ORLANDO, Fla. -- Greg Oden's dominant performance in the national championship game was just the start of his coming-out party. It's now officially in full force as he makes his way through the pre-draft interview circuit.
Once seen as a relatively emotionless physical specimen with plenty of talent but little charisma, the 7-footer has rebuilt his image lately with numerous appearances, candid interviews and heaps of personality.
The Oden road show continued Thursday at the NBA's Pre-Draft camp, where the former Ohio State star checked in to take a physical, and he continued to rattle off sound bytes that reminded some of the playful ways of another dominant big man: Shaquille O'Neal.
"Despite what you read about me, I'm a likable guy," Oden said. "I'm not gonna go to sleep all the time, boring big man. I have energy and I'm gonna be excited to play."
A brooding image with an appearance far older than that of a 19-year-old, some believe Oden is not the kind of guy to be a franchise's poster boy despite the obvious talent on display when he had 25 points and 12 rebounds in that title-game loss to Florida. After all, it's universally accepted that Kevin Durant is more athletic, well-rounded and polished.
Maybe so, but Durant can't duplicate Oden's presence in the paint. Or, as Thursday proved, behind the mic.
No matter the question, Oden answered in a charming fashion -- and even managed to compliment Durant.
"The game is basketball, you put the ball in the hole, that's really all that matters," Oden said. "It helps when you got guys who are freaks of nature like Kevin Durant, who's all tall, us thinking he should be down low, but he comes out, gets hot and hits five 3s. He puts the ball in the hole, that's the name of the game."
While many of his fellow expected lottery picks sweat out numerous questions, Oden was cool and collected, often responding in a jovial fashion. When asked about his ability to stay cool through a somewhat pressure-packed media onslaught, Oden couldn't help but go into a monologue.
"I blame it on the temperature," Oden said. "You know, usually it's all hot and making people sweat and they're like, 'Oh my God, oh my God, it's so hot in here.' I'm liking the weather, it's cool, I'm relaxed, everybody's smiling. I'm enjoying this.
"And I know I only gotta be here for 30 minutes."
Durant came off as a nice guy as well, but he didn't show the warmth or humor of his competition for the No. 1 spot in the draft.
"I'm not a bad guy, I guess. Never got in any trouble, never beaten up anybody," Durant said. "Just a nice guy willing to work hard, willing to do anything to win."
