In the semi-final game, we lost to Mizo Pecs in OT 78-74, who ended up winning the gold medal.  I contributed 16 points.  It was a real heart breaker for the team because it should have been us.  We were up the entire game and in the closing minutes, 2 of our key players foul out when Pecs was making a comeback.  Pecs eventually tied it up forcing it into OT and despite the obstacle of losing 2 of our starters, we were able to hang with them.  However, we could not hold on.

In the 3rd place game on Sunday, we beat Gyor 89-75.  I finished with 23 points  (3 three pointers) and 6 rebounds.  It should be mentioned how great it was to see our team bounce back after such disappointment the day before.  I am really excited about the possibilities of revenge in the playoffs. 

We meet Zala-Volen in the first round of the playoffs this week.  It is a best of 3 series and game 1 is Thursday, April 2nd at 6pm.  Game 2 is at their place on Sunday, April 5th.

Michelle, did you always want to become a professional player or you came up to this in the course of time?
No, I did not always want to become a professional basketball player. I actually wanted to grow up and become a Pharmacist. I started playing basketball when I was 10 and my father was my coach. It was just a hobby for many years and then, when I reached high school, I made the varsity team as a freshman. This is when I found out I could probably get a college basketball scholarship, if I continue to get better and play well. That dream became a reality when I got to play at Drexel University, a mid-size Division I school. Around this time, the WNBA was founded, so of course, a new basketball goal of mine became to play in the WNBA. However, when I did not get drafted, I still had the chance to play professionally in Europe. At first, I was not sure, because I had other job opportunities in the U.S. after finishing my master’s degree in business. On the other hand, I also wanted to at least travel for a year before stepping into the “real world”. That’s why I did not sign with an agent at first, and played in the lower level of Luxembourg through a contact of my college coach. After that season, I realized that I really enjoyed this experience of playing basketball to earn a living and traveling in Europe. This was the point where I had really decided to make a career out of it and take it seriously. Looking back after 7 years, I would never had imagined my professional career would have lasted this long and that I would have had the chance to experience so many wonderful things. The most amazing thing for me is that I still have so much love and passion for the game of basketball. I have been extremely blessed and I can honestly say that I love my job!

In your opinion, what are the main features a professional player should have?
There are a lot of important features a professional basketball player should have. Of course, a professional should be talented and strive to become an all-around player, however, having a specialty could also take a player far in this business. I really believe the most important thing is that there should be a passion and love for the game. This really shows up in the job that is done because it influences work ethic and discipline, which are two other important features. Work ethic not only includes doing what you are told to the best of your ability, but also putting in the extra work that you need to keep getting better and to help your team. Discipline involves doing the little things, even off the court, such as eating right, getting enough sleep and limiting your partying. I would also add that mental strength and positive energy are important features as well. Both of these not only help you succeed, but also influence your teammates as well.

When you played with Gdynia it was your first experience in a Euroleague team. How did you feel about this?
It was a huge sense of accomplishment to be offered to play in Gdynia because I started playing professionally at such a low level and worked my way up the ladder as they say! A few years ago, it became one of my goals to play in the Euroleague, since it is basically the WNBA of Europe. When this became a reality, of course it was an exciting time. I really felt like all my hard work payed off and I deserved to be there. For several reasons, I do not think that things turned out how they should have. However, there was something unique and special about the atmosphere of Euroleague competition and I hope to play for another team in the future. Overall, Gdynia was a professional organization and I am glad that I got to experience playing for one of the best teams in Europe.

You played in many countries: Germany, Italy, Poland, Hungary. Which one was your favorite experience?
That is a hard question to answer! I have actually played in 6 countries: Luxembourg, Germany, France, Italy, Poland and Hungary! I have been fortunate and have basically moved up a level almost every year. Also, I can say that I enjoyed all of my experience, one way or another. It has been extremely interesting to learn about the different cultures of each country. If I had to pick one overall experience, then I would have to say Italy because of the food, travel and people. The Italian culture is wonderful and that is why, of course, many tourists pass through each year.

As far as we know, your fiancé is German. Do you speak German? Maybe you already feel half American – half German?
I have been in a relationship with a guy from Germany for 4 years. I met him while I played in Wasserburg, Germany. I would not say that I already feel half American because no matter who I date or where I live, I am definitely and always will be an American girl at heart! I played in Germany for 3.5 years and in this time period, I took a class and also had a private teacher, enabling me to have speak the language fairly well at one point. However, I have been playing out of Germany for 2 years and I do not use it as much as I would like. Also, the fact that my boyfriend and I speak English all the time, results in the fact that I am not as fluent in German as I should be!

Did you have any difficulty in adjusting to the new culture every time you changed the country?
I did not have as many difficulties as one would think, perhaps because I am very open-minded and interested in experiencing and learning about different cultures. Sometimes, I yearn for the feeling of comfort resulting from staying in one place for several years. Also, I would say it is difficult to leave special friendships behind. However, staying in one place was nearly impossible for me because I started playing at such a low level and had to keep moving up when the opportunity presented itself. Hindsight, I would not have had it any other way because I have had the chance to play on all levels and I have seen so many wonderful places. When I play somewhere, I am the type of person who gets out and sees something on my day off. I actually have over 10,000 pictures saved on my computer from the last 7 years! Every once in a while, it is really an amazing thing to look through them and go down memory lane.

What are your objectives for the professional future?
After all these years, I still love playing basketball. I want to continue to play professionally as long as I enjoy it, remain healthy and continue to have good job opportunities. I just turned 30, however, I have been recently told it is amazing how I still manage to keep improving and that I am playing my best basketball of my career. Some short term goals are to help Szeged to get to the Hungarian Cup Final, as well as the Hungarian Championship Final. I do not know what the future will bring, but I am interested in going back to the north of Italy, and of course, I would love to have the opportunity to play in the Euroleague again.

Today, we were given the day off and this morning I had the opportunity to speak to students in two English high school classes.  It was really interesting to go into a school and observe some of the differences to our own in the U.S.  One big difference, was that the class sizes were much smaller, and Szeged is not exactly a small town.  It definitely allows for more individual student attention from the teacher, which is priceless.

I was told to speak to students about what it was like to be a professional athlete, as well as my travel experiences in Europe for 45 minutes.  I really enjoyed answering all of their questions, and it was very interesting to hear about some of their experiences in sports and studies abroad in the U.S.  Also, there were some funny personal questions, which always give me a good laugh, and then of course, I answer in the best way possible!

Other big news… my Dad will be coming over from the States and land in Hungary on Sunday, March 8th!!  He will stay 2 weeks and in this period, he will get to see us play 4 games, including the 2 Euroleague teams in Hungary, MKB Euroleasing and Mizo Pecs.

Of course, I also would like do something again in my hometown, Williamstown, New Jersey. It would be a chance to give back to my community that has given so much to me. However, that is a little complicated right now, and I chalk it up to the idea that there is a time for everything.

Therefore, for the 2nd year in a row, I will work at the Philadelphia 76ers summer basketball camp. The camp is held up in the beautiful Pocono Mountains, which are located in Stoudsburg, Pennsylvania. I had really enjoyed doing this camp last summer and wanted to be a part of it again.

I will help coordinate the girls’ program, which lasts for 2 weeks, from June 29th – July 12th. It is the chance to work with players who come from over 40 countries and also great staff, lead by camp director, Todd Landrey. He runs a great show.

Throughout the week, appearances are made by NBA players, who give motivational speeches for the campers… and the staff too!

Go Sixers! For more information, go to sixerscamps.com

I’m back- back in the states that is! I must say it feels good to be home in Jersey and to spend a lot of time with family and friends! Last year, was a long year, because I did not come home for Christmas and I was in Italy and Germany for 9 months. (Every other year Tobi and I spend Christmas in the states with my family and the other in Germany with his family. Fair, I would say, huh?) So, yes, I am really enjoying this summer at home.

I took time off to rest my body from last season and this past week I began training again. Time to get back to work! The first week or two back is not so fun, but in a couple of weeks, I know that I will be in great shape. I will work out at Drexel University with the strength and conditioning coach, Michael Rankin and play in the Philadelphia summer league twice a week. Also, the first week of August, I will go to “The Teacher” in Tampa, Florida for 1 on 1 basketball training. He is an amazing basketball coach and he always helps my game!

As far as working, my main priority is to get ready for next season in Poland. However, I will also work the Philadelphia 76ers basketball camp for 2 weeks in July. I had really enjoyed working this camp and wanted to do it again this summer. Todd Landrey is a great director and it is pleasure working with him. Also, I might get into some individual training of young basketball players, as I had done for many of the previous years. I love teaching and developing youth talent.

Other things.. I can not wait to get my butt down to the beach. For those who know me, know that I love the Jersey Shore and that I am a complete beach bum. There’s nothing like that feeling of laying on the beach or swimming in the water and riding the waves. Oh those Wildwood days… Also, we will probably head up to New York for some summer fun!

Until next time… OXOXOX, Michelle

I am spending time in Bavaria, Germany with my boyfriend and his family. I always enjoy coming here this time of year because it is beautiful. In the area Tobi lives, you can see the snow-capped mountains and green countryside. This morning we took advantage of the weather and went for a 30 km bike ride along a river and through picturesque landscapes. Refreshing.

We will stay here until June 8th. In this time, I want my body to recover from the long season and enjoy myself. Throughout the season, I put so much time and effort into it. All that I do is eat, sleep and play basketball. So, after the season, I need a “down time“ for myself. That way, when the end of June comes, I am physically and mentally prepared to put the work in that is necessary for next season!

While we are in Germany, we are going to do some traveling. Next weekend, we are going to Madrid for the men´s Final 4. Then, we will go to Luxembourg where I can visit some old friends that I made playing my first year in Europe. Finally, to Poland where I have a chance to see where my family if from and to explore my heritage. I am really looking forward to all of these things! Until next time… OXOXO, Michelle