I was stealing the ball from all the guys. Every time they dribbled the ball, I used to take it, and I'd go down the court, and I'd either lay it up myself, or I'd pass it to one of my teammates. I was getting a lot of excitement from that; I felt good about doing that.
Speed was one of the criteria for me - one of my strengths. But I had to use them all... everything I had.
I understood my path and what I meant to the game and what I mean to kids. Not only kids, but individuals around the world. Folks that didn't think that the game was meant for smaller people. For me, I always felt that, tall or small, the game was for all.
Our main thing was playing basketball and just trying to win games. Doing that was a representation of who you are and people wanting to associate themselves with you.
Being able to compete against the best, having success against the best, and to be included with the best - that's something I really relished whenever I got on the court.
As a small guard, you need to understand how you impact the game and make sure you impact it in the way that you can showcase your talent on the floor and having that understanding of the game. Tony Bennett was a smaller guard, too. We all have different strengths.
It all depends on the athlete. It all depends on if the bigger guys come out, and they become a Shaquille O'Neal, or if they become a Porzingis...You don't ever lose sight of those type of players, even though the game has changed.
Absolutely, there's still a place for smaller guards. This is the time for it, really. You can't hand check, you can get your space wherever you want, plus you can create your own opportunities.
I know I've accomplished a great deal for a man of my height. It's been a blessing, and I thank God for the talent. I've always given 110%.
I have a business in North Carolina but am open to coaching or broadcasting as well. I've got four years on my contract and want to play as long as I can with my knees, but I'll let God take care of that.
There was a TV show that came on every week called the 'Bowery Boys,' and there was a character named Muggsy. The way I played basketball and the nickname stuck with me. No one calls me Tyrone except one person: Mom!
