Precisely after the impressive qualification to the semi-finals of the State Cup, a professional crisis befell Hapoel Haifa.
The release of Jaylen Jones, who was brought in on a top foreign standard but had trouble leaving a mark, along with the injury of Devonte Upson who ended his season earlier than expected, put the Reds in a spin that ended in elimination from Europe.
The club reacted quickly and signed Zirius Williams, and after a few days they announced another acquisition, particularly flashy - Justin Tillman, the American midfielder who is fondly remembered for two impressive stints in Hapoel Gilboa/Galil and Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Just before making his debut tomorrow in the semi-finals of the State Cup against Hapoel Jerusalem, the forward made time to give his first interview in the new uniform and exclusively to Israel Hayom.
Tillman.
Hapoel Haifa training, photo: Michel dot com
Justin, what brought you back to Israel once again?
"Israel is one of the best countries I've had the chance to play in in my career. I finished a contract in China and was sitting at home, at that time I was contacted by Hapoel Haifa and my agent and we believed that this was a good option for me."
I guess you didn't plan to return to Israel at this stage of your career.
"I knew that at some point in my career I would return here but I thought it would happen in a few years. I am happy to be here, in the two years I was here I was a dominant player and I intend to come back and dominate the league again."
You were one of the best tall guys in the league for two years and then in the development league, do you feel like you missed out on not getting a real chance in the NBA?
"I had offers and conversations with other NBA teams that were on the table, but I wanted to be in a good place for me and my family. A good place financially but also one where I would feel comfortable, I didn't want to sit there and wait for offers or temporary contracts."
Your first game will be in the cup semi-finals against Hapoel Jerusalem.
"I came straight to a big game against a big team, I'm ready for the challenge and want to help my team make history. If we win the cup, I'll dedicate it to the memory of my family."
Tillman.
Played in the development league and excelled, photo: Michelle Dot Kom
carries scars
The year 2020, when the corona virus broke out into the world, was a very difficult year for Tillman who went through a terrible tragedy and lost his father and mother to the terrible disease.
In April his father John died after contracting the corona virus and about two months later his mother also passed away as a result of complications from the virus.
The corona virus was very difficult for you and your family, what did you learn about yourself from this period?
"It was a very difficult period that changed my life. I learned to look at life differently, I learned a lot about myself and the meaning of life. I instantly became a man who has to grow up alone and loses his parents. Today I am the strong man who has to support his family members and provide for them, just like my parents were for us."
How did it affect your attitude to basketball?
"It changed my path and attitude towards basketball, every time I go to the floor I look at the stands and imagine my parents sitting there, looking at me, encouraging me and supporting me. When I played in Gilboa/Galil my father came to the game and sat in the stands and it strengthened me. I remember myself Looking for him in the stands during the game and smiling to see him. Today I step on the floor with the goal of making my father proud."
Are you playing today in memory of them?
"Yes, in every game and in every league I've been in since then, I got on the floor and imagined them sitting in the stands and getting frustrated with me, I see them smiling at me and it gives me motivation. My parents live through me and my goal is to preserve the legacy and name of the Tillmans. My father was the man who taught me the game , he put a basketball in my hand and pushed me to it. I always wanted to play for him and impress him."
Tillman.
He went through a difficult time with Corona, photo: Michel dot com
Were there moments when you thought you might not play basketball again?
"After my parents died, I didn't even think about basketball anymore, I didn't touch a ball for almost two months. I went through a hard time, I was depressed and I didn't talk to anyone. They were all I knew, for them I got up every morning and played basketball."
How do you manage to return to play after such events?
"I know today why I do what I do. I want to influence children and people around the world and inspire them, help people who were in my place in life, help the weak. I want to make people understand that you can get up from difficult places in life."
You played for Hapoel Tel Aviv and left your mark, would you like to play for one of the biggest teams in Israel again?
"I would like to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv, they always reminded me of Israel's Los Angeles Lakers. Returning to Hapoel Tel Aviv is also an option that I would love to pursue if it appears in the future, I had a great time there."
Is the NBA dream still something you want to achieve?
"Of course, it burns in me. I would like to go back there and get a real chance, if the call comes I will answer the call immediately. If I don't play there I would like to get to the Euroleague and leave a mark."
Tillman in a Hapoel Tel Aviv uniform, photo: Danny Maron
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