Deepak Sambhara: Hello and welcome fans, to a live chat session with none other than Randall Ravens team captain for the 1999-2000 season, Marlon Allen! Hi, I am Deepak Sambhara. This is the time where, you the fans ask the crucial questions to our team, and get the responses. In this interview myself (The head sports columnist) will be talking with Marlon about the teams performance as well as himself through the season. From what I understand, we have Marlon with us. Hi! Marlon Allen: Hey Deepak. Deepak Sambhara: How have you been holding up? Marlon Allen: I'm fine, and how are you? Deepak Sambhara: I'm alright. So shall we get started? Marlon Allen: Whenever you're ready "D". Deepak Sambhara: First question. How do you think the team got to where they were right now? I mean, their status in York Region Basketball is huge! Marlon Allen: Personally, I think it's because of the team's knowledge of the game, as well as our cooperation. Deepak Sambhara: What do you think about the coaching the team has had? Has it affected you guys? Have you disagreed or agreed with it? Marlon Allen: For the most part, I say the coaching HAS affected all of us. I mean without it, I don't think we would be where we were at the end of the area meet. I disagreed with the coaching at the beginning of the season, but as time passed, we learned to work with what we got to enhance our game. Deepak Sambhara: Do the Ravens owe their success to anyone or anything in particular? Marlon Allen: I believe that we owe EVERYTHING to the teachers, coaches and the Hardcore fans of ours: Dhaksha, Sabashkar, and Deepak (you). Deepak Sambhara: Thanks for that compliment, we never missed a game did we? Anyway, let's get back on track. How does the team function so well with each other? Marlon Allen: I think that it's thanks to Mr. O' Sullivan, Ms. Sood, and Mr. Vilenuva. We knew our way around the court and contributed on our strengths, while they made us focused to improve on our weaknesses. Deepak Sambhara: Do you see any difference in the overall skill of the team, looking back at the beginning of the season and the closing? Marlon Allen: As a team, I see improvement, but looking at myself, I can't say I have seen anything different. Deepak Sambhara: How do you feel about winning all those M.V.P.'s and tournament all star medals? Does it mean a lot to you? Marlon Allen: Definitely. For sure, this stuff is what comes out from hard work. I was shocked when I got these medals, and felt that there were many other deserving players on the team. But I never expected myself to get any of it! Deepak Sambhara: Who do you think is the most improved player on the team? Marlon Allen: It's hard to say, but I would say Paul Bhatti. He has shown that he wants to be part of this team, and I think he has earned his success! Deepak Sambhara: How do you feel about being 0-2 to Coppard Glen Public School? I know I was very angry when I saw it happen, always one point away! Marlon Allen: It was very depressing to lose, because we all knew that we had the right stuff to beat them. I think we lost, partly because a referee made an error unknowingly, in a particular game. Deepak Sambhara: How do you feel about Coppard Glen Public School? Marlon Allen: Well I don't have to answer that! We all know we are the best in the region! (Laughing) Deepak Sambhara: What mattered most in the season? Marlon Allen: I did, no I am joking! I think the area mattered the most because that's where you would show off your skills. Deepak Sambhara: Do you think it was a privilege of being team captain? Was their more responsibility required on your part? Marlon Allen: Yeah I think it was a privilege of being team captain, but everybody was treated equally. I think to get this far, to be in this position, would have you to earn it over time. Deepak Sambhara: What was the environment in the change room like after losing a match? Marlon Allen: It was silent. I was the first to leave, and I didn't talk to anyone for the rest of the day. It was a sad moment. Kostas and I were holding all the anger in, and were about to explode! Out of everyone though, I think that I was the angriest. Deepak Sambhara: Another hard team in York Region was Armadale P.S. The first time you squared off against them you suffered a defeat by four points. When you guys came back in the area, you stole the victory away by six points. Did you guys have a different strategy after seeing what they could do? Marlon Allen: I say we played harder. We had the game from the beginning, and it was just a matter of holding on, and that's what we did. Deepak Sambhara: What brought the team's success? Marlon Allen: The love of the game. Deepak Sambhara: If you had the choice, would you retire your jersey, #24? Marlon Allen: No, because it would be the same number I would use in high school, hopefully if I make the team. Deepak Sambhara: Let's play a game. I'll say a name and you say the first thing that pops in your head about the person. Marlon Allen: Alright. Deepak Sambhara: You, Marlon Allen Marlon Allen: Jumping, with a shot that's on and off, crashing boards, and my dribble (Even though I don't have enough skills. But I deal with it with stuff I have up my sleeve) Deepak Sambhara: How aboutC.J. Blake? Marlon Allen: Leaping, how he crashes boards…It's amazing! And his shot is always on! Deepak Sambhara: What do you think about Javon Findlater? Marlon Allen: His shot is always on! He is the next Dell Curry. Deepak Sambhara: What about Kostas Tsmplidis? Marlon Allen: His shot and dribbles. The way he showboats makes people look stupid. On court he is jokes. Deepak Sambhara: How about David Jones Marlon Allen: How he crashes boards. His shot isn't the best, but you can count on it most times. Deepak Sambhara: What do you think about Sivan Gunam? I feel that he has really shown his potential on the team. Marlon Allen: He is an all rounder. He has a good shot, nice blocks, and his dribbles are good as well.
Deepak Sambhara: What about Arif Virani? Marlon Allen: He takes his shots too far, which is pretty bad, but you can depend on it sometimes. On and off court, this man is a spirit booster for all of us. Deepak Sambhara: Anything to say about Owais Sultan and Jon Chen (a.k.a. Rubber band)? Marlon Allen: They both are scared to drive. Once they start doing it, they will get better. It is something they both need to improve on. Deepak Sambhara: Words about the grade sevens? Paul, Sherman, Mohammed, and Peter? Marlon Allen: They are alright right now, but they need some improving. When they grow older they will improve their skills, I am sure of that. Deepak Sambhara: Insight for the coaches? Marlon Allen: They are outstanding with terrific strategies to bring us up in the game! Deepak Sambhara: What do you think about this years season? Marlon Allen: It's the best season we have ever had…At least for me it was. I was a starter, we won more games than ever, our record speaks for itself, and we functioned better as a team! Deepak Sambhara: Good points! So tell me, how far do you plan to take Basketball? Marlon Allen: Actually, I really couldn't tell you. I am not that sure right now. But if I were to give you an answer, I'd probably say as far as I could go. Deepak Sambhara: Is there anybody you want to thank for the wonderful season? Marlon Allen: Yeah…I want to thank the coaching staff, friends, fans, family, god, just everybody! Deepak Sambhara: Well Marlon, it looks like we have come to the end of this interview. It's been a pleasure! Marlon Allen: The pleasure's all mine. Deepak Sambhara: Good luck to you in your career! Marlon Allen: Thanks a lot for having me Deepak. RANDALL REPRESENTIN'!
