Donte Greene lifted a No. 20 Kings jersey and paused with a smile for the cameras surrounding him. His demeanor was calm and relaxed as he answered questions thoughtfully before looking around for more during Friday's press conference inside the Kings locker room.
The media event was a way to introduce Greene to Sacramento following the Ron Artest trade that became official Thursday. It was also an opportunity for the Syracuse product to showcase himself as the high-character athlete his former coaches talk about.
"It was really a privilege to coach him," said Josh Pratt, who coached Greene in high school at Towson Catholic in Baltimore, the same school Carmelo Anthony attended. "I think Sacramento is getting a very good player. He's a great kid."
Other highlights from today's press conference include:
*Greene selected No. 20 for his jersey as a way to honor his mother, who was born March 20. April Greene died when her son was in middle school.
"I'm very happy (No. 20 was available)," he said. "In Houston, I was going to have to go to my college number - five."
* Draft night was very frustrating for Greene. "I was slipping and slipping and the lottery went by," he said. "I stopped watching the draft after No. 20."
* He's not upset about Houston trading him, even if the Kings are now his third NBA team. Memphis originally selected Greene, but traded him to Houston shortly after. "This is the business side of it," he said.
* How does he feel about the Kings? "I like where I am at," Greene said. "We're a young team and I feel like we are going to come out and surprise a lot of people this year."
* The Kings aren't wasting time introducing Greene to Sacramento. Fans will have a chance to meet the newest member of the Kings at the California State Fair on Saturday from 2-3 p.m. in Building D, Space 596.
NOTE: The Bee has provided me a new gadget, which does all kinds of neat things that I have yet to figure out. In my first attempt at video, I recorded yesterday's press conference with Geoff Petrie. Below, you'll find my masterpiece, a day late because of technical difficulties.
Once I get the hang of recording video, I will begin streaming live feed from press conferences and other interviews. So, stay tuned.
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