Feb. 24, 2005
This week’s featured Lobo is junior David Chiotti. Chiotti is a 6-9 forward from San Jose, Calif., who has started every game for the Lobos this season. He is currently fourth on the team in scoring, averaging 9.9 ppg and is second on the squad with 5.2 rpg. Chiotti has been fighting a nagging hip injury recently, but is getting healthier with each game. He looking for a strong finish to the 2005 Mountain West Conference season, with hopes of improving on his honorable mention MWC selection last year.
Here are some of the questions you submitted for David Chiotti.
David, it is so fun to watch you play. Besides basketball, what are some of your hobbies and interests? (Tammy, Rio Rancho)
DC: Thanks Tammy. Hanging out with friends, relaxing, and sleeping. That’s pretty much what I like to do.
Dad and I are so proud of you and love to follow your basketball…love, Mom.(San Jose) )
DC: Man, it’s great to hear that my parents – who watch everything – write in! Thanks mom.
You have improved tremendously every year, what have you done during the summers? (J.C., Albuquerque) )
DC: I basically spend a lot of time working with the coaches individually, and in the weight room, spending a lot of extra hours in the gym to make sure that I am getting better.
When can you and I settle the fact that I can beat you one-on-one? (Dave Garner)
DC: Dave, I’ll see you at San Diego State, and we can settle it whenever you want. Last time we played I believe I was 10 years old, so I believe I have a little advantage and have grown a little, and gotten stronger. I think you have gotten out of shape and a little fatter so I’m not too worried about you!
Hey David, you are one of my favorite Lobos and I hope you are getting healthy. My question is why did you pick New Mexico and can you describe the feeling of playing in the Pit? (Brian, Las Vegas, NM)
DC: Thanks Brian. I picked New Mexico mainly for the atmosphere of the Pit and the people in New Mexico. It’s unbelievable to play in front of that many people every night, it really makes playing a lot of fun.
You play the post with such fire and tenacity, it’s almost like you have always been undersized compared to your opponents. What was your size compared to the other post players in your high school days? (Chuck, Denver)
DC: Thanks Chuck. I was pretty much 6’8″ / 6’9″ in high school, and I actually was a little heavier and not as fast. You know I haven’t been playing basketball my whole life, I started playing in seventh grade so I really had to work hard to be aggressive in my early years.
David, I wanted to know if you and your teammates saw your fearless leader Danny Granger pick his nose on national TV at the Utah game? (Salt Lake City)
DC: Yeah, I saw a quick little highlight of it, and we make fun of him enough as it is, but this just gives us more ammunition to make fun of him.
What is the one thing that you enjoy about living in New Mexico, and what do you miss about California? (Andrew, Long Beach)
DC: I miss California, going to the beach and being near my family. I love the people here in New Mexico and how much they love basketball.
David, I noticed your defense has become very good these past few years as you usually have to guard the best player on the opposing team. Who has been the toughest player you’ve had to guard in your three years here? (Gabe, Albuquerque)
DC: Probably (Rafael) Araujo so far, he is the strongest player I’ve played against and he could throw you to the floor at any time.
Hi, I’m playing center for my 8th grade team and was wondering for any tips on rebounding? (Marty O’Sullivan, Rochester, NY)
DC: Best thing to do is just stay physical, and use your body. You don’t have to out jump the player you just have to out work them. Make sure that you box out your man and go after the ball when it goes out of your area.
David, you are my favorite player on the team and I absolutely love your hair. What inspires you to keep it long and curly? (Rebecca)
DC: It’s kind of just a tradition I have. I always grow it out during the season and last year I cut it and was upset that I cut it after I did, so I decided to keep growing it out all season.