Okay, here it is. The exclusive interview with Lawrence and Lamoni Yazzie. I came up with any ole question to ask them. They answered them all with dignity, and showed their beliefs, and convictions in answers given. This interview was done through email, and was certainly worth the wait. Thank you guys for allowing me to bug you with these questions, and complying with answering them. I am greatful.

In their own words, here they are.

(1.) Growing up, you two had basketball. If basketball weren’t in the picture, what would you be doing now?

Simple, college degrees have always been the focus for my family. There would be little difference but possible change in school, more free time, and longer breaks.

(2.) You both been there for each other in past and present times. Future times, do you expect more of the same closeness?

Definitely, the vision of my brothers and sisters have always entailed living near one another. We’ve grown up spending late nights talking and sharing in one another’s lives.

(3.) Single? Looking? Or taken?

Lawrence: Currently single.

Lamoni: very taken for a very long time, McResha Johnson (Navajo) from Kayenta, AZ who attends ASU.

(4.) How much time is spent back home for the both of you?

We spend four days during Christmas and Spring Break. Basketball schedule does not allow for Thanksgiving and most of Christmas. Summer programs, such as combat survival training and summer school, has taken up the remainder of our time. At most, the summer offers three weeks of summer leave. Lamoni is the only one of us to get the summer break.

(5.) People are starting to take notice of your guys' accomplishments. How does that make the two of you feel?

The feeling is tremendous because we have worked incredibly hard and it is great to be recognized. Family members who are unable to follow along with our carreers, occassionally, pick up a paper and see how their sons and grandsons are doing. It brings us alot of joy to see and feel their pride in us.

(6.) Because of your standings in the public eye, do you change your actions, or do things different now?

No, we are not popular by any means. The articles are meant for inspiration. We hope to reach younger children. To show them that anything is possible. We change to improve. We don’t change because a few more people know our names and faces. We hope people look upon us and see our mother and father and grandmothers and grandfathers. We are successful because of them.

(7.) There are those on reservations (reserves) playing ball and other sports, and some are pretty good. Would you encourage them to pursue that talent to further themselves? If so, how would you do that?

We definitely would encourage anyone who has a dream to make the sacrifice and obtain it. I would stress the importance of a sound mind, body and soul. Poisons like alcohol and drugs will hinder you. While faith, prayers, and sacrifice will lift you. Understand that basketball is a tool to a greater education.

(8.) Internet is becoming bigger everyday. Would you guys say that it has affected your lives in any way? If so, how?

Yes, it has made our lives somewhat better. Information is more accessible for schoolwork. Contact with family and friends are easier. More people are able to share in the lives of others through sites such as your own.

(9.) Who are the most influential person (people) in your lives to this point?

There are several people that have influenced our lives. Our family has set the precedent for our success. Their blood, sweat, tears, and prayers have built a foundation unshaken by any shortcoming.

(10.) What's the most memorable "on the court" experience?

Winning the state title together in high school and fulfilling our childhood dream of playing Div 1 basketball together has been the most memorable experiences. We played in the Pit at the UNM together in front of many members of our family and reservation.

(11.) What's the most forgettable "on the court" experience?

Lamoni:In the middle of my senior year, Lawrence transferred from Tuba City High to Window Rock High. Returning to Tuba to play against the Warriors, the gymnasium was packed with signs of traitors, verbal vulgarity, and taunting of all sorts. Lamoni had an awesome game scoring over 25 points against a school that overlooked his ability. Lawrence played poorly among once friends and supportive community to enemies and resentment. That game is one that Lawrence would like to forget.

(12.) Who do you want to send shouts out to?

Family and those friends who stood by us through everything (Maurice George, Triseah Ruof, Kent Tomah)

(13.) The two of you have obviously went one on one before. Who's ahead in total games won?

We haven’t kept count. We play now to improve. Working on various moves, numerous drills and that calls for competitiveness. However, we don’t remember the scores-just the hard work.

(14.) Board games, or video games?

Both…board games like Sorry and Monopoly plus video games like Blitz... whatever the family feels like.

(15.) Do you guys cook? If so, what's your specialty dish?

Of course.

Lawrence: I can cook several things but I love fixing breakfast.

Lamoni: He enjoys a medium well steak and bake potatoes. Claims to be the better cook.

(16.) Any predictions for this new millennium?

No predictions.

(17.) Any tattoos? If so, where, what and why?

Lawrence & Lamoni: Have 'Yazzie' where there's a lightning bolt for the ‘i’ on right calf.

Lawrence: has a warrior standing over Mother Earth. Four feathers hang from Her and lightning bolts surround the whole on left ankle.

(18.) Who's your guys' favorite coach you've had or have?

Favorite coach is Bo “Bear” Whitelock from Window Rock. He let my brother and I play together and ultimately a basketball state title.

(19.) There's a lot of conflict for rez youth. Many ask themselves: Should I do drugs, have sex, join a gang, or fight so and so. Any teachings you've had or given to help them out with certain things like these?

Look within. See a greater person than the one before the mirror and become him or her. Rise each day making it better than the last. Set yourself to the highest standard. I have compared my generation with the old generation. We are not as good as they were; we are not as healthy as they were. Strive for excellence in your physical, mental, and spiritual beings. We do not drink or do drugs because alcohol and other substance have killed our people for so many years. It has affected everyone around us in some manner or another. So, we choose health over poisoning our mind, body and soul.

(20.) Ever dedicated a game, or season to anyone special?

No, we constantly recognize those who have never left our side on this long road of pain and pleasure.

(21.) What are some high points in your guys' lives?

Last year, we were able to spend Christmas together. All of my brothers and sisters as well as parents came together in Oklahoma for the first time since adolescence.

(22.) I've read that you guys went between Oklahoma and Arizona. How'd you two keep busy during those long trips?

We enjoy talking, telling stories, and definitely singing along with the radio, tape, or CD player.

(23.) Do you two believe that Jim Thorpe is the greatest athlete in the 1900's?

We think he is the greatest athlete ever. We, recently, attended his grandson’s donation of two of Jim Thorpe’s gold medal to the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Among the various athletes and high profiled Native Americans, Billy Mills spoke on his behalf. There is no doubt that Jim Thorpe is the greatest athlete.

(24.) If you two were to meet any 3 people of the past or present, who would they be and why?

Quanah Parker, Jim Thorpe, and Billy Mills are the three individuals. We have been in the same room with Billy Mills but never introduced ourselves. We would love to meet the man (Jim Thorpe) who inspired another great athlete (Billy Mills) to achieve such feats. Quanah Parker like Billy Mils and Jim Thorpe set the era by surpassing everyone’s expectation. They dispel the stereotypes that Native Americans are educated, competitive, and can reach incredible heights. To meet anyone of them and tell them how much love we have for them. To tell them that how they influenced our lives. To tell them that these Yazzie boys have sought their strength through present day struggles. To tell them that they will never be forgotten.

(25.) Just to relax, and have time yourselves, what do you two do?

We watch movies, have a nice meal and long conversation, and listen to stories. Lawrence writes poetry on occasion as well. Lamoni runs up minutes on his cell phone talking to his girlfriend.

Click Here to go to Lawrence and Lamoni's page on this site.