At 21, Usman Garuba has been considered for several years as one of the great hopes of Spanish basketball, but he is struggling for the moment to make his mark in the NBA, on the side of Rockets.
Still, his second season in the league was noticeably better than his first, which has fueled his appetite and ambition for the third, in 2023/24.
” For me, it’s my first real year there, since I didn’t play much during my rookie season. I had a few good moments, where I played well, but given the way I work, I always expect more. I want to be someone important in the NBA. […] I trust myself completely. In my eyes, it will be my second year and now I know the city, the team, the league… I am better prepared and I hope to reach the next level. My minutes may increase or stay the same, but I will work to give my best, whenever I play », does he judge Thus.
For the time being, Usman Garuba therefore believes that he is on the right track and that his progress is notable, at different levels.
” I improved in many areas, like my reading of the game, my shooting, [les petites choses qui ne se voient pas dans les stats]… “, he lists first, before being realistic. ” I’m a better player, but I don’t think I’m halfway there yet. This summer, I want to work so that I can give my all next season and make the most of my potential. I know I can do more. »
Already a key element of the “Roja”?
Blocked on the 3/4 positions by Jae’Sean Tate and Tari Eason or Jabari Smith Jr. and Kenyon Martin Jr. in the rotation of Houstoneven Alperen Sengun because he can also help out at position 5, Usman Garuba however manages to use his passages in selection to gain confidence (and to increase his prize list).
Precisely, what could be better than his golden European experience last summer, with theSpain, to realize it? He who had averaged 4.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists (over 17 minutes) under Sergio Scariolo.
” Obviously », Says the 23rd choice of the Draft 2021, concerning the benefits of this EuroBasket on his career. ” I felt like a real basketball player again, after a difficult year where I missed the Summer League. It was very good and now we have an event like the World Cup, where we are going to give our all. »
As a reminder, at the next World Cup of which she will be defending champion, the “Roja” will be in pool G in Jakarta (Indonesia) with Brazil, Iran and Côte d’Ivoire. If she finishes in the first two places, she will then cross with the group of France in the second round, to hope to reach the 1/4 finals.
| Usman Garuba | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2021-22 | HOO | 24 | 10 | 43.2 | 25.0 | 71.4 | 0.9 | 2.6 | 3.5 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 2.0 |
| 2022-23 | HOO | 75 | 13 | 48.6 | 40.7 | 61.7 | 1.6 | 2.5 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 3.0 |
| Total | 99 | 12 | 47.5 | 36.7 | 63.0 | 1.4 | 2.5 | 3.9 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 2.8 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
