Heroes from far away - Mike Scott

First of all, thank you for accepting my request for this interview.

Why and when did you start playing basketball?

Started playing when I was about 8-9. I tried football, but it was too harsh on the body. Tried basketball and it was a perfect fit.

Who is your role model on and off the court?

On the court? Ray Allen. I like is attitude and humility. Off the court? Jesus & my mother

In high school you played for Northwest HS. Did you learn a lot in those years? Was it a succesfull period for you?

High school was my favorite time of my past. I learned many things. It’s where you become who you will be for your lifetime.

You played in NCAA with Kent State University. Do you like to remember for Golden Falshes’s years?

Yes, I actually watched a video from our 2006 season when we went to the NCAA tournament. Really good times. But i’m glad the workouts are over! Lol

You achieved your first double-duoble in NCAA on 18th of February in 2006 against Butler, led your team and won in OT. You scored 17 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Was it a memorable win for you?

That was a turning point for my mentality and career. I realized I have a unique gift and I just need to learn how to keep utilizing it.

Your senior year was the best. You averaged 13,2 points,48,5 precent from field and 85 precent from free throw line and 6,3 rebounds per game and Kent State finished with 28 wins and only 7 loses. What did you achieve in your final year?

The respect of my teammates.

What kind of experiences do you have from the NCAA?

One of gritty competition, drive, failures, and success. It’s an up and down season when it comes to NCAA basketball except for the teams that win EVERY game! lol

How did you decide to come to Europe? Which was your first team? What was the best and the worst thing in your first european season?

Simply the opportunity to help a team, help & provide for my family, and keep playing the game I love to play. First team was Trabzonspor in Turkey. Best thing, experiencing another country. Worst thing, moving from hotel to hotel in our own city!!!

In 2009 you have signed a one year deal with Körmend. What was your first impression about the city, team, team-mates, coaches and of the fans.

Humble place, simple life, and GREAT fans!

You become a favourite of fans very quickly, because you was friendly, made huge blocks and dunks, and celebrated with supporters everytime. Was it easy to find a common voice with them?

Yes, it was. The city has great people! Very polite and respectful people. I enjoy this. I’ve been some places where the people are not so nice

What did your team-mates say about big rivalry? How did you experience your first Körmend vs. FALCO match ?

When i first got to Kormend, I was told of the huge rivalry. One that dates back years and years! I love the atmosphere. I enjoy those situations! Character and fight are what come to mind in a crazy game like that

Which was your best match in Hungary, and why?

Probably against Albacomp at home because I couldn’t miss. The rim was HUUUUGE that night. I think I had like 16 in the first half. We ended up winning the game as well. That was most important!

You swept FALCO at the 1st round of Play-off and after that you led 2-0 agaist Paks, but they could turn the matchup for their side and win for 2-3. You suffered an injury but fought forward and the fans gave a big respect for you. Was it hard 2 weeks for you?

I felt TERRIBLE. There is no doubt that we would have won that series and possibly the championship if that event didn’t happen! It was VERY frustrating. But i couldn’t give what I wanted to on the court due to the pain. But the fans were supportive and I never heard anything negative about me. So that helped out a lot!

Why couldn’t the Körmend win the Hungarian Championship in 2010.? What do you think about that team?

Things happen. It’s basketball.....???

On next summer You made a big change because you moved to Germany and singed a contract with BC Göttingen. It was a great chance for you, isn’t it?

Yes it was a good year. Traveled all over Europe and played some top notch players. I enjoyed my time there.

Bundesliga is one of the best championships in Europe. What are differences are there between Hungary and Turkey?

I think Hungary’s top teams could battle with Germany’s top teams. But Germany simply has more teams that are capable of being really really good. Hungary has about 5 or 6 teams. While Germay has about 9 or 10.

You are an important starting player in Göttingen. You must work hard for your place, isn’t it?

Absolutely, it’s been a looooooooooooong road and the road only gets longer!

On the other hand Göttingen has a great season in the Eurocup, and your are the team leader, because you are averaging 14 pont, with 55,6 precent and 5,3 rebounds. Did you achieved a big experience?

Amazing experience. I like the challenges of competition. I embrace it and seek it!

How do you appreciate your season at Göttingen?

I loved Goettingen. Great people, Great competition. My favorite thing about the city was playing in the Lokhalle!

What happened whit you on last summer?

Last summer I traveled to Miami and Las Vegas to hang out with friends and see more of the the world. I've traveled around the globe but barely in my own country. haha

Did you have a lot of offer after last season?

Things are coming together as far as my career. Teams seem to give me a little more attention after my time in Serbia.

How did you feel yourself in Radnicki, Serbia?

I enjoyed Radnicki because it allowed me to grow SO MUCH. Coach Muta allowed me to play through mistakes and grow as a player. So I am very grateful to have played there last season

Radnicki finished the regular season on 7th place. How do you evaulate your regular season and the playoff?

I'm happy and angry at the same time with the season and playoffs. I think we could have played deeper into the playoffs and had a better record through the season but this is basketball sometimes and I have to move on from it.

You had very good averages, you were a key player of Radnicki in championship and Adriatic League. Which competition was the harder?

The guys in Serbian league play extremely hard. It's just different. The talent in Adriatic is better but the guys in Serbian league make up for the talent gap by playing like vicious dogs! It was a very competitive year!

Which was the most memorable moment in this season?

Most memorable moment was probably when we beat Partizan in a thrilling game at home. The fans were so excited during and after the game. It was a crazy environment!

What are you planning for the future?

Plans for the future, well the future it tomorrow and my focus is to improve on this court and reach the highest point of my game as possible! That is absolutely it.

What do you think, who will be the NBA Champion?How do you plan your carrier in future. Fe. Would you like play in stronger championship?

NBA champs?? I'm not sure man. There are two tough teams and Miami is up 3-1, so it looks like a large mountain for OKC to conquer but I'll still take them! GO OKC!!!

Do you have some unique rituals before matches, or trainings?

No, not really...just depends on the day and how i feel. I normally eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before games.

Who was your best team-mate in your carrier and who was your best opponent?

Best teammate. Probably Trent Meacham from Germany. Best opponent, PAKS defender. I can’t think of his name right now. African American guy. 6’5”. Leaper, shot blocker, athletic. He is Ivory Clark!

Which is your favourite hungarian drink and food?

It feels like forever since I’ve been there...

Do you keep in touch with your old team-mates in Hungary? If yes, with who?

I talk to with Jermaine Thomas on a regular basis.

Which was your most memorable moment and game in your carrier?

Gottingen vs. Aris in Greece. We were down 17 in the 4th. Came back and won!!! It was CRAZY!!!!