Pre-Draft Interview with Antonio Barksdale.

[CrookedAnt 78]

"We're joined here with Antonio Barksdale, undrafted prospect from the region of North Italy." A nod is given by the olive skinned six foot eight center. "Yes, yes.. very happy to be here." The male's slicked back black hair held down by various gels as he looks over the media presence at the conference. His physical stature brought a lot to the table, and he'd spent a few days with his physique in bar fights (even though legally, he couldn't enter them no one was going to question a six foot eight behemoth, weighing 250.) The media presser was being held in Toronto outside of a local exhibition game. Fans had gathered behind walled off venue that media had managed to fill. "What are you looking for in a potential team that goes out of their way to pick you? You didn't pick up a stick until you were seventeen, and your offensive game is pretty limited we hear. You're more of a bruiser type.. why should they offer you a deal then these other players..?"

 

Antonio mulls over the question thinking for a moment before speaking. "I'm a in it to win player with everything I do. You're right. I'm looking to break down the enemy players mentally. I'll get in their face.. start a fight on the ice. Who cares..? End of the day it's about lifting that trophy, and I'll do anything to get it. I'll be a enforcer, and make sure my guys get off the ice safe each, and every time." He gives a small smile, and the reporter seems to get a queue for the next question in her ear piece. "In highschool, you were known for that sort of bullying the last year, and a half we saw you play. You didn't put up amazing numbers. What will you try, and improve on while you wait for a team to reach out..?"

 

Antonio scratches the back of his head. "Honestly. I've had a few times reach out just seeing my dedication to my craft. I'm not stressing finding a paycheck, or team anywhere. If this doesn't work out, then I'll find a trade to get into, you know? It's only so often you get to follow your dreams, and my dream is to be one of the best enforcers in the league. I hope to prove that on the ice, and my offense is limited, but I feel my defensive chances, and being a prowler, roamer, lock down sections of the ice- type role will fit me perfectly. I didn't know what I was doing with my life at seventeen. I was wasting in Italy in the winter, and a friend offered me to try a new game, and look- I fell in love.. Led my school to the championship, but we fell short in the finals, as most media people will know." He gives a nod to the camera that's recording then looks from it to the reporter as his sleeve is pulled by his manager.

 

"It appears I've said too much. I'm being ushered out of the venue. Have a wonderful day, and enjoy the snow. It's lovely out here in Canada."