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Chat Reel: Loren Woods

'I am trying to be the most complete player that I can be'

Loren Woods averaged 16 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in helping Arizona to the Final Four. Stephen Dunn/Allsport

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NBA Draft chat with Loren Woods. Welcome Loren and thanks for joining us.
Loren Woods: Thank you!

From ACoatsworth in London, Ont.: What type of player do you see yourself becoming in the league? You're tall enough to be a center, but you're mobile enough to be a power forward. Which position would you prefer?
Loren Woods: I would prefer to play center because that's the position I grew up playing. Right now I know I am not as strong as some teams would like me to be. I can work on that. I have the skills and height to play power forward. But I'll do whatever the team ask me to do.

From Eddy in Chicago: Loren, how are you preparing yourself physically and mentally for the life of a NBA player on and off the court?
Loren Woods: The mental part is easy. College prepared me for that. Being in school for four years helped me mentally and socially. And physically, I've just been training hard, lifting weights and running -- my training regimen everyday.

From Munklington in Mississauga, Ont.: What aspects of your game to you think will be most effective in the pro game? Also, what aspects of your game need the most improving?
Loren Woods: First, I have to improve on everything. I am trying to be the most complete player that I can be. So it's not one aspect that I am trying to improve on, it's all of them.

From Morgan: Loren, what teams have shown particular interest in you, and what clubs have you visited with?
Loren Woods: Here are a few -- first, I've visited LA (The Clippers), Boston, New Jersey, Atlanta, Houston and Orlando. All of those teams have shown an interest in me just by having me in.

From Noren Kirksey in St. Louis, Mo.: Loren, do you think your injury hindered your development following an outstanding junior campaign? Not being able to do any significant workouts before basketball season started your senior year did that set you back? Also, will you return to the outlaws this summer?
Loren Woods: (Laughs) Well, definitely my injury set me back a few months, but it's something that finally came around by the end of the season. And I started in the last month having the season that I should have all year. As far as the outlaws, if I ever get back to St. Louis, I'll definitely be playing.

From Ali Bhatti in Stoney Creek, Ont.: How do you think you will do against the bigger NBA centers? How much weight are you trying to gain over the summer?
Loren Woods: First, I'm just trying to get stronger. To me, it's not about putting on a whole lot of weight. But once I am able to get stronger, I'll be able to fare better against the other centers in the NBA.

From RunninRaven: Are you holding out hopes that you will get drafted by any certain team, or are you happy with whatever team takes you?
Loren Woods: I'll be happy with whatever team takes me. I am sure that the team that takes me will know what all I can do, and I'll fit well with that team.

From Munklington in Mississauga, Ont.: Growing up, what type of player did you pattern your game after? Also, which player do you admire the most besides Michael Jordan, of course?
Loren Woods: Before I got to college, my favorite player was Rasheed Wallace. I really liked his game and the way he played. He would probably be the player I admired the most. Wallace and David Robinson, those two are my favorite players.

From Faiyaz Ahmed in Houston: Loren, what did you learn playing next to Tim Duncan during your freshman year?
Loren Woods: He's a good player, but I learned mostly everything I know from Cardinal Ritter High School in St. Louis and the University of Arizona.

From Mikael Greenlief in Peoria, Ariz.: Do you believe that Jason Gardner made the right decision in returning to school for his junior season? And if so how much do you think he will help the Wildcats with his newfound experience?
Loren Woods: Jason did the right thing, but no matter what, I was behind him 100 percent. And he'll definitely help the Wildcats next year.

From Dandre' Thomas in Columbia, S.C.: Hey Loren, you were my favorite college player to watch! Where do you see yourself going in the draft, and what team do you think best fits your style of play?
Loren Woods: I don't really know exactly where I'd fall in the draft, but there's a lot of talent. You can find the rookie of the year, anywhere between one and 20. I think that teams that are fast-paced and get up and down the court would fit my style of play.

From TheKodiac: Loren, do you have any desire to play with ex-Wildcats like Mike Bibby or Jason Terry? Or do you not care and just want to play and win?
Loren Woods: Of course, it would always be great to play with an ex-Arizona player, but I think wherever I go I will be happy.

From njnets: What is your worse fear for Wednesday night?
Loren Woods: That my name doesn't get called! (laughs)

From raptorsfan: Loren, if you had the No. 1 pick who would you select? (other than yourself)
Loren Woods: If I had the No. 1 pick, other than myself, it would be a tie between Gilbert Arenas, Richard Jefferson and Michael Wright!

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Loren Woods. Loren, thanks for joining us and good luck on Wednesday.
Loren Woods: Thank you for having me!

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