Rattan-Mays: ‘I’d take Nan and Huatso to win Euroleague – Most underrated players me and Hernangomet’

THE Xavier Rattan-Mays is spending the first year of his career in Euroleaguewearing her jersey Real Madrid. The Canadian guard counts 7 points averaged 13.7 minutes of participation, having a notable presence off the bench for the ‘Queen’.

The 30-year-old winger gave an interview to “bouncewear.com” and took stock of his career, which has taken him to… every corner of the world, with 13 different teams in 8 countries.

At the same time, he referred to its leaders Euroleague and deified them Kendrick Nunn and Juancho Hernangomethciting the American guard at three best players of the tournament, and the Spanish forward in the most underestimated.

What he said in detail:

For the three best Euroleague players: “Mario Hezonia, Kevin Pander, Kendrick Nunn.”

For the most underrated Euroleague player: “Me and Juancho Hernangomet.”

On the team he would pick to win the Euroleague: “Facundo Campacho, Kendrick Nunn, Mario Hezonia, Nigel Hayes-Davies, Eddie Tavares and sixth baseman Juancho Hernangomet.”

On not being drafted in the NBA: “I was disappointed. I think he left college a little later than I should have because of bad advice, and I didn’t get drafted the year I should have.”

For having played for 13 teams in 8 countries in the past 8 years: “I didn’t know that. They are many. It’s a blessing that I’ve traveled to so many different places, discovered different cultures, and met awesome people. But now, in my 30s, I want some stability. He signed a two-year contract with Real, and this is a good first step. Ideally, I will sign a long-term contract with the team. That’s the goal, it would be great for my family and me to stay here.”

For the season or team that stands out: “Russia, for sure. Playing there with coach Arsic changed my career. For a player, it’s all about the right opportunity at the right time. This coach saw who I was, understood my talent and let me be myself. Because of that, I had a crazy season and now I’m at the biggest club in the world. Without this organization, the coach and the season I had, I wouldn’t be here at Real Madrid, so I’m extremely grateful.”

On how he signed for Real: “Last December, my agent told me that Real Madrid was interested in me. They liked me a lot, but I didn’t believe him, because not many people have the opportunity to play for this organization, especially if you are from Canada or the USA .Their roster consists entirely of European players – the best of the best from here. They don’t care as much about having the best players from America as other Euroleague teams do. I said to my agent, “Let me know when it’s true.

This February, during a break from the Russian league, I was on vacation with my wife and my agent called to say, “It’s true. They want you.” Hearing this was a blessing to me. I know people questioned why they signed me, but I think now those people can see me playing better, feeling more comfortable and understanding Euroleague basketball. I can be one of the best players in this league. A great memory for me was when I received the contract and saw the Real Madrid logo at the top of the document. It was an incredible feeling – real and special.”

On what he would tell his younger self: “Never change for anyone. Back in high school, I was one of the best scorers in America, but people always wanted me to change, work on my build or stuff. I’ve always wanted to make everyone happy, and that negatively affected my journey. Don’t worry about what others will say about you. You are special. You are who you are for a reason. In the last 2-3 years, I’ve figured out who I am as a basketball player. I stopped changing for others and I am me. I’m a dominant scorer.”

For where it will be in five years: “Ideally here in Madrid, to win trophies. I think I have the ability to contribute to victories at the highest level. We have a tremendous core of players in the team. Being in a good place with my family is my plan.”