DiAndre Kane did not like the contract Maccabi Tel Aviv offered him and also gave up a bid from Hapoel Jerusalem • Tonight he is hosting with Prishtri Barna in the Champions League eighth final • Interview
Kane faced Thomas last season
Photo:
Alan Shaver
A busy and interesting year goes by for DeAndre Cain. He finished last season as one of the leading players of the Maccabi Tel Aviv team, but did not continue after the negotiations between the parties failed.
In the summer he had contacts with several groups in Europe and did not find a new home. After Trent Lockett's departure to the US, he was offered the opportunity to join Hapoel Jerusalem, but John Holland eventually signed. He later practiced with Maccabi Rasht, played one game in the Serbian Lex Magas belonging to his agent, and a few weeks ago joined the Greek Prishtri to play Hapoel tonight. Jerusalem in the eighth FIFA Champions League final.
"I feel good, trying to get back to pace because I've been out of the field for too long. The varsity team has provided me with the time needed to train and I'm ready to finish the season strong," he says in an interview with "Israel Today," and tries to make things right.
You had a very good season at Maccabi Tel Aviv, why did it take you so long to find a team?
"I don't really know, I can only tell what it was. Maccabi offered me a contract that I didn't think was good for me considering what I did for them and so I didn't agree. When I waited at home there were many teams like Panathinaikos, Olympiacos and Basconia who were interested in me but weren't sure about my fitness, "And it was important for me to stay with my mother, who was in bad health and wanted to take care of her. I'm happy with what came out and the one I signed with Perishtry."
What do you remember most about the period in Maccabi Tel Aviv?
"Me and Maccabi fans had a special connection, I miss them very much. I will never forget how they cared about me and how they were treated. Of course, winning the championship was a crazy thing for me, too."
"Ketch knows me" // Photo: Alan Shiber
Earlier this season you were in contact with Hapoel Jerusalem, and that didn't work out in the end either.
"They called and offered me a contract. I thought about taking it but I eventually realized it wasn't the best situation for me at the time. I had family issues that I needed to take care of, and they have a lot of guards and good players that way too, so I think I decided I didn't go opal".
The option to go to Jerusalem was also because of your good relationship with Oded Ketch?
"True, I played for him in Eilat in my first year in Israel and we had a strong relationship. He is a great person and a good coach who wants the better for you and he knows how to teach. He not only gives technical instructions but really teaches. Even when I played Maccabi we spoke and we were very respectful. I always have tips on how to get better. I look forward to seeing him and shaking his hand. "
After choosing not to come to Jerusalem, you trained with Maccabi Rasht and there were rumors that you might join them.
"Guy Goodes is a good friend and a great coach. We talk not only about basketball but everything, and he cared very much about me in Israel. I didn't really think about signing there but I just asked them for a favor and they were happy to help me stay fit."
Kane will return to Israel this evening and try to show groups in the country what they have lost. "Jerusalem knows what I'm capable of. They played against me when I was in Eilat and Maccabi, and Ketch knows who I am. Their fans will probably try to sting me during the game, but that's what fun about basketball games. I'll talk on the field."
Is there a chance we will see you playing in Israel again in the future?
"At the moment I am concentrated in Frishtry but I do not know what will happen in the future. Israel is a special place for me and I have a lot of love for the country and the people. Coach Janis Spropoulos was one of my favorite coaches and I keep in touch with him. .