ITA - Kiss and tell from Gallinari

NEW YORK (NBA) - When Danilo Gallinari is not shooting hoops, there’s a very good chance he is listening to music.

“I have 2,000 songs in my iPod,” he says.

“I like hip-hop, techno music, but I also listen to many Italian singers, like Adriano Celentano.”

Gallinari doesn’t give a thumbs-up to a pastime enjoyed by many other professional athletes, though.

Asked if he likes to get his hands on PlayStations or X-Box, Gallinari answered: "I tried as a child but I didn't use it much.

“When I am with friends, I prefer to chat rather than play video games.”

Gallinari has plenty of friends, though most live in Italy and not in the Big Apple where he plays for the New York Knicks.

He still keeps in touch with all of them, though.

“I speak to my friends on the telephone or using Skype,” he said.

Gallinari is thriving in his second season in New York after having back surgery in the summer.

There were fears before his operation that Gallinari’s career could be in jeopardy, but his quick start suggests he’s going to be every bit as good as the Knicks believed he would be when they selected him sixth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft.

He is averaging almost 16 points and five rebounds per game for New York, who unfortunately for Knicks fans have endured a torrid start to the season.

Gallinari is a tad homesick, but he’s nevertheless happy playing in the NBA.

He is living a dream.

His family also often comes to visit from Italy.

"My parents take turns,” he said.

“They come and go from Italy. I miss them, and I miss my friends, our card games. I miss Italy.”

As far as romance goes, Gallinari hasn’t revealed any secrets.

But he has said that he doesn’t discriminate against smaller women.

“Height was never a problem,” the 6ft 10 Gallinari said.

“When I was at school, all my friends wanted to be as tall as I was. Of course, I prefer tall women but if they are smaller than me you always find a way to kiss her."

FIBA