With the No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, the Miami HEAT selected Michael Beasley out of KansasStateUniversity. During his lone season at KansasState, Beasley led the NCAA Division I in rebounding (12.4 rpg) and ranked third in scoring (26.2 ppg). Following his introductory press conference, HEAT Insider sat down with Beasley for this exclusive interview:

HEAT Insider: For HEAT fans who may not be familiar with you or your game, can you tell them a little about yourself both on and off the court?

Michael Beasley: “On the court, I’m a hard worker, a competitor. Off the court, I’m funny. I like to joke, I like to smile and I like to see other people smile.”

HI: Has life been hectic since the draft?

MB: “It’s been a whirlwind. I haven’t been able to sleep. Becoming an NBA player is something I’ve been working for my entire life and it’s finally here. I’m going to make it work for the better.”

HI: How did your family react when your name was called by Commissioner David Stern?

MB: “I felt relief. My family actually cried. It was an emotional moment, but at the same time it was fun.”

HI: How did you celebrate?

MB: “I went out and celebrated with the family. Afterwards, I got on the plane to Miami. I didn’t sleep at all. I don’t even know what time I got here this morning. I slept the entire time on the plane. It’s been all business since.”

HI: Did you ever get caught up in all the draft and trade rumors?

MB: “Coach (Pat Riley) told me not to listen to the media, but it was tough not to. I was just hoping it all played out the way it did. I’m very happy to be here.”

HI: Is there a piece of you that wanted to go No. 1?

MB: “I’m very competitive, so of course you would want to go No. 1. It all worked out for the better. I want to prove to everyone that I am the best player in this draft.”

HI: When you found out you were coming to Miami, what was your reaction?

“I was happy. Miami’s a great organization. It’s great to know you’re going to be a part of something so good.”

HI: Is it relief to know that you can come in and not have to do it by yourself because you have help in Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion?

MB: “Yes.  I can come in and learn from those veteran guys. I don’t have to come in and be the go-to guy. I can come in and learn and take a back seat. It’s invaluable experience to learn from All-Stars. I’m excited about it.”

HI: If you tapped out your potential, what kind of player can you be?

MB: “I can be a playmaker. I can make everyone around me better. I feel I can be a great player. I definitely can elevate this team to the next level and help lead this team back to a championship. Playing with great players such as Dwyane Wade will only make me better and help me reach my full potential.”

HI: What did you know about Miami before you got here?

MB: “I didn’t know anything about it at all. I’ve never been here before. The only things I knew were what I’ve seen in the movies, Bad Boys 2 and Scarface.”

HI: Being just 19-years old, do you think you can handle the fame, money and South Beach?

MB: “Yes. I have good people around me who are going to make sure I’m not doing anything I’m not supposed to do. I know right from wrong. I know what to do and what not to do. Anyway, Coach (Riley) told me to stay away from South Beach.”

HI: You’re in a very style conscious city. You have two very stylish teammates in Wade and Marion. How’s your style? Do you think of yourself as fashionable?

MB: “Yes, I’m fly. I’m one of the flyest guys you’ll ever meet (laughs).”

Who do you think are well dressed around the NBA?