By Lefteris Moutis/ moutis@eurohoops.net
For some players it’s obvious that they will have a great career since their childhood. Some others explode during their college years and some others later, in their mid-twenties, like Andre Smith did. He graduated from North Dakota State and then traveled around the world playing in countries like Switzerland, Japan and England… Later he found his way to the higher level (playing in Turkey, Italy and Russia) and proved that he deserves to be among the best. And he’s on the way to get closer and closer to the players he admires, Turkcan, Batiste and Stonerook.
The American forward is the third .leading scorer in Legabasket with Umana Venecia and he is ready for the huge challenge of Copa Italia. The 28 years old player talks on Eurohoops a little before the big battles in Milan about his past, his dreams in basketball and the rumors that have connected him with Olympiacos a month ago, before Jamario Moon signed with the team from Piraeus.
In your college years your name wasn’t really known. Although you have a great career in Europe improving every year your game. Have you done all these because you are so stubborn and ambitious?
“I came from a small school that has been building its name bigger every year since I’ve played there. Go Bison! I would say that I do work very hard to improve my game because I have big ambitions. Also I feel like I have been over looked at the start of my career because I played for a unknown school”.
You were top scorer in the Legabasket two years ago with Caserta and you are the third leading scorer this season with Venezia. You were also third leading scorer in Turkey with Karsiyaka. Do you feel undervalued so far by top class coaches in Europe?
“I can say that for my first 6 1/2 years as a pro I did feel like coaches from top teams were looking past me. I’ve showed every year at every level I can score against anyone. It was frustrating. It made me worker harder. Now I understand why that may have been. I needed to show more defensive skills. Also I was a power forward that played more like a center. For top clubs this isn’t a good fit for my position. This season I’ve become more balanced player and now I play like all three front court positions when the time is right. I feel this is a better fit for the top level. I’m always looking to improve”.
You played in Italy, Turkey and Russia so far. Where would like to play next? Do you have in mind the NBA dream or your biggest target now is to play in a Euroleague team?
“I’ve been everywhere in my career. Except Euroleague. I would love to play at that level. The biggest thing for me is to play somewhere with good teammates and coaches that share my goals. To try and win every time I step on the court. I love Italy and Turkey though. I don’t think about the NBA. So I guess you can say my biggest goal is to win! Wherever that is or whatever level its at, thats all I want”.
You played in six different countries and three different continents so far. Do you feel in your 28 years old that you are a sleeper? Do you think that you have still things to show?
“I don’t think I am a sleeper. I believe lots of people and teams know about me. I think I have some things to prove still. I’m stuck in a mold right now. I’m a great scorer at the middle level of Europe. I want to become a great player at the top level of Europe before I’m done. My goal is to be mentioned with guys like Mirsad Turkcan, Mike Batiste, Shaun Stonerook when my career is over. Or have nothing left to give to basketball while trying to reach that goal”.
The final eight in Italy is a big event and a great chance for every team to get a trophy if everything goes well in three days. Are you awaiting for it? Do you think that you can make it against Brindisi?
“I think the league is wide open this year. Milan has emerged as a favorite the last couple months but it’s still open. I hope to raise the cup in 3 days. We will see what happens. Brindisi is a good team. All I know is that someone must lose. We’ll have to wait and see the result”.
The Italian League is the only one (among the best in Europe) that its teams have so little differences in classification. Do you think that teams like Milan or Siena are vulnerable?
“It’s crazy how close everything is in Seria A every season. Siena is not as strong as in the past. Milan is increasing its strength. I still think everyone has a chance to win though”.
Your name was connected with Olympiacos about a month ago. Is it true that the Greek team made an offer to Venezia but there wasn’t a deal at the end? Was all that some kind of reward to what you have done so far?
“From what I understand it is true. They spoke with my team. My team declined to make a deal. I am here to try and win every game I play for Umana Reyer. It’s a great feeling to have a team like Olympiacos show interest in me. It’s not a reward because I’ve yet to reach that level but it is a confirmation that I am on the right track. I will continue to give everything I have until my goals have been reached!”