25/02/2009
Laura Osorio/ Transcription by Michael J. O'Donnell
Kennedy Winston, Real Madrid's latest basketball signing, said he is very excited about being at the Club and that he expects to adapt to the ACB well given that he played at Gran Canaria for one year.
Welcome to Real Madrid. How do you feel?
I am very excited. The Club has offered me a great opportunity by bringing me here. It is a very prestigious club and one of the biggest teams in Europe. I’m grateful for being here.
How has your first day been like?
It’s been fine and quite normal. I’ve signed the papers. Quite normal.
How did you find out about Real Madrid’s interest in you?
I’ve played against this team a couple of times throughout my career. It is a very good team, with a very good coach and very good organisation. It was a shock to me because it happened very fast; in just one or two days.
Which players do you already know?
I know most of them, some personally and others professionally. I’m excited about playing with them. They are good people off the court and great players on it. I hope to bring my talent to the ACB League.
Have you talked with the coach yet?
Not yet. I really don’t know much about the coach, but we’ll talk this evening in practice.
What do you think he may want from you?
We’ll talk this evening about what my role will be and we’ll go from there.
How would you define yourself as a player?
I try to be a complete player. I like to do a bit of everything; offence, defence... I don’t try to do just one thing. I like to help the team out.
You played with Gran Canaria for one year. Do you think that experience will help you adapt to Real Madrid?
I still have memories from that year; it was very important in my career. The Spanish league is very good and very tough. I kind of know what to expect.
How do you feel about joining now?
Well, I’m a little nervous because it’s a little late in the season, but basketball is basketball and it works out.
Do you think it’s possible for the team to win one title?
Yes, it’s very possible. We are in a good position both in the ACB and in the Euroleague. We’ll just have to take one game at a time. Both are definitely possible; this team is good enough to win both titles.
You played for Panathinaikos and now you’ll play for Real Madrid. What’s the difference between both?
They are similar and different at the same time. They are similar in how big both clubs are. Their styles are different. Spanish basketball is based more on running up and down the court while in Greek basketball is more of a half-court game. I’ve played in both leagues and I think I can adjust.
You’ve played in Vistalegre with Gran Canaria and Panathinaikos, so you know the atmosphere there. Do you look forward to experience it as a Real Madrid player?
They have great fans. They were great last week against Maccabi. I’m looking forward to this as well.
What would you like to say to the fans?
Winning is the most important thing for me. I’ll do whatever I can to help the team win.
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