THE most interesting aspect about three-time NBA champion AC Green is that he began and ended his career as a virgin. He lost his virginity at the age of 38 when he got married in 2002. "I did not focus on these (sex and women) things. I never felt the need of it. I knew what was right for me and not what was popular," Green said.

During his playing days, his teammates would frequently send women to lure him. "I had great self-control.

There have been times when I was tempted, but I didn't give in.

"Firstly, I remained a virgin till 38 because I let God take my decisions, and not me. Secondly, I chose to be abstinent because of the respect I have for my body," said the former LA Lakers power forward-centre, who now promotes abstinence until marriage through AC Green Youth Foundation.

He does not mind being different from stereotype NBA players who have a lot of money and women. "Being different, being unusual, is not a problem for me. I wanted to focus on my game because I knew my teammates were playing with fire."