Tigers – Tokyo – Texas, Jock Landale arrives in the NBA

It was in Tokyo while participating in the Olympics with the Boomers that Jock Landale, Australian champion and MVP of the Finals last season, received THE phone call from his agent.

“He said, ‘Hey, you’re not going to go back to Europe or Australia, you’re going to the NBA next year, because you have an offer from Spurs. I was like, ‘No, don’t mess around man, don’t play with me, we’re about to play the US, stop! »Jock Landale

On August 5, an agreement for 2 years between him and the Spurs is found. A few hours later, Australia lost to Team USA and Gregg Popovich in the semi-finals of the Olympic tournament.

“We didn’t say a word to each other. At that point, we are competitors. I really wanted to beat him, and I’m sure he really wanted to beat us too. »Jock Landale

Past – like his compatriot Patty Mills– by Saint Mary’s University (2014-18) in California, Landale shot 12.8 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game with Australia. The team won the first Olympic medal in its history by beating Slovenia by Luka Doncic.

“He’s one of those players on this team, they play the same way. They play smart, altruistically and hard. He’s an Aussie, he can’t help it. »Gregg Popovich

Since the start of training camp (where the presentations with Pop ‘were a pat on the back), it is his passing game that has particularly marked his teammates.

“He’s not afraid to make a pass that isn’t 100% sure. It is important. ” Jakob Poeltl

“I played with Pau Gasol. Pau Gasol is a great passer. He can read the game really well. I’m not saying Jock is Pau Gasol, but he’s a great passer. He understands the game and can be trusted when he has the ball in his hands. ” Dejounte murray

In San Antonio, the ex-Tiger of Melbourne will benefit from the presence of the assistant coach Matt Nielsen, a former Australian basketball star also on the staff of the national team in Tokyo.

“I’m not worried about my role. I’m just trying to focus on learning, making progress every day, and finding my place where I can. »Jock Landale

via San Antonio Express News

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