With a record of eight years in the best league in the world and a half season under Messina's baton, Shelvin Mack landed in Jerusalem just 24 hours before making his European debut, the American finds out what made him change continent ("I wanted to play, not sit on the bench"), and why he was cut From Milan ("I just wanted to play")
Shelvin Mack. It's all about timing "
Photo:
Danny Maron
Shelvin Mack is one of the big names who landed in Hapoel Jerusalem in recent years. He played for eight seasons in the NBA and last season the American coordinator scored an average of 7.9 points on the Memphis Grizzlies where he partnered with Omri Money. He started the current season with high expectations at Attura Messina's Milan, but did not acclimate to the capital.
The full interview with Shalvin Mack will be published tomorrow in "Israel Today"
Twenty-four hours before his first match in Europe in his new team uniform (on Sunday he played in the league against Maccabi Ashdod), Mac talks in a special interview to Israel Today about all the important issues.
About the decision to come to Israel: "Israel is a basketball state. I was delighted to come to a place with such a great atmosphere, great organization, playing at a high level and having the opportunity to win titles. This club has a great history and this is a good opportunity for me."
About the difference between Oded Ketch's basketball and Atura Messina's basketball : "There is a significant difference. There is a big gap between their ages and here I feel there could be a better relationship with the coach. There is also a big difference between the way they play. There is free basketball and the coach is letting the guards make the decisions. It's great for me as a guard. "
Mac. "I came to Europe to bring my experience" // Photo by Danny Maron
About Omri Caspi: "Omri is a great guy, one of my best friends, we haven't played together for a long time, but we were a lot out of the field. Memphis is a small town so we had many opportunities to spend time together. He taught me a lot about "He is a funny man and fun to be with. He loves the game and knows how to take things in proportion."
Why he did not find a group in the BBC and left for Europe : "Things happen with a reason. Unfortunately, the BBC has a lot of things not related to basketball but to business. But on my part I came to Europe to bring my experience. "But I wasn't sure I would play there. I wanted to play a lot and so I went to Europe. I'm still young and I have a lot more to give the game. I want to be on the field and I feel that this is the best situation for me now."
What didn't work out in Milan: "I think it's a matter of timing. In Milan we were excellent and I felt good too. But I got injured in one of the first games and then I didn't play for a month and when I came back it wasn't a good time for me and the team. I can tell you if I had "I would make the same decision again. I think while I was playing there I was good and did the maximum, but I didn't have enough time to understand the situation and fit in. The injury hurt me."
Mack opens the heart. "If I don't play in the NBA anymore, I won't be angry" // Photo by Danny Maron
About Donetta Smith: "I've already heard that Donetta is a legend here. He's like me from Kentucky, and he would play every year at the charity tournament that I hold. Because he's been out of the U.S. for many years when I had an offer from Europe and I deliberated and consulted with him. ".
The desire to return to the NBC : "I don't really think about it. If I don't play in the NBC anymore, I won't be angry. I only control what I can control, not other things. I hope my success gives me opportunities "Well, but I can't control it. That's how I live. I know that if I play hard and well I'll be fine because I'll know I've done the maximum for myself."
The full interview with Shalvin Mack will be published tomorrow in "Israel Today"
