Z-Bo has recently joined Trilogy as captain of newly appointed coach Stephen Jackson’s team. We chat with him about why he joined, what he’s looking forward to and more!
Q: What has it been like for you since you announced that you were joining the league?
A: It’s been great man. I love playing. I am really looking forward to getting back out there on the court and it’s going to be a lot of fun. Being able to have my kids see me play, I am just excited to play in front of the fans. This season is going to be great and I’m ready to rock and roll.
Q: How’d you find out about the BIG3 and when did you decide to join?
A: I heard from a lot of guys that I used to play with that it was just like the league (NBA) in terms of being in cities with the guys, just having fun and enjoying playing at a high-level. Guys were just telling me it was great. I’ve known about it since day one and knew this league would be something great. This was just the right time.
Q: What was retirement like and what were you doing before deciding to play in the BIG3?
A: I’ve been really busy. I run some businesses, do real estate things, I have a record label. Trying to learn as much as possible and really focus on a lot of a different things off the court.
Q: I saw you on instagram working out, what’s your routine look like and where are you at in terms of game shape?
A: Oh man, I workout every day! I’ve kept myself in shape and workout every day. So that’ll continue. I am ready, ready to play in the playoffs and win some games. Seeing those fans in Portland will be fun.
Q: I saw you talking about MVP’s and championships on social media, is that your confidence or your expectations? You’ve got confidence and that’s something you’ve always had, where does that stem from?
A: That’s facts (laughs). I mean, I’ve always had that. It’s been a part of my career. I’ve always been a leader and confidence is a piece of that. Look, we’ve got a great team with me, David, James and Stak Jack as the coach. Adding a few more high-level players in the draft and we’ll be there.
Q: What do you think about Stephen Jackson as a coach? What are your expectations with him coaching?
A: He is going to be real good! You know, Stak likes to yell a lot and he’s competitor, so he’s going to be real good.
Q: One thing about your career that sticks out is growth from early-on to Memphis. How have you grown and built such a unique bond with Memphis?
A: It’s been good. Memphis been great. You know, that city right there, that’s home. I got a house in Memphis, I do work for the Grizzlies and I’m back in the city a lot. It’s just great there. I love the fans and everything about it. You know, it’s a blue collar town and the “grit and grind” is apart of who I am. I just love it. Seeing how everything evolved, it’s just great.
Q: Talk about what it’s been like transitioning to business.
A: It’s been good. Being in professional basketball for 20 years, you learn that side of business. Being able to build connections and developing relationships with people off-the-court, I’ve learned a lot. I enjoy it.
Zach returns to Memphis on June 20th at FedEx Forum. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 13th and will be available via the BIG3 app or online at BIG3.com. Games will also be broadcast on CBS all season long