By John Rammas/ irammas@eurohoops.net
NBA champion with the Miami Heat in 2012 in his rookie season, back-to-back NBA champion with the Heat in 2013, and willing – just as he has learned to be – to do everything in his power to experience something similar with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the EuroLeague. With 13.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.4 steals – and 1.8 turnovers – in 24:43 minutes of playing time for the Israeli team (record of 7 wins and 5 losses), he’s not doing bad at all. Now, Norris Cole and his teammates will visit the Olympic Sports Center in Athens for the game with Panathinaikos, but before that, they came by the state-of-the-art facilities of the Eurohoops Dome, where they trained ahead of Round 13.
Eurohoops didn’t miss the opportunity to speak with the 29-year-old American point guard about his first experience in Europe and more. How could we, with everything he has accomplished and experienced alongside players like LeBron James, a candidate for the title of GOAT but not already the GOAT, according to Cole.
“He still hasn’t completed his career. The best time to rank someone is when they have completed their career. He has accomplished a lot, he can accomplish much more. He’s definitely one of the all-time greats, but you can’t rank him until he’s retired.”
While King James is trying to expand his myth even further, Cole is now trying to help Maccabi Tel Aviv expand their own, after first getting back on track following a catastrophic season last year.
“It feels great to contribute to the success of a team. We work hard every day as a team for that. Individually, I also work hard to help lead this team. We’re excited to help bring back a winning tradition to Maccabi.”
“I’m enjoying my experience in the EuroLeague. It’s a completely different world. It’s my first season here and I’m trying to enjoy every minute of it,” added the Cleveland State graduate (the Vikings have retired his No.30 jersey), who, after 6 seasons in the NBA (Miami Heat 2011-15, New Orleans Pelicans 2015-16, Oklahoma City Thunder 2017) and a brief stint in the CBA (Shandong Golden Stars 2016), decided it was time for a change. So far he is enjoying Europe, he is using not only his game but also his brand “Cole Blooded 30” to connect with Israeli fans and he may even have products for other basketball-craze countries like Greece, down the line.
“I decided that it was the best decision for me and my family. That’s what it all boils down to.”
This decision will bring him all the way to the Olympic Sports Center Athens, the only impregnable home court in the EuroLeague.
“It’s going to take a team effort and we’re going to have to execute our game plan. If we execute the game plan that the coach has laid out for us, I think we’ll give ourselves a good chance to win.”
Perhaps this is the best possible time to do this since Panathinaikos just lost Nick Calathes with an injury to the right shoulder.
“I’m not sure how Panathinaikos will play. Obviously, Calathes is a big piece for Panathinaikos, but they have other guys who can step up. We’re not taking them lightly. Whoever shows up to play, we’ll be ready for them.”
Training in the Eurohoops Dome helped in this.
“It’s a cool place. It looks like a lot of young players come here to work on their game, which is always exciting. I remember when I was younger I played in some gyms like the Dome. It was a cool experience but, to be honest, I’m looking forward to playing on Panathinaikos’s home court as well.”