Interview: Murat Tütüncü and Gülen Canol Tütüncü
Hosted by Colombia, Argentina and Uruguay in the group phase, FIBA AmeriCup 2017 Group C matches kicked off with USA’s 97-56 victory over Panama. After the game, USA guard Billy Baron gave an exclusive interview to TrendBasket.
#FIBAAmeriCup2017‘de bugün başlayacak C Grubu maçlarını takip etmek için yerimizi aldık. Günün ilk maçı ABD ile Panama arasında. #TBHerYerde pic.twitter.com/6qG8RALdUk
— TrendBasket (@TrendBasket) 28 Ağustos 2017
Firstly, Baron analyzed the game in which he played for six minutes and voiced his feelings about having represented the USA at senior level for the first time.
It was a little sloppy at times but for our second game, it was okay. We’re gonna need to sharpen up some things, on defense and offense. We won by a good margin but I think to win the gold medal at this tournament, you’re gonna need to do a lot better. Tomorrow, we will have a tough atmosphere. We know the gym is going to be full. It’s gonna be a big game for [Uruguay]. We need to come here ready. Even though we won tonight, we got to walk away like we’re not satisfied.
To put this jersey on, USA [flag] on my chest, it’s a dream come true. As a child, these are the things you always dream about. I don’t care if it’s Olympics or what it is. To wear the red, white and blue, to represent your country is an absolute dream. It’s something I will tell my kids about.
He also talked about Eskişehir Basket, the team he signed with for the 2017-18 season, as well as the reasons of choosing to play there.
I like the coach and the team they have. They have a good vision for what they want to do. I think we look like we have a good team. I’m very eager to get there. I know the coach, talked to a lot of people from Spain and he knows my game. I feel really good. I’m really looking forward to the challenge. I think if we put our minds together, we have a chance to make the playoffs and I think that’s what everybody in the team is thinking about. I can’t wait to get there.
Jimmy [Baron, his older brother] played in Mersin and Banvit. He says Turkey is a great country. Obviously it’s different from Spain, different from anywhere I have played. Me and my wife are gonna come over and we’re looking forward to the challenge. I heard Eskişehir is a great city. So, I’m looking forward to the season.
Lastly, Baron sent a message to the Eskişehir Basket fans for the upcoming season:
I can’t wait to get there. Hopefully, we’ll win the gold here and then I can’t wait to get over there and compete with my teammates. I watched their game yesterday; I know they’ve been practicing. Let’s make the playoffs this year!
#FIBAAmeriCup2017 C Grubu açılış maçında @usabasketball @FePaBa‘yı 97-56 yenerek turnuvaya beklenen başlangıcı yaptı. #TBHerYerde pic.twitter.com/uyctCGSmnQ
— TrendBasket (@TrendBasket) 28 Ağustos 2017