While the crown jewel of Israeli basketball, Deni Avdija, is back home for a break and some respite from the hectic NBA schedule, he remains in constant motion with twice-daily workouts, commercial shoots and a myriad of things he needs to accomplish before he takes off for Washington in a month.
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Our representative in the world's premier league was supposed to join the Israeli national team for the pre-qualifying tournament for the Paris Olympics, but due to an injury and his team's preference not to risk him, he will not be able to join the games this summer. Instead, he will focus on the start of his fourth season with the Wizards.
In an exclusive interview with Ynetnews’ sister publication Yedioth Ahronoth, 22-year-old Avdija talks about the routine and challenges behind the glittering image, the things that impede career advancement, and discussions of special treatment in the national team.
On the last topic, he sounds charged. "I never asked for special treatment. I never asked for a private room, I never asked to get my own meals, I never asked for things that other players do ask for, never. I asked for the minimum. Do you want me to lead the team?” he says.”
I'm sacrificing my NBA career to play for the national team and represent the country, so the minimal things that bother me a bit or that I kind of want, then give them a little attention - not a lot, just a bit. But I learn from mistakes, and perhaps I didn't behave correctly, and maybe they also didn't behave right."
In the last EuroBasket in Prague last September, the national team was eliminated in a crushing blow already in the group stage, and there were rumors of factions among the players and a strained relationship with then-coach Guy Goodes.
He responded to the accusations made by his former boss, who claimed that he was trying to dictate the team lineup that would take to the basketball court, specifically pairing him with Fenerbahçe guard and long-time friend Yam Madar.
"Ultimately, it's the coach's decision, and Yam and I accepted his choices. We felt our on-court chemistry was excellent, and we needed to be in sync. By the way, I enjoy playing with everyone, but playing with Yam always gave me an extra sense of confidence because he knows me very well. If Guy wants to interpret it that way, it's his prerogative."
Do you feel you were treated unfairly?
"Maybe to some extent. It was more his issue. Some coaches stick with their convictions and don't change anything, even if their lead players decide otherwise, while some coaches go with the flow. It's his right to do so."
Was it hard for the other players that you and Mader are good friends?
"Definitely. I don't know exactly who, but I'm sure there are players on the team who were less comfortable with it. Those who know me and Yam know that we want the team to succeed the most; we pass the ball to everyone, we're not self-centered."
Life in the NBA isn't glamorous for the most part
On life in the world's best league, Avdija says, "Most of it isn't glamorous. The exciting things are few compared to the less exciting ones. You have to face the world's best players every day, eat and sleep properly, participate in various campaigns and advertisements and lead a life that is extremely intense. I feel it refines me as a person."
How much of your potential are you utilizing?
"At the moment, I'm not fully utilizing it. I feel that I'm capable of much more. Only I know what I'm capable of, and I think the team believes in me too. I just need to mature more, be more consistent, and everything will be fine."
How much does your mind hold you back?
"Sometimes a lot, but I'm learning to cope with it."