Mar 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Nik Stauskas (10) against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Kings defeated the Suns 108-99. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sauce Castillo Boils Over Onto Twitter
If you haven’t heard by now, the nickname for recently acquired Canadien SG Nik Stauskas is “Sauce Castillo”, cordially bestowed upon him following a mistype on a closed caption telecast. Ever the opportunist, the young man immediately partnered with Musashi foods to launch a “Sauce Castillo” hot sauce. The Kings even dedicated a night to the concept, under the “bringing the heat from 22 feet”.
Amazing: Nik Stauskas has partnered w/Musashi Foods to make "Sauce Castillo" Hot Sauce pic.twitter.com/3QDjIThLKi
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 14, 2015
Unfortunately, he never got on track for the Sacramento Kings. That made him expendable enough to be jettisoned to a Sixers team which has been enamored with his potential. That happened when Sauce discovered he was part of the Kings package to the 76ers. Since his arrival, fans have been eager to hear from the player -whether on or off the court. On Tuesday, August 4, 2015, Sauce answered back. He began an impromptu Q&A twitter session with this.
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It's been a while since I talked to you guys. Feel like answering some questions. Fire away!
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
His answers were quick witted and personable. Great fodder for the fans eager to hear from the new player. When asked why he was absent from the ovo fest?
I was finding a place to live in Philly. Heard it was crazy tho 🔥 https://t.co/PmsKxIYsqW
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
To another fan who asked who was the toughest player he had ever guarded?
Klay in that 3rd quarter this year. 👀 https://t.co/PtIXDaCle0
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
When asked how it felt to experience adoration from the fans and strangers?
It's strange to me sometimes because I'm normal, just happen to play basketball. https://t.co/WkHIyPZ3Vl
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
When asked for sage advice to the rookie in college or professional basketball, he never hesitated to say:
There will be highs and lows. People will tell u ur great when ur winning, and that you suck when u lose. Just do u! https://t.co/eIEoEGWckD
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
He even steps up for his teammates already.
I know he will be damn good! He has all the tools needed to be a great player in this league! https://t.co/nD3CCQkT5f
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
But eventually, Fans began to hit homers with their questions. The process, the patience, and Sauce drove the ball out of the park with his honesty: When asked if he “trusted the process?”, he responded:
I have trouble because I get impatient sometimes. But worrying won't get u anywhere so I'm all in! https://t.co/T98Jb69buQ
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
When asked about how much time he dedicated to his work outs, he responded:
I aim for 6 hours in the off season including weight training, stretching, recovery, nutrition etc. https://t.co/a78uRrcLku
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
When a fan asked if he still made it back home and shot baskets in the backyard, he offered:
I still shoot there every now and then. Mostly free throws but that court still gets use. https://t.co/Ekjy6YpUWA
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
And finally… the million dollar question. A fan asked what Nik’s goals were for the year as a 76er on the court. Keep in mind this young man ended up in Philly because his King’s PPG of 4.2 didn’t cut it over there. Philly hopes he can triple that number for the team this year.:
I don't really look at it that way. I want progress. I want to be better than I was yesterday. That's it. https://t.co/ik7EP0xqHO
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
But all things must come to an end, and so…after about 75 minutes or so…
Thanks for the questions everyone and sorry for blowing up your timeline. We'll talk soon ✌️
— Nik Stauskas (@NStauskas11) August 5, 2015
There will be many occasions to judge and critique this fine young man, who will don the Sixer’s uniform. But today, he had the chance to sink one from the perimeter to the fans – to connect with the group that still loves the team that seems to love to lose. And he sank it.
I think he’ll be a good one Philly. He’ll certainly be entertaining.