Wednesday evening, Quebecer Luguentz Dort gave an interview to Luc Bellemare as part of the show l’Antichambre, on RDS. The Oklahoma City Thunder player had the opportunity to discuss his journey with Team Canada, a potential NBA team in Montreal and of the next campaign with OKC.
Here is the full interview:
world Cup
Luguentz Dort is currently passing through Montreal after spending several months away from his family. The 24-year-old first played his fourth season in the NBA and joined the ranks of Team Canada to participate in the Basketball World Cup. He also played an important role in his country’s qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and in winning the bronze medal.
Dort returned to this historic third place match against our neighbors to the south:
“Against the United States, it’s always a little more personal. It’s always a big challenge to face the Americans, but we showed up confident and knew we had a good chance of beating them, since we had several NBA players like them. »
Luguentz Dort via Luc Bellemare (RDS)
When Luc Bellemare pointed out that Canada has a 2-21 record against the United States, the Quebecer had some inspiring words for the future:
“There is a lot of talent in Canada. We’re growing and we’re getting better, so it won’t be easier now against Canada. It is certain that the goal at the Olympic Games is to win a medal. We are trying to show that Canada has really improved. »
Luguentz Dort via Luc Bellemare (RDS)
As the host of the Antichambre mentioned, the last Unifolié medal in men’s basketball dates back to the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The Canadians then won the game 19-8 on a clay court… and in the rain.
At the Worlds, Dort also had the chance to play with his OKC teammate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder point guard wowed throughout the competition, while Luguentz Dort played a defensive role with Dillon Brooks.
“Shai, he’s my guy!” He is not an easy player to defend and he assumed his leadership role very well. He helped us a lot to win a medal. Each player must be able to play a role. Dillon and I are the two best defenders in the world and it was good to share that task. »
Luguentz Dort via Luc Bellemare (RDS)
The Montrealer also noticed that the other teams present at the World Cup gave more respect to the Canadian team. According to Dort, other nations perceived Canada as a big challenge and had noticed the growth our country has experienced in recent years. As for the next Olympics, he would like to be accompanied by other Quebecers.
“There are several Quebecers who could be part of this team. It is certain that I would like to have other Quebecers with me on the team, but it is a decision that falls to the general staff. »
Luguentz Dort via Luc Bellemare (RDS)
Match in Montreal
The NBA returns to Montreal this fall | AlleyOop360
Luguentz Dort is excited to play at home.
On October 12, Luguentz Dort and his Thunder team will be in the city to face the Detroit Pistons in an exhibition game organized by NBA Canada. It will be a very special event for Dort, who will have the chance to play at home for the first time in a long time.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun and I thank the NBA for organizing this. I don’t remember the last time I played in Montreal, in front of my family and friends. I’m really looking forward to it and it’s going to be really good for the city. »
Luguentz Dort via Luc Bellemare (RDS)
The Quebecer also does not hide his interest in seeing an NBA team potentially land in Montreal. Luguentz Dort even says he is ready to help in any way to bring such a project to life.
“There are a lot of people here who love basketball. I hope one day it will happen and if I can help, I will. »
Luguentz Dort via Luc Bellemare (RDS)
Before an NBA team arrives in Montreal, Dort still plays a very good role as a model for young Quebec basketball fans. This is not a role that the Thunder player takes lightly.
“I try to give hope to young people, since I didn’t have it easy when I grew up in Montreal. Now that I have become a professional basketball player, I try to give back to the community as much as possible. If I did it, they have a chance too. »
Luguentz Dort via Luc Bellemare (RDS)
Lugentz Dort holds tryouts for four AAU teams in Montreal
Tryouts will take place on Saturday, March 25 at the William-Hingston Center.
Expectations for the next campaign
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a young team that is getting better every year and Dort wants the trend to continue. Last season, OKC was eliminated in the tournament Play-Inbut this time, the Montrealer hopes to experience an even longer journey with his training.
“We are a young team and we are growing every year. This season our goal is to make the playoffs and continue to grow. We still have young players, but the goal is to win an NBA championship. »
Luguentz Dort via Luc Bellemare (RDS)
Luguentz was merciless in the corridors of the RDS studios. Bruno Gervais has also tasted the medicine of one of the best defenders in the world:
The Quebec player also took advantage of his visit to Montreal to watch a CF Montreal soccer match, the bronze medal in the shot :
Credit for this interview goes to Luc Bellemare and RDS.
Team Canada’s journey to the 2023 FIBA World Cup
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The Canadians wrote a new page of history by triumphing over the powerful Americans to win bronze at the 2023 World Cup.
Serbia eliminates Canada and advances to World Cup final | AlleyOop360
Serbia’s physical play was never matched against Canada. The men in red and white were convincingly defeated in their quest for a place in the final.
Heading to the semi-final for Canada after the victory against the Slovenes | AlleyOop360
Slovenia and Luka Doncic lost to Canadians in the World Cup quarter-finals, thanks to another monstrous outing from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Dillon Brooks’ World Cup performance impresses | AlleyOop360
Against Spain, Brooks considers that he probably played the match of his career and positions himself as an important asset for the rest of the tournament.
Canada comes from behind and wins its match against Spain | AlleyOop360
Canada shows character in a game where there was no room for error and advances to the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup.
Brazil inflicts its first setback on Canada | AlleyOop360
Canada suffered its first defeat of the 2023 World Cup against Brazil and will no longer have room for error in its next meetings.
2023-09-21 00:42:14
#Luguentz #Dort #passing #Antichamber
