9
Oct
Exclusive Interview
PJC on MVP chatter and that Rucker 'Top 15' snub
New Zealand Breakers import star guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright is playing at an MVP level in NBL27. Photo: Getty Images
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The Breakers guard says being ranked 10th by Derek Rucker motivated him. He's averaging 26.6 points
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Former MVP and now NBL commentator Derek Rucker is 0-2: first, he snubbed New Zealand Breakers point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright ($405,200) from his Top 15 list; then he asked the Basketball Gods to punish the Perth Wildcats for not signing Brandon Knight ($277,000) earlier.
Ba-baaah.
Jackson-Cartwright, 31, is playing at an MVP level for the 3-2 Breakers, and the Wildcats haven't lost since he called for them to lose every game.
Rucker had PJC at 10 on his list, and the 1.8m Californian stat-stuffer told Jason Cadee in an exclusive interview on Cut to the Jase: "I didn't love it.
"I told Ruck over the weekend, it is what it is. But to his credit, it definitely motivated me.
"Going back before that list, I had a great off-season. I had a really great summer, one of the best I've had in my career.
"I saw the list, and it told me everything I needed to know about the season.
"Now it's fuelling me, for sure. Yeah, it's no love lost.
"At the end of the day, it's good for basketball. We're all competitors.
"Rucker was on the record saying he was a competitor and a player, so he understands the weight of those lists and what it means to players.
"Players say they don't care about it; they're lying. This is our job. This is our livelihood.
"It adds a lot more to the fire."
And that fire has translated to early-season MVP talk. He's averaging 26.6 points, 9.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds.
"I think it's a fun discourse for the fans and media and everyone involved," PJC said of the MVP chatter.
"But I do think team success brings individual success. I would much rather win a title than win MVP.
"That's not to say winning MVP is not important. To get recognised for your ability is very important.
"For myself, I just strive to be the best player I can. When you win, that makes it all the sweeter.
"I've won MVPs in my career before. I've accomplished a lot.
"That's a testament to my work, but also the support and the people involved."
In the wide-ranging interview, PJC was as candid as ever.
On Bryce Cotton ($473,900)
"Bryce, his résumé speaks for itself," PJC said.
"When you go up against a guy like that, you definitely take those matchups personally.
"Every time, I want to put myself up against the best in this league.
"Playing against a guy like that is always fun because he's great, and I feel like myself too; I'm great.
"When we play against each other, it's definitely an added game within the game because we're both so competitive.
"I feel like we bring out the best in one another."
On Kendric Davis ($436,000)
"It's super cool," he said.
"I think we both have respect for one another, not just on the court but off the court.
"He's a fan of the game as well as I am. It was definitely a cool thing to see.
"We're both competitors. I know when we're on the floor playing against each other, it's not going to be as friendly.
"But off the court, he's been very outspoken to me about how he loves my game.
"We've had those conversations off the court, so it wasn't a surprise or anything like that."
On Brandon Knight and the Perth Wildcats in Round 4
"It's probably definitely the deepest it's been at this position since I've been in the league," PJC said.
"Truly not a night off. I think I can speak for everybody when I say that.
"But it's definitely rewarding to go up against great players night in and night out. Iron sharpens iron.
"This is what you play for, the competition, to play against other great players. It's definitely a joy to compete.
"As for our team, we have to go in and be ready to play a team that's probably going to be full strength. But still, we have to focus on us."
On Jason Cadee when they faced each other
"Not as difficult!" PJC jested when comparing preparation for Cotton to the former NBL veteran.
"No, I mean, scrappy player. You definitely couldn't forget about him.
"He could shoot. Very smart, high-IQ player.
"And I'm not just saying that, Jason. That's definitely the truth!"
Why he keeps returning to New Zealand
"It's just a perfect situation for me, man," he revealed.
"The NBL is one of my favourite leagues that I've played in. Australia and New Zealand are beautiful places.
"Australia is a great place to travel, and New Zealand is a great place to live.
"The Breakers have made me one of their own. They make it a point to do right by me.
"That's enough for me, man. That's everything for me. I just keep coming back.
"I can't get away from them, and they can't get away from me.
"It's just that perfect union that's kind of unbreakable."
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