Shayne Whittington along with three Fever players spoke with kids prior to the WNBA game at Indiana Farmers Coliseum.
At this time last year, Shayne Whittington was recovering from surgery after breaking his left fibula during pre-draft workout training in Chicago. Having been in the NBA now almost 11 months, he’s feeling great, is comfortable in his role — and, of course, happy to have rookie duties behind him.
Kids filled the venue listening to speakers at this “Choices for Champions” event.
Community Health Network teamed up with the Fever for this “Choices for Champions” program, held more than two hours before the Fever hosted the Washington Mystics for a preseason game.
Friday morning, Whittington took part in the special event at Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the State Fairgrounds for local kids. Joined on stage with Indiana Fever players Layshia Clarendon, Jeanette Pohlen, and Tamika Catchings, the four professional basketball players spoke to more than 3,000 kids in grades 3 through 8 about making healthy life choices.
While there, Whittington also interacted with the kids and signed autographs. After his appearance on stage, VigilantSports.com caught up with the 24-year-old to discuss his offseason, the team’s plan to play faster, and being a year removed from surgery.
How have you been spending the offseason?
Mostly in Indy right now. They’ve made out a pretty good plan for me to work out and I’m going to take advantage of what they’re doing. It’s basically free training.
Who specifically are you working out with?
All four coaches are in almost everyday. Larry [Bird] is in almost everyday. It’s nice to see those guys right there telling me, ‘Hey, this is what you could be doing right now.’
What was Larry Bird’s message to you during your exit interview?
He was telling me it’s all on me. It depends on how much I work this summer whether or not I play or whether or not I sit the bench again. He wants me to play but he wants me to work for it. So that’s what this summer is all about — me working and getting better.
I’m sure you’re heard how team President Larry Bird and coach Frank Vogel want to play a faster style, faster tempo which suits your game…
I’m excited about it. We’ll see what happens. It’s a long offseason for them to think about what to do for next season. That definitely plays into my type of game so I’m excited about it if it’s going to happen.
Have you talked with Roy at all?
A little bit. When I first got back into Indy I talked to him for a hot second and he said he was leaving with his wife. I was like, OK, I’ll leave him alone. I try not to bug people and keep to myself so I’m not irritating everybody.
It sounds like you’ve started a new diet. Is that true?
I’m doing a new diet. It helps that my girlfriend is doing a bikini competition so she’s on a strict diet so it keeps me on a better diet as well. My cheat meals are our cheat meals that we do together. Actually, today is one of our cheat meals so we’ll be going to get ice cream.
What is the goal and focus of the diet?
A certain amount of protein combined with a certain amount of carbs, so rounding your workout. And then there’s a certain amount of protein and carbs and starches going throughout the night. It basically gets your metabolism going, helps you lose fat and increase muscle mass. I’m looking to maintain what I have but cutting the bad stuff. I’m trying to be the guy that can go forever. I’m trying to be like George Hill. He goes forever and doesn’t get tired.
How was your D-League experience and were you able to get out of it what you had hoped? (Shayne played in the D-League Playoffs, including the Finals, with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. He averaged 4.6 points, 4.8 rebounds in five games [15.2 minutes per game].)
Yeah, I think so. I think I played well for the time that I was in. I proved that I could play for the short amount of time that could come with me being a second-string (guy) or someone off the bench like that. I took it as this is my role for the Pacers next year. I could get 12 minutes a game or I could get 28 minutes per game. I didn’t know what would happen each specific night. I tried to think like, ‘This is next year. This is next year for the Pacers.’ I got to go out there and play with the minutes that I have and produce as soon as I can. I tried to do that every time I was out there.
It’s been a year now since your injury. What’s it like to have that year behind you?
Literally after a year hit, it felt like a brand new leg. It was crazy. It’s still stiff in a lot of areas, like my Achilles and all of that. But there’s no real pain, there’s no nothing like that. It’s my leg now. I just have to build up the muscle mass.
Are you way past thinking about it?
Oh yeah. If I landed on it I’d be fine.
I’m guessing you know the exact dates?
Yeah, May 8th was when I broke it, May 12th was surgery. That will stick in my head forever.
.@Whittington21 is supporting the @IndianaFever today at their preseason game: pic.twitter.com/HIhEbg7Lv2
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 29, 2015