Gilad Levy: "We feel that something serious is at stake" | Israel today

Gilad Levy (2.20 m) is one of the most interesting players who has grown up in Israeli basketball for many years.

Four years ago, he left the youth department of Hapoel Gilboa / Maayanot and moved to the prestigious academy of Estudiantes, which specializes in developing young talent, especially high-profile players.

Now the young chin is returning to Israel and these days he is looking for a team that will suit him and in the media he can continue to develop.

At the same time, Levy is training with the reserve team for the European Championships and so far he is one of the most prominent players in the preparation period.

Just before he celebrated his 20th birthday on Sunday, we caught him for a special interview in "Israel Today".

What is it like to replace a prefix?

"Feeling good, age 20 is a great age. You feel like you're growing up and developing."

How are the preparations with the team so far? 

"So far really good. I feel great, physically and mentally, in every way. We set a high standard after we were European champions in the last two championships and we feel that something serious is at stake. Personally I also feel good."

Can this team also make a big achievement?

"We are still not talking and not thinking about it, but all the players know and are ready for the championship. We want to make a nice achievement, but also know that there are many more good teams. We all want to at least bring a medal."

Gilad Levy.

"All the players know and are ready for the championship," Photo: Alan Schieber

In previous tournaments, the team sometimes had a bit of a hard time integrating you because here in Israel they are not used to working with players at your height.

This time it's different?

"Yeah. This year I'm being able to express myself more. A lot thanks to me improving my physicality. We're a lot of guys running together and we have good chemistry so things flow more for me. I've improved a lot of things so I can express my abilities. The coach gives me more minutes and opportunities. "

How do you sum up your four years at Estudiantes?

"Dream. I was in a new country, I learned a new language and culture. I do not know what would have happened if I had stayed in the country, but I think I made a big leap forward. It is the best decision I have made so far, despite all the difficulties and challenges."

Are you returning to Israel a better player?

"Sure. I have a lot more elements. I'm more athletic and agile, I still lack some muscle mass, but I'm much stronger and more massive. I added off-archery, significantly improved my half-distance shooting and many other basketball elements that I've improved since I left the country."

In modern basketball there are high demands of players to score from the outside, to deliver, to move without a ball, to drop a ball to the floor.

Have you worked on all these things?

"Absolutely. I had 3-4 workouts every day in Spain - fitness, shooting, mobility. I had a lot of personal training and there we worked on almost everything, worked with me to lower the ball to the floor, deliver, score and not just finish with my back to the basket. I do not know If this were to happen in Israel, because there are almost no dignitaries here like me who need to be worked with. "

Gilad Levy.

"A better player returns to Israel", Photo: Alan Shiber

Why are you coming back and not continuing in Spain?

"I have to enlist in the next few months and I believe that if I did not have to go to the army I would stay in Spain or move to another place in Europe. I was denied service for two years and could not get another postponement. Three years, but there is definitely a possibility that I will return to Europe in the future. "

There are several groups that want you and talk to the agent, what are your main considerations in choosing the next group?

"I am looking for a coach who supports Israelis and likes to promote them. Also for the club I am looking for a place that can help me develop at a high level. Some have told me to go to the national league to be a key player, but I am looking to train and play at a high level. "I face better quality Israeli and foreign players. I also think the style of play in the Premier League is more suitable for me. I also want a good shell as a fitness coach, nutritionist, personal development. We also consult with Pini Gershon." 

Do you think that the coaches and the system in Israel will know how to work with you and help you reach your full potential?

"Before you sign with the team you need to talk to the coach and the management and see what their plans are for me. We have seen in recent years that they have worked well with tall players, and I will find the best place for me."

What is your goal in the coming years?

"To develop as a player, to improve my physicality, and then after two years of developing and improving, I want to be a leading and significant player in the league."

Finally, what can I wish you in honor of your 20th birthday? 

"Mostly health. I want to be happy and healthy. I don't need more than that."

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