Chris Bab is without a doubt one of the best players in the Premier League in the 2021/2022 season.
Together with Chinano Onoako, the American guard has the biggest shares in the huge season of Bnei Herzliya, which has already won the state cup, and tonight will begin the playoff semifinal series against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
"We are very excited," Bab says in an interview with Israel Today.
"We have already shown this season that we can compete with any team in the league. We prepared for this series as we prepared for the series in the quarterfinals, and as we did all season. Of course Maccabi is a great team with a rich history, but we come to face the challenge and take the opportunity."
How do you explain the special connection created in the team this season?
"We have a good relationship between the players, chemistry. We have guys without ego, and everyone with us is committed to the team victory and good basketball of the team. What helps even more is that we have more than one player capable of giving a great game on any given night, and we showed "This season - I'm talking about me, Andy Van Velit, Chinano Onoako, Sean Dawson, Sandy Cohen. Everyone has a chance to make moves and we have confidence in each other, so we really enjoy playing together."
Bab with Chinano Onoako.
"We both deserve to be MVPs", Photo: Alan Schieber
The Underdog always has a chance
Bab (32, 1.96m) has played during his career at clubs such as Hall, Prometheus, Cuban, Telecom Boone, and even played 14 games for the Boston Celtics in the NBA.
In April he surprised everyone when he decided to sign a new contract in Herzliya by the summer of 2024, by which time he would be pretty close to 35. Since winning the trophy it was clear to both sides that they would continue the contract, much thanks to the player's connection to the club and his wife.
"At the current point in time in my career, the thing I'm looking for most of all is to be happy and feel comfortable where I am," he explains of the decision to stay and not wait for summer to find the best financial opportunity as most players his age do.
Chris Bab.
This is a class, Photo: Liron Moldovan
"Since coming to Herzliya I have had a great experience. I feel loved, cared for and valued as an actor and as a person. Of course I could have received offers with more money, but I learned during my career not to make decisions based solely on that motivation. Right now the most important thing for me is Take advantage of every moment on the field and enjoy it. "
Bab continues: "Of course money is an important part of our careers as professionals, but I think in other professions too, if a person makes decisions just based on where he earns more he makes a mistake because you have to consider other things as well with what people you work with, "If you enjoy being there. You need to know the players you are going to play with, and of course the coaches as well. I have a good feeling in Herzliya, so I decided to stay here for another two years."
Chris Bab.
Tonight against Maccabi Tel Aviv, Photo: Alan Shiver
Commentators say the title of "Outstanding Player of the Season" should go to you or Chinano Onuako. Which of you two deserves to win?
"We both have a good argument and we both had a great season. Chinano made a tremendous run in the trophy and won the trophy MVP, and then teams started to focus on him, and that kind of opened up the pitch for me and the opportunity to express my abilities. He won the Outstanding Player title. Of the trophy, so I believe he will be fine with me winning the league's outstanding player, "he laughs.
"You know what, let's choose the two of us together. It's going to be amazing and do justice."
Chris Bab and Andy Van Walet.
Will they also celebrate in the hall ?, Photo: Berni Ardov
Do you think you can end this season with a historic double?
"It's going to be great. It's what we want, a double is our goal. We've already shown we can compete with anyone. It's what's special about this time of season, that in the playoffs anything can happen. The Underdog always has a chance, and we can make it this season Even more special and something memorable. "
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