Andre Iguodala

76ERS FORWARD

On the Sixers' turnaround, from 16--28 to 40--40
One day in practice, Coach [Maurice Cheeks] was like, we're going to start running. We did a drill, five-on-five, and just pushed it up the court. That changed things. We found an identity.

On studying the game
On a game day we watch film as a team. Then the video guy shows clips of my offensive plays and a few defensive plays from the last game. Later, I'll watch the game again at home. I can remember every play of the whole year.

On loving to read
The last three books I read are Forty Million Dollar Slaves by William C. Rhoden, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison and Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy. I got a lot out of [Dungy's] book on what to say to teammates in certain situations.

On leaving Arizona in 2004 after his sophomore year
I have no regrets. I don't miss college life at all. I was so focused on trying to perform on the court that I didn't have any fun off the court. I did good in school. I studied; I had like a 3.0 or 3.1 [as a political science major]. But I didn't have fun.

On math in his game
Ms. White, my 11th-grade precalc teacher [at Lanphier High in Springfield, Ill.] wanted me to be a math teacher. When I'd shoot free throws, she'd say, "Think parabola." That helped. I still use what Ms. White taught me.

"I can't wait for the playoffs. The added pressure is going to be beneficial to me."

PHOTO

PHOTOGRAPH BY CHAD GRIFFITH