Hapoel Holon entered this summer after winning a historic championship with two main goals - to keep the skeleton that brought them the achievement, and to complete the puzzle with reinforcements in the right places.
Guy Goodes and his team patiently searched for a foreign center throughout the summer, and the opportunity fell on Marvin Jones.
Moshe ben Simhon
In an exclusive interview with "Israel Hayom" and the first in Israel, the center tells about his difficult childhood in Chicago, his relationship with Joe Ragland, his expectations for the upcoming season, his desire to be part of a winning team, his unique style of play, his time in Puerto Rico and the heavy longing for his mother who passed away this summer.
Tomer Givati and Marvin Jones.
First interview in Israel, photo: Audi Citiat
how was your summer
"I played in Puerto Rico until the middle of July so my summer was relatively short. I went through a sad personal event where I lost my mother who passed away at the end of June. It was not an easy summer personally, mentally and personally because of this tragedy but every day I get stronger and move forward, no Complaining about nothing."
It clearly sounds like she was very important to you.
"Of course. She was my mother and my best friend."
What do you think of Israel so far?
"I told my friends this week, I feel like I'm in heaven here. Getting up every morning and seeing the sun rise, the weather, the people and the beautiful places is a blessing for me."
Jones.
"It feels like heaven here", photo: Udi Tsitiat
Tell us a little about yourself.
"I would define myself as a committed and disciplined person to myself and my profession. I strongly believe in hard work, regular routines and finding new motivation to work hard every day."
You previously played successfully for several years in the Greek league. Will this period help you to be ready for this year's challenge in Holon?
"I am starting my sixth year in my career as a professional player. I believe that the last year in a big club with pressure, audience and expectations like PAUK Thessaloniki helped me to get used to similar challenges. Such an experience plus hard work day after day helps you to be ready for pressure."
Jones.
The experience in Pauk helped him, photo: Udi Tsitiat
After good years in Bion you chose to come to Israel. Share this decision with us.
"I felt that this was a great opportunity for me. Usually when you inquire about teams you hear good things but also problems, about Holon I only received warm recommendations. Already at the reception of the fans in the field I realized that I had made the right choice."
Holon will enter the upcoming season as the reigning champion and the pressure and expectations will be on you. are you ready for it
"Pressure? I don't feel pressure, I've been through the hardest things you can go through in your personal life and I've come out of it. When you grow up in Chicago you get different proportions of the concept of pressure.
"I came from a city where you're under pressure just to leave the house, you're scared in the morning when you get up, you're under pressure if you don't return home alive. It's real pressure for me, basketball is a game and a blessing for me. I enjoy the pressure, play as hard as I can and try to help my team."
Jones vs. Dawson.
They will play together, photo: Udi Tsitiat
I guess you've heard of Hapoel Holon fans by now.
"Of course. I heard a lot about them, I saw videos before I signed. After it was announced that I had signed, I received dozens of warm messages from fans on social networks who congratulated me and received me well. I thank them for that and look forward to fighting for them on the field."
What was the first thing you did when you received the offer from Po'el Holon?
"I immediately found out who the team's point guard was, and when I realized it was Joe Ragland it made my decision easy. I played against him in the past and saw what a special player he is, playing alongside such a point guard is great for me."
Ragland in the semi-finals of the Champions League against Tenerife last May, photo: FIBA website
Do you think that the relationship between you and the collaboration will also be felt on the field?
"Yes. It will take time, we build our chemistry on the field and get to know each other better off the field. Like everything in life, it won't happen overnight, but our preparation and readiness will help us. He is the champion, I want to bring the best Mine and try to help."
After the team won the championship last season, expectations rose this year and so did the pressure.
"I don't see it that way, it's only pressure if you put pressure on yourself. I prepare myself the right way, I work the hardest to always be ready. When you're ready, you're not under pressure."
Jones.
Israr found out who the coordinator was, photo: Udi Tsitiat
You talked about Chicago, describe the city to us a bit.
"A very special city, tough but special. I was born and raised in Chicago, people there are 'built differently'. When you grow up in such a tough environment you learn a lot about life, so for me to travel the world and play basketball is a blessing."
You played at the end of last season in Puerto Rico. How was the time there?
"It's a very special country. I was very surprised by the level of basketball there, there aren't many foreigners there and you play a lot of games in a short time so you have to be ready and always in good shape. It's a developing league, the crowd comes to the courts and is very supportive."
What are your goals as a team for the upcoming season?
"The sky is always the limit. The championship is always the pinnacle, last season Holon was stopped in the semifinals of the Final Four in Europe, why not try to break this barrier now? I think the most important goal today is the day-to-day challenges. Of course, thinking about the end of the season is exciting, but the work Tapping should be done every day, even though it's less glamorous."
Jones.
Wants a championship, photo: Audi Citiat
Is winning the championship again a goal?
"On the first day I landed in Israel, I saw Chris Johnson. From his attitude you can see that he is not satisfied with second place. He is a born leader, he demands things from you that he shows himself on the field. I connected with this attitude immediately because this is who I am, nothing in this life I didn't get it or get it easily."
How would you describe your playing style?
"I'm a versatile player who can do anything. I bring passion, enthusiasm and toughness to the pitch that is second to none. I come to compete and win, I love challenging myself to win as much as I love the game."
Holon searched throughout the summer for a dominant tall to complete the puzzle. Do you think you're the man for the job?
"I'm coming to be myself. Many people think I'm a good player, but I'm coming to prove that I'm a great player. The team won the championship and the base is very good, I'll help as best I can."
What is the X factor you bring to the pitch?
"My passion for the game is second to none. You don't see it these days in this era. I care, I don't just do things, I do it because I care. I am my own biggest critic and I push myself forward. It doesn't matter which A field in life, I want to improve."
Jones.
Will bring a lot of passion, photo: Audi Citiat
This year you will return to play in the FIBA Champions League. Are you excited to return?
"Very much, I see it as a personal goal.
I have not yet passed the quarter-final stage in the factory in my career and I want to do it.
I had a personally successful season there, I waited and prayed to be part of a winning team, that's my goal, I want to win."
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