FAN MAIL: Dorell Wright – “ABA League is packed with truly great young talent!”

Given that with your qualities you could earn more lucrative contracts in other leagues, like Euroleague or China, how did you decide to come to Igokea and ABA League?

“The landscape of the NBA has changed dramatically. Teams are betting on developing multiple young players with minimum contracts versus paying a proven vet with minimal chances of a title run, let alone making the playoffs. There were no promising NBA situations for me, and time kept passing quickly. When presented the opportunity to play with Igokea and ABA League, I jumped at it knowing it's a great start to showcasing my talents to various overseas teams.”

Is your desire to get back to the NBA or do you intend to stay in Europe in the forthcoming years of your career?

“I would love to be back in NBA playing at the highest level in the world. But I'm also embracing my opportunity for a European career. At this moment, my focus is here, and I'm looking at it as a welcome to Europe. I still have a lot left in the tank and being able to play the game I love means everything to me.”

What are your impressions on ABA League and Euroleague like? How do you see ABA League in terms of quality?

“I'm loving it so far. Great competition and some truly great young talent. I recently started following Euroleague, watching friends like Bobby Brown, Ekpe Udoh, Marcus Williams and Charles Jenkins.”

Do you like playing in the ABA League?

“Yes, I'm enjoying myself so far. I have great teammates and coaching staff. The Igokea organization has made me feel welcomed and appreciated.”

How many ABA League players did you know before coming to Igokea?

“Not too many. I did some research and saw friends like Marcus Williams and Charles Jenkins played in the ABA last season. Also, a great friend of mine, Frank Robinson.”

Have you watched Serbia national team play? If so, who is your favourite player on that team?

“I haven't had the opportunity to watch them play. I did look up their roster and wow! There is a lot of great young talent. I'll definitely be paying a lot more attention now that I'm here.”

What does it mean for you to play in a league from a territory that has given both finalists of the EuroBasket 2017?

“It's been great so far. I'm studying and learning more each day about Euro hoops. There's so much incredible history here in Europe.”

Which is your favourite player from the territory of former Yugoslavia?

“I'm going with my boy Vladimir Radmanović. We played one season together in Golden State. He's a solid teammate and had a good career in the NBA. Shout out my boy Vlad.”

Have you seen Luka Dončić play? Do you think that he can be selected as number 1 pick at the NBA Draft?

“Yes, I've seen him a few times. Great young player. Has a really bright future. Can't wait to see this loaded draft next year with him, Bagley and Porter Jr.!”

Lots of NBA stars have made their name in the ABA League before, like Nikola Jokić, Bojan Bogdanović, Nemanja Bjelica, Goran Dragić, Dario Šarić, Nikola Vučević... who of them did impress you the most in the NBA?

“Wow, I didn't know they all played in the ABA. I got a chance to play with Dragić a short stint in Miami. True competitor, hard nose and tough as nails. The rest of those young guys have a chance to do big things this up and coming season. I'm super hype to watch them all.”

What do you know about the passion of the fans of ABA League teams, such as Partizan NIS, Crvena zvezda mts, Zadar, MZT Skopje Aerodrom... what does it mean for a player to play in such an environment?

“I've seen footage of the passion those fans bring every night. I'm truly excited to play there. I love playing in front of loud and pumped up fans. They bring your best game out of you. It reminds me of playing in front of the fans in Golden State. Loud, rowdy and the best fans in the NBA hands down.“

Did any player in the ABA League impress you in particular so far?

“So far, I like the kid from Cedevita. A young talent that plays with a lot of confidence. I told him, as long as he keeps working, he has major potential to take his career far!”

What was it like to play with Dwyane Wade?

“The 6.5 years we played together was awesome. The things he would do on the court would always have me like "Wow he didn't just do that?!", truly gifted. I learned so much from that guy on and off the court. We're still very close friends and I'll always appreciate him for showing me the ropes of the NBA life at 18 years old.”

Who is the toughest player to guard in the NBA?

“Toughest to guard, I have three guys. Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant. Whoa! Talk about bringing your hard hat to somehow stop those guys, Lol Good Luck.”

Who was your idol when you were a child?

“My childhood idols were my parents! They instilled in me hard work ethic and a no excuses mentality.”

Which is your favourite team?

“I honestly don't have a favourite team. I enjoyed my time in every city I played for. I've been blessed to play for some truly amazing fans and alongside some great teammates.”

Have you spoken with any of the American players before coming to the ABA League? What did they tell you about the league?

“Yes, I spoke to Marcus Willams, Bobby Brown and Charles Jenkins! They all shared it is a great league and to come out here and do what I do best, ball out!”

Which team did you enjoy playing for the most?

“Every team I played for had its own special thing about it. From the fans, to the city, to the Organization itself. So, it's hard to choose one over the other. All experiences were unique and a blessing.”

Who was your favourite teammate during your career so far?

“Favorite Teammates: D Wade, Shaq, Udonis Haslem, Quentin Richardson, Steph Curry, Monta Ellis, Nate Robertson, Dame Lillard, Nick Young and Spencer Hawes!”

Is your brother Delon going to make a better career in the NBA than you and what advice have you given him to succeed in the big league?

“Well that's the goal, LOL. I've always wanted my little brother to be better than me, or at least feel he is. He has the tools and now the opportunity to show the world what he's made of. He's been an underdog his whole life, literally he was born a preemie. It's time to eat now. I tell him to be a pro and be a beast.”

How does it feel to be a team's leader, like you are currently at Igokea?

“It's been great so far. A lot of guys knew about my career before I got here, and it's cool being able to help these guys on and off the court with different advice. They're also helping me to be a better player. I appreciate these guys for welcoming me with open arms!! There's nothing better than having teammates that have your back on the court.”

Are people in the ABA League countries more fanatic about basketball than in the USA or is it the opposite?

“Lol I wouldn't say that. I think we all the love the game so much.”

How much did you know about this part of the world before coming here to Igokea, and did you have any prejudices?

“I knew nothing. I did some minor Google research and was ready to embrace my new home and all its uncertainty with a positive outlook. I'm learning and discovering new things every day.”

Do you think that Cleveland can win the NBA championship? What do you think about Wade and James being together again?

“Yes! I think out of all the other teams besides the Warriors, they have the best chance. It's going to be hard but they now have the guys to get it done. I'm happy they were able to get the old band back together. They make each other better on the court.”

Who is your favourite NBA player of all times?

“Michael Jordan. Easy call lol.”

You played against Budućnost VOLI in your debut for Igokea. What is your opinion on that team?

“Good team! A lot of good pieces. Kyle Gibson is a good friend of mines. We've had plenty great battles during summer at the Drew League. They're also well coached.”

Did you try the traditional food in the Balkans like pljeskavica and čevapčići? If so, what is your opinion?

“Yes, I've tried a few things. I don't remember all the names, but I like exploring new tastes and foods. It's been awesome so far. A+ easy.”

Who was your best teammate in Miami Heat?

“Dwyane Wade.”

Which is your favourite sporting team, excluding basketball?

“Dallas Cowboys, Toronto Raptors, and LA Dodgers.”

Is adaptation to the environment and the style of basketball tough for you at Igokea? How do you like the city of Banja Luka?

“No, not at all. My biggest adjustment is putting the ball on the floor before I move forward lol. I'm almost there with making my first step natural. Banja Luka has been good to me so far! I've been out to grab lunch and dinner and do a little shopping, it's truly a beautiful city!!!”

What do you enjoy more? To score or make an assist?

“I just love to win. When you win, the stats don't really matter. My teammates and coaches have been putting me into spots to score and to also be a playmaker. Seeing other guys knock down threes and dunk the ball gives me joy as well.”

For the end, Wright addressed the fans with his personal message: “Thank you, guys for all the awesome questions. I enjoyed sitting here answering questions while Game of Thrones played in the background!! LOL! I'm addicted to this show since I've been here. But once again thank you guys and hope to speak soon. Follow me on Instgram @DwrightUno and Twitter: @DwrightWay1.

Go Igokea!!!!”

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FAN MAIL: Dorell Wright – “ABA Liga je prepuna vrhunskog mladog talenta!”

U prvom izdanju fan maila za ovu sezonu naš gost je bio nekadašnji šampion NBA lige Dorell Wright. Primio je puno pitanja navijača o NBA ligi, planovima,  pogledu na ABA ligu, evropsku i regionalnu košarku uopšte.

Pročitajte njegove odgovore:

S obzirom na vaše kvalitete mogli biste dobiti bogatije ugovore u drugim ligama, poput Evrolige i kineske lige. Kako je pored toga došlo do vašeg prelaska u Igokeu i ABA ligu?

„Izgled NBA lige se dramatično promenio. Timovi gledaju kako da razviju puno mladih igrača na minimalnim ugovorima umesto plaćanja proverenih veterana, ukoliko imaju i male šanse za osvajanje titule, bez obzira na šanse za ulazak u plej-of. Za mene nije bilo izglednih situacija da uđem u NBA ligu i vreme je brzo prolazilo. Kad se pojavila mogućnost da igram za Igokeu u ABA ligi, poskočio sam i prihvatio oberučke tu mogućnost, znajući, da je to sjajna prilika za dokazivanje mojeg potencijala.“

Da li je vaša želja da ostvarite povratak u NBA ligu ili planirate da nastavite igranjem u Evropi u narednim godinama?

„Voleo bih da se vratim u NBA i da zaigram na najvišem nivou svetske košarke. Ali otvaram vrata i za moju evropsku karijeru. U ovom trenutku sam fokusiram na igranje ovde i osećam se dobrodošlim u Evropi. I dalje imam dovoljno snage za igranje igre koju volim i koja mi znači sve.“

Kakvi su vaši utisci o ABA ligi i Evroligi? Kakav vam se čini kvalitet ABA lige?

„Za sad je gotivim. Sjajno takmičenje u kojem ima puno mladih talenata. Tek skoro sam počeo da pratim Evroligu, gledajući prijatelje poput Bobbyja Browna, Ekpe Udoha, Marcusa Williamsa i Charlesa Jenkinsa.“

Da li uživate u igranju u ABA ligi?

„Da, uživam. Imam vrhunske saigrače i stručni štab. Cela organizacija Igokea mi je sjajno primila i pokazala kako me ceni.“

Koliko igrača iz ABA lige ste poznavali pre dolaska u Igokeu?

Ne mnogo. Napravio sam malu istragu i video da su moji prijatelji poput Marcusa Williamsa i Charlesa Jenkinsa igrali ABA ligu. Takođe, tu je igrao i moj prijatelj Frank Robinson.“

Da li ste gledali reprezentaciju Srbije? Ako jeste, ko je vaš najdraži igrač u toj ekipi?

„Nism bio u mogućnosti da ih gledam kako igraju. Pogledao sam njihov sastav i wow! Mnogo talentovanih igrača imaju. Sigurno ću ih sada kad igram tu pratiti detaljnije.“

Šta vam znači činjenica da igrate u ligi sa teritorije, koja je dala oba finalista Evrobasketa 2017?

„Za sad mi je ovde super. Svakog dana saznajem nove stvari o evropskoj košarci. Imate baš neverovatnu tradiciju košarke.“

Koji je vaš najdraži igrač sa prostora nekadašnje Jugoslavije?

„Moram da kažem da je to „moj momak“ Vladimir Radmanovič! Zajedno smo proveli sezonu u Golden Stejtu. Bio je dobar saigrač i imao je dobru karijeru u NBA ligi.“

Da li ste videli Luku Dončića kako igra? Da li mislite da može biti izabran kao prvi izbor na NBA Draftu?

„Naravno, nekoliko puta sam ga gledao. On je vrhunski mladi igrač i ima svetlu budućnost. Jedva čekam naredni draft gde će učestvovati on, Bagley, kao i Porter Jr.!“

Mnogo aktuelnih NBA igrača se afirmisalo u ABA ligi, poput Nikole Jokića, Bojana Bogdanovića, Nemanje Bjelice, Gorana Dragića, Daria Šarića, Nikole Vučevića… ko od njih vas je najviše impresionirao u NBA ligi?

„Wow, nisam znao da su svi oni igrali u ABA ligi. Imao sam priliku da igram kratko vreme zajedno u Miamiju sa Goranom Dragićem. Pravi je takmičar i tvrd kao protivnik. Ostali ovi mladi igrači imaju priliku da naprave velike stvari u narednoj sezoni. Jedva čekam da ih sve gledam u narednoj sezoni.“

Šta znate o strastvenim navijačima ekipa iz ABA lige, poput navijača Partizana NIS, Crvene zvezde mts, Zadra, MZT Skopje Aerodroma… šta igračima znači igranje u paklenoj atmosferi kakvu oni prave?

„Pogledao sam video snimke strasti koju navijači na ovim prostorima donose na utakmicama. Veoma sam uzbuđen što ću igrati ovde. Volim da igramm pred glasnim navijačima. Nateraju te da igraš najbolje što možeš. To me podseća na igranje pred navijačima Golden Stejta. Glasni, divlji i najbolji u NBA.“

Da li vas je oduševio neki igrač iz ABA lige do sada?

„Dopao mi se momak iz Cedevite. Mlad, talentovan igrač, koji igra sa mnogo samopouzdanja. Rekao sam mu da ukoliko nastavi da naporno radi, ima ogroman potencijal da napravi veliku karijeru.“

Kakav je osećaj igrati sa Dwyaneom Wadeom?

„6,5 godina smo proveli zajedno i bilo je izuzetno. Uvek su me oduševljavale stvari koje je radio na terenu. Stvarno je talentovan. Mnogo sam naučio od tog čoveka na terenu i van njega. I dalje smo bliski prijatelji i uvek ću mu biti zahvalan što me je sa mojih 18 godina uveo u NBA košarku.“

Ko je najteži igrač za čuvanje u NBA ligi?

„Najteža trojica za čuvanje. Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony i Kevin Durant. Uf! Samo pokušajte da zaustavite te igrače, neka vam je sa srećom!“

Ko vam je bio idol?

„Moji roditelji. Oni su mi usadili te radne navike i mentalitet u smislu - nema izgovora.“

Koji je vaš omiljeni tim?

„Stvarno nemam omiljeni tima. Uživao sam u svakom gradu gde sam igrao. Imao sam tu sreću da sam igrao pred stavrno izuzetnim navijačima i pored odličnih igrača.“

Da li ste se konsultovali sa nekim američkim igračem pre dolaska u ABA ligu? Šta su vam rekli o ligi?

„Da, pričao sam sa Marcusom Williamsom, Bobbyjem Brownom i Charlesom Jenkinsom! Svi su mi ispričali da se radi o vrhunskom takmičenju i savetovali me neka dođem i pokažem šta znam.“

Ko je bio u vašoj dosadašnjoj karijeri vaš omiljeni saigrač?

„Omiljeni saigrači: D Wade, Shaq, Udonis Haslem, Quentin Richardson, Steph Curry, Monta Ellis, Nate Robertson, Dame Lillard, Nick Young and Spencer Hawes!“

Da li vašem bratu Delomu predviđete bolju karijeru u NBA ligi od vape i šta ste mu savetovali kako bi uspeo?

„To nam je svakako cilj. Uvek sam želeo da moj mali brat bude bolji od mene, ili da se bar oseća boljim. Ima mogućnosti i šansu da pokaže svetu kakav je. Čitav život je bio potcenjen, bukvalno kao takav je rođen. Rekao sam mu neka bude profesionalan i neka postane zver.“

Kakav je osećaj biti lider tima, kao što ste vi u ekipi Igokee?

„Za sad sjajan. Mnogo saigrača je poznavalo mene i moju karijeru i pre nego što sam stigao ovde, Dobar je osećaj pomagati ove igrače sa savetima. Oni takođe meni pomažu da postanem bolji. Sretan sam što su me prihvatili oberučke. Stvarno nema ničega boljeg nego imati saigrače koje ti štite leđa na parketu.“

Da li su ljudi u zemljama ABA lige fanatičniji prema košarci nego u SAD ili je obrnuto?

„(Smeh) ne bih tako rekao. Mislim da svi mnogo volimo košarku.“

Koliko ste o ovom prostoru znali pre dolaska u Igokeu i da li ste imali nekakve predrasude?

„Ništa nisam znao. Napravio sam neko malo istraživanje na Google-u i bio sam spreman na svoj novi dom, uprskos tome što nisam tačno znao šta me očekuje. Učim i upoznajem nove stvari svakoga dana.“

Da li mislite da Cleveland može osvojiti NBA ligu? Šta mislite o tome što Wade i James opet igraju zajedno?

„Da, mogu! Pored Warriorsa oni su ti koji imaju najviše šansi. Biće teško, ali sad imaju igrače koji su sposobni da to urade. Drago mi je što su opet uspeli da okupe staru ekipu.“

Ko vam je omiljeni NBA igrač svih vremena?

"To je lako. Michael Jordan."

U svom prvom nastupu za Igokeu igrali ste protiv Budućnosti VOLI. Kakvo je vaše mišljenje o tom timu?

„Dobra ekipa! Imaju mnogo dobrih igrača. Kyle Gibson je moj dobar drugar. Mnogo dobrih partija smo odigrali ovog leta u Drew ligi. Dobro su i dobro vođeni sa klupe.“

Da li ste probali tradicionalna balkanska jela poput čevapćića i pljeskavice? Kako vam se čini?

„Da, probao sam par stvari. Ne mogu da se setim imena, ali valim da istražujem nove ukuse i hrane. Za sad je bilo odlično, A+.“

Koji vam je bio najdraži igrač u Miami Heatu?

„Dwyane Wade.“

Koji je vaš omiljeni tim, ne računajući košarku?

„Dallas Cowboys, Toronto Raptors i LA Dodgers.“

Da li je adaptacija na novu okolinu i stil košarke za vas teška sad kad ste u Igokei? Koliko vam se sviđa Banja Luka?

„Najveći problem sa prilagođavanjem mi je to što moram da spustim loptu na pod pre nego što krenem napred. Ali, skoro sam već osvojio taj prvi korak da mi bude prirodan. Banja Luka je za sada za mene bila dobra. Izašao sam na ručak i večeru i u kupovinu. Stvarno je prelep grad!“

U čemu više uživate? U postizanju poena ili u dodavanjima?

„Pre svega volim da pobeđujem. Kada pobedite, statistika i nije preterano važna. Moji saigrači i treneri su me učili da pogađam, ali i da organizujem igru. Videti saigrače kako postižu poene mi donosi veliko zadovoljstvo.“

Za kraj, Wright je za navijače spremio ovu poruku: „Hvala vam za sva odlična pitanja. Uživao sam sedeti ovde dok se u pozadini vrteo Game of Thrones! Ova serija me zarazila otkad sam stigao ovamo. Hvala još jednom i nadam se da ćemo se uskoro ćuti. Zapratite me na Instagramu @DwrightUno i Twitteru @DwrightWay1.

Napred Igokea!!!“