Carl English, the 33 year-old Canadian scorer, who has spent seven years in Spain΄ s ACB League, is playing for the last three weeks in greek Basket League Scratch. As he stated at www.esake.gr, he is very pleased with the present situation at AEK BC.
- After so many years in Spain, why have you chosen AEK BC?
«It is a magnificent period for me, it is a change, something different. I was always being fascinated by Athens and Greece in general, and I was excited that I was given the opportunity to play for AEK BC, a team that is currently making changes and tries to get back to the top».
- Which are your first impressions from AEK BC and the greek League?
«It is not easy to adapt. The greek League is different from the spanish, which is faster. The games in Greece are tough and the teams much more defensive. But it is fine. I will probably need some time to adjust myself, but so far I am satisfied from all the aspects».
- As an attacking player competing in a defensive League, how hard is it for you to adapt?
«The key is to get used to the way the referees make their decisions and the characteristics of the game, the distance between the players etc. We do not know each other yet. In addition, I have to adapt to my new team. I have been here only for three weeks, but I feel that I become better and stronger every day».
- However, you have played almost the whole game against Apollon Carna...
«I played well, but the most important thing is that the team won. I scored some good shoots to help the team. This win was vital because we have a new coach, a different system, we changed everything. It is important that we will continue to work hard and try to adjust to the new circumstances after this win. It is good for the team».
- From a psychological aspect, after four consecutive defeats, how difficult was the game against Apollon Carna?
«There is always pressure. AEK BC is a great team, has many fans and there is always pressure. I am used to this. In every League, you must win the games in order to survive. I believe that we must improve as a team every day; we are going to win and lose games, but the important thing is to improve every day because all that matters is the team΄s position at the end of the season».
- How far can AEK BC go this season?
«I hope that we will continue to improve. I believe that we can fight for a place in the play-offs. If we reach the play-offs, anything is possible. The key is to continue to ΄΄build΄΄. We have time to improve and fight».
- What is your opinion regarding AEK BC as a club?>
«So far everything is very good. I am very happy with the club and especially with the new owner, who is very kind with me, the coaches, the stuff and the fans, who support us so much. I do not understand the chants, but I hope that they are cheering for us (laughter)! They have been unbelievable in our last game».
- What is your promise to the fans?>
«My promise is that I will keep up fighting. There will be wins and defeats, but evey day- whether I will be ΄΄on fire΄΄ or not- I am going to fight, fight, fight. And I will do anything to help my team win».
