By Antonis Stroggylakis / info@eurohoops.net
If there were any doubts about whether Guerschon Yabusele would translate his game to the needs of a major EuroLeague contender like Real Madrid, the “Bear” obliterated them in the blink of an eye.
Just a few months into his stint with Real, Yabusele has emerged as one of the leaders of the Spanish powerhouse, averaging a team-high 12.9 points plus 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists over nine games of the EuroLeague regular season. While the 25-year-old French forward had already shown how versatile he is on a EuroLeague level during his run with ASVEL Villeurbanne, he’s now demonstrating more depths and layers by being a multidimensional, energy-packed factor for the Blancos on both ends of the floor.
In a Q&A session with Eurohoops, Yabusele discussed his first months as a Madridista, his personal goals, the small French “colony” on the team while humbly refusing to make a specific mention of his own performances. He also talked about winning the silver medal with France at the Olympic Games and the ambition to reach the top of the podium in Paris 2024.
Eurohoops: How is your Real Madrid experience so far?
Guerschon Yabusele: It’s been great. I love it here. The team, the city, the fans. In general, everything has been great. Everybody has been helping me to adjust to this team the best way they can.
EH: What was your first thought when you got the offer from Real Madrid in the summer?
G.Y.: I really think about the brand. It’s a great club, a big team. They have so many trophies, so many championships. This is a winning team. When you think about coming to Real Madrid, you just think of coming here and giving your best.
EH: Does it help to have a couple (Thomas Heurtel, Fabien Causeur, Vincent Poirier) of fellow French players on the same team?
G.Y.: Fabien has been here on Real Madrid longer than us. Thomas played a lot in Spain too so everybody knows him around. Vincent had been here [Spain] too. For me, translating into the Spanish way or spending time with them, has been pretty good.
I’m really having a connection with anybody on the court. I played with Thomas on the French national team and we were on the same team [ASVEL] last year so we’ve played together a bit longer. But I think I’m connecting well with everybody. Overall, we have so many talented players here. It’s great being on the court with any of them.
EH: How is it having a EuroLeague great like Sergio Llull as your captain? You got an early first-hand taste of what he can do in the SuperCup Final.
G.Y.: It’s been great. He’s a great example. A veteran player. Everything he does is just perfect. He just tries to help the team. He plays with a lot of intensity. He just has so much a talent. Just seeing him and having him around us is great and so important for everyone.
EH: What’s your impression of coach Pablo Laso?
G.Y.: He knows the game. Every time he sees something, he talks to me, I really listen. Just with everything he says, he helps me so much. He’s a great coach I’m learning and looking forward to having a great year with him.