ZS: How has your development increased over the last few months, most notably getting stronger, finding a defender within yourself, and understanding the athleticism that the American is predicated on?
TF: Last summer, I worked a great deal
on my physical skill-set. I knew the American game was very physical, much more
physical than the style I was accustomed to playing in Europe. However, the
preparation was not enough. The first two months at Conrad (FL) were hard because
the game was quicker, stronger, and everybody could play defense and jump.
Coach Brad (Traina) taught me how to be
stronger and how to play with the strength. Before my season at TCA, I wasn’t a
good defender. Being in the weight room constantly helped me a lot for that.
Some of my teammates told me how to think when you play in America. You have to
keep it in your mind that nobody can beat you. It’s a mental toughness thing.
So, that and Coach Brad’s teaching me how to get stronger and use it on the
court enabled me to become a better defender.
ZS: Midway through the season, TCA
needed to make adjustments. You and (Texas State-signee) Quentin Scott were
tasked with bigger roles each took on bigger roles. It required you to score
the ball a lot more. How did you take it upon yourself to become an
inside-outside scoring threat?
TF: When I came here it was hard for
me to score a lot. I observed how the program’s top players scored and scored
in bunches. At the same time I worked hard at becoming more of an all-around
scorer. Luguentz (Dort) of the prep team gave me advice on how to be a better
scorer. I spent a lot of time in the gym, unseen hours and late-night work,
putting in the effort. After that, I could score inside or outside.
ZS: How would you describe your role
on the court and chemistry with Quentin Scott? How do you describe the steady
improvement of Milan Stakic?
TF: I think my role was to put my
versatile game within the team. My teammates were good in 1 v.s. 1 action, when
they beat their defender it was easier to knock down a shot because they would
find me wide open.
Playing with my boy Quentin was great
for me because we connected on the court and off it. At practice we were always
against each other and guarding each other. It was useful because he knew my
game and I knew his game. We fed off each other and he always gave me advice.
Then, on game day we knew how to play together. I want the best for all my guys
who are headed to Division-1. Cam (Corcoran), Que, Milan.
Milan Stakic has been a real
improvement this season. He was just a 7-footer when he came here. He lost
around 40 pounds and worked hard and now he is able to shoot from deep, and
dunk everything. Moreover he has a lot of moves in his bag. I'm really proud of
him and I hope is going to be more dangerous in college. I hope is going go to
go to the NBA or at least be in one of the top leagues in Europe. My goal of
course is to do the same.