Q&a Mark Price

The former NBA All-Star, 42, is coach of the Melbourne-based South Dragons in Australia's National Basketball League

SI: Are you uttering things like "Good onya" around the house?

Price: Jokingly, I have. And I'm getting a lot of "G'day, mate" from my friends right now.

SI: How did the job come about?

Price: A couple months ago the new Melbourne franchise sent a guy [Adrian Newell] to the States to scout players and coaches. A mutual friend had given him my name. Australian basketball was not at the top of my mind. But the longer my family and I looked at it, the more it seemed it might work.

SI: You're close with Danny Ferry, the G.M. of the Cavs. Your team is allowed two imports. Why not try to sell LeBron James on the beach and the world's friendliest people?

Price: Danny might not be my friend anymore if that happens. And LeBron might have to take a pay cut to play in Australia.

SI: How good is the brand of basketball in the NBL?

Price: Probably above the major college level.

SI: How popular is basketball in Australia?