By Lefteris Moutis/moutis@eurohoops.net
This season Bryan Randle is the key factor of Maccabi Tel Aviv. Illinois´ university graduate with lots of years in Israel, makes a tremendous season with Maccabi. He is the third best blocker, sixth “thief”, seventh on two points shots accuracy. At the same time he is the third best scorer of Maccabi. His goal is to bring the repeat in Madrid. Mission difficult, will see…
When you moved to Israel from the USA you said that “I go there because I know that there is a demand there for big guys who score a lot.” Do you think that this was your “passport” to play for Maccabi?
I don’t recall making that statement. When I came out of college, I wasn’t considered a scorer but more of a defensive player. When I came to Israel I just wanted to play basketball and enjoy the process of being a “professional.” As I have continued playing, I always enjoyed doing whatever the team needed and being a competitor. I think those things are what allowed me to be in a position for Maccabi to consider me, and luckily for me, to sign me.
How easy is it to play in a team and a domestic league that has many American players and follows that kind of basketball style?
It was an adjustment at first, learning the European style and the rules of it; especially how not to travel with the ball. After playing basketball for so long though, it wasn’t so bad making the transition. Definitely a learning experience, but it came much more quickly than I thought it would when I first started.
For the last three seasons there has been a fashion in European basketball that guides all the teams to have more athletic big guys on their roster. Does this help you to establish yourself as one of the best players in the league?
I was blessed with athleticism, and I thank God for that. I think this has allowed me to be more versatile over the course of my basketball career. More than just being athletic, it’s also important to understand the game and many players nowadays have improved their understanding of the game and increased their basketball IQ. This is something that I have tried to do as well in order to advance my overall game.
Do you feel that all these years you didn’t have the chance to play in the top Euroleague level and show your quality? Do you “bless” Goodes now for his choice?
I fully believe that God’s timing is perfect. Every year leading up to this year helped me develop as a player and as a man. I am grateful to God for the opportunity and I am grateful to Coach Goodes and the Maccabi organization for the opportunity to represent this club.
How easy was it for you to adapt to Maccabi’s philosophy, and especially to this unique mixed up zone?
It took some time to adjust to be honest. I was always one of the teams trying to beat Maccabi, so to be on the “other side” was a bit weird at first. As soon as I put on that yellow jersey for the first time though, everything changed for me. I fell in love with Maccabi and I became a part of this family.
You watched all this crazy season of Maccabi last season. Do you believe that this will lead you again in the spring?
Last year’s team had an amazing run, and it was fun to watch. They were definitely an inspiration. I’m not sure what will happen this season, but I believe in this team and I think we have the potential to do something special. We haven’t really talked about last season much to be honest. But it is without a doubt an inspiration.
You are the only team that has beaten Real Madrid, Barcelona and Panathinaikos this season, the other favorites of the group. Could we name Maccabi as a favorite to reach one of the two first places in the group?
It’s too early to say I think, but like I mentioned earlier I think we have a special team with a lot of potential.
Is the home advantage so important in the playoffs? Tel Aviv is always hot, but Maccabi made it last season against Milan without having it…
Home advantage is a huge advantage to have. It doesn’t guarantee success by any means but it definitely gives the home team an edge.
After so many years in Israel, do you have in mind to maybe to get a second nationality to play on the Israeli national team?
If I had the opportunity to receive dual citizenship and play for the national team, I would be honoured and overjoyed.