The CBS crew that came to interview Snoopy. With approval from the basketball team, Snoopy brought the CBS film crew to the Austin Basketball Center on UCLA's Westwood campus for an exclusive interview.
The CBS reporters were highly professional. Before interviewing Snoopy, they had already spoken with NBA stars Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash, Yao Ming, UCLA head coach Ben Howland, Russell Westbrook, Luc Mbah a Moute, and Kevin Love.
All of them praised Snoopy enthusiastically. Most of them even mentioned a new term coined by ESPN — "The Snoopy Whirlwind."
"So, do you think this 'Snoopy Whirlwind' you've stirred up in college basketball is as crazy as people say? I walked here from the UCLA arena today — I saw more No. 10 jerseys than anything else. You've become a genuine star player, and you did it all in less than three months. How did you make that happen?"
Snoopy smiled calmly and replied, "To win the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player right after stepping into the scene — yes, from the outside that seems insane. But honestly, I don't focus on those things. I just prepare for each game, one by one, and do my job. So, to me, the 'Snoopy Whirlwind' feels peaceful — because I'm standing right in the eye of the storm."
His answer was measured and almost textbook-perfect.
The interviewer asked for Snoopy's thoughts on the NBA draft.
Snoopy deliberately teased a bit of information:
"Honestly, the draft is just a formality for me. I've already received first-round guarantees from more than one team."
When pressed to reveal which teams, Snoopy only smiled.
"That's a secret. But let's just say — it covers lottery teams, playoff teams, and championship contenders."
As the interview continued, a large group of people suddenly entered the gym — led by UCLA's second-greatest center in school history (right after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Bill Walton.
"Hey, Snoopy! I heard you were here, so I came right over. I need to train this little version of Bill Walton — otherwise you'll keep lying to yourself that you're a point guard!"
Walton greeted Snoopy enthusiastically, walking straight into CBS's camera frame.
The crew didn't stop filming — the cameraman instantly recognized the former NBA legend.
"You're doing an interview?"
Seeing the cameras, Walton didn't shy away — he was a born showman. He waved at the camera, grinning:
"Hey there, everyone! I'm Bill Walton. I'm officially announcing that Snoopy is now my student. I'll be teaching him my entire defensive footwork system — just wait and see, he'll be an elite NBA center!"
Then he began chatting with the host, praising Snoopy passionately and telling viewers that this young man was destined for a bright future.
Walton was a master of media presence, and under the cameras, he even gave Snoopy a quick defensive footwork lesson.
The CBS team was delighted — this surprise cameo added tremendous excitement and value to their segment. Once broadcast, they knew it would make waves.
After filming wrapped up, Walton and Snoopy stayed behind to continue working on footwork drills.
Snoopy's movement was already quite fast, though his thighs weren't yet as flexible as his calves, making his stride shorter but extremely quick — something that fit perfectly with Walton's defensive philosophy.
Walton, a classic center from an era before the NBA's three-second rule, believed in guarding the paint with quick sliding steps rather than lunging out of position. Snoopy learned several fast lateral-movement techniques from him.
That evening, Walton invited Snoopy to dinner.
Over the meal, Walton asked if Snoopy would be interested in playing for Boston.
Snoopy looked at him, surprised — "You're a UCLA legend, and your son plays for the Lakers… and you're recommending me to the Celtics?"
Walton chuckled. "I just think your tough, gritty playing style fits Boston perfectly. You know, I used to be a Celtic."
Snoopy smiled. "Well, I'm open to any team — but Boston better be ready with a high enough pick."
His answer was flawless — smooth, diplomatic, and every bit as smart as his game.