Her bigger bomb in European basketball for many years was triggered at noon on Friday (21/07) by Monacoannouncing the start of her partnership with longtime NBAer, Kemba Walker.
THE 4 time All Star guard with a rich career on the NBA floor, spoke for the first time to the Monaco website, explaining to them reasons that made him come to Europe.
At the same time, he also referred to the level of the Euroleague, but also to the injuries that have plagued him in recent years, however expressing it optimism and impatience for the new challenge of his career!
Kemba Walker’s statements in detail:
On his choice to go to Monaco: “The club was very interested in me and I wanted to go to a team that wants me and believes in me. I saw that the players here felt that I could help them reach another level. Monaco is an excellent city, in which I want to spend time and gain a new life experience. I look forward to this opportunity. I just want to continue playing basketball at a high level and Monaco allows me to do that.”
On whether he knows any players in Monaco or the Euroleague: “To be honest not many. I know quite a few through basketball but not personally. I don’t know Mike James for example, but we must have played as opponents a couple of times. I can’t wait to meet the guys, compete with the best. I think we’ll have a good time.”
About Mike James: “We all know what a special player he is. I love the way he plays and I love his creativity. He has a huge passion for the game and it shows. I think he has a lot of confidence and I’m looking forward to being with him on the court. It will be great fun. I can talk about Alpha Diallo who I consider a very good player, but also about Doda Hall.”
On his opinion of the EuroLeague and the fact that it is considered the second best league after the NBA: “I totally agree with that. I have only heard good things about the Euroleague. One of my former college teammates and one of my closest friends, Shabazz Napier, gave me a lot of advice in making this decision. He helped me make this choice and I thank him. I know a lot of players who have played abroad and I have nothing but good things to say about this tournament. I can’t wait to fight it and live this special moment.”
On his great NBA and Hornets career: “I think I’ve had a very successful career. However, I don’t think when I came to the NBA, people saw me as being a 4-time All-Star or doing what I could, especially with the Hornets. Especially as a short point guard. I’ve had an incredible career and I’m proud of it. This is all the fruit of hard work, and that’s all I wanted. I love basketball so much and my only obsession was to get better every year. It was my goal to grow through this, be the best teammate I could be and try to rebuild the Hornets franchise.”
On the last three tough years with the knee injuries: “It is not easy to describe what I felt. It was really very difficult for me. But I want to put those difficult years behind me. And that’s why I keep working and training hard. Like I said before, I love this game so much, I don’t want to give it up just yet. I don’t think my time is up yet. I want to keep going until I can’t take it anymore. Having fun, having fun, surrounded by great people. I welcome this opportunity in Monaco and I want to help it build something good.”
His ambitions with Monaco: “I just want to win. To transfer my experience to the children and the team as much as possible. I want to help 100% and in any way. I’m ready to do whatever my team needs. This is something we will have to talk about in more detail at some point. But literally anything my teammates need me to do, I’m ready to do it. I want to have fun playing basketball every night, be very competitive and I know that happens in the EuroLeague. I know they play hard, the opponents are combative.”
On whether the NBA is thinking about the future: “I’m not sure. The NBA is obviously the main focus, but I played there for many years. For now I am only focused on my new adventure, this experience that awaits me with the new life I will have. I am so excited and looking forward to this opportunity in Monaco. I am looking forward to discovering the city, the people, my teammates, the staff and everything that surrounds the club. We will live great moments. I hope it starts.”
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
