[ad_1]
Brandonas Davies moved to Kaunas “Žalgiris” in 2017 from “Monaco”. At first he needed time to adapt, but then he became a strong leader, also entering the symbolic first team of the Euroleague.
Two years were brilliant in Lithuania, and in 2019 he signed a contract with Barcelona, which lasted last summer until 2022.
The 29-year-old Catalan mobile workshop has reencountered Šarūnas Jasikevičius and has become a very important part of the game that he currently leads in the Euroleague Barcelona.
In almost 21 minutes, he scores 11.6 points on the floor, bounces after 3.5 balls and fixes after 12.5 utility points.
Davies shared his thoughts with Euro Hoops journalist Dionysis Aravantinos: on the start of the season, the reasons for the contract extension, the Thomas Heurtel situation, his work with Shar and the NBA.
Euroleague.net nuotr./Brandonas Daviesas
– This is your second season in Barcelona, how do you feel?
– So far so good. We play well, the years are great, so there’s nothing to shave for.
– Barcelona leads the Euroleague with 17 wins and 6 losses. Many consider you one of the favorites to win the championship. Can we say that there are two options this year: a trophy or a bad season?
– I’m always in that mood, no matter where I play. At this stage in his career, he realizes how difficult it really is to achieve his first title. But at the same time you go to the gym and exercise. I am happy to be part of this team where everyone feels the same. We fight together for a common goal.
– What are you talking about in the locker room? What goals have you set for yourself this season?
– We all want to become champions. We work hard every day, if we keep doing this, we will keep improving the game. The work is reflected in the results, we see that this season too.
– Which Euroleague teams will reach the final four?
– Hard to say. You saw perfectly how the favorites fell last week. All the teams in the Euroleague are strong. Do not relax. I think there will be teams among the four finalists that are still at the top of the table: Barcelona, CSKA in Moscow, Olimpia in Milan and Real in Madrid.
Euroleague.net nuotr./Brandonas Daviesas
– In recent years, the leading team in Spain and the Euroleague has been Real Madrid. Are you ready to end your domain?
– We are preparing for each game as if it were a final. The contrast between these clubs is exceptional throughout the world. Be it a regular regular season game in Spain or a Euroleague duel. When you play against them, every attack counts.
– How do you personally rate this season in Barcelona?
– I was arrested for an injury. Now I’m trying to get in good athletic shape, I don’t think numbers in protocol or anything like that. This is important in this team. We have many players who can collect 20 points each. But we each play for a common goal, supervising each other behind us, so it’s hard to beat each other. Especially when we have so many guns
Euroleague.net nuotr./Brandonas Daviesas
– What were the reasons for extending the contract until 2022?
– The club accepted me with open arms. The fans immediately received me very warmly, as if I had been in the club for three years. I wanted to be part of the vision of this club, which points not only to this season but also to the next few years. This is a mutual benefit.
– Return to work with Šarūnas Jasikevičius. What can you say about him?
– Everyone knows that this is one of the greatest minds in basketball, especially in Europe. We started together in Žalgiris, there was a connection that only grew, so working together in Barcelona is something special.
We knew what to expect from each other and that helps us both. At the same time, he expects more from me, but that’s the case for every player on the team.
Euroleague.net nuotr./Brandonas Daviesas
– You mentioned the talent of the Barcelona players. How does it feel to play alongside Nikola Mirotičius or Nick Calathes?
– It’s amazing to look at the paper and see the names that play on our team. Having a team, game and confidence like this allows us to fight for the title.
Guys like Nikola Mirotičius don’t play selfishly. Although he handles everything easily on the field, he and Nick are both team basketball players. They will do everything possible to win the match. They are great leaders.
– How did you feel about the Thomas Heurtel situation, did it affect the team?
– It was the club’s decision. We all have our opinions, consensus and disagreements, but at the same time we need to move forward and focus on the team. It was hard not to hear the noise, trying to be a good teammate, trying to speak up, and doing the right thing. None of us have been in such a situation. I think we did a good job trying to protect the team’s locker room. We are still a family.
– Were you close to Thomas? Did you have to communicate with him?
– Yes, I contacted him when it all started. He wanted her to know that she was thinking about him. We have the same agent, so I was able to get a lot of information directly from him. But our friendship is important to us.
Photo by Rokas Lukoševičius / 15min / Paulius Jankūnas and Brandonas Daviesas
– A few years ago you said that being the best player in Europe, you would take the next step in the NBA. Has the NBA stayed in your dreams?
– Now I focus on the title of this season. At this stage in my career, a trophy would help a lot, it could open many doors. I’m concentrating on the title and the final season under contract, and a favorable situation could also lead me to the NBA. I just have to work and we’ll see what comes out of that.
– Are you still thinking about the NBA?
– Of course. Any player who has played in the NBA would like to return to it. But I’m only thinking about one step forward, so my next step is the Euroleague title.
[ad_2]
