.
Q: What are your favorite things to do when you aren't practicing or playing basketball?
A: I like to spend my free time with family, friends and people that I love, like any ordinary person. But I'm going to be honest, a lot of my free time is devoted to basketball because winning the championship is not easy.
OK, this isn't hot-off-the-press news but it's a quick peek at Sasha, at least in response to questions. And I'm sure Phil would be interested to comment on his view of the second unit as well as how much progress Vujacic has made towards an off the dribble shot.
Now, what I really want to know is how the heck he hasn't been decked by an official on the court when he complains about fouls called on him. Note to Sasha: your site is at odds with your on-court behavior. Give the whining a rest and smile a bit.
For more info: Both our Lakers Examiner and our LA Sports Examiner have news and thoughts about the Lakers
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Photo: Care of Sasha's official website. Taken at dinner with his web team in March 2009
Comments
If you have been watching Laker games lately, you would have noticed that Sasha's complaining has diminished by, ah, alot! I have to commend him in his ability to not complain dramatically to the refs. Compared to a few months ago, when he frequently complained, to now it's all good. Even Stu Lanz has yet to acknowledge this fact and still complains that Sasha is complaining too much. Go figure!!
Janice: I have noticed that a bit and it is a hopeful sign. It was just plain unattractive for a guy who is sweet and funny off the court.
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