The VN Interview With: CJ Watson.

This week, I had the distinct pleasure of speaking with former Vol and current Golden State Warrior CJ Watson. I’d like to thank CJ for taking the time to speak with us and the fabulous professionals in the Warriors’ public relations department for all of their help in coordinating the interview. Here’s the synopsis of our conversation. I hope you enjoy.

1. CJ was, as would be expected, “very excited” when the Warriors made the decision to extend his contract through the end of the season. The Warriors’ decision showed CJ “they like the way I play.”
2. He’s “a little bit” more comfortable on the floor now that the decision to sign him for the full season has been made. Mainly, he says he’s been working hard and “trying to learn” what the team expects and needs from him.
3. As his second and final 10 day contract wound down, CJ said he was “just trying to play and not worry about” what came next. He said he knew he was either going to be signed for the season or “go back to the Developmental League and work hard to get another callup.”
4. CJ feels getting consistent minutes in the D-League, rather than just playing in spots in the NBA, the last year and a half allowed him to “work on things the NBA people” told him he needed to improve. He gave a great deal of credit to his D-League coaches for all of the work they put in with him.
5. He enjoys playing in Don Nelson’s “freestyle” attack. CJ stated that is enjoyable playing in a system based more on “pick and rolls” and “one on one matchups” than a more rigid style of offense.
6. Working against Baron Davis every day in practice allows him to see what he needs to improve and how a top level PG goes about his business in the NBA.
7. When I asked him if he still follows Tennessee closely, CJ said he “still has some friends on the team,” “talks with Coach Pearl,” and “watches every game.”
8. Chris Webber wants the #4 “pretty bad.” C Webb has promised to “take care” of CJ for allowing him to wear his old number.
9. CJ thinks Bruce Pearl’s system of allowing players a great deal of offensive freedom would translate well if he ever coached at the professional level. He said Nelson and Pearl are similar in the license to create they give their players.
10. CJ said he would like to say “thanks for all the support” Tennessee fans have given him. He said he had received numerous congratulatory calls and emails from Vol fans after his signing by the Warriors.

We’ll be back soon with another edition of the VN Interview.

Related posts:

1. VolNation Privacy Policy
2. VolNation Interview with Ron Hunter
3. The VolNation Interview With Bill Bayno
4. The VolNation Interview with Charlie Spoonhour
5. The VolNation Interview with Bruiser Flint