The first thing I feel like saying is thank youbecause I’m really happy to be here – these are Kenneth Faried’s first words as a player for Pallacanestro Reggiana – I’m finding a familiar environment that reminds me a lot of my college days (Morehead State University, ed.) for how life is lived, at a pace that is not too frenetic, but I want one thing to be clear: I am here to play basketball and to put all my energy at the service of Unahotels.
There is no doubt that he is already at ease: ‘Manimal’ arrives at the appointment wearing the team tracksuit and a pair of mega slippers on his feet. The braids are those of the best years, but even the smile – which alternates with moments in which it suddenly becomes serious – is gold medal-worthy and the conditions for making the PalaBigi they are all there.
Faried, how did the idea of accepting a proposal from the Italian championship come about?
“Choosing Italy was easy, I already knew and appreciated your culture thanks to my friend Gallinari who wrote to me immediately when he learned of my signing here in Reggio. A few years ago I had also been to Brindisi because Demonte Harper played there, a brother to me, and on that occasion I was won over by the kindness and warmth of the people. From that moment I always thought that if the right proposal had come along, I would have gladly taken it… And here I am (smiles, ed.)”.
What could his role be within the team?
“Already in my fifth year in the NBA with Denver I considered myself a veteran and I chose to speak more so I could be an example for everyone. In the end we become like a big family and it will be like that here in Reggio too: I feel good , I’m in good shape and I couldn’t wait to get started and be able to play here at the PalaBigi, in front of our fans.”
We understand that Gallinari is among his ‘private consultants’ who directed the choice towards Italy. Isn’t it strange to see that he is still a free agent?
“Yes, because Gallo is a player who could be very useful to any team: he is intelligent, humble, strong technically and has the desire to win. With him we have grown a lot in training, challenging each other and even provoking each other to try to get our players to come out on top. weak points and fix them. I can only wish him the best, we are always connected.”
He has already had his first approach to the Italian championship in the match against Napoli. Could his very athletic and aggressive type of play be poorly reconciled with the refereeing method used in Serie A?
“I think it’s above all a question of mutual knowledge and habit, I mean on both sides. If you show that you use that energy in every minute on the pitch, then even the referees will understand that it’s your way of being and that you’re adapting to the meter, without distorting yourself”.
You must have also had other offers, why did you choose Reggio?
“Because it has proven to be a cutting-edge, competitive club where I know that salaries arrive on time (laughs, ed.), I feel that I still have a lot to give to basketball and here I know that it will be put in the best conditions to compete.”
