Abbiamo intervistato in esclusiva uno dei giocatori più elettrizzanti di tutta l’Eurolega, la guardia del Baskonia Markus Howard. Abbiamo toccato diversi punti: dal suo talento, ai giocatori migliori d’Europa, passando per le differenze NBA-Eurolega e le difese che più lo mettono in difficoltà.
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Intervista a cura di Massimiliano Bogni.
Qui sotto la trascrizione in inglese, presto online singoli estratti in italiano.
Before we get into EuroLeague, since we know that Adam Silver listens to us, I would like to ask you for your opinion on a couple of issues about American basketball. Based on your experience as an undrafted player and the two-way contract in Denver, do you think NBA needs to reform something in the Draft, especially for Second Rounder, to protect economically and guarantee a longer experience in the League for who should be the 60 best players in the class?
I think it’s definitely situational. You see a lot of different stories each year. Guys who went undrafted, picked late in the Draft can do really well for teams. It’s hard to create something in place for all NBA. It’s very situational, based on players in every team. NBA’s doing a great job, the process they’re doing through G League and Two-Way Contracts. There are many opportunities! Mine’s are prevalent, but it’s different for every one who’s put in. I know they’re gonna continue to do so.
We know about your great relationship with Austin Rivers. He himself has spent great words in regretting your move from the NBA to the EuroLeague, saying the League is penalizing itself by preferring to have many more specialists on the roster than all-round talents. Do you think it is a feature that is less seen in Europe or will the global increase in the level of basketball also in the Old Continent lead to a more marked specialization in the construction of rosters?
It’s just about how unique NBA is. Adding so much talent each year with Draft, you have players coming in every year. You have so many players going from a team to one another. Whereas in Europe you have guys who played for a certain number of years in same building. The whole Draft process the NBA constitues a perennial In&Out. First and second-year guys most of the time don’t pop up on teams, it can be tough for them… Tha’s something that differentiates Europe from NBA, in US it’s tougher for younger players to mantain his place in the League.
Last year you said that there are EuroLeague teams that are better than some NBA teams. Isn’t it time to start saying that the NBA and basketball have such peculiar regulatory specifications that they simply talk about different “sports”, not necessarily one better or worse than the other? For example: is it better to say “Scoring in NBA is easier than in Europe” or “To score in NBA you have to do different things than you would in Europe”?
I think it’s definitely different. NBA is a very talented league, as well is Europe. It’s palyed in different ways. Nba is a lot more free-flowing where players can use their talent. There’s still great basketball in NBA, but in Europe it’s more geared around team continuity. It’s just more of a structured teams. Both leagues are competitive such at a high level, but differences in those aspects remain.
Just considering EL numbers: last year 20.5 minutes, this 23.1. 28.9% Usg%, this 32.9%. 1.2 assist for 10.5% AST%, this year 1.8 for 15.1%. 1.6 Tov for 10.2% Tov%, now 2 for 10.1%. 56.4% TS on 11.5 FGA and 2.7 FTA (36.4% on 3 with 7.3 attempts), this 57.8%TS on 14.7 FGA and 3.3 FTA (39.1% on 3 on 9.3 attempts). Same rim attempts (2.6) but increasing in % (49% last year, 58% this year).
Can you guide us with you in your offseason? This year not only your Usage but your minutes and defensive effort increased a lot. How much is mental and how much physical and athletic improvement?
I’d say majority of it is mental. Physically? I’ve been playing basketball for very long time, in-season and off-season… I know how to work on my body. Of course every year it’s getting more tiring and exhausting with the accumulation of European seasons and schedules. But mentally you have to continue to get better, it’s a lot more important than the physical part. The physical side is the easy part, but preparing yourself to be ready for a full European season is a lot.
How much and if did Mike James and Shane Larkin’s experience in Baskonia influence the Spanish proposal? Did you immediately feel that it was the right environment for you?
Those are two names that, not only in the aspect of Baskonia but in Europe in general, have paved the way for other American guards to have such great opportunities out here. For guys like me, to come through this place of basketball, to have the knowledge of those two guys, being through the organization… I’ve been in a great success. Their careers helped me so much. I’m very grateful for those two, because the way they play and how they impact with Baskonia created an opportunity for me. I’ve nothing but just respect for those unbelievable players. They deserve all accolades they’ve earned, they showed “that” at the highest level.
Last year you were the engine of second unit, this season both Penarroya and Dusko match several lineups and rotation changes during the game. Starting lineup or bench: regardless of teammates on the court, especially guards, do you focus on different things to impact the game if you’re a starter or a bench guy or is it the same?
It doesn’t matter to me. I think it’s kind of a passive way to think, people get so caught up if they’re not starting… Regardless if I start or not, it matters the impact I have on the game and how many minutes I play! To be able to be in the game, to react: I focus on that, it’s what I’m worried about. It matters only the way I impact when I’m on the court.
Now it’s time for some rapid-fire questions: we know you’re a shooter and a scorer with such few comparisons not only in today European basketball but in all history. You force opponents to adjust their lineups to deal with your skills. According to you 2-year experience in EuroLeague, which is the best structured defense you faced and why?
There are so many disgraced defenses in Europe… Greta team defense, it’s not necessarily one person, in Europe they play great team defense. We play against Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia like 4 times per year: you’re familiar with those teams and they’re familiar with you. They know our personnel and how I play,they challenge your mindset in every game. You have to continue to be aggressive… Those Spanish teams you play so much every year are the toughest to beat consistently. It’s competitive, and it’s what we love!
Same questions but not collective-side but individual-side: the best 1on1 defender and why?
They’re a lot, tough question…
… Do you struggle the most against a taller one? A quick one? A pure specialist?
I’m not giving away my secrets everywhere… I’m used to lenght, I’m usually guarded by a taller guards who have combination of size and height. Those can create difficulties. I can’t give you a specific one, ‘cause defensive end is a more team-like matter…
Besides you, who are 3 most electrifyng offensive player in EuroLeague and why?
Two of them, we already talked about: Mike James and Shane Larkin. Just because the attention they command from the defense. I also add Facundo Campazzo: his impact to go downhill and create an offense is magic.
Best European hoopers on the mic? We know D.A.M.E Dolla now and Shaq in the past overseas domination not only on the court but also with rhymes: did you already discovered great singers and rappers since your arrival in Baskonia through european competitions?
Sorry, but I have no idea (laughs, ndr)!
To end with a bang: unlimited budget, build lineup of your dreams with EL players.
… Can I put myself in?
… Of course!
So… Mike James, me, Shane Larkin, Nikola Mirotic and Edy Tavares.