For a long time, Hapoel Jerusalem was looking for the missing piece, the player who would complete its front line and add mass and defensive and offensive options under the baskets.
About two weeks ago she signed John Agbono, and judging by his first game - she seems to have hit a bull.
"The first weeks here are great, everyone welcomes me nicely and explains everything I need. I adjust myself quickly," Agbono says in an exclusive interview with Israel Today, ahead of the first game in the series against Promitee in the play-off stage of the Champions League tonight.
Agbono, 210cm of muscle, mass and athleticism, loves to play under baskets, block, change shots and take rebounds (was second in the Italian league this season with 9.4 rebounds per game). "I work on my body all the time and try to get as strong as possible." , He says, "I like to defend the ring, play strong in color and block shots.
I absolutely love it, it's an amazing feeling. "
You have worked with many good coaches in your career, what is your initial impression of coach Yotam Halperin who is making his first steps as head coach?
"He has a very mature attitude in front of a bunch of players with a lot of experience. He has a lot of knowledge. He leads us with a lot of confidence and makes us work every day to get better."
Agbono, 27, was born and raised in Nigeria.
At age 15 he moved to the U.S. and began studying and playing in a small high school. He was later admitted to the University of South Florida, then moved on to three successful years at Greater Florida College, where he broke several rebounding records and established himself as a legitimate player at the highest levels.
Along with good ability he also suffered from several injuries that slowed his pace of progress and prevented him from being selected in the NBA Draft 2018 first playing in the G-League, and then moving to Korea.
Last season he signed for Italian side Varese, from which he was released a few weeks ago.
"I was born in a small town in Nigeria to a very warm family. My parents worked hard every day to take care of me and my brothers," Agbono recalled. .
I soon realized I could be a good basketball player, which is why I decided to move to the US and live with my family there. I left Nigeria because I wanted to be a part of the US education and sports system.
I got a chance to play basketball and make a dream come true. "
Braimo.
"This relationship is good for the group," Photo: Danny Maron
The partner from Florida
Agbono joins the "Nigerian family" at Hapoel Jerusalem, which includes Suleiman Braimo and Martin Obasohan, whose parents emigrated from Nigeria to Belgium.
"It's crazy," he says with a smile, "this relationship is good and helps the team. We have very good chemistry between us, but all the other players are also caring and connected to each other."
In your final year in Florida you played with Igor Kolshov. Tell us about it.
"I'll tell you something: he was my roommate. He's funny and a great guy who's just fun to be around. "Great in Florida. We stayed in touch and I consulted with him before I arrived in Jerusalem, he helped me make the decision."
In recent months you have played with Alessandro Gentile, who previously played in Jerusalem and left after a short period. He is considered a big star in Italy, and also the son of a big past star. What was it like being with him in the locker room and did you consult with him before you signed?
"Alessandro is a positive person, not really one who makes problems. I spoke to him when I received the offer, and he told me that he was good despite his short time here. He recommended me to come and said that Jerusalem is a good opportunity for me."
Agbono.
Played with Kolshov in Florida, Photo: Bernie Ardov
In Varese, Agbono played for several months alongside the great Luis Scola who retired last summer, and he is showering compliments on the legendary Argentine.
"Lewis is one of the best players I have played alongside, great to see how he played at that age. He has been at the high levels of the NBA and Europe and understands the game amazingly. He is insanely smart, and thanks to the fact that he is tall he has helped my game a lot. "Time to talk about how to take care of yourself and your body outside of basketball. He taught me how to behave as a player, and also about life after basketball."
"We have a great team"
As mentioned, tonight Hapoel Jerusalem will begin the play-in series against Promitei, and the goal is clear: not to end the European season in January.
"These games are very important for us," concludes Agbono. "And they're the best I've ever seen."
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