Willie Cauley-Stein: Here in Europe every game and every ball is important, not like in the NBA…
The Kentucky product: For a player who loves basketball, the game is better in Europe and that is what motivated me to embark on this journey’
Former NBA Lottery Pick Willie Cauley-Stein spoke to the media for the first time since his arrival in Italy.
The big man will play next season with Openjobmetis Varese.
“When I chose to come to Italy I forced myself not to have expectations; it was my choice because there is often the risk of being disappointed.
Here in Varese, however, I must say that I have found a great organisation and strong teammates, I am very happy. I chose to come to Europe because of the more ‘tactical’ way of playing compared to the 1vs1 basketball that is played today in the NBA, which is conditioned by the players’ desire to produce personal statistics. Here in Europe every game and every ball is important, not like in the NBA where all 82 games are equal…”.
Physically I’m fine and I’m working with my teammates to improve day by day.
I feel a lot of passion from the city and the fans around us; they make me feel like a superstar, which I am not. However, all this support can only help us to step on the court and give our best.
Golf? It’s literally an addiction; I played with Toto Bulgheroni and the conditions of the greens here are perfect; on some holes you can see a wonderful panorama.”