This is Shaquielle McKissic’s first season in the VTB United League, where he plays for Avtodor. McKissic has quickly become a fan favorite during his six months in Saratov. He’s not afraid of the weather, loves Russian cooking and even got over his fear of elevators.
– You’re the best dunker in Russian basketball right now. How did you get started and when did you dunk for the first time?
– I was in high school, 14 years old. It was so crazy when it happened; everybody was dumbstruck. I didn’t even believe it. After that, I couldn’t stop and dunked all the time in practice and games.
– You grew up in Seattle. Were you a Sonics fan?
– I didn’t move to Seattle until I was 13, so I only caught the Sonics’ last few seasons in the NBA. I wouldn’t say I rooted for them, but they were a lot of fun to watch with Shawn Kemp and Gary Payton, and when they had Kevin Durant, who was awesome in his rookie season. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do. It was amazing to watch.
– Does Seattle want to bring back an NBA team?
– Of course. A lot of people are waiting for it, not just the fans. Jamal Crawford, who plays for the Timberwolves right now, goes to Seattle every summer to play in the Pro Am league. They play at Key Arena and bring in a lot of fans. Seattle is definitely ready for the NBA to return!
– You played with Egor Kuleshov from Russia in college. Did he teach you any Russian?
– No, I didn’t start learning until I moved here. Now my Russian girlfriend is helping me learn the language. It’s not that easy, but I know a few things. For example, the words for “left” and “right.” That helps in practice. Honestly, it’s easier for me to write words, than to pronounce or say them.
– How did you meet your Russian girlfriend?
– We met in Krasnoyarsk when we played Enisey. Then she came to visit me in Saratov. We’ve been together ever since. Right now we’re working on getting her a visa, so she can fly to the US with me in the summer. Yeah, she doesn’t know English that well and I can only say a few words in Russian, but it’s not a problem. We like being together.
– Why did you only sign a one-year contract with Avtodor?
– Things got messy in Gran Canaria and I didn’t want that to happen again. To put it simply, they didn’t respect me as a professional or as a person there. Everything’s great at Saratov. I’m playing a lot and doing a decent job. Over the summer, I’ll think about signing a long-term contract.
– You’ve played in Korea. What do you remember most about playing in Asia?
– The road trips! We spent a lot of time on the road. Sometimes we had 6-7 road games in a row, which meant we didn’t go home for months at a time. Korea is really an amazing country with very nice people and beautiful landscapes.
– You have Azerbaijani citizenship. What’s the story there?
– The Azerbaijani basketball federation reached out to me when I was playing in Turkey and offered a spot on their national team. I’d been playing well and earned an All-Star Game invite in the domestic league. I couldn’t refuse the offer. I flew to Baku and received a passport within two days, then flew back. By the way, Baku is one of the prettiest cities I’ve ever seen. I think I’ll be back.
– But you haven’t played for the national team yet…
– Yes, but this summer I want to debut for Azerbaijan in the FIBA 3×3 tournament.
– What’s been your most memorable road trip in the VTB United League so far?
– Probably Riga. I was making my debut and it went really well. I threw down a couple pretty dunks in my first game for Avtodor.
– You played in Spain and Turkey. How does the VTB League compare to other top leagues?
– Every league is unique. Everybody has their own style of play and brand of basketball. But the goal is the same in every league: Putting the ball in the basket.
The talent level on the top 6-7 teams is pretty much the same in Spain, Turkey or the VTB United League. They are all pretty tough. In terms of style, the Spanish league is a little bit different from the rest. After all, they have a lot of local players and not as many Americans.
– What was it like moving from the sun-drenched Canary Islands on the shores of the Atlantic to frigid Saratov?
– You have to try everything. Where I grew up in America, the weather was like this, so it’s not a big deal. I just try to spend less time outside in the winter, driving from home to practice and back. The food is great. I love Russian cuisine. The club provides a car and driver, who takes us anywhere we need to go. Of course, the language barrier is a bit of an issue. That’s probably the only problem. I have to use body language and gestures to communicate a lot of the time.
– What’s the strangest thing to happen to you in Saratov?
– This story isn’t really about Saratov. I haven’t liked elevators since I was in Turkey, but here I had to climb fifteen flights to my apartment. After a few months, I had to overcome my fear and use the elevator. This city has made me stronger.
– What was the most important thing to ever happen to you?
– The birth of my son. His name is Koah Devin McKissic. He’s already two. I adore him!
– Do you watch a lot of movies on road trips?
– Yeah, my favorite is the last Captain America. I watch it all the time. I also like Spider-Man a lot…
– Because the hero looks a lot like you?
– I’d never thought about that, but it’s true.
– Who are the three best dunkers in the VTB League, in your opinion?
_ I’d say Codi Miller-McIntyre from PARMA, Tyler Honeycutt from Khimki and, probably me, I guess!
– Are you following the NBA playoffs? Who do you want to win?
– Definitely, I’m watching. This year I’m rooting for Cleveland and especially LeBron James. The playoffs should be really good this season. There should be a lot of upsets and unexpected results.
– Who do you think will win?
– I hope Cleveland. If not them, then Houston. I don’t think Golden State will defend its title.
Source: Sport24.ru
