I know the off season is an important time for you. How was your summer?

I feel I had a very productive summer. I took a slightly different approach this year in that I played in the Eurobasket Summer League in Madrid. It meant I was in the UK for a shorter period than in previous years but it was what I needed. I was able to compete against quality players from the States and Europe.

Was it through the summer league that the opportunity to play in Leon came about?

Well, unknown to me at the time, the director of the club was watching the games and felt I would be a good addition to the team here in Leon

This is another year for you playing in Spain. How do you feel you’ve developed as person and player over these past years?

Well above all I’ve gained experience. I my case I’ve had experiences on and off the court which mean now I’m faced with a lot f situations where I can say, hold on, I’ve been here before and based on what I did or didn’t do in the past, here’s  what I can do to make the best of the situation I’m in now. It’s not always easy. But I guess the development has come in getting to know myself better.

From the outside looking in, it would seem that there’s a tremendous upside to living and playing in Spain. What are some of the things that you miss or struggle to cope with?

Funny. I miss a lot of little things. Robinsons Fruit and Barley, my usual barber and Jamaican food are some of the first things that come to mind. Obviously not being with friends and family can be difficult at times but that’s not a major issue. I still struggle with Sunday’s being a complete day of rest in Spain. No shop’s open. Nothing. It can be a bit dead.

What are your first impressions of Leon, the city?

Like many of the cities in the Castilla Leon region, the city holds a lot of history. I like the period buildings. Also the barrio humedo has a certain charm to it.

You recently signed with ULE Puertalia (Fundacion Club Baloncesto Leon) what are your impressions of the club?

Very professional and very well organised. And that cannot be said of all clubs that operate at a professional level. It’s a great place for me to be.

It’s only a few weeks in but what are you initial thoughts on the team and where you can go?

This year will be a tremendous challenge for the group. What we need to realize is that there will be highs and lows, but we will need to show a lot of character because this is new to a lot of our players. We have a team that can be very competitive. We need to focus on working well each day and making improvements.

How has pre-season been with Coach Tino Ugidos in comparison to other coaches you have played for?

I love Tino’s enthusiasm. I like the fact that everything we have done has been with a purpose. We’ve worked intensely but also broken down the details.

Playing with a new system, team mates a new expectations is always an adjustment. How is the transition going?

Yes, it is an adjustment but it was the move I needed for my game to progress. I feel like its part of a continual improvement process. Learning to become a better leader more than anything and the different ways to do that on and off the floor.

Although it was a pre-season cup game, how was it to play you first game in the Palacio de los Deportes?

El Palacio is an amazing place to play. It has an extraordinary feel to it. It was a tremendous feeling to play on a court that has seen ACB and international players and know it will be home for the next season at least.

You have started 3-0 so far this pre-season. What does that do for you individually and for the team going forward into the season?

It’s good for confidence and shows what we can do when we play well and play together. Our wins have come off the back of defence. We need to take that forward with us.

You returned to Valladolid in the cup and played in the Pisuerga. How was it to return to one of the first clubs you played for in Spain?

It was a good feeling to go there and win!

As a leader of this team, what are you telling your team mates about goals and expectations for this season.

The thing I preach the most is that when things go well, we can’t get too high and when things don’t go so well we can’t get too low. Emotionally.

What are your personal expectations for the upcoming season?

To lead a winning team and demonstrate my qualities.