Maccabi Tel Aviv's new acquisition, thanks to Arun Jackson ("When I realized he signed it was an easy decision for me") • Excited to play at Euroleague and explains why he is being infringed ("I play with a lot of emotion") • Thursday against G Giris Burrolig's chin is expected to be on the exclusive roster

• Reynolds in Zenith uniform

  Photo:

  Gettyimages

Perhaps as a result of injuries last season, the Maccabi manager quickly responded to the blows that fell on her this season.

In an exclusive interview with "Israel Today," Reynolds talks about the excitement of playing first in Euroleague, about the friendship with Jackson that convinced him to come, about the stick wave he played with Zenith and the tough childhood in Detroit. And mainly answers the question that will probably interest quite a few Maccabi fans - why does he do a lot of Pauls?

"I know Maccabi is a big club in Europe and there were players here who did great things," he begins, "I come to continue the honorable tradition. I can guarantee I will do my best. Already come up and play for Maccabi. "

You haven't played in Euroleague and Europe's high levels yet, how much do you expect?

"It's not going to be a walk in the park and the coaches will make sure we are ready and in the right situation to showcase my talent. It's a very high level, and I want to do my best to help the team, whether it's to jump on lost balls or grab rebounds."

It is said that Aaron Jackson was the one who convinced you to come to Maccabi with him.

"When I realized that he also signed Maccabi, it was an easy decision for me to make as well. We played at the beginning of the season in China and we have a great relationship. He is not only a teammate, but a good friend of mine. He is the European champion and I look forward to working with him again and taking this relationship to heights. He's a very good player, and I'm really pleased that I can play with him again. "

Last season you played with a stick wave at Zenit St. Petersburg. Tell a little about your friendship.

"Gal is like my brother. He has always tried to take my game and improve it on the field. He is a great coordinator who knows his role on the field and makes excellent use of his advantages. He gives the ball to the high players exactly where they need to and he is a great guy too To the lot. "

Reynolds. "There were actors in Maccabi Tel Aviv who did great things" // Photo: GettyImages

"Detroit is a tough place"

Reynolds (26, 2.08m) was born in a tough neighborhood in Detroit Michigan. His father abandoned the family and his mother raised Jailen and his two brothers alone. "I grew up in a household with three kids and I wouldn't say we had everything, but she made sure we had what we needed. I was never one of those kids driving around with fancy cars and having to work for everything I have, but that's what made my life special More.

"I'll always be there for my brothers," he continues, "if they weren't, I wouldn't be where I am today. Detroit is a tough place and not everything is glittery and glamorous there, but fortunately I came out the way I and I feel blessed."

Did everything you went through when you were young help you in life?

"I think it definitely made me better as a man and a father to a daughter. It put me in a position that I didn't want to see my daughter go through what I went through and I want to give her a good life and make sure she has everything she needs."

One of the claims made in Reynolds context is that he often commits transgressions and plays emotionally, sometimes too emotionally. The player himself has an explanation: "It stems from my passion for the game. I just love everything about the basketball game. I play with a lot of emotion. If you don't have it in your heart, you shouldn't do it. My emotion shows how passionate I am."

Have you signed a temporary contract, will you be able to convince the coaches that you deserve to stay until the end of the season?

"I'm going to take it from game to game. I'm not looking at the future, but focusing on the present. I just want to fit in where I can and in any way to help the team, that's what I do and the rest is not up to me anymore."