By Rigas Dardalis
He is a rookie, but already a very experienced player and a man. First he broke (almost all) scoring records as a star for Upper Sandusky High School, then he had a solid career with Ohio State Buckeyes and after he got drafted by Blazers with the 51st pick of 2011 NBA draft, he got married to his (lovely wife Caitlin) and signed his first professional contract with Panionios.
Jon Dibler is having a great season so far in the Greek league, with his most recent achievement being the seven 3 pointers he hit against Peristeri for the 23rd day of A1. Eurohoops.net had the pleasure to talk with Panionios’ star and discuss his experience in Greece, his future with the Blazers and also talk about his friends Kosta Koufos of the Denver Nuggets and Nick Calathes of Panathinaikos.
Here is the first part of his interview
-You think you needed this experience in Greece, so you could make the jump to the NBA;
“Yeah, it has been nothing but helpful. It definitely been a positive. I am looking forward to the opportunity to try to make the team in Portland. Again I am definitely happy and I have no regrets of being here. This has been one of the greatest experienced in my life. First year out of college, first year being married, it been fun living here. Basketball wise it was made me a much better player”.
-Where do you think you’ve improved as a player and where do you need to improve in order to make the transition to the NBA;
“The biggest key was on the defensive end. Early on I got in foul trouble in a lot of games. Coaches have emphasized to me is not so much when I am guarding the ball, but being ready to play defense before something happens. I’ve been fortunate cause we got great coaches, they are always explaining to me things and with everyone in the team. So defensively I think I’ve improved a lot, even though I still I have a way to go. To improve on, is maybe off the bounce a little more. Cause teams will try to prevent me from shooting the 3 and I have to be able to do things off the bounce, not for me to create for other people. It’s something that I’ll have to work on offense to become a complete player”.
-Would you think of a 2nd season with Panionios or your goal is to play out this season and then sign with Portland;
“Obviously I’d like to have the opportunity to try out for Portland and make the team, but if this doesn’t work out, I’d love to come back overseas and play again either with Panionios or somewhere else in Europe. My first goal is to try and make the team in Portland but if this doesn’t happen, I would love to come back. This wasn’t just “I m coming to get this year over”. This wasn’t my mindset. I wanted to come to get better and win some games. I’ ve enjoyed it I ve gotten better as a player and we have a very good team with Panionios”.
-Blazers’ people have come in Athens to watch you and they obviously they would like to sign you, since they drafted you. Do you see yourself fitting well with the Blazers;
“Yeah definitely. They’ve got a great organization, which is very passionate about basketball. Because if you look at Portland, Blazers are the only professional team besides the MLS soccer team, there is no football or baseball team. So fans really love Blazers. Plus they have a great president, a great GM and great coach. I think with my specialty being able to shoot, there is always a spot for a shooter. Of course I have to improve my game in other areas, like playing defense in that level, or make the right “read” when the ball comes in my way. What teams told me before the draft is “you have a specialty that is very rare in the NBA. Every team can use a shooter. Do what you do best and work on other things while you’re in Greece”. They didn’t send me here just to send me, they wanted me to experience this opportunity and become a better player”.
-What message do you send to Koufos;
“It’s been a while since I talked with him. I am happy for him, I check his stats and try to watch some of his games, even though it’s very difficult. I hope he is enjoying and I am sure that he’ll have a great career in the NBA. He is finding his niche finally, he is getting a lot more opportunities to play. He has double doubles and he is playing a lot, even though now he is injured. He is a very skilled player, he is always gonna work hard and be in the gym to improve his game”.
-And you think that the next Greek who will make it to the NBA will be Nick Calathes;
“For sure. Nick is a very good player and I’ve known him since our highscool days. He is very unique, cause he does a lot of things that doesn’t show in box score. He is a very talented point guard. He is doing very well for Panathinaikos and everyone knows that they are one of the best teams in Europe. For him to success in that team, there is no doubt in my mind that he can play in the NBA. Is something that he wants to do and he will definitely have the opportunity to do it”.