The New York City pro basketball universe got a little cozier when Robin Lopez signed with the New York Knicks in July 2015. He wound up joining his twin Brook, who was originally drafted 10th overall by the New Jersey Nets in 2008 and made the move to Brooklyn with the team in the 2012-13 season. And while the Lopez brothers played together at Stanford University, the one constant throughout their lives has understandably been a fair degree of sibling rivalry. Long Island Weekly recently had a chance to find out part of what makes these hermanos tick.
Robin Lopez
1. Favorite player growing up.
Magic Johnson and Tim Duncan
2. Earliest basketball memory involving your brother.
Playing on the court at halftime during our older brother’s games.
3. Best part of your brother’s game.
His shooting touch.
4. Most memorable NBA moment.
The 2010 Western Conference Finals
5. What is your typical game-day meal.
Pasta.
6. What is the most unusual pre-game ritual you do.
None.
7. Worst part of your brother’s game.
Everything except his shooting touch.
8. Most embarrassing NBA moment.
I’ll get back to you.
Brook Lopez
1. Favorite player growing up.
Kevin Garnett
2. Earliest basketball memory involving your brother.
Every time I’d meet a new coach growing up when I went to a different college or something like that, they’d all tell me the same thing at their camps. They’d all tell me they remembered Robin and I running around the gym, fighting and throwing shoes at each other. I don’t remember throwing shoes at each other, but apparently that’s what we did.
3. Best part of your brother’s game.
His motor, shot blocking and his general hustle.
4. Most memorable NBA moment.
Dunking on Robin, definitely.
5. What is your typical game-day meal.
I switch it up a little, but I always have popcorn from the Calvin Klein lounge (at Barclays Center).
6. What is the most unusual pre-game ritual you do.
During my pregame nap for our Dec. 16 game, I listened to the soundtrack of Fantasia. I switch it up.
7. Worst part of your brother’s game.
His style.
8. Most embarrassing NBA moment.
Not an NBA moment, but in the first grade I was playing in a second grade league and I went up for a rebound and my shorts were too big and they just fell right down. I went for my shorts. I didn’t go for the ball, I didn’t try to be cool.
I let the ball go and I went for my shorts.
