Andy Van Wallit, a Bnei Herzliya forward, was born in Antwerp, Belgium, and started playing basketball at the age of 11. He was a member of all the young Belgian national teams and is currently a member of the senior team.
When he was 18 he moved to the US and played four seasons in colleges, first in Wisconsin and then in William & Marie, where he graduated with a degree in kinesiology and health sciences. Last season he played for Lithuanian Xiaoli and last summer came to Israel. Points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game in the league.
How do you sum up your first months in Bnei Herzliya?
"It's something I've never experienced before. There's a family atmosphere here with good people. There are a lot of people and fans who take care of every little thing and I feel like they really love us. There are two women who take care of us and even make us birthdays. Physiotherapists, fitness coach, team managers The coaches, everyone. An amazing experience. "
You have a lot of qualities that other tall players do not have - shooting, passing, dribbling. Do you understand that modern basketball needs all this to be successful at the highest levels?
"Yes, definitely. I realized that every aspect I add to my game makes me more valued and worthwhile as a player. When I was young I had a coach named Luke Smith, who worked with me and invested in me in all of these aspects. I was lucky to work with him, he put me on track. Understand what you need to do to be successful in your career. "
This year there are two Belgian players in the Israeli league and last season there was another one. Would it be good for both Belgium and Israel if the trend continued?
"The Israeli league is a very good league with good teams playing in European factories, so it is good for Belgian players to come here, and also good for a league that good players come from Belgium. It helps both sides."
"It's good for the league that good players come from Belgium", Photo: Berni Ardov
How hard is it to leave home at 18?
"I'm the only child in the family, and it's very difficult to leave home for the first time and move to another country. The first days in the US were very difficult because I always grew up at home with my parents and their care, but I think it was even harder for my mother to be without her only child. At home.
However, it was a good experience, I grew up fast, and it helped me a lot to develop as a professional basketball player. "
Do you have any other projects beyond your career as a professional basketball player?
"I do not have anything right now, but I am always open to business. Basketball is amazing, but my career is short and I try to prepare myself for life after basketball, so I check directions of marketing and other things that interest me, of course not at the expense of basketball."
What interested you in kinesiology and health sciences?
"It's always good to know your body and understand what you can do better to take care of it. These are things that interest me and help me during my career as a basketball player. I felt in colleges that if I understood what was going on with the body and what it needed it would help me, and I'm glad I chose it."
What's your big dream?
"In terms of basketball I want to play in the Euroleague. It's an amazing competition that I set for myself because I feel my style of play fits in there. Outside of basketball I really hope to help my family live a better life and give back to the people I love and have given me a lot."
Van and Lit and Bab.
The forward is dreaming big, Photo: Bernie Ardov
What is the thing that scares you the most in the world?
"Sharks".
Why is it most difficult to get used to in Israel?
"For the week that starts on Sunday. In Europe and the United States, everything is closed on Sunday, while here everything is open and from Friday in the early hours until Saturday, everything is closed.
It's something that took me a while to get used to. "
Which athlete would you like to sit down with for a beer?
"Muhammad Ali or Kobi Bryant. Two elite athletes, but what was special about them was the work ethic, the mental dedication, the totality. I would be very happy to sit down with them, hear about it and get some tips."
What is your favorite thing to do besides basketball?
"I love nature, going to nature parks, traveling to new places, exploring and generally enjoying life."
On Sunday you have the Cup semi-final. Herzliya has not won a title since 1995, do you sometimes close your eyes and think about the moment you win the trophy?
"We all dream, but what's special about our team this year is that we are humble and look game after game. Of course we want to win the cup, but Holon is a great team and it will be a difficult game. It will be great to bring something great to the club, fans and all the people who love us. ".
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