Last Sunday, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, former resident in UCLA, didn’t shine for his return to Los Angeles. Back in December after an injury, he struggles to regain the level of his brilliant rookie season.

Hoopsnotes met him a few minutes after the cold shower against the Lakers.

Luc, in a game like that, is it hard to stay in the game and not let it go?

It is very difficult because they were clumsy at first, too. It didn’t fall in for both teams and there was not much intensity. They took a 20-points lead and when we came back, they scored demoralizing baskets. So, yes, it is difficult but we tried to play until the end, even if tonight we don’t have much shoots which fell in.

And for a guy like you, the fact that the intensity is lacking souldn’t make your task easier?

Of course. I made two faults early in the game and then after I have to control and be careful not to be too aggressive. Anyway, this is the kind of loss we must to learn about to keep moving forward.

After a very good rookie season, the confirmation is never easy. How do you judge your first three months of competition?

It is more difficult but I know how to prepare myself, I know what to expect so it’s also an advantage compared to last year. I started the season with an injury and I have not found my rhythm and my full game since I came back. I have to continue to fight and I think it will come gradually.

Were you surprised yourself by your rookie season?

Yes, I thought it would be much more difficult. I have taken advantage of opportunities and I still do.

Was your preparation during the summer, mentally, different?

Yes, because now I knew that other players know me. They know that I am a good defender, that I take the rebounds and that I attack well so there is no more surprise. They are ready and you have to be ready too and imporve different aspects of your game. Me, I am very focused on my shot to improve it and continue to surprise the others.

Are the 2009/2010 Bucks very different from last season?

Yes, last year the team was more experienced. Without the injuries in midseason, we might have made the playoffs. We had talent and experience. There, the talent remained but we are much younger. We have to play with that but it’s true that, during some games, the inexperience cost us.

Does it mean that the ambition is a little lower this year?

Not at all. It’s just two different teams, but the ambition is there. And in this team, all the players really want to contribute every night, during every game. The passion is enormous.

When you came to UCLA, was it first to study or did you already aspire to play in the NBA?

Both. I am in the United States since high school in Orlando and UCLA recruited me. This is one of the best universities in the country and I had a scholarship to play basketball. And at the same time I was going to do my studies. I stayed three years and made three straight Final Four, with two defeats against Joakim (Noah) in final and semifinal.

There are a lot of talents in Africa but few arrived in the NBA, how do you explain that?

They arrive, we are more and more. There are me, Didier (Mbenga), Luol (Deng). We are fewer than before, it’s true but I think that the initiatives of the NBA like “Basketball without Borders”, it will open doors. Africans will be in the next draft, so you just have to wait a little.

A word about Jennings. It’s more difficult during recent games, is it a simple drop or does it mean that he is now much more guarded and that it will be difficult to confirm his early performance?

It’s a bit of both. The teams are much more prepared to play him, the league knows it. And, as a rookie, it’s not easy to play as many games, he’s not used to. We play three, sometimes four a week. He still needs time to adjust to the rythm there and, once it will be done, he has the talent to continue to bring good games.

Your nomination to the “All Rambis Team “, do you take it as an honor?

Oh yes, I am very proud. My defense is my trademark, my intensity too. So to know that people recognize it, yes I am proud.

Didier told us a few days ago that the success in the NBA resided in the head and in the heart. Do you confirm?

This is essentially the opportunities. The head and the heart are important, Didier is right. But if you are in a team where you don’t play much, you can not reach your potential, even if you’re very good and talented.

Interview by Benjamin Adler for Hoopsnotes.com