BSC Rollers Zwickau have acquired the signing of former Dutch U22 player, Mees Hessels following his departure from Israeli side Ilan Ramat Gan because of visa issues. He spoke with Rollt.’s Dylan Cummings about what he aspires to achieve with Zwickau.
Why did you choose to move to Zwickau?
“Unfortunately, I had to move because of the Israeli government. They didn’t give me a new visa. So, this was a good chance to find a new team where I can develop myself. In Zwickau, I get the chance to improve myself, we have a lot of hours to practice what I like and use to become a better player.”
How do you intend to fit into the team?
“This is a difficult question. I’m happy with any role in the team”
What new challenges do you think you will face playing for Zwickau?
“I know I have to work hard for my place in the team, the first step in a new team is to improve yourself game-by-game. The first games of the season were heavy, so the first months I have to learn a lot about the German basketball style.”
How do you think the styles of play are differing between Zwickau and Ilan Ramat Gan?
“I think the league is faster and the games are a lot harder and more competitive. In this league the players are smarter and have more experience.”
What new things do you think you will learn from playing in Zwickau?
“I can learn a lot of tactical knowledge. For me it was not so important before, but now I see that I must use it in a game to the best of my ability. We started the season directly with some tactics, I never had that so much before. I saw in the tournament in Elxleben that it’s really important, the players are smarter here so with just driving fast, I won’t make it.”
What are your goals for the season?
“To be a better player, I see now a lot of players around me and they are all good in different aspects. The most important thing for me is to read the game better to make better choices.”
How would you describe your style of play?
“Good question, I don’t think I have a special style because there are so many ways to play the game. But from the moment that I started playing, I like to play hard and fast.”
Has anyone specifically influenced you to play the way you do?
“Yes, my previous coaches. My last coach was Lior Dror, he was and still is an amazing player. The most important this that I don’t forget is not to give up, after a bad game or practice you have to continue.”
What piece of advice has stuck with you throughout your career?
“Work hard for each other.”
If you could do a training session with three other players from anywhere in the world male or female to improve your skills, which players would you choose and why?
“Yeah there are a lot of great players that I would love to play alongside. But when I must choose, I would go for Gregg Warburton because of his great shot. Matteo Cavagnini and Cem Gezenci are both a center and they play with a lot of power. I like that to watch.”
Thanks for your time Mees!
Rollt. Would like to thank Mees Hessels for the interview.
Mees Hessels Profile:
Date of Birth: 18/01/1995 (aged 24)
Hometown: Alkmaar, Netherlands
Started playing: 2007
Classification: 3.0
Disability: Myofibromatose
Future Club: BSC Rollers Zwickau, GER (started September 2019)
Former Clubs:
_I.O.S. ’82, NED (2007-11)
_LandsLake Lions, NED (2011-13)
_Only Friends, NED (2013-18)
_Ilan Ramat Gan, ISR (2018-19)
Interview: Dylan Cummings | Photo: Bert Harzer (www.fotoharzer.de)