By Antonis Stroggylakis/ info@eurohoops.net
“It’s an incredible honor. I’m really happy. It’s not just about me, it’s about my team. We are having a great year as a team.”.
This is how Kyle Hines described his feelings about being named “Euroleague Best Defender of the Year” to Eurohoops, minutes before receiving his award by the hands of CSKA Moscow legend Ramunas Siskauskas. In his third year in the Russian team, Hines had what was perhaps the best season in his career so far, averaging 11 points, 4.7 rebounds, and one block per game.
“Many different reasons contributes to this. Lots of things had to do with how the team works in general”, he explained to us, in his usual humble manner. “This year we rarely had our backcourt roster at full strength. And that meant more playing time for me. I had a bigger role and needed to undertake many more duties. My responsibilities increased. And that’s what increased my output as well”.
Neither the fans, or the media give their opinion for who is going to be named “Defender of the Year”. It’s the coaches that vote for their player of their choice. Since this is the only individual award, decided by the coaches, does it hold a special meaning to Hines? “It definitely makes me more honored. The fact that the coaches, the experts, as you might say, vote me to receive this award is simply… incredible. Being appreciated by the coache is something I am going to truly cherish. It is special exactly for this reason.”
Against Lokomotiv Kuban in the semi final, we will see a quite interesting match-up between Kyle Hines and fellow member of the All-Euroleague second team, Anthony Randolph. “He is a unique player”, said the CSKA center about his opponent. “While he primarily plays in the center position, he can be easily considered as a perimeter player. So, automatically, that makes my defensive role different as well. Generally, as a team, we have to make adjustments like that. Not only for Randolph, but for the entire Lokomotiv Kuban squad. But we also have to continue playing our game. And try to stay focused for 40 minutes”.
As “professor” of this aspect of the game and with the… degree to prove it, what would Kyle Hines say to young kid that begins playing basketball in order to make him understand the important of defense? “That defense is what keeps you on court. Defense is, as what people say the road to win championships. Lots of players have individual scoring abilities and are able to constantly make baskets. But at the same time… somebody must stop these players from doing what they do. And that’s on me! But everybody can have a strong role in the team. Any successfulll team has great offensive players but also great defensive players”.