After the incidents in the national uniform, Alex Tios wants to put the problems behind • On the move to Real Madrid: "Exciting to return to the Euroleague" • And on Maccabi Tel Aviv that awaits him tonight: "I was not hurt by them"
Flying in a Real Madrid uniform
Photography:
IPI
Fifteen seasons he played Alex Tyus Maccabi Tel Aviv and won her Euroleague, three Israeli Championships and double National Cup. Tonight he will rise to the court in the Hall of Yad Eliahu, but will wear the uniform of a rival, Real Madrid, in rows signed a few weeks ago following the injury of Anthony Randolph.
"I It feels great to be part of such a historic and prestigious club, "he says in an interview with" Israel Today "," In the first weeks I tried to learn the group's method as quickly as possible.
"Fortunately, it's very easy because everyone here makes me feel at home."
Before arriving in Madrid, Tios played for Glatsray, and he admits he was very excited when he realized the Blancos wanted to sign him.
"I was very excited. First of all because it's going back to the Euroleague and it's a very important thing for me. Beyond that, when you play for Real Madrid, you have a good chance of winning all the titles possible, competing at the highest level and fighting to qualify for the Final Four. I want to be part of a winning team. And I will do my best to help the team win and achieve the goals. "
In 2014, you beat Real in the Euroleague final with Maccabi Tel Aviv, do you feel you have some small debt to close?
"Everyone's main goal at Real is to win titles and championships.
They have done a great job in the past as well as today.
And I am experienced enough to know that we should not look too far ahead, but invest and give hard work and things will work out on their own. "
"A big challenge for me"
In the summer of 2019, after two good seasons at Maccabi Tel Aviv, Tios did not hide his desire to continue, but the Yellows decided not to renew his contract, so he moved to Russian Onyx Kazan.
"Maccabi did not submit an offer for me," says Tios. "But I was not really worried.
I was just trying to get back into the Euroleague in a different way, that was and remains my goal.
That's why I'm very excited about this opportunity I just got from Real, and I'm not looking at the past, what it was and who wanted or did not want me. "
Even last summer, when Maccabi Tel Aviv was looking high, the calls of Tios and his agent Dobby Pick remained silent.
The Yellows preferred Ante Žižić and then also Dragan Bender.
Are you hurt by the fact that Maccabi did not turn to you?
"I was not injured at all. I am grateful for the time I had at Maccabi, but now I am really excited about the new challenges I have. I have never played in Spain. The local league is the best competition in Europe outside the Euroleague, and it is a big challenge for me."
If tonight's game at Yad Eliyahu was with an audience, how do you think Maccabi fans would receive you?
"The fans always gave me a lot of love. They still follow me on Instagram and Twitter and I get messages of love and appreciation. I have to remember that I was part of the team that won the Euroleague. The fans gave me a very warm welcome when I returned to play for Maccabi in 2017, and I'm sure it was not "It's different. We just hope that the crowd will return to the pitches already. It's not the same without them."
Since Tios received his Israeli citizenship in 2012, there have been several unpleasant incidents between the player and members of the Israel Basketball Association.
"Rice at the top of the list"
In 2013 he left the team in the middle of the European Championship tournament, a year later he did not show up for training and in 2018 there was a lack of understanding between the parties, following which the union announced that the player was released from the national uniform.
"I had a great time playing for the team," he says, asking to leave the problems behind. "I had a lot of fun playing with the guys there and I learned a lot about European basketball. My time on the Israeli team was a good experience. As for the problems? I prefer not to look. On the past, but focus on the future. "
So let's talk about the future.
If the team coaches want you, is there a chance we'll see you back?
"It's possible, I do not deny anything. It is something I will have to talk about with my family, but yes, it will be great to play for the Israeli team again if the opportunity arises."
Finally, who are the guards you most enjoy playing with during your career?
"I played with some great guards, but Tyrese Rice is probably at the top of my list. Scotty Wilbkin is also high on my list because he is a great player who can do a lot of things on the pitch."