Charlie Villanueva of the Detroit Pistons Interview At FantasySportsDay.com

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By: staff Posted: August 7, 2009

FantasySportsDay.com had a chance to catch up with NBA Superstar Power Forward Charlie Villanueva, the newest member of the Detroit Pistons. Villanueva talks Twitter, UCONN, Championships with Ben Gordon, Chicken and Pasta and Alopecia.

NBA Superstar Charlie Villanueva and FantasySportsDay.com

FSD: Charlie what is this Twitter story that hit the headlines during last season?

CV: The response I have been getting with the fans, its a good way to communicate with the fans. And actually when I did that I did exactly what I said I was gonna do, we ended up winning the game. I guess the coaches didn't like it, but we gonna see what John has to say about it.

FSD: Tell us about the communication aspect of Twitter?

CV: Definitely great for connecting. I don't think the fans have a way to follow what is going on with their favorite NBA Player on a day to day basis. I just try to provide that for them and it's been wonderful, I get a great response and as the days go on more people have been following it.

FSD: Let's transition to you as a basketball player now. You are listed as a 6'11 power forward, let us know what type of player you are and what people can look forward to when you put that Pistons uniform on?

CV: You are gonna see a player who is gonna work hard. A versatile player who can step out and hit the three pointer, put the ball on the floor and I can play multiple positions so that is the type of player you are going to get.

FSD: Your stats really improved markedly in your fourth season, what would you attribute that to?

CV: Definitely familiarity with the league but even more so consistent minutes. The past year with Milwaukee we had a couple injuries and I had to step up and played decently and been getting the minutes that I think I have worked hard for and earned and I have shown what I can do with those minutes.

FSD: Stuckey has been quoted saying that he is excited for you and Ben Gordon to come aboard because the Pistons are getting much younger from the older team of the past. What was your deciding factor in coming to the Pistons?

CV: After talking to Ben that really made my decision easier. Last time I played with Ben Gordon we ended up winning a Championship at UCONN so that's definitely a good sign there but the winning tradition is a huge factor. I have never been to a playoff, I just want to win and I know the other guys want to win as well so I think this is a good fit for me.

FSD: Playing at UCONN where they win National Championships, how does that prepare you for the NBA?

CV: It's been an extremely valuable experience especially being coached under Jim Calhoun, he's a Hall of Fame Coach. Nothing is given to you, everything is earned. He is a hard nosed coach and that is the best decision I have ever made, because they prepared me definitely for the NBA.

FSD: Your Bio says you eat Chicken and Pasta before your games. How superstitious are you?

CV: No, man I am not superstitious. I just like eating my pasta and chicken. I gotta have it.

FSD: The Charlie Villanueva Foundation works hard to prevent kids from bullying and being victims of bullying. What influenced you to start this foundation?

CV: I think its a very big problem in schools that a lot of people don't put too much thought into. It happens in every school and people tend to forget that kids that are getting bullied could affect them for the rest of their lives. Also the fact that I have alopecia. Alopecia is a hair loss condition. Just the fact that it happened to me, I feel everything happens for a reason and this is just a way for me to help others.

FSD: Charlie thank you for your time and best of luck to you this upcoming NBA Season.

CV: Anytime.

Detroit Pistons and NBA Superstar Charlie Villanueva with FantasySportsDay.com

Charlie Villanueva, an exceptional basketball player but most importantly a class act and philanthropic human being whose influence extends well beyond the basketball court.