London Frantz: "I thank Gilboa/Galil every day for believing in me despite the injury" | Israel today

Last season's Gilboa/Galil was one of the pleasant surprises of the year in Israeli basketball.

The humble Magen Ner team showcased a young and talented squad and was only stopped in the quarterfinals of the playoffs by Hapoel Jerusalem.

After an intriguing summer of rebuilding under the guidance of new coach Rami Hadar, the Northerners want to continue the trend of improvement and hope to get a similar period from London Pratans, the wonderful American guard who led the team to the playoffs last season.

Pratens was injured in the playoff quarter-final series and was sidelined for several months, but despite this, in a move of confidence, Gilboa/Galil announced the extension of his contract for another two years.

Now, in a special interview with "Israel Today" from his home in Los Angeles, the coordinator talks about the long rehabilitation process, the longing for the floor, the desire to lead the team to the playoffs a second time, the relationship with Rami Hadar, the new friends and the experience he had in Gilboa last year.

how was your summer

"It was good. I did rehabilitation, trained for the season and was with my family in Los Angeles."

How is the recovery process going from the injury you had last season?

"I do exercises that work the muscles, a lot of work on fitness and weights to be in the best shape I can when I get sick. I work hard every day with the goal of being fit for the courts as soon as possible."

You had a great season last year, why did you decide to return to Israel?

"I felt it was the best decision for me as a person and for my career. To continue where I feel at home, where I succeeded last year and connected with people and the community. I wanted to come back and do it again."

Hadar.

How will the combination of action between him and Prantes work?, Photo: Liron Moldovan

Were you happy that the club wanted to keep you despite the injury?

"Very much. It showed me how much the city, the team and the fans believe in me and love me. I thank them every day for giving me the right to return and play for them."

How was the past season for you?

"It was a good year, I really enjoyed Israel. We had a good team and I felt that they believed in me, it made me want to come back. The Gilboa is a very special area, the people are very family-like and make you feel like you belong."

I assume you already knew Rami Hadar.

"Of course. I played against him last year, I heard a lot about him and I'm happy to have the opportunity to play for him."

How do you think your collaboration will work?

"We talked a lot during the summer about my performance last season. We exchange ideas in order to be coordinated. As the coordinator and the leader on the field it is good that we are coordinated."

This season you will be playing alongside a dominant quarterback like Josh Perkins, how do you think the cooperation between you will work on the field?

Frantz in action, photo: Oded Karni

"I know Josh, I've played against him before. He's a wonderful coordinator and game manager, we'll have to work on our chemistry on the field. We're both smart players who can play with and without the ball, I'm sure it will be an exciting combination."

You are returning to the team for a second year, do you think you are expected to be the leader of the team?

"Last season I already had a big role in leadership and leading the team so I will continue to do that. The coach wants me to be the leader of the team and I am ready to do it."

What do you think of the squad built here this summer?

"I'm excited for the season. I played against some of the players on the roster so I know them. I think we have a fighting and competitive team here that will come to every game this season with the goal of trying and winning it. It will be a very fun season."

What is the goal of the group?

"We will have to be patient and take it game by game. We will play the best we can and get to the playoffs at the end of the season. If we work properly and come together, I believe we will succeed."

The past season was very successful for you and the team, what should we expect from you this year?

"I want to lead the team to victories and the playoffs again. I'm concentrating all on my recovery so that I can give 100 percent back for the team."

In two weeks the Winner Cup tournament starts, will you be watching from home?

"Of course, I see everything and try to learn from the first preparatory games as well. I love this game so much, I always follow."

Rushing to the basket against BS in the previous season. Will Gilboa return to the playoffs?, Photo: Liron Moldovan

What is the goal you have set for yourself for the coming year?

"I want to come back from the injury in the best way possible and prove to myself and everyone that I can return to the level I presented. I want to lead the team to the playoffs again, I know what I have to do and everything else will work itself out in time."

We talked about your recovery, do you miss the courts?

"Very much. I miss the floor, the feeling of the crowd and energies. I had a few tough months without playing."

Tell us a little about yourself, what do we not know about London Frantz?

"I'm a calm guy. I like playing computer games, I like basketball, I like my family. Nothing out of the ordinary. I'm very interested in learning and teaching basketball, it gives me the feeling that I can contribute some of my experience."

This year you will meet some of your former teammates who will play against you this time, are you looking forward to it?

"It will be fun. Me and Or Cornelius are already laughing about it and we started 'trash talk' from afar."

This season you will play against Guy Kaplan who coached you last year.

What will this experience be like?

"It would be nice. We are in touch and talk, we had a special relationship."

You played in the

"For every NBA player it's the dream, but I don't think about it. I'm focused on the upcoming season and trying to be the best player I can be. I'm at a stage in my career where I want to play and feel significant and play."

The club sees you as the face of the team, are you ready for that?

"I like it. I'm proud that they see me as a significant figure and I want to make them proud again."

Finally, Gilboa/Galil fans are waiting for your return, do we have a message for them?

"I'm excited to come home and play for you guys again"

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