In the previous two seasons, Tyler Dorsey played for Maccabi Tel Aviv, and along with some impressive games that showed his enormous potential, he also suffered from instability and one-dimensionality that limited him mainly to throwing and shooting outside the arc of the three.
Last summer he signed for Greek side Olympiacos, and something seems to have come loose.
He is more diverse on offense, throws more to 2 and also from the penalty line, is more penetrating, more moral and makes good decisions.
He also keeps better.
"This season I feel great, the team is playing well," Dorsey told "Israel Today" in an exclusive interview ahead of tomorrow's game against the ex from Tel Aviv.
"Recently the Corona has affected us, but I believe we are back on track. I hope we do not miss any more games and continue our good season."
Tell us about your feelings towards the game against the team you played for the last two years.
"For me it's just another game. I know Menora Hall and know it has very good fans who always push the team, but we can and should beat them away as well. Last week we lost to Fenerbahce so we want to get back on the winning track."
Tyler Dorsey, Photo: Alan Schieber
Do you believe that Maccabi Tel Aviv fans will receive you nicely when you go on the field?
"The truth is I do not know how they will react to me, if they will sing against me or support me. During my career I have greatly appreciated any support people have shown towards me, and I appreciate those who respect you and help you. I try not to concentrate on that, but on what we have to do on the pitch." .
How is life in Greece and Olympiacos compared to Israel and Maccabi Tel Aviv?
"Greece is quite similar to Israel. The place may be bigger and there are a few more things to do, but the weather is similar, the sea is similar and I feel very good here. I love the fans, and so far I enjoy the first year here."
"I enjoyed playing with him"
Some of the significant improvement in his ability, especially the stability and diversity he exhibits, can perhaps be attributed to the fact that Dorsey was slightly freed from the shadow of Scotty Wilbkin.
Much has been said about the yellow star making most of the decisions, throwing away far more than any of his teammates, and quite a few commentators think Dorsey's output has been hurt as a result.
In an interview in Greece a few months ago, Dorsey claimed that the change was credited to coach Yorgos Bratzokas, who gives him more responsibility and freedom of action.
The guard probably hints that with Yannis Sapropoulos things were different.
Scotty Wilbkin and Yannis Sapropoulos, Photo: Alan Schieber
"The difference this year is that I play in a key position," says Dorsey. He was always there, you just have to play according to the role that the coach gives you and can make an impact. "
People say that scorers are sometimes a little difficult to play near Wilbkin. Could it have affected you too?
"Scotty and I are on good terms to this day. My girlfriend and his wife are friends, we would go eat after games and I really enjoyed playing with him. Even when I got off the bench I sometimes played next to him and I think we played fine together."
At the end of the interview, Dorsey talks about his good friend Roman Sorkin, who played with him at Oregon College and last summer joined Maccabi Tel Aviv. "Roman and I are pretty close friends.
I know he does not play much in the Euroleague this year, but he is a good player with a lot of talent, who keeps working all the time.
I'm sure he will find a way to show his abilities. "
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us