Jonas Jerbecko returned to Europe after 10 seasons at the BBC and remembers Kobe Bryant • Tonight he is hosting with Moscow kids at Maccabi Tel Aviv (21:05)

• Jerbco (right). Think about the day after

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Swedish Jonas Jarbaku has a career path similar to that of Omri Caspi. He, too, came from a country that didn't often send representatives to the BBC, he was also selected in the 2009 draft, and after ten seasons in the world's best league returned to Euroleague last summer.

Unlike Caspian, who was injured early in the season, 32-year-old Jerbuk quickly became one of Moscow's key players, playing tonight against Maccabi Yad Eliyahu in an attempt to revive her chances to qualify for the quarterfinals. "We can play very well," he said. Says in an interview with Israel Today, "When we play well and together we can beat any team. If not, we can lose to any team. That's the beauty of Euroleague, because there are a lot of good teams you always have to be at your peak to win. "

Why did you return to Europe last summer?
"I had a great offer from elusive and I had no other offers, so I took advantage of the only opportunity I had."

What do you think the reason why many NBC players have come to Europe in recent years?
"The new agreement between the players' organization and the team owners is the main reason. As a result of the agreement, not everyone finds the place they want."

"I played hockey too"
Jarbecko was born in Sweden, and in fact should not have become a basketball player but to choose more popular sports in the country, but the fact that his father and mother played basketball turned him to the orange-ball industry, and he does not regret it, nor more than $ 35 million earned in his ten seasons In the US.

"I grew up in Sweden and of course basketball wasn't the first choice for me as a kid, but I come from a basketball family so that's how I started playing. I also played football, hockey, handball, volleyball - I tried everything, and naturally I was pretty good at basketball, so that's what I chose.

"I wish we had the passion in Sweden that I saw from Israeli basketball fans and the Israeli media," he continues, and is clearly envious of his voice, "I haven't played in Israel yet, but I know the fans are very enthusiastic and know basketball and you have a good history of basketball in the country, so I'm already looking forward to a game against Maccabi. "A. In Sweden we have no such history and I hope I can help and develop this sport for us, thanks to the things I did at the BBC and what I do today. "

Jerbuko stops my money at the previous meeting. Similar route // Photo: Udi Citiat

The biggest tournament he came to will compete with the Swedish team was Eurobasket 2013, where he collaborated with Jonathan Schuldbrand, now Hapoel Eilat player. "Jonathan is a great guy and a very talented player. I remember him taking great care of his body and I'm glad to see that he is still playing in the Israeli league."

"Almost" with Golden State
Yarbeko’s last team in the best league in the world was Golden State, with whom he reached the final last season. Like a typical Swedish, he didn't sound excited about sharing the same locker room with giant stars like Steph Kerry, Kevin Durant and Clay Thompson.

"It was like every other team I played in. They breathe, eat and also sleep like everyone else. I enjoy playing basketball, whether it's Golden State Warriors, Himmiki or the Detroit Pistons. It doesn't really matter if you're called a star or not, because we're all human "From everything that has happened lately (the tragic death of Kobe Bryant; JM) we need to understand that we are all human beings in the end and everything can happen to anyone."

Have you played with Kobe a few times, what is your strongest memory of him?
"I remember very well the first time I came to Los Angeles and got on the field with him. I was excited and excited about the legend, to compete with the icon I watched all year. I tried to emulate him, and played with his character in video games. He is one of the few players I really expected to play with Same pitch. I was really stressed in the same game. "

You were disappointed last season when you didn't win the championship? Not many players get the final status.
"Of course. Winning this championship is a goal that accompanies you from the moment you get to the BBC, and when you are so close and miss - then of course there is a very big disappointment."

At the same time as his basketball career, Jerbuko is already preparing for the day after. In 2016, he acquired ownership of the Gaming Renegades group competing under eSports, one of the world's leading and richest gaming organizations.

"In the three years since I bought the team it is very evolving. We have invested a lot of money and our teams are improving. In general, the organization is growing all over the world. It's like any sports team where there are a lot of people working for you. Our team is in good shape right now, and we are working towards The future. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to it as a bright future. "