Q1: Why did you decided to leave San Diego St, and what attracted you to St Edward's?.
It was because i saw a plausible opportunity. St. Edward's had a lot of potential, it had not been a winning program and had just hired a promising new coach Ryan Marks. I wanted the chance to go to a school where i could help turn the basketball program around and start a winning tradition at a highly regarded academic university. At St. Edwards i could be a key component of the team and really hone in on my skills by getting major minutes, whereas at SDSU I was being used as a role player. While there for the first time in school history we won three NCAA league championships and I was voted conference player of the year.
Q2: How was playing for a championship team ' Netanya' (on 2008-09 in the Israeli 2nd league) in your rookie season?
Playing for Netanya, with a 32-1 record and a championship in my first year was indescribable. Our team was a family, we felt that no one could beat us because we had too many tools. The mix of veteran players and young guys was perfect. It seemed like a dream because we clicked on and off the court immediately, something that is rare at the pro level, especially because we did not have an import for the first 16 games. I was happy i got to show the Israeli league my skill level and how i can help teams in many ways. in addition, Netanya owner, David Colburn and his family made the transition for me extremely easy. We are still friends to this day.
Q3: Why have you decided to play in the Philippines?.
I decided to play in the Philippines because it was a new challenge. I also have family in the country so for them to see me play was very meaningful. Basketball is a way of life for the
Filipino people and being involved in that was special. The experience i have gained playing in Manila has helped me become a stronger person mentally, and I have learned many things about the business side of the game that will prove to be valuable in the future.
Q4: How was your experience there?.
My experience in the Philippines was great, although i had a longer adjustment period then i expected, but i try to take everything as a learning experience and see the positive aspects in all my ventures.
Q5: You had this summer a lot of offers from 2nd league teams here why have you decided to wait?.
Actually it was a result of a paperwork issue, I am not eligible to play in the second league until the fifth game, but i am available for the first league. Similar to the my collegiate situation playing in the second league for a team who wants to win and move up to the first division would be great exposure and i have done it once before so it is nothing new. in the first league i would be playing against the best of the best so either league is a win- win situation and i would be content with either one.
Q6: How was working out with Coach Erez Adelstein for the olympic team?
it was very special to be asked to workout with the Olympic team 'nifheret' under Coach Adelstein in 2009. During that time i tried to learn as much as possible from him in the short time we were together. He is extremely knowledgeable about basketball and detail oriented, so the exposure to the European style was beneficial for me. Even though I did not go to Belgrade, being selected in that crop of 24 talented players was an honor and who knows, maybe I'll have an opportunity to play for Coach Adelstein again and compete for a title.
Q7: On which aspects of your game have your worked out on this summer?.
Aside from shooting and ball handling, I have been spending a lot of time working on my pick and roll, conditioning and mastering my point guard skills. Creating off the pick and roll is a tool that every point guard and shooting guard should be efficient at. In terms of conditioning the goal is when everyone else is tired in the fourth quarter, I will still be fresh and have energy down the stretch.
Q8: What are your goals for this season and the rest of your career?.
My goals for this season is to win another title. Every time I step on to the court i want to win. With each game I challenge myself to play with high energy, intensity and put an emphasis on getting defensive stops. Continuing to learn and grow as a player is also very important . This season i want to re establish myself, I am a better player now and more experienced and I am out to prove that. After that the rest will take care of itself. For my career i want to be known as a winner, a player who has numerous championships at different levels.
Twitter:
@senorweinstein
@NetanelDahan