Even before the end of last season, the people of Maccabi Tel Aviv marked Wade Baldwin's name high on the grocery list.
The guard finished a successful season in Baskonia, and the Yellows had their eyes on him in recent years and were determined to land him, with the arrival of Oded Ketch and David Blatt helping to complete the glittering signing.
Just before the opening game of the season in the Euroleague, this evening against Zhelgiris Kovna, the dear guard gave his first and exclusive interview in the Holy Land to Israel Hayom.
Writer: Tomer Givati // Photography: Gil Kramer
Wade, how was your summer?
"Amazing. I got engaged, we are expecting another child, and professionally the offer came from Maccabi Tel Aviv, a club I wanted to be a part of in recent years. It took a few years, but here I am and I'm happy."
How is the acclimatization process at the club?
"Great so far. I had an immediate connection with my friends. The Winner Cup games went successfully. I enjoyed playing alongside Lorenzo Brown, and we have an important season ahead of us with titles to win."
Wade Baldwin with Brown.
deadly combination,
You mentioned Lorenzo Brown, how will the collaboration between you two work on the field?
"So far the connection is effective and good, we can be a significant firepower together."
"Takes time to connect"
The 26-year-old Baldwin will start his fourth season in the Euroleague tonight.
Before coming to Israel he played for Olympiakos, Bayern Munich and as mentioned in Baskonia.
He also has 56 games in the NBA (pick 17 in the draft), over three seasons with Portland and Memphis.
You had a great season in Baskonia and they wanted you to continue, why did you decide to leave and come to Israel?
"When Maccabi Tel Aviv calls you, you can't refuse them. It's a very good club historically. I liked the direction they were going in the summer and I felt it was a great opportunity for me to win, both in the Israeli league and in the Euroleague. As a player you always want to win, to be in the big games, in the playoffs".
Wade Baldwin.
We start tonight against Kovna, photo: Alan Shiver
How do you summarize your preseason games?
"I feel good even though we lost a few games. Every time a new team plays together, the first games are 'up in the air', because things take time to connect."
Wade Baldwin: "We have all the tools to win", photo: Udi Citiat
Wade Baldwin.
The action starts tonight.
It seems that Maccabi fans fell in love with you from the first moment.
"They are great. I hope it stays like this throughout the season and makes them happy. Maccabi fans and the team want to win every game and are used to it."
What are your goals as a team for the upcoming season?
"There will be a challenging season in the Israeli league, which is not easy at all, and certainly in the Euroleague, which becomes competitive and difficult year after year. We want to win every game, I believe this squad can do it."
Baldwin.
The top earner in the league, photo: Alan Shiver
Maccabi has not qualified for the Final Four in the last seven years, how will you change that?
"We will have to win game after game. The Euroleague is much more competitive today than when I first arrived in Europe. There are many good teams, a lot of depth in every position and many teams with ambitions similar to ours."
What do you think about the squad?
"I really like what has been built here. There is a good balance that gives us all the tools to win."
How is your connection with Ketch?
"Very simple, we're both guards. We're both game managers on the field, so it's very easy for me to understand him. He played at the highest levels."
He sees you as a leader of the group. Are you ready for the challenge?
"I will take it as a task. The team allows me to express my abilities on the field. I will bring the talent I have, which I have proven over the years."
Wade Baldwin.
"We have all the tools to win", photo: Udi Citiat
Blatt brought you to Europe when he coached Olympiakos. Did your relationship influence your decision to sign?
"Of course. David has always believed in me since I moved to play in Europe. When a person like that wants you to be part of the system he is in, you feel loved."
What is your attitude on the pitch?
"For me, everything is personal. I go out with the goal of winning, dominating, eliminating my opponent."
Baldwin against Maccabi Tel Aviv last season. Now in the yellow uniform, photo: Alan Shiver
What did you learn from your experience in the NBA?
"For the first time in my life I played against players who are better than me. I played alongside big stars like Damian Lillard and I got to learn about leadership and conduct."
Still dreaming of going back there?
"Of course, as an American you always want to play at your home."
Finally, you talked about being yourself, who is Wade Baldwin off the court?
"It will remain confidential."
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