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INTERVIEW
5/28/2003
When did you first fall in love with basketball and how old were you?
I started playing soccer and basketball when I was very young. As I grew taller I became especially excited about playing basketball. I have practiced almost every day since I was five years old.
Is it safe to say that Oscar Schmidt is to Brazil what Michael Jordan is to the US?
From a fan's perspective, yes. But Oscar had a very different game from Michael. It was basically shoot, shoot, shoot. Oscar was great, but I don't think anyone ever compared Oscar's game to Michael's because they were so different.
What impact has Schmidt had on Brazilian basketball?
Oscar is to Brazilian basketball what Pele was to Brazilian soccer. Oscar was an amazing player when he was in his prime, and he gave a great name to basketball in Brazil. As far as an impact, Oscar was the one "big name" star of Brazilian basketball and his fame generated high interest in the game in my country.
Do you feel that Oscar would have been a special NBA player?
I really think he could have played at a high level in the NBA because he is such a great shooter. I don't know if there were many players in the history of basketball who were so tall and could shoot so well. He was like a Brazilian Larry Bird.
You were a teammate of Nene Hilario at the U-21 competitions. How do you feel he performed this past season in the NBA?
I think Nene played very well. He is so strong and athletic. He has so much potential and I am sure he will become even more dominant as time goes on.
Who are some of the better young prospects playing Brazilian basketball?
Rafael Quiroga is a great athlete who has a great upside. I think he could become someone special.
What do you feel are your best attributes as a basketball player?
My shooting is one of my best attributes. I had a good year last year -- both my field goal percentage (62%) and my three point percentage (47%) went up. I also rely on my God-given quickness and length. I try to balance my game and keep defenders on their toes by attacking the rim. I like to play aggressively.
What are some things that you think you need to work on?
I was the top defensive player in Brazil. But to excel in the NBA I need to develop better technique. With work, I believe I can be an elite defensive player. I certainly have the determination.
How are your English lessons coming along?
My English is getting better. I study two hours a day. I am on pace to have a good command of English by the time the NBA season starts. My command of English "basketball language" is good, I'm glad to say.
What NBA player do you think your game most resembles?
I try to model my game after great players such as Allen Iverson and Gary Payton. I like Allen Iverson because he plays at such high speed, and he is really aggressive in attacking the basket. I try to play this way, especially on transition. I love the counter attack of basketball. I love to lead the fast break.
Like Payton, I try my best to use my height against smaller point guards. I have practiced my post game a great deal to take advantage of the mismatches I face as a tall point guard. I love to work on my hook shot.
What do you think has been your greatest personal accomplishment on the court?
Leading my team to the national championship last year at Bauru was a great feat. It was a great experience. I look forward to more championships in the future.
Off the court?
Being able to help my family has been my greatest accomplishment. I am very close to my family.
How big is basketball getting in Brazil? Is the gap closing in on football (Soccer) in terms of appeal?
Basketball is the most rapidly growing sport in Brazil, but soccer is still king in Brazil. As more Brazilians play in the NBA I think basketball will become more popular with young people, and that's very good for the game.
I saw last year that Nene followed the World Cup very closely. Did you as well?
Of course! Viva Brasil! I love Ronaldinho!
How soon before you begin your training with former NBA veteran Ron Harper?
I am now on the road, trying out for various NBA teams. Before I left Cleveland, I had the chance to work with Harper. It was an incredible time and I am very thankful for his support. He is a superb teacher and a great person. He has said many nice things about me and I will always think kindly of him.
I see that your full name is Leandro Mateus Barbosa. Many fans ask why do you go by the name Leandrinho? Does it mean something like Hilario's nickname, "Nene"?
I qualified for the U-21 Brazilian national team at the very young age of 15. So the players referred to me as Leandrinho, which means "young Leandro" and that stuck. As I recall, I have always played basketball with athletes older than me. I believe Nene (baby) got his name from his family because he was the youngest.
Who has been the hardest player you have faced so far?
I played against several NBA players such as Turkoglu, Stojakovic and Divac. Probably the best player I have played against was Bodiroga, who plays in Europe. It was at the World Championships last year in Indianapolis. He is a great player and I was not surprised to see him do so well in Europe this past season.
Well thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions!
No Problem!
BIOGRAPHY
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| Statistics |
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SEASONS |
GP |
FG% |
3PT% |
FT% |
SPG |
BPG |
RPG |
APG |
PPG |
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2001-02 Bauru Tilibra |
30 |
60.3 |
42.9 |
72.7 |
1.7 |
0.3 |
3.6 |
6.4 |
15.8 |
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2002-03 Bauru Tilibra |
20 |
57.5 |
44.7 |
83.3 |
2.5 |
0.7 |
4.2 |
7.0 |
28.2 |
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Totals |
50 |
60.0 |
45.0 |
80.0 |
2.1 |
0.5 |
3.9 |
6.7 |
22.0 |
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