Olek Balcerowski is enjoying his first weeks as a Barcelona player. The 25-year-old Polish center, born in Świdnica in 2000, arrived at the Palau Blaugrana after two seasons in Málaga and considers the move to Barça the most important step of his career so far.
“Every day we are becoming a better team”
Balcerowski says his adaptation has been straightforward, partly because of his long experience in Spain after arriving in Gran Canaria at just 13 years old.
“For me, it’s going very well. It has been very easy, honestly. I already know Spain well.”
The new Barça roster is still getting to know each other, but the early signs are positive.
“Every day we are improving. I think every day we are becoming a better team than the days before. We have been together for a very short time, but we are doing everything we can, putting in the hours and the practices and building that confidence between us.”
Sekulic wants intensity and defense
With Josh Nebo and Yoan Makoundou currently injured, Balcerowski has an important role in the frontcourt.
“I feel very good with all the guys. I have a good relationship with both of them. In the locker room we are all still getting to know each other, but the vibes inside are very good.”
Head coach Sekulic has also made his expectations clear.
“Run, run and run,” Balcerowski said with a smile. “He wants me to set good screens and defend hard. That’s more or less what he asks from me.”
The Polish center described Barça as a very physical team that wants to build its identity from defense.
“We want to be physical, defend very well, build from defense and create many fast-break opportunities and more shooting opportunities for ourselves than the opponent. From there, we build together and play at a very high pace.”
“We want to be at the very top”
The ambitions at Barcelona are equally clear. Balcerowski believes the Final Four is already on everyone’s mind.
“Yes, of course. I think it’s in the head of every one of us, the players, the staff and everyone working at the club. We want to be at the very top and we cannot take that out of our heads.”
“We are a big club, a club that has to win, that has to win titles, and that’s how we see it, with hunger and excitement.”
“Málaga treated me with a lot of affection”
Balcerowski spent the previous two seasons at Unicaja Málaga and leaves the club with fond memories.
“I love Málaga, as a city and everything about it. During the two years I was there, the fans treated me with a lot of affection and I hope to see them soon.”
At Barça, he has already found himself on the other side of a curious exchange with former Barcelona center Willy Hernangómez, who has moved to Málaga.
Food is what he misses most from Poland
Despite having spent most of his life in Spain, Balcerowski still misses one thing from his home country.
“The food.”
He enjoys Spanish cuisine, but some Polish products are harder to find.
“I like it a lot, but there are some things that are difficult to get here. There are few Polish stores, so I would say I mostly miss the food. Almost everything else I have here.”
“I’m a happy and slightly hyperactive guy”
Away from basketball, Balcerowski describes himself as cheerful, sociable and a little hyperactive.
“I think I’m a happy guy, a little hyperactive. I like talking, chatting and making jokes. But I also think I’m calm, I like having my own space and I really like spending time with my family.”
Asked about a hobby away from basketball that fans might not know about, he preferred to keep that part of his life private.
“It’s a very important step for my future”
For Balcerowski, the move to Barcelona represents a major turning point.
“Yes, I think so. At least that’s how I see it. Returning to the EuroLeague with a very big club. Personally, looking back, every step I take is what I believe is best for me. It’s a very important step for my future.”
And after arriving at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, he says there have been no major surprises.
“I came to a big club, I expected a big club, the best, and that’s what I found. So I don’t think anything has surprised me because everything is great, everything is a 10 out of 10, so I can’t complain about anything.”
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