First of the West Conference, the Thunder will have its coach, an assistant and two players at the All-Star Game with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams. For his first selection, the latter will evolve in a very familiar environment.
Before being drafted in 12th position in 2022, he had spent three seasons in the University of Santa Clara, in San José, in the south of the Bay of San Francisco. Three years later, here he is All Star. A dazzling progression and pretty wink of fate.
“Chance does things well,” He told us on Saturday morning at the All-Stars training in Oakland. “When I take the time to appreciate where I come from, it has a very special meaning to be able to appreciate this first selection by being so close to my college. It's really great. My schedule is very tight but I hope to be able to go to campus, or at least see my coaches and people from the university. »»
Former Steve Nash college, Santa Clara allowed him to work in a system made to go to the next step. He arrived in Oklahoma City and was immediately efficient to position himself as the perfect lieutenant of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, capable of scoring, creating for his teammates, and defending all the positions.
A first for many
Thunder's staff, by Mark Daigneault to video assistants, has played a key role in his development since his arrival in the League. The Thunder at the head of his conference, all have the opportunity to share this experience with their protégé.
“To be honest, it's a bit unreal. I still have trouble finding the right words to describe what I feel, “ continues the interested party. “It's great to be able to enjoy my first All-Star Game, surrounded by people I meet every day. It can be weird if you are alone and you don't know many people. I am lucky to have with me all the people who helped me get there. And for some of them, it is also their first time at All-Star Game, so it's really great to be able to share this experience with them. »»
Interview in Oakland.
