Milwaukie Newspaper gets R.O.Y. opinion on NBA draft

It's been quite a season for Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy. After being a near-unanimous choice for this season's NBA rookie of the year award, he represented the team at the Tuesday's draft lottery, where Portland landed the No. 1 pick in the draft.

Q. How do you feel about the prospect of playing with a potentially great center like Greg Oden of Ohio State?

A. It would be great to play with a player like him. He has the ability to change the game defensively and offensively. He has the chance to be special.

Q. What went through your mind when you realized you were going to be in the top three?

A. I was really getting nervous. Before it started, I figured things would probably hold up. Then when we made it to the top three, I started thinking about the possibility of playing with a Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. We really have a chance to have a great young team, and I'm excited to grow with this team.

Q. What was your good-luck charm?

A. I didn't have one. Everybody said you have to make up something, and I told them that wouldn't be me. I've never had a good-luck charm and I didn't want to start (Tuesday) with one. I came out here being myself and it worked for me. We really have no control over it. The balls bounce the way they do.

Q. Is this team headed toward competing for a championship in a few years?

A. I think you have to start thinking that way. When you get a chance to get a top player, that bodes well for the future. I think we really have the chance to build something.

Tom Enlund