Years after Joe Dawson first arrived in Israel and played for Hapoel Holon, his son Shawn came full circle this summer and signed with the purple ranks.
In a special interview with Israel Hayom, he talks about his expectations for the upcoming season, his dream of returning to the Israel national team, Holon's crowd, his father's help, and his surprising hobby.
How do you sum up the summer?
"I worked hard with coaches in Israel and abroad and I'm ready and waiting to start."
You came, as we know, from a basketball family - your father Joe was a player himself. How does it feel?
"It's great. My father's experience helped me a lot along the way and introduced me to this world."
You are coming to Holon this season as a senior Israeli. Do you feel pressure on you?
"No, this is not a new position for me. I was a senior Israeli in both Brashel and Herzliya, so I don't feel any special pressure."
Hapoel Holon enters the upcoming season as champion, and expectations are high. What is your goal and your expectations from the group?
"After the championship, the expectations are of course high. We are aiming high, and I personally aim very high, so it fits. It is still very early and difficult to assess, but there is a great raw material of people and a great foundation that continues."
You signed with the team where your father started his career in Israel. How does it feel?
"We talked about it before I signed, it's very special for us. He was really looking forward to it and wanted me to come to Holon, so we're very excited."
Dawson.
Excited to follow in Father Joe's footsteps, photo: Audi Citiat
You will play this season for the first time in your career with a large and supportive crowd behind you. How will it affect your ability?
"It's something that will give me the push forward. I've never played with a crowd of this size behind me. I can't wait to start playing for them."
Following Allen Iverson
this season you will be playing alongside a dominant point guard like Joe Ragland.
How do you think your collaboration will work?
"I'm looking forward to playing alongside Joe. Already last year when we met we talked about the possibility that we might one day play in the same team. He kept telling me 'come to Holon', and now it happened. He and I are very happy about it."
How will you deal with the expectations and pressure throughout the season following the championship?
"You have to forget about it and try to repeat the achievement. The club and I are starting a new season and want to win again."
You are part of a limited list of players who have won two titles in two teams that are not Maccabi Tel Aviv. What is the secret of the magic of these teams?
"The chemistry between the players is the recipe for success.
Both in Rashtrapati, who won the championship, and also in Herzliya, who won the cup, the dressing room was special and very cohesive."
Dawson in the uniform of Bnei Herzliya.
The chemistry was worth a trophy, photo: Oded Karni
You played three seasons in the Spanish league and suffered two very serious injuries. What did you learn from this period?
"It is a special experience. There are difficulties, because you are far from home and family, so you have to go through everything alone. I recovered from the injuries because I was mentally strong, and my love for basketball overcame everything. I overcame the injuries and they are behind me."
Who is the coach who influenced you the most in your career?
"Nadav Zilberstein. He coached me in the youth of Brashel and helped me a lot.
He didn't give up on me and helped me arrive ready for the seniors."
Last season you beat Holon with Bnei Herzliya in the cup semi-finals. Do you now owe them a cup back?
"I would be very happy to win the cup.
I don't see it as a debt, but we want to win the title."
What is the X factor that you will bring to the team this season?
"I will be there to bring energy, I will contribute wherever the team needs."
Who is your favorite actor?
"LeBron James is my favorite player, but I look and try to learn from every player, not necessarily only from big stars like him."
Who is the actor you admired as a child?
"Allen Iverson. I wanted to be like him and I also did his braids at the beginning of my career."
Allen Iverson.
A role model, photo: E.P
Are you using your father's tips today?
"Of course. We talk before and after games, it's part of my routine in preparation for the game and he gives me advice and guides me. After every game we talk about the game and try to fix things."
What is your favorite thing to do outside of basketball?
"Fishing. It's a bit difficult in Israel, but it's something I really like."
This year you will work under Guy Goodes, the national team coach. Is going back there a goal for you?
"Of course. I haven't been there for a long time and I want to go back and be in the team, always."
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