By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Just before the end of Euroleague’s regular season, Brose Baskets added one of the finest German talent available straight from the NBA. Elias Harris left the States and the Lakers- and also the NBADL and the D-Fenders – in order to sign a contract with the German champions and we can expect to see him in action this Thursday in the do or die game against Zalgiris Kaunas. Eurohoops contacted the new player of Brose Baskets and spoke with him about his present and his future.
– You returned for good to Europe, or you would like to return at some point in the NBA?
“Obviously I would like to return to the NBA but at this point right now I think it’s the best thing for me to be here in Germany, play with Bamberg, develop my game get better, just finish the season off strong. Anything after we are going to see”.
– Being four years in the States, what’s your opinion for European basketball and the level of competition?
“I believe that European Basketball got better and better from year to year and I really think that I can learn a lot over here. Obviously European Basketball is a little different to American Basketball, not quite as fast, maybe not quite as athletic. You got very good players over here, that play high levelled basketball, so I think the competition is great for me and I’m really looking forward to getting out there and play basketball games”.
– What would you bring to Brose Baskets?
“I think I’m an energy guy, I can bring a lot of energy, athleticism. I think I’m a really good rebounder, so I hope I can help Bamberg on the boards, but obviously I can score as well, so I think I can bring a great mix of everything”.
– Will you be ready to go in the last crucial Euroleague regular season game?
“I’m going try my best to be ready for the Thursday game. Obviously I only got a couple of days to get used to the systems and be in top shape and be ready, but I’m going to try my best and going to work hard in the next two and a half days. Hopefully I can have an impact on our Thursday’s game”.