He is one of the heroes of our sleepless NBA nights… He is “The Little Giant” who embarrasses opponents with his amazing crossovers… He is “The Answer” to all our problems on the floor… Name: Allen… Surname: Iverson… Credentials: NBA Star…

He is one of the heroes of our sleepless NBA nights… He is “The Little Giant” who embarrasses opponents with his amazing crossovers… He is “The Answer” to all our problems on the floor… Name: Allen… Surname: Iverson… Credentials: NBA Star…
He is now playing in Istanbul, Turkey and wearing a Beşiktaş jersey…Every game, he attracts thousands of fans to the Arena… The fans call him “The true Son of Beşiktaş.” 
SENEM GÜLKAR / BEŞİKTAŞ MAGAZINE
PHOTOS: A. KÜRŞAD KAPLAN
Whenever we talk about basketball, the first thing comes to our minds is the size. If you are not tall enough, you get banged around under the basket and have no future. But there is an undersized ball player who has built himself a solid career in NBA, the top professional league in the sport of basketball, and captured the hearts of thousand of fans from allover the world. Allen Iverson is the guy whose astounding moves on the court have left even the opposition fans murmuring incredulously, “wow, did you see that?”
After getting drafted first by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996, the 6-foot point guard has quickly become a role model for all undersized youngsters. Born on June 7th, 1975, the 11-time All-Star, 4-time scoring champion and 1-time MVP is one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, averaging 26-7 points per game.
In addition to his astonishing quickness, Iverson was fearless and rebellious on court. The sleeve he wore on his left arm after an elbow injury started a fashion which still lasts today. Sure, like many players do, he’s had his ups and downs in his career, but none were sufficient enough to tarnish his reputation. Now, his journey from the streets of Virginia has taken him to Istanbul where he wears the Black and White jersey of Beşiktaş. We visited the legendary star during his training and interviewed him for our magazine. 
We know that you previously played American-football. Do you have any remorse for switching to basketball?
Football was my first love affair. I had been playing football since I was eight and was pretty good at it. An unfortunate event took place when I was in high-school. I got into a fight and spent four months in a correctional facility. When I got out, no school accepted me. Then my mother contacted Georgetown basketball coach John Thompson. After their meeting, I was told that from that day on, I had to give up football and play only basketball. Upon hearing this news, I was devastated and cried for days because I really loved football. But I had no other choice. Come to think of it, it didn’t turn out to be bad decision after all.
When you were at the University, you were taking fine arts but had to drop out. Which fine art were you taking?
I was enrolled in drawing courses. Although I never had a chance to complete them, I still enjoy drawing a lot and draw once in a while.
How much do you think Coach John Thompson had contributed to your game?
Believe or not, without him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Most importantly, he helped me get back on my feet by forgiving my teenage mistakes and showing me the right way. He also thought me everything I know about basketball. I am 35 now, but he continues to be my closest mentor. He still shields me from hostile media and ill-intended managers.
You had one of your best years in NBA during 2000-01 season and led the Sixers to the finals but ended up losing the series 4-1. If we go back to days, what was the team lacking?
I don’t think we lacked anything; we just lost to a better team. At that time, the Lakers were definitely the best team in the league and heavily favored against us. Coming into the series, we were plagued with a number of unexpected injuries which kept us from being aggressive enough out there. But I don’t want to take anything away from the Lakers; they truly deserved it. 
In addition to prolific scorer Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat has LeBron James and Chris Bosh this season. Do you think the Heat can win an NBA title with the three kings this season?     
It’s too early to say anything. They are almost a new team and they need time. Let’s not forget, it takes time to be a champion. There are also some other good teams around. Don’t count out the Lakers; they have a great roster as well. We’ll wait and see.
Although you are here for a short period of time, in your opinion, what is the difference between the European basketball and NBA? 
In NBA, individual talent and performance takes precedence over anything else, but the European basketball is definitely a team game. Due to stoppages such as fouls and timeouts, the pace of the game is also a bit slower. One more thing, compared to their counterparts in NBA, the centers take too many three-pointers here. 
What do you think of a shorter playing time?
For 14 years, I had been playing 48-minute games. But the games in Europe are only 40 minutes long with four 10-minute quarters. Seeing 2-3 minutes left in the quarter before I really get going sometimes amazes me. I often wonder where all the time goes around here (grins).
How is your physical condition? Here, you don’t play as many games as you normally do in NBA, but the practices are longer and harder. Is it going to affect your performance?
Just like any player, I like the real game more than the practices. To get used to these European types of practices is going to be a new experience for me. But our Coach Burak Bıyıktay is helping me get through this adaptation period. Besides, I’ve been away from Basketball for quite some time, and some extra training will not hurt.
You are being considered as a legend in basketball and ranked among the best.  What kind of feeling is that?
Believe me, it is a great feeling. I always pray to God for that. Deep inside, I also thank my family, teammates and coaches, who backed me up all these years, for this great honor. For a player, what can be more satisfying than going out and making his fans happy year in, year out?
After an elbow injury, you started wearing a sleeve on your arm, and never took it out. Then the other players adapted the same thing. You actually launched a new fashion in basketball. What is the story behind it? 
During my college basketball days, every time I fell, my elbow got swollen.  It eventually got so bad that I needed a surgery. After the surgery, I started wearing a sleeve on my left arm for precautionary measure. But since I got kind of used to it, I decided to leave it on for the remainder of the season. Then the others followed me. Yes, you are right; wearing sleeves turned out to be a new fashion in basketball which is still on day, making me a legend in fashion (grins).
When you were offered a contract by Beşiktaş, what did you think? Were you worried a little? After all, it was a different type of basketball, so far away from home…
After checking out the offer thoroughly, I felt I could contribute to Beşiktaş and help it grow in basketball. Besides, the club was hungry for success as much as I was. My contribution would not only be limited to my performance as a player, but I could bring in more fans and boost season-ticket and club merchandise sales.  After seeing the club’s willingness and capabilities, I even thought of retiring in Istanbul. You know what?  Everything is going according to my plans, and I sincerely want to be a part of Beşiktaş.
What were your feelings when you were first introduced to the Beşiktaş fans at the BJK Cola Turka Arena?
The first thing that came to my mind was, “Thank God, after such long time, I am where I’m supposed to be.” Then it became crystal clear to me that I made the right decision. The fans’ cheering of my name was so loud and vigorous that I felt goosebumps all over and choked a few times. Memories of that night still excite me.
Then, on their insistence, you walked up to stands and joined the cheering didn’t you?
Since I didn’t speak a word of Turkish, I must admit, at first, it was rather a bit difficult as I didn’t know what to cheer. Then I caught few words and kept repeating them. Everything worked out fine in the end and I really enjoyed. It was another life time experience for me. I like to hear it again in our regular games.
In NBA games, fans do not cheer much. But it is a different story here. So far, you played two games at the Arena. How would you rate the fans and their cheering?
All my life, I’ve played games all over the world but never seen such loyal fans and coordinated cheering anywhere else. It feels like 4th of July celebrations.  I previously thought this type of atmosphere only belonged to soccer matches. If I told the NBA fans in US what was happening in the Turkish basketball games they would never believe me. They have to come here and see it with their own eyes. With that kind of motivation, it is difficult to lose games.
You scored 15 points in your first game, 2 in the second and 18 in the third. How many points you plan to average at the end of the season?
(Grins)... I don’t know how many, but promise it is not going to be 2.
Even though you are known with your individual performance, you stressed the importance of team success in your signing ceremony at the Arena. Is this a break with the past?
Our team has been put together way before my arrival, and it has been playing pretty well lately. Therefore, there is no need for drastic changes right now. Moreover, it would be unrealistic to expect my teammates to change all their ways for me in such a short time. For the time being, I chose to adapt to their game. As I said earlier, team’s success is more important here than the individual stats. I believe as the season rolls, I will get to know my teammates better and become a more productive team player. All I need is a little more time so I can adjust myself to the new conditions. You will see a much improved Allen Iverson out there before too long.
How does a star get through an ordinary day? What are his hobbies and indispensables?
How his off-the-court life, kids, family relations etc…