Marcus Howard to "Israel Hayom": "The match against Maccabi Tel Aviv - a significant test" | Israel Hayom

Baskonia's American guard Marcus Howard, managed to play two years in the NBA's Denver Nuggets before coming to Spain.

Tonight (Thursday) the team that managed to establish its position at the top of the local league, meets Maccabi Tel Aviv as part of the Euroleague.

Just before the game, in which the team from Vitoria will meet Wade Baldwin, who left for the Yellows, the scorer sat down for an exclusive interview with "Israel Hayom" and talked about the road to the best league in the world, the difficulty of moving to the Euroleague, the lack of appreciation throughout his career and the feeling of missing out that is always in his mind.

First of all, how does it feel at the beginning of the first season in Europe?

"It's a good feeling, it's a good challenge for me, to play and experience a high level of competitive basketball in every game. It's an exciting experience and I'm enjoying it, as the season progresses I'll feel even more comfortable."

You are in great shape and you integrated very quickly into the team, how do you explain that?

"I think it's a great combination of the club and the coaching staff, they helped me understand the style of play in Europe and the adjustments I have to make, so the credit has to go to them."

It seems you have come to leave a mark on the Euroleague.

"Of course, I want to represent myself and my team in the best possible way, this is a league with a lot of history."

Let's talk a little about you.

Take us back to the summer, why did you decide to leave the United States?

"I felt that this was a great opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone and play basketball in a slightly different style. The Euroleague is the best league outside of the NBA, so it felt right for me."

You played in

"I undoubtedly feel that I could have shown more of my basket of abilities during my time there, but it probably wasn't meant to happen then."

Howard (left).

Cutting through nets, photo: AFP

You finished 4 years in college as the king of the baskets but were not selected in the draft.

Do you feel like you don't edit enough?

"I feel safe and at peace with myself as a player, it disappoints me that they didn't see me and didn't let me play enough for people to get to know me and see my abilities, but that's okay and life goes on. I'm happy where I am today and I hope we go far in the Euroleague."

What do you think about the balance of power against Maccabi Tel Aviv?

"I have seen them since the beginning of the season, they are a very deep and talented team. This will be a significant test for us, but we are excited about it and want to see how we will face a team of this magnitude."

What can we expect to see from you this season?

"I'm still trying to learn and connect to the game here and the way it's played. There will be many good moments, there will be less anyway. It will be an exciting and intriguing journey, I want to be the best player I can be because I know I'm still far from being the finished product as a basketball player and that It excites me. You will see a lot of improvement and maturity in my game."

Finally, as a person of faith and a devout Christian, are you waiting to come and visit the Holy Land?

"Without a doubt. For me, reaching such a holy place will allow me to continue exploring the world and see special places that the world has to offer."

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