We caught up with the Harlem Globetrotters star as they became the first professional basketball team to play on ice.
Matt Jones: Kenny Rodriguez, character name Blenda, talk us through your name.
Blenda Rodriguez: Yes. It's Blenda Rodriguez as in a blender that makes smoothies out of people.
MJ: This was the first time on ice for the Globetrotters - what was it like?
BR: Today was a very historical moment, to come on here and play on ice. We've played in aircraft carriers, we've played in an empty swimming pool, we've played in ball arenas and now we've played on ice - who knows maybe the next thing is playing on the moon!
MJ: Where did it all start for you? How did you become a Harlem Globetrotter?
BR: They invited me over to training camp on 16 August 2007. It was a two day trial. They only selected 10 guys on that particular day and out of the 10 guys I was one of the four to make the team. I'm actually one of the shortest Globetrotters, I'm only five foot eight inches, so short people there is hope!
MJ: So dreams can come true?
BR: Dreams can come true if you give it 110 per cent. Stay positive, stay away from the negative and your dreams will come true.
MJ: What does it feel like to play for the Harlem Globetrotters?
BR: It feels great. As a child I always wanted to travel all over the world and I've been to 27 countries so far. This is my third year and I'm enjoying every single second of being a Globetrotter.
MJ: How important is preparation in your sport?
BR: It's very important. We try to work on perfection and we play between two to 300 games a year, so every time we play a game we practice. As long as you practice, practice, practice, everything will fall into place.
MJ: Were you given any good advice when you were coming through the ranks?
BR: They always told me to work hard. I'm only a guy that's five foot eight and people always told me it's hard to be a basketball player because I'm too small. I wanted to prove people wrong and show that short people can play the game.
MJ: What advice would you give to young people?
BR: If you want to become a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher or a firefighter, anything you want to be in life, just stay positive. Work hard, believe in yourself and you can achieve your goals. Stay away from negativity because it'll only bring you down.
