In an interview with the UVISION College Agency podcast, the Turkish center of Portland talks about the Israeli connection ("Friends said I should visit the Western Wall"), the problems in Turkey ("The situation is terrible, pray for us") and Watersbrook ("He loves young players next to him")
Rape Canter in Boston uniform.
There are those to learn from
Photography:
AFP
NBA player Ance Canter is one of the most fascinating athletes there is.
Not many would dare to go out like him in public against a ruler like Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Also, he does not hide for a moment his love for Israel.
In an interview with the UVISION College Agency podcast, he talked about his high social involvement, the connection to Israel and Jews, the treatment he receives from the Turkish authorities and also about Danny Abdia's new friend, Russell Westbrook, whom he has known since their time together in Oklahoma City Thunder.
"I feel and I tell everyone that I got this platform from God and I must use it well. So many young people adore you and watch you on social media and today it is even more important and it is a big responsibility. In what you believe you must talk about it and for me it is very important .
"When I came to America I met Christians, Jews, Muslims and people of different kinds and one of the important things for me is to find a common denominator because it is one world for everyone. I always say and laugh at myself, until Elon Mesek or Jeff Bezos find another world to live in, that's what we have And we have to do our best with what we have.
"The second thing if you look at the world we have people of different types, different cultures, different colors but we all speak the same language - basketball. We became friends. What I'm trying to create is dialogue. It's very important to talk to each other and one of the projects I want to set up is To come to Israel to my basketball and academy camp is because we are all the same and it is important for me to convey this message in Israel. We are all human beings first and foremost.
"It's important to support what you believe in. Black Lives or War on Antisemitism, this platform for me came from God and I want to make the most of it. After my career I want to be remembered not only because of basketball but because of what I did off the field."
Israel and Judaism: "I can say that today I have more Jewish friends than Muslims. They are so nice, their food and culture are very similar to our culture. I always say I have conversations with Jewish friends - 'hey I want to go to Israel'. They tell me where "I have to go and what to eat. You have to visit the Western Wall, you have to eat chickpeas and stuff like that. It's very important to open your heart and eyes and let people in no matter the background or nationality. It's just important to understand that we all come from one."
On Turkey: "Very sad in Turkey these days. There is no freedom, or freedom of speech and democracy. That is why I am trying to use my platform to support innocent people in my country who are in prison. Women, journalists who are raped and tortured simply because they do not think the same as the president. Terrible and horrible is my goal is to raise awareness and help them. My teammates give me extra motivation and hope in this matter. Eventually we are brothers. At first I remember they were always ashamed to ask me but we knew in depth they started asking. That I started telling they always ask "how Can we help? "The situation in Turkey is very sad and bad and I hope and ask everyone to pray for the people there."
"For those who do not know my father was in prison just because I talked about human rights and democracy. I just try to relax in basketball - the better I play my opinion will be heard the more I go on the field it is my teammates and fans and as soon as I leave the field the conversation starts "Can do to help. It's mentally difficult but my friends, the coaches help me a lot."
On Westbrook and his personality: "I played with him two and a half years I was in Oklahoma we had a good run we got to the Western Conference Finals. So many people hate Russell, but he was one of the best teammates I had especially off the field.
"He loves young players, always tries to help and supports the community. If I look at their team they have a good team. Russ, Danny, Bartens. A talented team and they are going to reach the playoffs. I am very happy. I think Bill and Russ are going to be a good duo together with "The young people around. Trust me - Russ is going to make them fun."
Link to the full interview: https://www.uvisionsports.com/presentations