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Cleveland Cavaliers' Samardo Samuels (left) and New York Knicks' Amare Stoudemire.
National basketball standout Samardo Samuels says the constant delay to the start of the National Basketball Association (NBA) season has been affecting him physically and mentally.
The impasse between the NBA players and owners over revenue split, salary caps and other issues has led to the postponement of two weeks' round of matches, with an agreement yet to be reached.
"It is tough because I have been working all my life for this," said Samuels, in an inclusive interview with Star Sports yesterday. Samuels, who will be entering his second season with Cleveland Cavaliers, though, adds that he will be ready and raring to go whenever the league begins.
"Playing basketball is my job and so I have to stay focus on my job," Samuels said.
"The lockout is a strike and so I have to stay focused because I still go to practice and workout. I am still doing my daily routine and I also get more time to spend with my family."
Samuels, a forward/centre, signed a three-year contract with the Cavaliers in 2010, who pay him slightly above the league minimum US$472,000 per season.
He added that the lockout has also affected him financially because it has cost him thousands of US dollars.
"It has cost me around US$30, 000 in salary for the first two weeks," said Samuels.
"I have my parents around me and so they don't let me spend money on unnecessary stuff, I just buy things that I need."
Samuels, who left college for the NBA as a sophomore, is now back at Louisville University, where he is currently completing his bachelor's degree in communication studies.
"I am pretty close to finishing it, I have about three semesters to go. I took one class already and I got a B in it," said Samuels.
"I have also been working out with the Louisville players and coaching staff here and they have been helpful to me," he said.
Samuels added: "Coach Rick Patino has been helping in getting access to the gym and the weight rooms and so they make my life a bit easier."
Samuels, however, says his Jamaican fans can expect great things from him this season, whenever it does resume.
"I am going to be hungry to represent you (Jamaica)," Sameuls said.
"I am going to be hard-working on the court, I am going to play out my heart to get the job done."
