Playmaker Taylor Rochestie of Nizhny Novgorod is fully aware that dreams come true. Growing up, he dreamed about playing professional basketball in Europe. He also had the dream of owning his own clothing label. Nowadays, Rochestie is a Euroleague star with Nizhny Novgorod and has his own company, Rock Out Be You. He will tell us all about his team - and surprise us with some crazy trick shots along the way!
In America, March is the best time of the year for basketball, with the NCAA tournament and teams fighting in the NBA for playoff positions. I think for Europe, it is the beginning to the most exciting part of the season. I know for us at Nizhny Novgorod, we have already played in one must-win game, and we have another must-win this week against Anadolu Efes in Istanbul. Last week against Laboral Kutxa Vitoria, our team showed its desire, heart and toughness as we pulled off a big win at home against a great team.
One of the best things about our team is that we refuse to give up. After losing five games in a row in the Top 16, and trailing for almost 36 minutes of the game against Laboral, we kept fighting and once again proved that we belong at the highest level. Like every week in the Euroleague, there is no time to celebrate our last win, as we prepare for a huge test in Istanbul. We have already played Efes three times, including a "win-or-go-home" game in the regular season. Both teams know each other very well, so I think this will be a very close and physical game.
I have played almost a year and a half in the VTB league while competing in European competitions at the same time. I have to say, personally, this may be the hardest domestic league to play in. I say this just because of the grueling travel schedule, and playing in a league that requires two flights nearly every road game. Euroleague and the VTB really test the depth of your team.
Lately we have added Gal Mekel and Rihards Kuksiks to our roster, and they have brought us more depth and experience. Mekel really knows how to play the game, and can hurt a defense in many ways, especially using his ability to attack a ball screen, while Kuksiks is one of the best shooters I have played with in Europe. At this point in the season we need consistency, and we need to keep fighting for every possession in every game. We have grown over the past couple months, and now there is no room for "moral victories".
I have mentioned this before, but I feel that so much of our success has come from the leadership of our coaches. Physically and mentally, they have prepared us the right way, and continue to stress the importance of competing hard and staying aggressive. Nothing at this level comes easy, and our coaching staff understands that being the underdog, and being a newcomer in the Euroleague, we must fight for everything and for each other. Through injuries, winning streaks, losing streaks and new players, the atmosphere of this team stays positive and focused on our main goals and what's important as we come close to the playoffs.
As most players know, fans can make a big difference. This is my third year in the Euroleague, and my sixth year playing in both domestic and European competitions. I have to say thanks and acknowledge the fans all across Europe. With each trip and each new experience I get to see different cities, and the inside of so many arenas across Europe. The passion of these European fan is incredible and bring us players to a higher level. So again I want to say thanks: without you this wouldn't be possible.
One more month is left in the Top 16, and I can tell it's going to be an entertaining ride for many teams and for all the fans. For me, it’s on to Istanbul. More bus rides, flights, and hotel rooms. Excited for some baklava, and to catch up on some episodes of Suits, Game of Thrones, and to introduce my roommate, Trey Thompkins, to the show Shameless. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday as we continue the Top 16.
Thanks for following me as I continue to enjoy this blessed basketball journey!
Nizhny Novgorod landed Sean Denison
BC Nizhny Novgorod signed a one-year deal with Canadian bigman Sean Denison (211 cm, 111 kg, 32 y.o.). Last season he spent in Romanian CSM Oradea, participating in the national championship and Basketball Champions League. From 2011 till 2013 he played in Russian clubs Spartak-Primorye and Ataman.
Nizhny Novgorod terminated the contract with American forward Erik McCree who’d joined the team this august. The decision was made by mutual agreement. At the moment Nizhny is in search of a new player for the vacant place.
BC Nizhny Novgorod signed Erik McCree
BC NN signed a two-year contract with American forward Erik McCree (23 y.o., 203 cm, 102 kg). From 2013 to 2017 he was playing for Louisiana Tech in NCAA. Last season he showed his best statistics averaging 17,7 points, 8,9 rebounds, 1,3 assists in 33 games.
Sterling Gibbs joins BC Nizhny Novgorod
BC NN signed a two-year deal with American point guard Sterling Gibbs (188cm, 84kg, 24 y.o). In his college years he played for Seton Hall Pirates and Connecticut Huskies in NCAA. In 2016-2017 spent his first season overseas as he joined Hungarian team Kormend. He helped the team to semifinals in Hungarian Cup and Hungarian League averaging 14,4 points, 2,1 rebounds, 3,3 assists in 27 games.
