by Bilal Baran Yardımcı / info@eurohoops.net
Carrying the experience of 37 appearances in the NBA, Vernon Carey Jr. used overseas options for the third season of his professional career. He signed with Pinar Karsiyaka in late August.
The Duke product talked to Eurohoops about his decision and the team based in Izmir, among other topics.
“I just wanted to get a new experience,” he explained, “I have never been to Europe in general, visiting or playing. Another reason was just hearing about Karsiyaka from last year and how they finished. They made it to the finals in the Turkish League. I felt like that was a good opportunity for me. There were some options such as two-way contracts or playing in G League teams. But I’ve heard about playing in European competitions, playing overseas. I just wanted to experience it.”
Banking in 18 points in the recent home win versus Filou Oostende, he helped his side jump to 1-0 in Group E of the Basketball Champions League Regular Season.
Playing alongside Jalen Green, Scottie Barnes, and Evan Mobley
Carey, 22, is a youngster with experience in FIBA rules at the junior level. He represented the United States in the 2017 FIBA U16 Americas and the ensuing 2018 FIBA U17 World Cup.
“It was a really good experience to go to USA basketball camps and play with them. I played with the team U16 too year before that. They were also on that team,” he referred to Jalen Green, Scottie Barnes, and Evan Mobley, “I felt like we had good chemistry going into the U17 national team. I am in contact with Scottie because I played with him in high school too. I’m still in touch with guys like R.J. Hampton, and James Wiseman.”
In 2019-20, he continued development as a member of Duke, playing under Mike Krzyzewski.
“It was unfortunate that we didn’t get to experience March Madness,” he told Eurohoops about his lone NCAA campaign prematurely ending due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “That’s like everybody’s dream when they are growing up if you are playing with a good D1 school or have a chance to make it. I felt like we had a good shot for the title. I feel like we definitely would have made it to Elite 8 because of seedings and everything.”
“He has a military background, so he had a disciplined side but for the most part, he was very interactive with players. He wasn’t as disciplined as people expect him to be. He wasn’t that disciplined at all,” Carey described Coach K.
Reaching the NBA level
From college to the NBA as the 32nd pick of the 2020 NBA draft. He played for the Washington Wizards and Charlotte Hornets over three seasons, before opting in favor of Karsiyaka.
“Definitely. If I have an opportunity or chance to go back it is one of my goals,” he stressed on possibly returning to the league based in North America, “Playing overseas right now has been a good experience. Having veteran players like Errick McCollum, Jaylon Brown, and Vitto Brown. I feel well here at Karsiyaka.”
“He popped his head in a couple of times when we were practicing. He would pull some of us to the side give us some advice and stuff like that,” he said about former Hornets owner Michael Jordan, “Other than that, not really.”
Differences in Europe
European basketball has its fair share of differences and thus requires adjustments for players such as the young forward/center. He detailed his view on variations.
“I feel like in the NBA, there is a lot more space for the big man if he can shoot or face up. There is more space to work with. In Europe, the court is more closed off. There are not as many spaces as there are in the NBA. For bigs, to play in Europe you have to roll and seal more. The three-second rule in Europe is a good advantage,” he told Eurohoops.
“I feel like that is the biggest change,” he compared the support from KSK loyals, “The fans here are more passionate and in tune with the game compared to the NBA.”
The team coached by Ufuk Sarica sits at 2-3 in the Turkiye Sigorta Basketbol Super Ligi, apart from 1-0 in the Champions League.
“It is more physical than the Turkish League,” he mentioned on the continental competition versus BSL, “Refs don’t call fouls that much compared to the Turkish League. Other than that, I felt like it was more or less the same with college.”
Resuming the BCL season, a second straight game in Karsiyaka Arena shapes the Gameday 2 challenge. EWE Baskets Oldenburg will visit on Wednesday.
“I feel like it is the same with college,” he added focusing on Turkiye’s top-tier division, “If you don’t bring it every time, the other team always has a chance no matter the players or where they are coming from. European basketball is always known for playing hard. Every team is competitive even if they are the top seed or bottom seed.”