American Quotes

Black people don't have an accurate idea of their history, which has been either suppressed or distorted.

The transition was difficult. It's hard to stop something that you've enjoyed and that has been very rewarding.

Music rhythms are mathematical patterns. When you hear a song and your body starts moving with it, your body is doing math. The kids in their parents' garage practicing to be a band may not realize it, but they're also practicing math.

In a typical history book, black Americans are mentioned in the context of slavery or civil rights. There's so much more to the story.

A lot of players think the game is all about individual performances when it's really all about a team game.

I feel that there has been progress made since I was a boy on matters of race, but we have a long way to go.

Fundamental preparation is always effective. Work on those parts of your game that are fundamentally weak.

I think someone should explain to the child that it's OK to make mistakes. That's how we learn. When we compete, we make mistakes.

Center is a very tough position to play.

A team will always appreciate a great individual if he's willing to sacrifice for the group.

In athletics there's always been a willingness to cheat if it looks like you're not cheating. I think that's just a quirk of human nature.

I would suggest that teachers show their students concrete examples of the negative effects of the actions that gangsta rappers glorify.

I expect more people from China and Asia to end up in the NBA.

I think that the good and the great are only separated by the willingness to sacrifice.

As brilliant an individual that Michael Jordan was, he was not successful until he got with a good team unit.

If not shown appreciation, it gets to you.

I saw Islam as the correct way to live, and I chose to try to live that way.

As a parent, I have a job as a role model to my children, and by extension, to other young people.

I'm not comfortable being preachy, but more people need to start spending as much time in the library as they do on the basketball court.

I try to do the right thing at the right time. They may just be little things, but usually they make the difference between winning and losing.

Five guys on the court working together can achieve more than five talented individuals who come and go as individuals.

A lot of young players don't really know much about the history of the game and a lot of them are missing out on what the game is all about, especially the whole concept of sportsmanship and teamwork.

I think race has been a burden for black Americans. Being Muslim has also been a challenge because so many people do not understand Islam.

I tell kids to pursue their basketball dreams, but I tell them to not let that be their only dream.

You can't win unless you learn how to lose.

I welcome him like I welcome cold sores. He's from England, he's angry and he's got Mad Power Disease.

I think it would be great if there were no age limit.

I think a duet with Janet is a great idea.

I signed on with Disney to star and choreograph an original film.

I have been working up until recently with Neil Simon, who has been adapting the character to me.