De ‘Longhi on Sunday against Varese wants the 7th in a row «The trip to the playoffs? I expect to keep winning “
/ TREVISO
The problem in a couple of months, or even sooner, will be the same as Sokolowski’s: convincing him to stay in Treviso. Why Cristian “Big Meko” Mekowulu today is the most explosive center of the championship: the consecration came on Sunday: 21 points (10/14) and 12 rebounds against gentlemen like Bilan and Happ. Mvp of the turn. And on Sunday there is a certain Luis Scola waiting for him. But the Nigerian center is a nice character even off the pitch. “When I was little I used to play soccer, but being tall someone suggested that I try basketball. I enrolled in an Academy in Nigeria, after a year and a half I had the opportunity to go to the USA: from there I fell in love with it. I used to play soccer, but I immediately realized that basketball was different, I had never felt like this before. Knowing that I have the opportunity to build something for my life through basketball has made me even better ».
How much did the leap in category from Orzinuovi weigh?
«Not a burden, I would say a process: integrating myself into a new team, learning new ways of playing and growing above all from the point of view of basketball IQ. Once I leveled up it wasn’t difficult but it was a process from which I was able to learn a lot. Improving and becoming stronger took time but it didn’t matter ».
Have you ever been a professional?
“All the children in Nigeria look to him, but as far as I’m concerned he hasn’t been a real model. I learned a lot watching his games, I really enjoyed watching how he moved. Obviously, there are a couple of players, him and Shaq, who I love the way they played and I always watched the highlights as a kid. “
Would you have imagined being sixth in Serie A?
“Yup. At the beginning I immediately told my teammates that I knew we could win a lot of games and that we could do well this year seeing the kind of players we had. There was a veteran like Logan, there was Russell, of whom I had watched a few games, there were the two Matteo (Imbrò and Chillo, ed) who already knew the environment and the system. I’m not saying that I knew we would be sixth, but that we had what it takes to be sixth for sure ».
The secret of these six streak wins?
«I think we have underestimated ourselves a bit throughout the season, so the reason we won consistently was because we clicked, the team chemistry and the way we play began to bear fruit. It is simply about continuing to improve and grow day by day. We have always remained united. There are no guys who think only of themselves in this team, everyone wants to win and everyone is in line with the system and the way we want to play. The fact that each of the boys give their own contribution was fundamental to obtaining these successes. If we started slowly it was only because, obviously, this type of structure and chemistry takes time, in fact, to “click”. I believe that for us it happened at the right moment of the season and I think we are on the right path to keep everyone focused on the same goal ».
What can Treviso do in the playoffs?
«I expect to continue winning. I believe that, with the way the team is built, we can really win games and surprise. It will be tough, there will be no games or easy moments, but we can really be the surprise of the League ».
How do you feel in Treviso and with your teammates?
«I like Treviso very much. The city is beautiful, of course I would have liked to see it without Covid to be able to enjoy it and live more, but it’s very nice and the people here are super. Wherever I go, people recognize me, greet me and they are all very kind, you can feel the affection for the team. As for my mates, the guys are great. The ones I hang out with and hang out with the most are Chillo, Russell, Logan and Bartoli ». –