The Limited Times

Now you can see non-English news...

Thon Maker: "It's hard to leave a community and a fan base like there is in Hapoel Jerusalem" | Israel today

2021-12-24T08:37:31.356Z


The Australian-Sudanese center (24, 2.13m) arrived from the NBA with high expectations but was released after failing to deliver the goods • In a first interview after leaving he tells what did not work: "I never chased my numbers, maybe I should change my attitude "• And the hope for the rest of my career:" I'm still young, I have high expectations of myself as an actor and as a person "


In 2016, Thun Maker, an Australian-Sudanese center was selected in the tenth selection of the NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks.

Since then he has had a hard time realizing the high expectations from him.

Last summer, Hapoel Jerusalem signed him during a move that was received with great enthusiasm by the team's fans, but the player found it difficult to integrate, and a few weeks ago left after participating in only two league games, scoring 5 points and taking 5 rebounds.

In the Champions League he played in four games, scored 2.8 points and took 3.5 rebounds on average.

He is now speaking for the first time since leaving Israel.

How do you feel about leaving Hapoel Jerusalem after connecting with people and fans?

"For me personally it's always hard to move from club to club. Some say it's business, but I tend to connect with fans, community, culture and club. I'm still young in my career and maybe that will change, but I think most players had a hard time leaving community and fan base. Jerusalem".

How do you sum up the period in Israel?

"It was a bit of a frustrating time because we didn't win at the start of the season, and it didn't suit me and a lot of people around the team. I like to win, and I can say that when I was given the opportunity I always gave 110 percent to help the team."

Do you think you've had enough opportunities here to show your abilities?

"I'm one of those guys who learned during the time in the NBA to let the game get to them. Since I was a young player, I've never chased after personal stats, because that's the right way I was taught to play; but when you're in a situation where you have playing time. "Shorter on the pitch, maybe I really need to change my attitude. I certainly would have preferred to play longer during the games, but when you're part of a team - you try to trust who leads the business, and maintain a positive attitude for the team's success."

With Oren Amiel, Photo: Berni Ardov

There were high expectations of you from the moment you arrived, and yet you failed to make much of an impact.

"I did not feel that the expectations were from me, but that Hapoel Jerusalem would succeed. I am happy to see my guys on the team succeed. Of course I was happy to be with them on the field as much as possible, but as long as I was on the team I continued to train, giving as much leadership and support to other players."

How do you explain the significant change that Yotam Halperin has brought to the group?

"Everything I believe in basketball belongs to the pace of play. When you grow up as a scorer, you learn how to control the pace because of the length of the game, you learn to be patient and how to build defense or offense. I think now the coach and team have found their pace and good things come with it. When you win "Players have a lot more freedom to express their abilities. Look at a team like Golden State, which plays at a great pace, they are just like a football team with ball movement and body movements. For me that's the story and that's the change that happened."

Do you believe that you will return to a positive path in your career and fulfill the enormous expectations that were placed on you?

"I'm still young and at the beginning of my career. I went straight from high school to the NBA, the first two years I was successful and we got to the playoffs. At that time I played regular and good minutes and did not worry about my playing time. "I have a non-stop engine. I like to compete, but no less I am excited and enthusiastic about the game itself. I believe that as a player the expectations are first and foremost yours of yourself. I have high expectations of myself as a player and as a person. So I think I'm going to be fine."

Is there a message you want to convey to Hapoel Jerusalem fans?

"Your support was amazing. I enjoyed my stay in Jerusalem, and I wish I could help you win most games. I do not believe in permanent separations, so I'm sure I'll see you around."

Were we wrong?

Fixed!

If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us

Source: israelhayom

All sports articles on 2021-12-24

You may like

Trends 24h

Latest

© Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.
The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.