By Stathis Trapezanlidis info@eurohoops.net
Reggie Redding is the person in whom Sasa Obradovic found the summer of 2013 the leader of a team who wanted to win the german championship for first time since 2008 and play again in Euroleague. Redding vindicated his coach from his first season – although he didn’t win the Championship – as he was the most valuable player of Alba forcing his team to the BEKO BBL finals and the Euroleuage. This season (2014-15) he seems ready for one step further having great appearances in Euroleague and leading Alba Berlin to the Top-16. The 26 years old guard has his best career season so far and has already put his name high in the list of a lot of teams in Europe as he is free agent this summer.
After Berlin’s lost fourth final against Bayern Munich last season (2013-14) Eurohoops met Reggie and during our discussion we asked him if he feels that he is ready for the highest level of Euroleague. He turned back the question in a way you couldn’t say no… Eight months later the american player – being vindicated – opens his heart to Eurohoops talking about Alba Berlin, his future, what is basketball for him and how he took the decision to come in Europe and especially Germany after one station (season 2010-11) in Cyprus!
– The win against Barcelona was a very big surprise. What did you have in your minds before the start of the Euroleague Top-16? To leave some good impressions or to qualify for the next round?
“We always have in our minds to win no matter who is our opponent. We also wanted to win Zalgiris in our last game in Euroleague but we did not manage. We try to win every game to qualify for the next phase”.
– Do you think the 29 points defeat in Bamberg was a key for your big appearance against Barcelona some days later?
“I do not think so. It was a really bad game, but we were the same that won later Barcelona. They are different competitions and either win or lose we continue trying to play our game”.
– Bayern Munich or Brose Baskets is the most dangerous team this season for Alba Berlin?
“Based on what happened in the first round of BEKO BBL I think Brose Baskets because they won easily both of us and Bayern playing pretty well. So they are probably the most dangerous opponent”.
-You have great appearances in Euroleague and BEKO BBL. Last season I asked if you’re ready for Euroleague next season… you turned back the question but in a way you were sure for the answer.
“I think I was pretty good so far in Euroleague, but definitely I can do even better”.
– To be honest I think you were not so good at the beginning. It was because you were nervous, you wanted to show that you deserve or maybe the lack of experience?
“It is true that I had no experience as this is my first season in Euroleague but I do not think about it. The same was in the German league. I just try to do my game trying myself and keeping my rhythm”.
– What did Sasa Obradovic tell you that period?
“He told me to try to find my rhythm and to do what I am really able to do on the court”.
-However, Sasa Obradovic has given you the “keys” of the team on the court. Big responsibility…
“It is good to have such a responsibility. When you win everything is fine, but when you lose things are really bad. In any case good or bad you deal with it”.
Reggie Redding himself
Some days ago (2/1/14) he led Alba to the biggest win against the Spanish champions, Barcelona, but for Reggie, the favorite guy of the fans in Berlin, this wasn’t the most difficult game but another one some days before against Frankfurt for BEKO BBL. He had just arrived from USA, where he said the last “Goodbye” to his grandparents, and as a professional had to help his team.
– When you returned from USA coach Obradovic used you immediately. Although you didn’t play well, at the press conference he said that without you Alba would not win. It should be a very hard game for you…
“It was the hardest game in my life until now definitely”.
– How would you describe your relation with death, God in general…
“I believe in God, Ι believe in Heaven and Hell, so for some people who “left” us and were good, i hope they are somewhere well up there”.
– How would you describe yourself in your daily life? What do you think that people think about you?
“I really do not know what people think when they meet me. What do you think”?
– Since the first time I met you you gave me the impression of a very calm person.
“Generally I am very calm in my life. it is true. This is something someone could tell for me”.
– Why did you choose basketball and not another sport?
“I think that basketball chose me (laughs)”!
– What would you do if you were not a basketball player?
“I do not know, since I remember myself I play basketball, I do not know what I could do”.
– Which player would you like to be like?
“Carmelo Anthony was and still is my favorite player”.
– Which player or coach do you think that was very influential in your career so far?
“I think Speedy Morris, my coach in high school. He is a great coach, a legend, he helped me get where I am showing me the way and manner”.
The past and the future
– A guy from Philadelphia in Cyprus, it should be a little weird for you… how did you get this decision?
“As it proved it was a good choice. It was a difficult decision and the season in Cyprus was really hard for me, but eventually I made a good decision that brought me where I am now”.
– How easy or difficult is for Alba Berlin to manage keep a player like you here in Berlin?
“It’s something that we’ll see when the season is over. I can not know by now. I guess we will discuss at the end of the season and I will take the decision which is going to be the best for me”.
– After the question about whether you feel ready for Euroleague, I think it’s time to ask you whether you’re ready for one more step further and playing for a top Euroleague team. Don’t turn me back again the question but…
“But what do you expect to tell you? I’m not ready to play at the highest level”?
– Tell me then what are your advantages for the highest level!
“I guess the way I fight, my ability to do different things on both sides of the court, in offense and defense, something important for this level”.
– You have freedom on the court by your coach. You could get even more attempts, but you are also a great team player!
“What is the best for my team every time is what I think is the most important”.