Jahlil Okafor Quotes

I don't want to just shoot 3s. I'm not that type of player.

I feel like I'm trying to change basketball; being a center, being able to play both sides of the ball and being able to pass as well as I can, that's a difference-maker on a team, especially at the center spot, so it's respect at all levels.

When you have a dominant big man, that changes the aspects of the game.

I am one of the last true centers in the NBA, and it's a title that I enjoy to hold.

When I'm playing the 1-guard, teams do a great job of just loading up and preparing for my drives and preparing for my three-point shots.

I think that Paul Gasol is the most skilled big man in the NBA today with his ability to post on either block, the way he runs the floor, and the way he can shoot the mid-range jump shot.

The 3-point line has changed the game so much. The day of the big man, unless you're extraordinary good, is not numbered, but certainly you gotta be a lot more versatile to play the game today. You gotta be able to really run up and down the court.

I used to be a wait-at-the-rim big, more of a Rudy Gobert-type of player.

I just try to make the right play, stay aggressive and defensively just do what I do. I make sure I talk to everyone and control the paint.

With the ball in your hands as the point guard, you want to be able to control the game and take care of it.

I definitely want to play for a school that throws the ball in the post.

If you've got a big man who scores the ball, you've got to defend, and if you've got a shooter, you've got to pick and choose who you're going to defend.

I'm a big guard, whether a 1 or 2.

Basketball has turned into an offensive-minded situation. They don't play on both ends. They don't play defense.

With all the pick-and-rolls in the NBA, getting in the lane and shooting floaters or pull-ups will help a lot.

Not all players want to play defense. You get in foul trouble, you're going to be on the bench.

There's a lot of big guys who can play-make. We put labels like, 'Oh, he's a point guard, he's a center.' But sometimes your center can play-make for you and not just be the center, boxing out for rebounds and playing in the post.

You know, pass now to pinch post, cut, shoot the shot. Do things to facilitate the offense. That's what I did in Alabama.

If I get a chance, high pick and roll more. I want some triple doubles. I've got to get my handle right so I can pass and get it to guys where they can make shots.

Marc Gasol, he's one of the hardest people to guard. His ability to pass, shoot, and his size is something that can be a benefit to him a lot.

I try to space the floor and use my athletic ability to get to the rim... I try to get the best of both worlds.

Most coaches are mostly small guards because they think guards have more knowledge.

Whenever you've got an inside presence, it makes the game extremely easy.

Basketball was my first love. I still love the game of basketball.

I want to be one of those players like Jason Kidd, who is always in tune with the game and sees several plays ahead.