Justin Gray: “Let’s put Mykonos on the map of Greek basketball”

Justin Gray gave his first big interview as a player in Mykonos, talking about his role in Vangelis Ziagou’s team and explaining his decision to continue his career on the island of winds.

-Mykonos is a holiday place for most. You chose her to play basketball and help build something from the beginning. How much does this decision intrigue you?

“Absolutely. To be honest, when I received the phone call and learned that Mykonos was interested, I was thrilled immediately. It was always on the list of destinations I wanted to visit at some point in my life. I had a special interest in Greece from a young age, mainly through Greek mythology, was a lesson at school and had gone. Since then, I had told myself that one day I would come to see these places closely. I never expected that the time would come to live this experience through basketball. It’s a perfect time. On the one hand, I am in a dreamy place, and on the other, I participate in something special: in trying to put Mykonos on the map of Greek basketball. The fact that it is an island that has no tradition in the sport makes me want to change this picture. To bring a new impetus, a new “wave”, and to establish Mykonos as a strong presence in the first division of the Greek league. For me, it’s an experience that makes sense and perspective. ”

-How different is it for you to join a team that is “built” from scratch, compared to an already well -groomed team? What is the real challenge for you in this situation?

“To be honest, I don’t see it as something particularly different. In the past, I have competed in teams with great players, really great talents and great teammates. Simply, there were never the right conditions or the team was not in good shape. But the players were awesome and many of them have already begun to stand out or take significant steps in their careers in Europe. So, personally, I look forward to playing again with more experienced players, because I am now reaching 30, I have a family and start getting more into the role of mature, paternal press within the team. On the other hand, however, I always respected professionalism, always respecting talent and, above all, appreciate authentic people. I was always team. That doesn’t change. I feel that I can adapt and respond to any situation, no matter who they are around me. I don’t see a real “challenge” here. I’m here to help. I’m here to do what the team needs to win. This is the way I see basketball since I started playing. I was never selfish. I was always playing with my heart, for my teammates. ”

-Would you say that your decision to sign in Mykonos is a more vote of confidence in the team’s project or a personal investment to leave your imprint on something new?

“I would say the first one. It is definitely a vote of confidence in the Mykonos project. I really like the roster they have “built”, I look forward to getting on the court with these kids, working together, learning from each other and, of course, winning matches. This is always the goal at the end of the day. Of course there is the personal element. When you are involved in something, you want to leave your mark. Go with a clear intention, with the desire to give your best, to give it all as long as you represent a club with respect and ambition. So, yes, they are both: on the one hand I absolutely support what Mykonos is trying to build, and on the other I want to contribute essentially, to write my own story in this journey. ”

-You return to Greece, a country you already know. What did you keep from your previous experience in Lavrio? Do you feel that you have left something incomplete here?

“I am back to a country that left me very beautiful impressions. From my experience in Lavrio, what I was left was the relaxed, almost … island atmosphere. I stayed in the house by the sea, and for me, I am from Florida, this was very familiar and enjoyable. It was a quiet city, with beautiful world, friendly people, really wonderful climate. Also, Athens was very close, just half an hour by car, so you could easily go for a walk, shopping, for a movie. As for whether I left something incomplete … I wouldn’t say that. I did everything I could in Lavrio, I did my best and this team opened the door to me to continue in my career, first in Germany and then to Italy. I will always be grateful to Lavrio for that. If I can say that something is “staying”, it is my love for the Greek league. I like its competitiveness, it suits me with its style, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to play here again and fight at the highest level. ”

-If you compare the player you were then with the one you are today, what has changed in your game and your mindset, especially after your experiences in Germany and Italy?

“It has not changed anything dramatically in my game, beyond that I have worked and have improved even more all that I do well, and even more so my weaknesses. My game has definitely evolved, but most of all I have learned to adapt. To be the player who responds to every situation, every need for the team. The player who joins, “Glue Guy”. The one who will do all the small but important ones: Scrin, rebounding, dives on lost balls, steals, plugs, good defenses, hard phases. If I have to shoot three -pointers, I’ll do it. If I have to play cuts or open spaces, I’m there. I feel that I can be effective and contribute, whatever my role. My mentality has never changed. I love doing the “little things”. I love to sacrifice for my teammates. I was, I am and will always be team. And you know what is nice? When you are sacrificed for the team and doing what you do, and this can change from year to year but you adapt, you perform, you stand out. This is something I think I can do and I have proven it all my way. I am looking forward to continuing it in Mykonos. ”

-At this stage of your career, where would you say you are? In your peak or a stage of maturity that makes you more effective and meaningful in your game?

“Yes, I feel like I’m in my climax. I am in the best physical condition I have ever been, my body is possible, I am in great shape and I feel great. Really, I feel better than ever. I wouldn’t just say it a stage of maturity, though, yes, I have two kids and there is definitely a maturity in my life. But basketball, I feel at my top. And I think this makes me more effective, more influential in the game. I’m where I should, and I’m ready to show it. ”

-What really does it mean for you to contribute to a team? Does it have to do with numbers? With leadership? Or in the way you give to training every day?

“Contribution to a group can mean many different things. For me, it’s about being able to do what the team needs, hug it, support it and execute it at the highest level you can. Whether it means putting on scorn, or playing “crazy” defense on the ball, getting rebounds, performing plays with one, finishing alley-oop phases, whatever your role is, the point is to do it well. That is why it brings you a team: to do what you need, with consistency and passion. For me it is simple: giving what the team needs is a real contribution. And that, of course, means being selfless. I believe that I am now in a place in my career where I absolutely understand that the big teams are built on selflessness. When everyone plays not only for themselves, but for each other, then everyone really shines. And so the right basketball is played.

-What do you think should be Mykonos’ realistic goals for this season? And what are your personal goals?

“I don’t want to talk about goals and get involved! (laughs) I think we have the talent to compete in anyone in the league. The point is to tie as a team, to build chemistry, and to see where we are after the preparation. Beyond that, to give our best every day, to be in good shape, to play selflessly, for each other, with the right basketball, and to win as many games as possible. Now, for my personal goals … I want to be stable throughout the year. To stay healthy, to pay attention to my diet, my sleep, my restoration. To be consistent in all areas, in my faith, in my family, to my children, my husband. These are now the most important to me. I am in a phase in my life that is what I am looking for from the season. And I feel that Mykonos can be the perfect place for it. I am very much of the house, I love time with family and my close people. I look forward to making new friends in Mykonos and seeing my children grow up for another year in a place that everyone says is the most beautiful in Greece. So yes, I’m excited. Really excited. “