The new life in the NBA, the tips for Danny Abdia, the message to Maccabi Tel Aviv and the future in Israel. Amara Studmeier, Perhaps the most brilliant player to step on the floor in Israel, returned to the United States this year, but he probably did not forget the Holy Land, to which he is known to have connected at all levels. Now, in an exclusive interview with the sports channel, the former star has told about working alongside the superstars in Brooklyn, the Washington Rockies and a host of other topics. Everything is here in front of you.
How does it feel to be on the team’s coaching staff that experts expect to win in the East?
“It feels good, it feels like an opportunity to create an atmosphere of winning a championship. It’s beautiful to be a part of it, think we have a great chance of winning in the East and we will continue from there. Championship or failure? “I think the goal is to win the championship. If we do not win the championship, it will definitely leave a bitter taste in our mouths, we strive for the status of champions.”
It all happened so fast, did you hesitate before taking on the role of assistant coach?
“Yes, I tended to return to play for Maccabi Tel Aviv. I was about to play this season, I was definitely close to returning to play for Maccabi. So what closed the deal anyway? “When my good friend, Steve Nash, became the Nets’ coach and I had the opportunity to work with him, I took the opportunity.”
Brooklyn has the best offensive rating in league history since James Harden joined, but also the worst defensive rating ever in history. How do you deal with the fact that you have a great attack and defense that is not good at the moment?
“I think the professional team will find a way to improve defense. Again, there are a lot of questions around the Brooklyn Nets strategy, but I let Steve and the coaching staff answer those questions. By and large, they’ve been doing a good job so far.”
Does the fact that you and Steve Nash were superstars help you get the attention of your stars?
“I think yes, we know how to connect with players, we have the strategy and the knowledge to help them become better players. A lot of players will be happy to join us. We have a special personality that speaks to players and stars who want to be part of something big. This is a great opportunity for both of us.”
You were an excellent offensive player, but Kevin Durant may be one of the best in history. What is it like working with him and James Harden and Kyrie Irving, who are a nightmare for defenses?
“It’s fun. I’ve known them since I was a player in the league, so the companies have always been there.”
Kyrie is a “free spirit”, a guy of inspiration. When he took a break, were you afraid he would not return or would not be charged?
“No, he’s amazing. He’s one hundred percent committed. Kyrie is one of the greatest coordinators who played the game, he’s amazing and does an amazing job. Kyrie is brilliant, he’s a nice guy, a great player, family and community connected. It’s important to be in your circle and the league.”
Do you see your future in coaching? In ten years we will be able to say “Amara Studmeier Coach on the NBA Team”?
“I do not think I have finished playing yet. I may return to Israel next year and continue playing. My playing career is not over yet, we do not know what will happen in the future. A comeback to Israel? It is possible, definitely possible. I still love to play, I am still in great shape and body “My feeling is wonderful – so it’s definitely possible to continue my playing career. Right now, I need to focus on my coaching career at the Brooklyn Nets and see what the future holds.”
Superstars do not need you to explain to them what to do, they are great at what they do. As a coach, is your job more professional or mental?
“Both. You have to train them, because there is a certain strategy, exercises and adjustments – but to help them play at a high level, you need both. You also need to know how to manage the special personality of each player, so that they feel comfortable and at home.”
This week you met for the second time this season Danny Abdia. What growth have you seen from him? How do you feel about his future within a dysfunctional group?
Yes, Washington is a dysfunctional group. It’s not easy for a player to get used to a team that is not functioning, certainly not like a team competing for a championship. The quality of the leaders there is not as strong as he would like it to be, but he needs to keep moving forward as a player and learn how to be a leader. One day he will have to be a leader in the team, be a player who can lead. In the meantime, as he experiences ups and downs, he needs to keep learning, striving to get better and working hard – so that one day he will be the guy that teams look up to. “
The mentoring work you did with Abdia last season made you realize you want to teach and coach basketball?
No, coaching was not really in my head, I focused on playing and after winning the championship with Maccabi and the final MVP – I thought of winning again. So coaching was not really in my head until Steve got the job, and then I thought maybe it’s not a bad idea to turn to him and check out the opportunity. That’s how it all happened. ”
You and Steve Nash were friends, you were both Allstars, you had great chemistry on the field. What is it like working with him off the field?
“On the field we always had chemistry as anyone could see, and off the field it’s the same. We definitely enjoyed spending time together, we had group activities. Steve is a guy with a great character, easy to get along with so it works great.”
What is it like to be the NBA’s Sabbath Keeper?
You know, I was stressed about it. I did not want to contact the management on this issue, because I did not want to pose a problem in functioning and make a mess for the group. I was a little stressed to ask them, but when I asked to take time off on Saturday they were perfectly fine with it. It helps me a lot to stay a “Sabbath-keeper.”
Do you feel at home with the Jewish community in Brooklyn?
“One hundred percent. I feel like in part of Israel, even if not completely in Israel. I miss the country very much, but I think it makes it very easy for me. The community here is organized and helps me focus on my goals. So far it has been amazing.”
How do you see the continuation of your relationship with Israel?
“I miss Israel very much, this is my home. I can not wait to return to Israel and spend time with people I have not seen for a long time. We will see what the future will determine for next year.”
Should Maccabi Tel Aviv fans take your shirts out of the closet?
“I really hope they haven’t thrown away my shirts yet, because I’m still an active player, sort of. There’s definitely a possibility I’ll keep playing. I do not know what my future holds, I did not start talking about it at all, but you never know what could happen. “.
What is the moment you have enjoyed the most this season so far?
“I think the best moments were those where I was with the players, I taught them, I saw how the club works, the management, the general manager and his assistant. Learn from these people in the management, understand how the coaching staff works and builds his schedule. Also the actors, it’s easy for me to be by their side because I was an actor before. I would say that the most exciting moment was learning from the central management and the coaching staff. “
