Enes Kanter says he enjoyed going up against NBA players at FIBA Eurobasket – NBA News
Turkish centre Enes Kanter hasn’t had much luck since moving to the United States.
A prodigious talent, he was denied the chance to test his skills in the NCAA basketball tournament because of some technical issues. Since then, the NBA lockout has wiped out any hope he had of getting on with basketball in USA.
The player however had a chance to go up against some NBA players in the EuroBasket tournament, and says he thrived in that atmosphere.
“EuroBasket was very special to me because I finally get to play basketball, play some games.” Kanter said according to the Salt Lake Tribune.
The EuroBasket tournament took place in Lithuania this year and was won by defending champions Spain. Many players who play in the NBA featured in that tournament and so was Kanter.
He was understandably excited about Dirk Nowitzki, the German power forward who plays for the Dallas Mavericks. Nowitzki is arguably the best foreign player ever to play in the NBA and won the NBA Finals MVP award this year. Other
than him, Kanter also mentioned Memphis Grizzlies Spanish centre Marc Gasol, who was instrumental in his side’s playoff run.
“EuroBasket I played with Marc Gasol, Dirk Nowitzki, couple other real good players. I saw where I'm at compared to other players.” Kanter said.
The Turkish centre revealed that he was happy to gauge himself against such established names and was now determined more than ever to work hard and raise his own level. He also opined that after getting to play some meaningful
basketball after a forced hiatus of around 2 years, his confidence was at all time high as well.
“So I'm just going to work hard right now. Right now I feel more confident because I play European basketball and then in L.A. Right now, I'm going to play in Utah with all the other players. I'm feeling so much better.”
During the past year, Kanter worked out with his college team but was never allowed to play with them in competitive games. He also worked with renowned NBA trainer Tim Grover, who helped the young forward a lot.
Grover was a blessing for Kanter especially as he helped him keep in shape and when the NBA scouts came looking; they were impressed with what they saw.
Subsequently, the Utah Jazz picked him 3rd overall in this year’s NBA draft. Now the Jazz fans are hoping the young centre can fulfil his enormous potential with their franchise and help them achieve success next season.
They might have to wait a little more for that though with the NBA lockout still dragging on.
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