NBA All-Star Dunk Contest participant Hamidou Diallo spoke to the media about his plans for the contest and what is his all time favourite dunker.
On being part of the dunk contest…
“It’s a great opportunity and when I got the news I was really excited. I am looking forward to it. I can’t really think of what I want to do yet. Been brainstorming but haven’t really practiced. I got a couple (of dunks) I am thinking about. I still need to be a little more creative. I’d love to do something like dunk on multiple people so that may be a good idea. I will be nervous for sure. For a little bit but as soon as we get under way I’ll be fine.”
On why he was chosen…
“I am very creative, I’m natural and I can get the crowd going. That’s what this contest is about. I don’t like props much, I’m new school. The three other guys that are in are athletic as well. So it’s just going to be a fun night. Just have to go out there, have fun and compete I guess.”
On his favourite dunker of all time…
“I have to go with Zach LaVine. I’m new school. That’s who I’ve seen the most and he produces some of the most exciting dunks.”
On whether he watches old school dunkers on YouTube…
“No, not really. No disrespect to them, but the dunks they used to do then are not in style anymore. People have seen those kinds of dunks in games and stuff like that, so you can’t bring that to a contest. So you’ve got to be really creative and use the internet to your advantage.”