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Tal
Burstein ,
Maccabi Elite
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 Although he is surrounded by older superstars who brought their talents to his country, one of the secret weapons of Maccabi Tel Aviv is homegrown shooting guard Tal Burstein, who has developed a reputation for playing well in big games. The games don't get any bigger than the Final Four this weekend in Moscow. And of course, all the people who sent him Fan Mail wanted to know if Burstein is ready to face a well-known rival, Panathinaikos, in the semifinals on Friday. In his Fan Mail answers, Burstein showed he was confident in his team and in himself, even if he is a little superstitious about saying too much. "I don't want to jinx myself, but I try to play my best in big games," Burstein said in answer to one question. "I like big games. I like the atmosphere."
What are the differences between the Maccabi of this year and the Maccabi of last year?
Michal, Israel
"I am not sure there are many differences. I can say we have a little bit more experience to play better as a team because we know each other so well after two years together. I think coming to this Final Four we have less pressure on us. We're still coming as Euroleague champions and one of the best teams in Europe this season, but there is less pressure because last year the Final Four was in Tel Aviv and there were a lot of expectations on us to win with the homecourt advantage and the crowd behind us. This year, I guess the pressure is on CSKA more than us, but it's still going to be very, very hard for both teams."
Hi, Tal. First of all, congratulations for reaching the Final Four. Do you believe the best teams reached the Final Four or do you think that some other team deserved to go to Moscow?
Alexis, Cyprus
"I think the best teams who are in the best shape right now have reached the Final Four, yes. The team that has the homecourt advantage and others who are in their best shape all season have all made it. I think all the teams that reached the Final Four deserved it. And I expect it will be a very competitive weekend."
Shalom, Tal. Last year Maccabi played the Final Four at home and there was a lot of pressure. This year in Moscow, will you feel less pressure?
Shay Ilsar, Holland
"Coming to any Final Four, you get excited of course and you have some sort of pressure. For us, we do come as European champions and we want to defend that title. We want to make our fans in Israel proud. But still we know it's not going to be easy. We're not going to arrive, win two games easy and go home to celebrate. We've got a lot of work to do. I can't say for sure who will win it, but about pressure, or not coming with pressure, we already reached one of our goals by making the Final Four. Now, we're coming to have fun and try to win it again, try to do our best and enjoy the experience."
Hi, Tal. You were never considered a 'shooter', and recently you have had a very high percentage from the three-point range. How can you explain the great improvement?
Lior, Isreal
"At the beginning of my career, I wasn't considered a shooter at all. However, during the last eight years, I have practiced my outside shooting more and more. I've gotten better not only by percentage, but also in the feeling and the confidence I have in my shooting. Two years ago, I led the Israeli League in three-point shooting percentage, and I think I have kept improving, but I am still working on it. I feel good about my shot. I have confidence. Some games you are going to make them, and sometimes you are going to miss. That happens to every shooter. But I feel good with my shot and I want to make some of them in the Final Four."
Hey, Tal. With Maccabi being an unstoppable offensive team and Panathinaikos all defense, how is Maccabi's bench going to effect the semifinal?
Gal Shal, Israel
"I think we have on our bench a lot of experienced players, even though some didn't play a lot of minutes this year. In practices and the last few weeks of preparation, everyone is in the same state of mind, to help us win and to contribute during as many minutes as the coach has you in the game. Even though we lost Deon Thomas, which was a big loss, I think we have enough guys to replace him."
Hello from Greece, Tal! What is your opinion about the rivalry between these two great clubs, Panathinaikos and Maccabi? Thanks,
Panos Giorgellis, Greece
"In the last few years, both teams have made three or four Final Fours. I think we're 2-2 against each other so far. I don't know who has the advantage now, but both teams come from great clubs that have a lot of experience in Europe. And I think that both clubs respect each other. There is respect for the success both teams have had, and the players respect each other. It's a good rivalry, one that takes place only on the basketball court, not outside it."
Tal, what were your first thoughts when you learned that you are playing against Panathinaikos?
Sofia, Greece
"I was thinking about the previous games we've had against them, first in Thessalinik, then in Paris and Bologna, and about their players and their tough defense. All that was running through my head: the matchups, the players. I give them a lot of respect, but I think we can beat them."
Hello from Turkey. Does it give you extra pressure to start alongside four superstars? Thank you and good luck.
Betigul Onay, Istanbul
"No, I think the whole team is together, and all of us play for the team. We help each other to win. If we have two or three players considered the best in Europe, we're happy with that, of course. We would rather have them with us than see them on another team."
Hi, Tal! At the Final Four in Bologna, you played a great semifinal against Panatinaikos. You also played great last year in the Final Four and this year in the Top 16. Do you play better at the end of the season?
Yair Yashevitz, Petah-Tikva
"Maybe you are right. I don't know. I don't want to jinx myself, but I try to play my best in big games. I like big games. I like the atmosphere. Hopefully in this semifinal, and hopefully after in the final, I will play good and help my team win."
Hi, Tal. I'm 15 years old and I wanted to share with something that is really annoying me lately. You see, I play basketball and I like it a lot, but I'm afraid that if I go next year to play on a team, as I did last year, I'll lose all of my friends. Can you tell me the reasons that made you choose basketball as your profession in life. Thanks for your time.
Dudi, Israel
"First of all, I followed my two bigger brothers, who were playing on a local team. I was the little brother looking up to my big brothers. I followed them, and my father was invovled with the club, with the management of youth teams. It was natural for me to follow them into basketball. But obviously, as a young player, if you don't live the game or love to play, it's not the sport for you. I remember when I was young, I used to spend every free moment to go play - with friends, alone, go to the court and close to my house to play with whomever; one-on-one, three-on-three, five-on-five, shooting by myself alone. Every spare moment I had, I loved playing basketball and still do until now. The only thing you should follow is the heart and the feeling. If you enjoy it, do it."
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