[A few weeks before the draft, I met with NBA chairman Mr. David Stern, and he asked me, "Where would you like to play?"
I don't want to create any conspiracy theories, but he really did ask me that, and I told him, "Of course, wherever it's hottest, that's where I'll go."
Orlando is very hot, and so am I.
In the 1992 draft, I was incredibly hot. Everyone knew I would be the first pick.
I was very eager to join the NBA, but I still considered staying at Louisiana University for another year.
I was worried about my future, which is understandable.
I called Coach Dale Brown and told him I was leaving.
He said, "I know why you're calling. You're right; you have to leave. They've hurt you too much in college games. You should leave before you get injured."
Coach Brown's words relieved me, so I asked, "But the NBA isn't necessarily safe either."
"No, the NBA is much safer, as long as you don't deliberately stir up trouble. Besides, Ah Gan doesn't hit people as much now."
