High Rizer’s run in Dime #24Yesterday, right after we told you about the Ball 4 Real tour’s kickoff tomorrow in Seattle, we got word of their latest signee - High Rizer. We’ve known Rizer for a few years now, after meeting him during the taping of the first season of ESPN’s “City Slam,” when he damn near pulled a basket down in a regional dunk contest in his hometown of Atlanta.
We got up with Rizer yesterday to talk about the upcoming tour and how his life has changed with his newfound celeb status…
Dime: How did you learn that you would be playing on the Ball 4 Real tour?
High Rizer: I got a call from my manager and I was all for it. I was good money. Word probably could’ve gotten around (after City Slam) but this has been my best summer so far.
Dime: What does High Rizer bring to the tour in terms of game and personality?
High Riser: I’m one of the best dunkers in the world - I’ve earned that title. I’m exciting. I play on pure adrenaline. It’s awesome playing for the kids, playing for the fans, because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here. I’m going to give them a show. I’m easy going. I interact with the kids. I’m always smiling. I’m like a big kid. I’ve got a lot to bring to the table and I’m happy to be here.
Dime: Did you have a relationship with any of the players on the tour before being invited on the tour?
High Rizer: Yeah, I was introduced to these legends prior to the tour. Some of them I do know because I played against them in some streetball games. I was a fan of some of the legends that I’m on the team with now so it’s like I’m a kid again. I know my personnel real well. I’ve been watching them all my life so it’s like I know them.
Dime: Who do you think will keep the mood light on the bus?
High Rizer: I’d have to give that to Shane “The Dribbling Machine” and A.O. – pranksters for life. When I was young boy, a long time ago, they were pranking me and they still do. That will never change. It is a given.
Dime: Talk to us about how you see life on the road. When you get to each city, will you look to go out every night?
High Rizer: I’ll go out occasionally. It depends. If we don’t have anything the next day I’ll go out and enjoy myself a little bit. But usually, being that this is my first time, I want to make a good first impression so I really won’t go out that much. This is my job. This is a business, so I have to perform regardless. Whether I go out or not, I know the consequences of my actions.
Dime: When we featured you as a “Player 2 Watch” in last year’s Dime Summer Issue, we focused a lot on your workout regimen. You transformed your body prior to last summer and dropped 20 pounds. Tell us about some of things you did to shed weight and why you did.
High Rizer: I’m a jumper and I didn’t want the excess weight because it causes pain and is bad for your knees. I’m considered one of the best jumpers in the world so of course I’m going to continue to jump. I drank a lot of water and ate salad. I cut back on some of the fattening foods. I tried to work out and run a little bit. I went after it and I got plenty of rest. Plenty of rest is very important.
I’ve got a lot of energy now. I’m faster. I’m jumping a lot quicker. Of course I weigh a little bit more than 205 now, but it’s more muscle.
Dime: How do you think the tour will go?
High Rizer: I’m excited. It’s a great group of guys. It’s a positive atmosphere out here. People are going to have a good show. I’ve wanted to be a part of something like this for this for a long time and finally my hard work has paid off. I’ve still got a lot of things to learn but I look up to these guys. We are a family. I feel like I’m right at home.
Dime: The last year has been crazy for you – your feature in Dime, the second season of ESPN’s “City Slam” and now Ball 4 Real. How has your life changed?
High Rizer: I’m in front of the camera a lot more. I have to understand that I can’t take this for granted. I have to bring 120% everyday, whether it’s sitting in my room thinking about how I’m going to approach the game or playing the game. I’ve had to mature a lot because I’m on the road on my own for the first time. I feel like I should have been here a long time ago.
