Q+A Ice Cube
SI: Your movie features a Satchel Paige bobblehead doll voiced by Tracy Morgan. Why Satchel Paige?
Cube: Everybody thought we should use somebody contemporary, but [director] Brian Levant and I were like, 'Let's give this old dude some props.' Hopefully, the kids will look back and study what Satchel Paige was all about.
SI: You're a season-ticket holder with the Lakers, but we never see you courtside.
Cube: Me and my family, we go to every game. We have a box. I don't sit with nobody except the fam. The kids can do their homework and there's nobody sweatin' you.
SI: George Clooney fancies himself a pretty good basketball player. Did you play on the set of Three Kings?
Cube: Yeah, I worked Clooney a lot. Then he didn't want to play no more. They'd go to the gym without telling me.
SI: What athlete could cross over as an actor or rapper?
Cube: Allen Iverson could do it in a heartbeat. He always seems genuine, not faking or fronting. Michael Vick could do it if he opened his mouth more. He is just cool.
SI: You once told SI if you could meet anyone, it would be Michael Jordan. Did that ever happen?
Cube: I got to meet him and tell him how much I love him. He said Friday was his favorite movie. What more could I ask for?
SI: You were on the cover of the May 24, 1999, issue. Since then you've only gotten bigger. Why no SI cover jinx?
Cube: You know, I wasn't a rookie when y'all did me. I wasn't a new booty. I was a seasoned vet. I'm glad you didn't do that cover in 1988. I wouldn't be here now. --Richard Deitsch
COLOR PHOTO
FITZROY BARRETT/GLOBE PHOTOS (ICE CUBE)
COLOR PHOTO
DAVID LACHAPELLE (SI COVER)