IN A STATE OF FEAR

RC: You've played in many tournaments all across the city, and with that, you've won multiple of championships. Is there a championship that you felt you wanted the most and have gotten/not have gotten?
DP: One I have not gotten that I want is DYCKMAN, but the one I yearn for that I can not seem to get because of scheduling is another Hoops in the Sun championship. When I get that, I think I can stop playing streetball because I have everything at least two times over.

RC: If you haven't won every major championship, is there a championship still out there that you haven't gotten yet, but you want badly?
DP: DYCKMAN

RC: What's the one championship that you can say "that's my favorite championship?"
DP: I have to say my Kingdome one because I played with just an assortment of talent, plus most of the team was from my borough and you know how Brooklyn do when they get together. To me, the best players come from that borough. Myself, Junie Saunders, Charles Jones, John Thomas, Sean Simpson, Rob Lewin, James “Stixx” Williams, Tyrone Grant, Omar Cook and Stephon Marbury. The list goes on and on. I would be here all day.

RC: Greatest championship team you've played on?
DP: NIKE ONE, the dynasty is still in the process of being constructed. Four straight championships…need I say more? Has never been done before on the Streetball circuit!

RC: People have called you numerous of times "the best big man in the city." Do you believe that? If so, why?
DP: Well that is a topic for the people, the streets as well as streetball critics. I never looked at it that way. I just want to be known as an ultimate leader as well as a great teammate that always wins and knows how to get it in. Just being the best individual is enough for me. But deep down inside, I know you know the truth.

RC: If you answered yes, is there a big man now, or up and coming, that can take your spot in the near future as the "city's best big man?"
DP: Well I am only 29 years old, so before you push me out or hang me out to pasture, let me get a few more years in [laughs]. To answer your question, I have my eye on a few but the jury is still out, let me watch a couple more summers first.

RC: Besides maybe championships, what else separates you from other big men and any player at any position?
DP: My desire to win, not get numbers, but to win games and championships. As well as being good on the other side of the ball, I am a better defensive player than I am an offensive player. I am sure you have heard this expression ¨offense sells tickets, defense wins games¨ But rebounding brings stability and that is what I do best.

RC: You've been called "Primal Fear" since the summer of 2005, which has become one of the more noted and famous nicknames across the city. Why do you think "Primal Fear" was the chosen nickname for you?
DP: I really do not know but the when people ask me, I tell them I am feared by many but fear no one.

RC: Do you use having a nickname to your advantage, as far as possibly having your opponents intimidated by you, when you're on the court, whether in NYC or overseas?
DP: Yes for sure because they always want to know how I got that name, so I definitely use that for sure.

To continue reading part 3 of this conversation, click on link. Part 3