Alfa Diallo is determined to establish himself in the NBA. The American forward left Europe to try his luck with the Nuggets, signing a one-year, $1.4 million contract despite strong interest from the EuroLeague.
“It’s a pleasure to play for a team with a winning mentality. I’m coming here wanting to help in every way possible, in every way you can imagine. Whether it’s on offense, defense, or in any other area, that’s my goal. I believe the full range of my game will become apparent as the season progresses. I can offer a lot of different elements. It will all depend on what the coaches ask me to do. That’s where we’ll start. I need to keep creating space for my teammates, make a lot of off-ball movements, and make open shots when I get the chance,” he emphasized.
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“The basic principles of the game always remain the same. You have to apply heavy pressure on the ball, move your feet properly, stay between the opponent and the basket, and then contest the shots. Whether it’s this league or any other, these are elements that carry over and apply everywhere. “When I take on the task of guarding someone, if they don’t know who I am, I hope they’ll find out very quickly,” he added.
As for his collaboration with his coach, David Edelman, he said: “I’d say he’s somewhat like a European coach. He pushes the players and wants to bring out the best in them, but he also knows how to encourage them. He strikes a good balance between the two. That’s what a player needs, especially when he’s young and has to build his confidence.”
*photo source: slowmo.11
