Sharing a record with DeMar DeRozan ‘surreal’ for Gary Trent Jr.

Gary Trent Jr.’s recent hot streak has him sharing a record with Raptors icon DeMar DeRozan. Trent Jr. spoke about what that means to him, what it was like having his father in the stands for Tuesday’s win over the Miami Heat, and how much love he’s been feeling from Raptors fans. He also said he would be interested in participating in the 3-point contest at All-Star Weekend if asked.

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Video Transcript

- Just in terms of-- I mean, are you familiar with DeMar DeRozan's game and what does it feel like to share a record with him?

GARY TRENT JR: It's a surreal feeling. You know, what he's done for this organization, this city. The type of player he is, what he stands for, where he's from, his background. You know, to share that with him and knowing what he does and what he means to this organization, I can't put into words, you know. It's not something I'm going out there to reach for. It's not something I'm chasing. It's just going out there playing and whatever comes with it, comes with it.

- And there were some shots of your dad in the crowd there. Like he was munching and texting and all that.

[CHUCKLE]

What was it like having him here and does he have much to say based on how you've been playing lately?

GARY TRENT JR: Yeah, you know, it's great to have him sit here. You know, obviously, him being there from day one, you know, since a little kid working on every single move and jump shot. You see out there today.

So to finally be in full circle and see it in full play after years and years and years of repetition and working is a great feeling. I know he's happy and, you know, he gone continue to work with him and continue to work with my little brother as well too, so.

- I remember after a few of your big games last year you were saying how much you were looking forward to doing that in this building in front of fans. And, obviously, this wasn't what you had in mind. But there are still a few hundred people here that were chanting your name during those free throws. Did you hear that at all? And what does it mean to sort of feel some love from the [INAUDIBLE] fans here?

GARY TRENT JR: For sure. I feel all the love, you know, whether right here in the building, whether it's over social media, whether it's on the road. You know, we have a tremendous fan base. And, you know, it's a great thing. Hopefully, we can get everybody in here, you know, soon. And it'd be a great thing. Get the rolling.

- Has your dad had a chance to see you a lot since you came to Toronto?

GARY TRENT JR: Yes. You know, he came and visited me a couple of times. You know, he's been up here helping me move in early on and stuff like that. And just enjoying his time with me. Coming to spend time with me like any father does with his kid.

- He tell you about the old days?

GARY TRENT JR: All the time, every single day, about how he was doing this and that and a whole bunch of stuff. Yeah. [CHUCKLE]

- I don't know if the league's reached out to you. If they asked you to compete in the 3 point competition would you have interest or?

GARY TRENT JR: Yeah, it would be something cool to be a part of, you know. Last year I feel like I had a lot of 3s, you know. But, you know, they don't put your name in there unless you do it after years and years of years of knocking at that door. So just continue to go out there, and play, and whatever happens, happens.

- Gary, what's the first thought that comes into your mind when you catch the ball?

GARY TRENT JR: Try to find open space to get a bucket where I can go. Just get in to the bag of moves I work on, you know. Trying to get a teammate off or trying to set somebody up, you know, the best I can.

- Is it any different now, like as hot as you are compared to like maybe another [INAUDIBLE] this year?

GARY TRENT JR: I guess you can kind of say that. You know, it's happening when your number is getting called a little bit more. So, you know, when you're hitting shots and coach just see you rolling and believe in you, and have confidence in you, he'll call your number. So just those shots coming in and whatever comes with it happens. You know what I'm saying? In and out. Just making it and just keep playing, keep shooting, and have confidence.

- And last night you mentioned that, you know, you're not looking over your shoulder. You're not, you know, thinking twice about anything. Do you feel like the coaching staff makes a concerted effort to make sure the players don't feel that?

GARY TRENT JR: Most definitely. You can say that. Like I said, last time I was asked this question-- there's a lot of, you know, great players in this league, you know. But it's really just the opportunity that they get, you know, to showcase what they can do. You know, the coaching staff believed in them and the coaching staff, you know, helps you. You know, that's the product of it.

- How weird was it to play in front of like 300 fans?

GARY TRENT JR: Say it one time.

- How weird was it to play in front of 300 fans?

GARY TRENT JR: It was kind of cool. I done played in front of 20,000. I done played in front of zero. I can play in front of three, one, so, you know, it's a great thing. But, you know, as much energy and fans we can get in here, let's get them in here.

- Thank you.

- Have a question for you online here. Go ahead, [INAUDIBLE].

- Hey, Gary. Congrats on the win and the record. You've obviously played with a bunch of groups in your basketball career, whether it's the NBA or before that. How would you describe the character of this group, especially when it comes to just how hard you guys play and just the winning plays that come down the stretch?

GARY TRENT JR: I would say this probably one of the hardest teams I done played with, defensively. You know how hard they go. You know, everybody has some form of energy. Everybody has some form of effort.

And, you know, it starts with Freddie VanVleet. You know, he comes in every single day. He gives 110% effort. And he leaves it all on the line whether it's deflections, whether it's steals, whether it's communicating, you know. And I try to help as well with that. And we just continue to grow, and we continue to defend, and continue to stay together.