Sony’s NBA video game may just look like a basic sports simulation on the PSP, but it's actually much more than that. The series is notoriously known for pushing the limits of what people expect from an NBA experience, and with that comes a reputation for being a game that is more than just a game of basketball.

NBA 10, the most recent version of Sony's NBA franchise, just recently came out, and this year a former Washington Huskies guard and current Portland Trail Blazer is gracing the cover. I am of course talking about star shooting guard Brandon Roy.

Fittingly enough, I recently got a chance to speak with the low key but very well rounded NBA All-Star guard, and we talked about the game, the new NBA season and a little bit about life outside of basketball.

TD St. Matthew-Daniel: First things first. You’re the cover athlete for NBA 10, what’s it like to be on the cover of your own video game?

Brandon Roy: It’s a great feeling. I remember when my agent called me and said they (SCEA) wanted to know if I would be the cover athlete, I was like man I hope he pushes for it because that would be a big big dream come true for me ... I just remember growing up as a kid and playing video games, seeing all the different stars and athletes on the covers and I thought it’ll be special to be even considered for it. So being able to be on the cover of the game is a great thing for me and also my family.

TD: What video games did you play growing up?

BR: I was a huge fan of John Madden. When Madden came out and I was like 'men this is so cool', the graphics each year kept getting better and better and you just get this feeling like you’re actually out there playing. But a game I used to love playing way back was Tecmo Bowl [laughs]. That was like the best game ever as a kid. I played a number of games –- I was a big fan of the basketball games, but it was cool to play football games and get a feel to be in their shoes.

TD: Back to NBA 10. Have you had a chance to play the game yet, and what do you think about it overall?

BR: Yeah. I have a couple copies of the game. The first copy I got, my mom was in town and she took it [laughs]. She didn’t let me keep it, she was like 'I’ma keep this one as a souvenir' and she wouldn’t let me open it [laughs], but I got some more copies and I was able to play it. I enjoyed it. [And] not just the basketball side of it, but the mini-games that it has involved with it -- you know the dodgeball, bowling, pinball. It’s cool because I don’t have to switch out to another game. I love playing basketball, but it’s good to try out different sports. So yeah, I enjoyed the game because of everything it’s able to do.

TD: Yes, giving gamers the opportunity to see their favorite NBA player compete at some different sports is a great addition to NBA 10. So with that in mind, what other sports would you play if you were not in the NBA?

BR: I would probably have to say football, because that’s what I played the most growing up besides basketball, so it’s the one I know [the] most about. But I don’t want to take any credit for what those guys can do out there. I might not be at the National Football level, but if I had to choose a sport, I would try to play football. Those guys, they’re beasts out there, but I’ll try to go out there and see what I can do.

TD: What position would you play on the gridiron?

BR: I’ll probably play wide receiver. Maybe a little bit of tight end. On defense I might try to get out there –- I gotta hit the weights –- to become a defensive end or something and try to rush the quarterback [laughs]. But I got to hit the weight room though and get a little stronger.

TD: What is your forecast for the Portland Trail Blazers this season?

BR: We’re expecting a big season. My biggest thing is to try to improve on last season -- and we were fortunate enough to win 54 games and we lost in the first round. So now we have to try to win more games and put ourselves in position to get home court back and try to win the Northwest Division outright so we can go as far as we can in the playoffs ... If we can get that home-court advantage again -- with the experience we gained last year -- we can go pretty deep this season.

TD: Most people perceive you as a very quiet, laid-back guy, but you’re the leader of the Blazers. Is your demeanor reflected in the way you lead your team?

BR: The biggest thing is I try to first lead by example. I’m not the type to put guys on blast. I’ll pull guys to the side and talk to them quietly or when we’re in practice. I’m not a guy who’s big on yelling when the camera's around. I don’t want to show anybody up. So my way of leading is first by example and then talking to guys one-on-one and just trying to build guys' confidence ... let them know we need them to do what they do so we can try to win these games.

Is there anything about Brandon Roy that your fans are not aware of?

BR: Hmmm, I’m pretty silly off the court, people might not know that ... I’m sneaky funny [laughs].

TD: When you’re not on the court, what takes up your free time?

In my spare time, my time is devoted to my two little ones. I go home now and my son wants me to play with his toys and chase him -- and playing with my daughter, she is nine months. I just spend as much time with them as I can. And I like to listen to music, shoot pool, just hang out with friends and really just relax. My biggest focus is to rest my body. I’m pretty laid back, I’m a real family guy. I like to have a house full of people men and enjoy myself.

TD: Rookie of the year, two-time NBA All-Star, now NBA 10 cover athlete. What’s next for Brandon Roy?

BR: Hopefully we get back to the playoffs and like a Western Conference Finals trip, maybe a return to the All-Star Game. But really for me, just try to get this team as far as we can go. I’ve never really been a 'me' guy so our goal right now for me is to get to the Western Conference Finals ... We’ll see, anything can happen.