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Hi, Will. I think you play the most attractive game in the Euroleague and I love to watch you play. I want to ask: How can Maccabi win the Euroleague again when every team now targets Maccabi and plays 300% harder against your team? Regards,
Eran Yahalomy, Israel
"First, I appreciate that you admire my game. Basically, we're just going to have to play within ourselves, and go back to the basics. It's been a rough start so far. We have to start with the basics, like I said, regroup a little and stay focused in all our Euroleague games the whole season. It's a long season, and we need to start fresh again and match the intensity of every other team we face. You know we have the talent, so if we can match their intensity, we'll be OK."
Hello Will. I would like to know if the pressure is very big when you replace a player like Sarunas Jasikevicius, who won all the titles he could win?
Hans - France
"I give a lot of credit to Saras as one of the best players ever to play in Europe, and part of the elite players now in the NBA. The way I see it, if people are comparing me to a guy like that, it's all good for me. I am just here, willing to work hard every day, try to make the team better and to make myself better as a player."
Hi Will. Congratulations and good luck for the coming sesson. I'm interested to know why you chose to play in Israel again, instead of some place like Spain or Italy? How do you feel here?
Lior, Israel
"I think Israel is one of the most interesting countries that I have experienced. I like the climate and the people, and Maccabi of course is one of the best teams in Europe to play for. That's why I jumped on the opportunity to play here in Israel and for Maccabi."
How did it feel when you and Maccabi became the first European team to beat an NBA team at home?
Steve Krief - France
"It felt great going back to the States, going against guys in the NBA and matching our level of basketball in Europe to the level of NBA teams. You know people watch them nationwide in the States and to play against guys you see every day on TV, then match their level and win against them, that gave us confidence coming into the season and show we can be at that level. Now, it's up to us to start proving it."
Dear Will! First, congratulation on the winning three-pointer against Armani! It was a great match! Second, every year you seem to improve and make a new team dangerous: first in Aris, then Hapoel Jerusalem and Efes Pilsen. How do you keep getting better from year to year? What's the secret? Keep on winning,
Guy - Ofakim, Israel
"I think you just have to keep your body well-conditioned during the summer and then focus on your team when you get back to play, and not just focus on individual aspects, which will come during the season. You want make your team better, make the players you play with respect you and the fans around Europe respect you for being part of a team that is capable of challenging any other team on any given night."
When you are shooting important free throws at the end of the game, what do you thinking of in order to relax?
Domantas Kasanauskas, Lithuania
"First of all, you have to go to the free throw line, as I do, with a clear head. You have to put everything that came before that free throw behind you, everything that may have happened in the game until then. You just want to get there with a clear head and think about nothing else but making it and helping the team out."
Dear Will. As a Maccabi fan, I still can't believe the game vs. A.J. Milano. My question: There is talk of Maccabi bringing in another point guard and you playing more at shooting guard. Does the talk bother you or push you to do your best? All the best,
Evyatar Naftaly - Israel
"That has been talked about everywhere I have played, from college to the NBA to Europe. They talked about that and even releasing me in Aris, Hapoel and Efes. Basically, it's all about playing basketball and what you bring to the table at the end of the day, playing 100 percent and competing. I'm a basketball player. You can put me on the floor at any position, and I'll play it. If I am on the court, I am trying to make something good happen and give my team more opportunities to win. I am comfortable wherever I play, regardless of the position. I'm a basketball player."
To Will Solomon: Since your career so far includes college, NBA and a few top teams in Europe, do you see a difference, generally speaking, between the USA and Europe in the attitude of players and clubs towards the profession of basketball? From a Hapoel and Will Solomon fan,
Alan G - Israel
"There are differences on every level you play at. Even between European clubs, some have different approaches to games and to the business aspects and other situations. I don't think you can compare the NBA to Europe when they play by totally different rules and very different business models. All I know is the best teams in Europe treat you well as a player and that's why I come back to play here every year."
Hi Will, from a fan of Aris. Which teams do you think are the main contenders for this year's Euroleague title and do you think that Maccabi can make it three times in a row?
Mike Tzounis - Thessaloniki, Greece
"I always think of Maccabi as one of the elite teams, with me or without me on it. So Maccabi will always be in the running. But this year there are numerous teams that made roster moves to get stronger and try to win the Euroleague title. Whether it is Barcelona, Efes, Panathinaikos or some others, there are a lot of teams up there who are elite now and improved their rosters. Plus, this year you can have all the foreigners you want to play in the Euroleague. That makes it harder for any team to get or keep the title. You've got great young players, veteran players, maybe three or four foreigners on a team at the same time, and that makes it harder. You have to respect every team. Just look at Milano, with just a couple wins, but that's not a two-win team. They are capable of a lot more with the team they have."
Hi,Will. I watched Efes Pilsen-Maccabi and you played very well.Conguratulations!What did you feel when playing against a former team? Is it difficult? And do you miss Istanbul? Thanks,
Volkan Orman - Turkey
"I felt great going back to the gym, Abdi Ipekci, where I played a whole season and our team accomplished a lot. But it was my decision to come to Israel, to leave Istanbul in order to to come here and join an elite team. I am comfortable with the decision, so I don't miss Istanbul."
Hi, Will. I've been following you since you played for Hapoel and know your potential is great and can get greater. How long does it take for a new player to feel instinctive team work with a new team? Regards,
Mickie - Vienna, Austria
"Basically, it can take two months, three months or it can take a season. I feel like right now is one of the hardest points in my career, getting adjusted to a team that already won two titles. I am going through a new learning process, having to adjust to the city, to the team, to the coaching staff, to the players. I am together with them every day going through the grind, the ups and downs. I'm trying to fit in, listen to everything the coaches want, and play hard to try to make my team better."
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