via COMPLEX

While we are all busy wishing we were a little bit taller, or that we were a baller, Mason Plumlee is out there living the dream. The American NBA star, who currently plays center for the Denver Nuggets, is 6 ft 11 inches of pure passion for his sport. Since his start playing high-school ball in Warsaw, Indiana, he literally hasn’t stopped. His drive has taken him through FIBA, a title as McDonald’s all-American (yes, that exists), Duke University, and through many successful seasons in the NBA.

We had a few questions for Plumlee on what it’s like to play against his brothers, who plumdog millionaire is, and the weirdest things he’s heard in the locker room.

 What’s on your pre-game playlist?

 

I have everything from Kid Cudi and J Cole, to Matt Kearney and Shawn McDonald. Just depends on the mood.

What’s the best part about being transferred to a new team?

A new environment affords the opportunity to learn from new people/coaches and challenge yourself to adapt and be flexible. I’ve been able to re-identify where I can be valuable and give all that I have.

The worst part?

Living in a hotel for two months.

How do you think playing at Duke changed your life?

Duke Basketball is a family. There are so many success stories from our program that no one hears about. Our managers and support staff go on to great things just like the players do. The relationships I have from the team have changed my life.

What’s it like playing against your brothers?

It’s fun but I treat them like any other opponent. The best par is being able to grab dinner the night before though.

Are you guys competitive off the court?

We used to be but we have very different interests off the court now. It happened sometime between college and the NBA, I’m not sure how. But I want to support them in what they do and vice versa.

What are you most proud of outside of basketball?

I am a great friend, and the people closest to me can really rely on me. They know they can count on me.

What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever heard in the locker room?

That Dave Dave is Michael Jackson.

Tell me more about ‘plumdog millionaire’

I needed a rap alias for a song and it seemed appropriate since all rappers want to have a lot of money.

What do you think is the biggest misunderstanding about the WNBA?

That the WNBA is their full time career. Most of the athletes play overseas or have jobs in their off season. I have friends in the WNBA and they hoop year round.

Do you have a favorite WNBA team?

Connecticut Sun.

If you weren’t playing basketball, what would you be doing?

I would still be involved in the game, I love it. Whether it was being a video coordinator or a General Manager I would be involved.

What are 3 things you tell yourself before a game?

I always thank God for the opportunity to play, to play for a living is a privilege I don’t take for granted. Then everything else is just about clearing my mind and playing off instinct.

One piece of advice you’d give to kids who hope to be in the NBA one day..

Enjoy every step along the way, enjoy HS when you’re in HS, enjoy college when you’re in college, just stay in the moment and make the most of them.

Some pictures plumdog millionaire thought you’d appreciate…

*Images courtesy of Mason Plumlee.