Although it is the off season, there is no real ‘down time’ if you want to stay ahead of the pack, so I am training already for next season

Who inspired you to take up your sport?

I wanted to be involved in something where my size would be seen as a real positive; with basketball I felt my size was a commodity for a change, instead of just a burden

Which athlete in your sport do you most admire?

Probably Tim Duncan and Grant Hill

And in any other sport?

I was a huge Daley Thompson fan

What event do you enjoy most in the sporting calendar?

I am not a sports fan. I watch Manchester United whenever they are on television in the United States, but have only ever been to one game live

What other sports do you play?

Tennis, but I am not very good

What was the last book you bought?

I bought the entire Harry Potter series for a youngster I know, but kept it and read them instead

And the last CD?

Robbie Williams, Simply Red and The Supermen Lovers. I have more than 2,500 CDs

Would you recommend a life of sport to your children?

I wouldn’t mind them being athletes, as long as they don’t think it makes them somehow more special than everybody else

When did you realise you were going to make sport your career?

When I started playing, I told my mum I was going to play in the NBA

What non-sporting figure do you most admire?

Maya Angelou

What is your favourite TV programme?

I watch a lot of BBC America, and have become strangely addicted to Ground Force. I need a 12-step programme to get over this problem

What food/drink do you most miss when in training?

Cheesecake

What is the pinnacle of your sporting achievement to date?

I am the only Briton in the NBA Hall of Fame

Are today’s sportsmen overpaid?

Some are, but I am not

What car do you drive?

Range Rover and Jaguar XJR

Do you have a nickname?

Meech

What bugs you most about being famous?

People treat me as if I’m special because I play sport, so you are never initially really sure who your friends are

What do you enjoy most about being famous?

People listen when I speak, and I do try to have relevant things to say

If your house was on fire, what would you take with you as you dashed to safety?

The picture album my mum put together for each of us kids before she passed away

John Amaechi is a guest analyst for Sky Sports’ coverage of the NBA finals