Where is British basketball at right now?
At its best level skill-wise and as we approach 2012 — when there will be a Great Britain team which I hope to make — interest is growing. Right now, players such as myself who are in the NBA [he has just signed a $70m contract with Chicago Bulls] can make a difference.

Do the Bulls mind you playing for Great Britain?
They would rather that I spent my summers relaxing, but I can’t do that. Ultimately, it’s no problem because they understand that in my summer workouts I go really extreme. For them, me practising and playing with a team is better than that.

Who are your heroes in real life?
My mom and dad. We left Sudan during the civil war, when I was nine, before going to Egypt and then coming to South Norwood in London as refugees. They stuck together and raised nine children but loved each one as if we were an only child. They were strong and we have picked up on that attitude.

Can you go back to Sudan?
Yeah, it’s possible. My dad is there and my mom goes back as often as she can. It can be difficult but things are getting better.

How is South Norwood?
Obviously I live in Chicago in winter, but in summer I live in the same house in which I grew up, where my mum lives. In Chicago everybody knows who I am but there are still places I’m getting used to. In South Norwood, I know where everything is and I know everybody. These are the people who watched me grow up.

What’s Midnight Madness?
It’s a competition I’m working on with Nike where young British basketball talent competes to win a trip to the United States. I will show the winners around and train with them. It could change their lives and I’m just glad that I can be in the NBA and come back and participate by being one of the judges.

What’s the last film you saw?
The latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight. I’m not normally into superheroes, but it’s one of the best movies ever and so realistic. Batman was great, but The Joker was just fantastic.

You’re a huge Arsenal fan, aren’t you? Do you know their players?
Huge. I saw them against Juventus last week when David Trezeguet scored. The players love basketball and they know who I am. I was close to Thierry Henry, but now I’m very friendly with Philippe Senderos. He is one of the good guys.

Where was your last holiday?
Puerto Rico, but only for a few days. The sun, the beach and time to relax. Marvellous.

Do you read books?
I read The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown and also Dave Eggers’ What Is The What recently. Right now I am reading The Green Book, which is about the environment.

What’s your favourite city?
Miami. During the season it’s so cold in Chicago, but when we play Miami, we stay for two days and it’s shorts and T-shirts all the way. You’ve got to enjoy that.

How much do you hate the cold?
Really, really. All my people do: we don’t do cold in Sudan, but it’s so cold in Chicago. And, as you can see, I don’t have much hair on my arms and legs so I have got no natural protection. I definitely need my sun.

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