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| Kokia: "Each season brings its own challenges" |
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| The team players. Ori Kokia, in first interview |
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| From: Tali Minsbreg |
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Date: 20/9/2009
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Hour: 11:56
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Hi Uri, how is your training for the season going?
Well, the training is hard, we are all working to improve personal fitness and learn from each other as well. We have never played together so we are working to get the chemistry going as a group before the start of the EuroCup.
What aspects of the game are you trying to improve before the season?
I work on all aspects of the game during summer, and I try to start the season prepared to integrate myself into the group. This summer, I also got to train with the team, working very intensively. The training was enjoyable and I am now in very good physical shape.
How is the team and the staff this year?
It think we have a team with a lot of good players, a lot of talent. The group was built on the go and one player at a time, but we are optimistic and we are ready to go. It is so fun to be with a group of Israeli players like Sharon Shason and Yuval Naimy and forgein players with lots of experience.
How is working with the staff, and Coach Guy Goodes?
We just started practice only a few weeks ago, and I really have enjoyed working with Guy thus far. He is good and comfortable in the position and combines well with the entire staff, the management team and all.
You are working with a lot of young players. Are you impressed with them?
I am very impressed, we have a very good young team. Everyone works very hard to make a good team.
How do you feel to be with a large club like Hapoel Jerusalem?
Of course I am very happy to be with a club this size, even in terms of the administrative and professional staff. Each season brings new challenges and new scenes and I am waiting to meet those challenges. I have also played in several clubs, from the Israeli national basketball team to club teams as well so I it is nice to have experience on different types of teams.
Let's go back for a moment to last season in Holon which was extremely successful. How did you do it? Was it more than basketball? Was it heart and soul?
I think the secret of the Holon group was our connection. We had a special connection that our coach, Franco, started. Perhaps as a group we were less talented, but we made a great team- we always worked well together. Those things brought us further than anyone thought possible, we even took home the winning trophy. I have always believed that a team with good chemistry can go father than a team with lots of individual talent. I hope Hapoel will have such a great connection this year.
Is the connection with the fans important to you?
Everywhere I have found a connection with the audience, it is very important to me. Playing in a full house with lots of energy really adds to my desire to give more and more. No doubt that a crowd like Jerusalem will give us extra energy to push forward. A good crowd is like a sixth player on court.
What do you remember from the Hapoel Jerusalem fans when being on a rival team?
As a rival player, I always remember the Hapoel fans gave the team a big push. It was always an experience to play in Malcha.
What is more important to you, the local league or the European scene?
I think that every club, and certainly Hapoel Migdal, is committed to fight in every setting, whether it's in the league here in Israel or the European league. I do not think you can say one is more important or less important, I treat every game the same way and give it my all.
Thanks Uri, and best of luck this season!
Thanks, good luck to all- I hope to see the fans with us throughout the season. This year will be a good year for everyone- go red!
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