Even if his first season ended a little earlier than expected due to a fractured rib, Toumani Camara can draw a very positive result from his learning of the NBA. With 70 matches played, including 49 as a starter in the Portland jersey, the 23-year-old Belgian rookie did not miss his debut in the biggest league in the world. The Brussels winger looks back on this campaign full of satisfaction and a good omen for the rest of his career in the American championship.
Toumani, first of all, how are you recovering from your injury?
”I feel better every day. The pain became more bearable. Currently, I have no choice but to remain resting. I’m not used to it (laughs). But I enjoy life a little. Waiting for the pain to subside to resume individual training.”
How do you judge this first season in the NBA?
”Like the team, there were ups and downs. But it was a good learning experience for me. I had the chance, as a rookie, to spend a lot of time on the pitch to help the team as much as possible. This also allowed me to target my main areas of progress. Dribbling, shooting and finishing will be important elements to work on this summer. On a physical level too, I intend to strengthen myself further by developing my build in particular. The NBA pace is very intense, it’s important to make sure you can stay in shape throughout a season.”
What was the most memorable moment for you during this campaign?
”My first double-double (Editor’s note: 13 points and 11 rebounds in a victory against San Antonio on December 30). my mother and brother were in the room to see it. Being able to do this in front of them was very special for me.”
Who was the most difficult player to defend?
”There are a lot of them (laughs). Players like Steph Curry, LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving all have incredible offensive skills. But in different styles. You have to be able to adapt each time, it’s not easy.”
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We will have to wait until July to find out exactly what my future will hold.
Will you still be in Portland next season?
”The feedback from the staff regarding me has been very positive, so I’m happy. But the NBA remains a complex business. We will have to wait until July to find out exactly what my future will hold. It wasn’t always easy this season following the results. But with the talent and youth present within this team, Portland could have good years down the road.”
How important was coach Chaucey Billups to you?
”He had a huge impact on me. He quickly placed his trust in me and it’s an honor to be able to play for such a basketball legend that I watched on TV when I was a child. I learned a lot from him and his leadership. I also benefited from a lot of advice from my teammates, on and off the field. On how to live or manage your money for example. Everything was new for me this year.”
Do you realize the enthusiasm you arouse in Belgium?
”It’s difficult to realize exactly the impact I’m making there. But I realize it by seeing the articles in the press in particular. It’s obviously a good feeling.”
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Wearing the national team jersey is a real goal. When ? I don’t know how to say it now.
Are you planning to return to Belgium this summer?
”I will be there during the month of July because I will be organizing some training courses. It is important to me to be able to help the development of young basketball players in Belgium. I can’t wait to be in contact with them. And to share my experience with them. I remember participating in a training course organized by Bismack Biyombo (Editor’s note: a Congolese playing in the NBA) in Belgium at the time. I in turn want to do the same for young people.”
Will you take the opportunity to go see a basketball match at the Olympics, where the Belgian Cats will be present?
”No, that’s not planned. Above all, I plan to make the most of my family and friends in Belgium. What the Belgian Cats are doing is very inspiring and I too hope one day to have the chance to represent my country at the Olympics. I have always said that wearing the national team jersey is a real goal for me. When ? I don’t know how to say it now.”
NBA: a first trophy for Toumani Camara
2024-04-17 11:18:00
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