Talent Jason George: "I always have to be ready"

Created: 01/19/2022Updated: 01/19/2022 21:52

By: Patrick Reichelt

Hopeful talent: Jason George.

© kolbert-press/Ulrich Gamel via www.imago-images.de

Munich – He is the first homegrown basketball player from FC Bayern, who is well on the way to becoming a permanent fixture in the professional team.

But Jason George (20) also got to know the hard side, as he explains in the interview.

Jason, you scored your 100th point in the top game against Bonn.

Was the round of donuts due?

Oh yes, I had to bring these to practice, commissioned by co-captain Lucic.

To be honest, I didn't know the rule until now.

Otherwise I probably would have missed!

(laughs)

The game was one of their best at Bayern up to that point.

Do you see yourself on the cusp of becoming a fixture?

Of course I try.

I want to develop and be a real player.

But I still have to improve a lot for that.

Games like the one against Bonn make me happy.

But that's only one step and I'm actually not satisfied after a game like that.

Because I know there are still things I can do better.

So check it out and move on?

Yes, also because I know from the experience of others that it is not only here that people look very closely after a good game: whether you relax or stay focused.

Almost every week you meet former Munich youth players who have matured into BBL players here and are now trying their luck elsewhere.

They take up the fight.

Honestly, I thought about that option too.

But I've put so much into this over the last four years.

I want to assert myself here, even if it's the hard way.

I want to fight and I can prove myself here against the best in the league.

You recently experienced how hard the road can be when coach Andrea Trinchieri tackled you physically violently.

He expressed his regret in the FCBB podcast.

What is left with you?

Ah, that happened.

It definitely wasn't right and he apologized to me.

He told me and in front of others that it wasn't okay.

This has been resolved internally.

He wanted and still wants me to take my chance.

But mistakes happen, such a single situation does not make a person.

I also see this as an opportunity for us to continue to grow together.

What kind of coach is Trinchieri from the young player's perspective?

He's someone who cares about every little detail.

If I stand two centimeters differently from what he wants, it is addressed immediately.

This is a mental challenge, not so much a physical one: you have to be constantly focused.

To put it bluntly: He can also be annoying...

Yes, everyone will probably say that (laughs).

But I think that's also necessary to make players better.

And how is life between Euroleague-hardened professionals and trash talkers like Vladimir Lucic?

Lucic as a trash talker?

It's more like something the opponent gets.

Or I don't notice it anymore, that could also be the case.

(laughs) But seriously: Our team is different again this year – actually very nice!

Are there professionals among the experienced who take care of a young player like you?

Yes, actually Vladimir Lucic in particular.

He helps me enormously on the field.

That's what the coach said too, that he's trying to line me up with him.

So far, your emphasis has been on the games in the BBL.

What is your immediate goal – more game shares in Europe too?

Above all, I want us to be successful.

The club hasn't been champion for two years now, we're out of the cup - it's about time.

And I want to achieve the same thing for myself: First of all, I want to be ready in the BBL, always ready, and play more to develop as best as possible.

It doesn't matter whether it's now, in four weeks or in two months.

Interview: Patrick Reichelt