Jalen Tate on Returning: A Perfect Fit

Throughout his presentation, the great game he played last year in the ranks of Amics Castelló came up, when he scored 27 points against GBC and Jalen Tate has confessed that he had a kind of crush on the Gipuzkoan team. «When I played here last year I already noticed the pavilion, the atmosphere, the culture of the team and all the history that there was in this club because of those photos that are in the locker room tunnel with all the players there have been and it was a place where I saw that I could play at ease and that I could fit in.»

Thus, that crush was decisive for Tate to decide to sign with the Guipuzcoan team to replace Lance Terry, who decided together with the club to end his time at the GBC early. José Luis Zubizarreta, sports director of Inveready Gipuzkoa Basket, acted as guide at the presentation and explained the details of the signing. «We have followed Jalen almost since his university days in Arkansas and then in all the places where he has played, in Kosovo, Belgium, Mexico or last year in Castelló. We needed someone vertical because I think we have good shooters. In that situation, Jalen gives us a lot and he is also a good shooter. Because of his build (he is almost 1.98) he helps us a lot in rebounding and in defense and you already saw that the other day he gave seven assists. “We are very happy with him and he has already shown what he is capable of doing.”

What he likes most about the team is that “we always go together in everything, both on and off the field and that is important,” says Tate. «We look the coach in the eyes, we trust what he tells us and of course I also trust my teammates. “I help them and they help me to try to be better.” Tate, who averaged 15 points per game last season in Castelló, is the typical player who dazzles as soon as you see him. In just two games he has signed beautifully crafted baskets. “I like to be in the highlights,” he says with a smile. «I try to do what I can to help the team win. That is the work we have every day in training. “I’m very happy to see that things are going well for us.” He says that “the league has changed since last season, the game is played differently and we adapt to the rivals and what the coach proposes. “We are doing well for now,” he argues.

Tate avoids talking about a goal and prefers to focus “week by week.” We cannot look much further ahead, what we achieve day by day will have an impact on the future. For now, Jalen Tate in just two games is averaging 13 points, 1.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists in the 18 minutes he spends on the court.