Interview: Onur Coşkun
Date: Monday the 21th of December, 2020
We’ve had an interview with Kayla McBride of Fenerbahçe Öznür Kablo after the first part of group stage.
-Can you evaluate your group in EuroLeague Women? Maybe you are in the hardest group of the league, there are two teams that are your direct competitors.
“EuroLeague is one of the toughest leagues in the world. Obviously we know we have tough teams in our group. I think that with injuries and Covid-19 we only showed a little bit of who we are. The other teams in our group have a chance to be in the Final Four, they are great teams but I like our chances when we are healthy.”
-You got two wins in three matches in the group. The next games will be played in Prague. I think all matches will be very competitive. What can you say about your playoff chances?
“I think that having the first bubble in Istanbul was huge and we already know our competitors. Being in Prague will be normal. We treat it as any other game and if we are together and strong. I love who we are as a team.”
-You have a very successful performance in the Turkish league. You won all the matches you played. What do you think about local rivalries and general quality in the league?
“Turkish League is where Fenerbahce has always had so much success. We want to continue that. I know what it’s like to win this league and now being with Fenerbahce and being apart of the rivalries. Makes me want to win even more.”
-You joined the team a little late because of the WNBA finals. How was your adaptation process to Fenerbahçe? What was the harmony and differences between your expectations and what you encountered?
“After the WNBA finals it was disappointing losing and everything but the club was so supportive and made it easy to move here to Istanbul. My dad traveled with me here and I felt right at home. It was an easy transition. I knew my teammates well and we clicked pretty easily.”
-What do you think of Vitor Lapena? He was named the best coach of the EuroLeague last season. Can you give some tips on training and in-game methods? How is his communication with the players?
“Victor is great. He called me back in March and we talked about me coming to play for him here and I could feel how excited he was about the club and the group that we have. He is intense but also caring and supportive. I love playing with him. Always positive but still always pushing us to get better.”
-Can you evaluate the Fenerbahçe organization? In WNBA, you were also involved in top level organizations. In comparison, what do you think of the team’s position in European basketball?
“I think Fenerbahce is one of the best clubs in the world and to be here is special. All the staff and everyone is kind and hardworking. They make the job easy.”
-What do you think about the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s basketball? Due to the outbreak conditions, the EuroLeague Women’s format has changed, but the fixtures are still busy. What are your ideas about the local league and EuroLeague density?
“Covid -19 has been tough for all of us. In America and now EuroLeague even Turkish league. It has made everything a little bit more difficult. Thankfully we are able to still play the games. We can still be a team and compete. I wish I was able to experience the Fenerbahce fans but hopefully we will have that chance in a few months.”
-What are the main differences between the basketball played in WNBA and EuroLeague?
“I think the biggest different between EuroLeague and WNBA is just the team basketball. In WNBA everyone is playing a lot more 1 on 1. in Europe the game is more physical and it’s played together.”
-You played with Becky Hammon in 2014. How do you evaluate her being the first female coach in the NBA? Hammon is also nominated to be the head coach in the NBA.
“Becky was someone I always looked up to. From the first time we met she was someone who taught me what it meant to be a professional. I KNOW that she will be a head coach in the NBA soon. There is no one else out there more ready for the job. She will be great.”
-Despite having selected to All-Star 3 times, we never watched you with USA Basketball. Is this your personal choice or that you were not selected?
“USA 2021 olympics is one of my goals. I have always put Europe ahead of that but I am going to give everything I have to make that team.”
-Could you briefly talk about your life and hobbies in Istanbul? Are you interested in movies, TV series and books? Which genres do you like more? What are your favorites?
“I love Istanbul it’s one of my favorite cities, this is my third year living here so I know it pretty well. I love to cook, shop, watching all my shows. Everything. Music is another passion of mine as well as baking so if I’m not in the gym I’m doing one of those things!”