As the 2015-16 National Basketball Association regular season nears, the Dallas Mavericks will be looking to make the postseason for the 14th time in the last 15 seasons. Looking to help the Mavericks sustain that success is Dominican-American power forward Charlie Villanueva.

Villanueva talked to Latin Post about his NBA career, upbringings, this season and even his upcoming film titled "Season X".

Damon Salvadore: You re-signed with the Mavericks this offseason after playing 64 games with them last year. What are your hopes and expectations with the Mavericks this upcoming season?

Even though it is the same organization, this is a different team. And I am in a completely different position than I was last year. Last year I was "the walk on" trying to make the team...fighting for a roster spot. This year I have a leadership role, I know what Coach Carlisle is looking for, and I feel more comfortable. The hope is that we surprise some people, make the playoffs, and do some damage in a loaded West.

Salvadore: Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire are no longer with the Mavericks and DeAndre Jordan chose to sign with the Clippers. Are you expecting to play a bigger role this year?

Charlie Villanueva: Definitely. But at the same time no matter who is on the team, who is in front of you, who is behind of you, you have to be ready. You have to prepare to play. You have to be ready when they call your number. This might all sound cliché but it is the truth. Basketball is my passion but it is also my job and I take that very seriously. Last year, especially in the beginning of the season, I had NO idea when I was going to play. But every day I prepared as if I was going to play 40 minutes a night. With the opportunities that coach gives me this year I do hope to make a bigger impact.

Salvadore: You and other Dominican NBA players took part in the Basketball Without Borders program this summer. What does it mean to give back to so many aspiring fans in the Dominican Republic who look up to you?

Villanueva: It meant a lot. It was the first "Basketball Without Borders" program in the Dominican Republic and I take a lot of pride in being a part of that. I was happy I got to do it with Al (Horford), Felipe (Lopez) and Cisco (Francisco Garcia). It meant a lot to me. I walked the streets. I did two court refurbishments/donations, and I helped out in the community. The two things that stuck out to me was the love and passion the people have for the game of basketball and the love they have for guys like me. It made me so proud at the same time it was a humbling experience.

Salvadore: You have an autoimmune skin disease, and your team is making a film about it called "Season X". Can you tell us a little bit of what it's about?

Villanueva: At the age of 10 I was first diagnosed with alopecia and it took me about 5-6 years to really come to grips with being diagnosed with it. I was 10 -- a little kid -- and the reality is kids can be mean when you are different. But once I realized this is what it is, I started accepting it. I used basketball as my therapist. I used it as a tool to get out of the hood, to go to college, to make the NBA, and to help my family. Then I used the NBA as a platform to help others who have alopecia. That is what "Season X" is about. It is my biopic and yeah I am a basketball player and yes I have alopecia but it is really a story about triumph, striving for your goals and commitment.

I was committed to basketball. I would encourage everyone to see it when it comes but right now check out the Kickstarter campaign my brothers launched at NBAseasonx.com. We want everyone to feel involved, feel a part of something. On September 15th, in my hometown of NYC, at the Crosby Hotel we had a fundraising event. The good people at Hennessy were kind enough to host it, allowed us to show a sneak peek of the movie (it isn't done yet) and we announced the Kickstarter campaign. The movie means a lot to me because it is my chance, a true opportunity, to tell my story but more importantly create awareness about alopecia. Definitely check out NBAseasonx.com and I will do my best through social media and my blog (believeincharlie.com) to get the word out, provide more insight, maybe show more sneak peeks, etc.

Salvadore: You have represented both the US and the Dominican Republic in international basketball. What was it like representing both sides?

Villanueva: I am proud to be American and I am proud to be Dominican so to have the honor to play for both national teams is amazing. How many people can say they did that? I was a kid when I represented the US but it was a great experience playing with Chris Paul and winning gold. Repping my home country, the Dominican Republic, was also very prideful. I have to say I am very blessed.

Salvadore: The NBA is becoming one of the most global games today. How does it feel being a part of that?

Villanueva: It feels great. Like I said earlier, it was really a special thing that I was a part of the "Basketball Without Borders" program because it was the first one in the Dominican Republic. It is great to be part of a movement. I, honestly, worked on "Basketball Without Borders" in Korea earlier in my career. It feels great that the game is global. It is great that I get to play with a German, a Puerto Rican, a Canadian, a player from Georgia, a Haitian player, etc. I mean think about that...how many different parts of the world my teammates are from. And that is only my team.

Salvadore: Who was your favorite player you looked up to when you were young?

Villanueva: I loved Reggie Miller. I still love Reggie Miller. It is why I am a shooter. My brother was a Knicks fan so I had to be against him. I, also, loved Larry Johnson...grandmamma. I recently met Hershey Hawkins at an NBA event and I told him he was my guy in NBA Live '95. 

Salvadore: What is it like having Mark Cuban as an owner?

Villanueva: The best owner in sports. I can say that undoubtedly. He takes care of us, he is a great guy, he cares, he is an actual fan. He and I have a good relationship. I am happy to be a part of his team.

Salvadore: You grew up in Queens watching the New York Mets and I know you're a big fan. How do you feel about the Mets as we head into the playoffs?

Villanueva: I think it is great that they are playing great. They are hot at the right time. I recently threw out the first pitch at a Mets game and I will always rep Queens. It would be nice if they could get it done because they truly rep Queens.

 Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1