With the early success of rookie point guard, Brandon Jennings, people are starting to look at how much of that early success can be accredited to the year he spent playing in Europe instead of play collegiate basketball in the U.S. Jennings is literally putting up record breaking numbers for the Bucks this year in his campaign for Rookie of the Year and questionably one of the top point guard in the NBA.International players are having an increasingly growing impact on the NBA so scouts are starting to look closer at players in other countries. One of these players is Novy Jicin star Corey Muirhead. The Canadian-Jamaican professional came out of Western Carolina University in 2006 and his scouting report reads:
“NBA athlete ... long with excellent mobility and leaping ability ... plays hard on both ends of the floor ... excellent slasher and finisher ... can finish in traffic with a dunk ... Solid three point shooter with a greatly improved mid range game. Quick first step and is able to pull up quickly off the dribble. Great body control, rebounds very well, great in the open court and is an excellent one on one defender.”
Some of his career honors include:
“2008 led the Swiss LNA in Scoring avg 20.8 ppg, 2008 first team Swiss LNA, 2008 voted best import in the Swiss LNA, 2009 Czech NBL Vice-Champion, first team all 2007 Austrian OEBL Vice-Champion, 2006 Top scorer Falco Cup (avg.28 pts.), 2006 NBA invitational pre-draft camp at Hofstra Un. in April, 2002 Toronto Star's Fab 5...Top 10 players in Ontario as by the Toronto Sun.”
“2008 led the Swiss LNA in Scoring avg 20.8 ppg, 2008 first team Swiss LNA, 2008 voted best import in the Swiss LNA, 2009 Czech NBL Vice-Champion, first team all 2007 Austrian OEBL Vice-Champion, 2006 Top scorer Falco Cup (avg.28 pts.), 2006 NBA invitational pre-draft camp at Hofstra Un. in April, 2002 Toronto Star's Fab 5...Top 10 players in Ontario as by the Toronto Sun.”
Early last month, I was able to speak to Corey about playing basketball and living in Europe:
This interview was conducted by Jon Thompson. Friend me on Twitter.
Jon: How many years have you played professional basketball overseas? Where have you played, and where are you playing now?
Corey: Well this is my fourth year. I started in 2006. I payed my first year in Austria, and second year in France; then I started out in Switzerland last year, but the team folded and I came to the Czech Republic and finished up the season. Now I’m starting my second season in the Czech Republic.
This interview was conducted by Jon Thompson. Friend me on Twitter.
Jon: How many years have you played professional basketball overseas? Where have you played, and where are you playing now?
Corey: Well this is my fourth year. I started in 2006. I payed my first year in Austria, and second year in France; then I started out in Switzerland last year, but the team folded and I came to the Czech Republic and finished up the season. Now I’m starting my second season in the Czech Republic.
Jon: What are the biggest differences between playing basketball overseas and playing in the United States?
Corey: That’s tough to say because I think basketball is basketball. Based on my experience, the fans are more passionate over here. There are more true fans and not bandwagon fans, so to speak. In Europe, there's normally small clusters in terms of communities or cities, so the fans tend to have a personal connection with their team; whether its basketball, or say soccer. Of course, everywhere you have bandwagon fans, but in my experience they’re very, very passionate compared to the USA.
Corey: That’s tough to say because I think basketball is basketball. Based on my experience, the fans are more passionate over here. There are more true fans and not bandwagon fans, so to speak. In Europe, there's normally small clusters in terms of communities or cities, so the fans tend to have a personal connection with their team; whether its basketball, or say soccer. Of course, everywhere you have bandwagon fans, but in my experience they’re very, very passionate compared to the USA.
Jon: Social media in basketball is currently huge in the US. How is the social media scene over in the Czech Republic? What forms of social media do you use? How is your team marketed and how are the players marketed?
Corey: I would say its pretty big here because obviously Facebook has taken over but I’ve noticed where LinkedIn is catching on and Twitter is catching on. I would say I’m probably a Facebook addict only because I have so much time on my hands here in Europe. I tend to be on Facebook a lot chatting with people in the community. I personally haven’t gotten on Twitter yet, but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to sooner or later. I’ve kind of gotten started with LinkedIn a little bit, but I haven’t really gotten the full swing of things yet. I have a website, www.coreymuirhead.com, but I don’t update it as often as I should.
Corey: I would say its pretty big here because obviously Facebook has taken over but I’ve noticed where LinkedIn is catching on and Twitter is catching on. I would say I’m probably a Facebook addict only because I have so much time on my hands here in Europe. I tend to be on Facebook a lot chatting with people in the community. I personally haven’t gotten on Twitter yet, but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to sooner or later. I’ve kind of gotten started with LinkedIn a little bit, but I haven’t really gotten the full swing of things yet. I have a website, www.coreymuirhead.com, but I don’t update it as often as I should.
A lot of the clubs here in Europe rely on sponsors. From a marketing standpoint, teams tend to rely on sponsorships. For example, I’m able to get a car written into my contract because the car dealership is a sponsor. We are also marketed more as a unit rather than individuals because a lot of the functions or PR stuff is always about “Team,” not just one individual.
Jon: Do you think US developmental programs should start teaching our young players to move more towards the European style which means being more focused on fundamentals and teamwork?
Corey: For sure. When you talk about basketball, it’s a team sport. It’s not just one player that gives you a win in the end. It’s a series of things that happen by a combination of different people. Also, you have to look at the mentality of people outside of sports in Europe. They tend to be more family-oriented. They set a lot of time aside for family, so I think it’s broader than basketball in that sense.
Jon: You have a beautiful wife who you married two summers ago, and I know your wife has lived with you overseas most of the time since tying the knot but not currently because she’s pregnant. How do you communicate with her and the rest of your family while you’re in the Czech Republic?
Corey: I use Yahoo Messenger to send her text messages and she can text me back throughout the day on her cell phone. I also have Magic Jack where I can call anyone in the USA or Canada just like I’m there and they can call me just like I’m there and it’s not long distance at all so it’s convenient. Like I said, I also use Facebook a lot and every now and then I use MSN Messenger.
Jon: You will be a father in less than 2 weeks. What are you doing now to prepare for the new addition?
Corey: That’s funny because for me personally, here in the apartment I find myself looking around trying to child proof the place but there’s not really a need for it yet because the baby won’t be crawling for at least a couple of months. Mentally I think I’m OK because I don’t have a problem if I have to go on 2 or 3 hours of sleep because I’ve always been able to wake up early since I was a child so I don’t think sleeping will be too much of a problem. On the flipside, I have so much downtown to do nothing so I can catch up on sleep then. So I’m just getting everything ready for when they get here.
(Andreas Harold Muirhead was born on November 7, 2009, to Lauren and Corey Muirhead)Jon: While at Western Carolina University, you played with Sacramento Kings star, Kevin Martin. Tell me a little bit about that experience. Do you still keep in contact with him?
Corey: It was a great experience. For one, he’s one of the most humble guys I’ve ever come across; deceptively strong, and just an unbelievable scorer. I’ve never before had the privilege to play with such a great scorer. He has a real knack for scoring the ball and before you know it he can put up 30 points. By my standards, he was a very underrated player, but we all know he’s doing great now. It was just great to be able to go at him everyday and learn from him and pick his brain. It’s funny because not only Kevin, but everyone I played with there and even guys that I only played with for one season, we’ve all kept in touch. It’s really like a family and I never really understood what it was to be a family as far as college athletics and really having pride in something and belief in what you’re doing. Even if we don’t speak for two or three months we still have that strong connection.
Jon: There’s a lot of basketball players out there who are 6’6 and 200 pounds but I don’t know many who can play at the professional level and record 25 points, 9 of which were from beyond the arc, 8 rebounds, and 4 assist, which is what you did last Saturday. At 26 years old, where do you see your level of play?
Corey: I played well the other night but unfortunately we didn't get the win. It's good to play well, but I would also like to win in the process. Its' still early in the season and we are 5-2, so not a bad start.
I think as of 2007 I was an NBA prospect. I’m sure I could play in the NBA at that level no problem but I just haven’t had the opportunity. The way I look at it now is it’s more of a business for me at this point. I’m trying to make the most money while I can, provide for my family, and when I’m done playing basketball I want to have a good start in life and that’s been my approach. I know my level of play is very high and without a doubt I can play at the highest level given the opportunity. My focus is to keep getting better, because there’s always something you can get better at, and see where it takes me in the future.
I think as of 2007 I was an NBA prospect. I’m sure I could play in the NBA at that level no problem but I just haven’t had the opportunity. The way I look at it now is it’s more of a business for me at this point. I’m trying to make the most money while I can, provide for my family, and when I’m done playing basketball I want to have a good start in life and that’s been my approach. I know my level of play is very high and without a doubt I can play at the highest level given the opportunity. My focus is to keep getting better, because there’s always something you can get better at, and see where it takes me in the future.
Jon: I looked at some of your game tape and you remind me a lot of Mickael Pietrus. I didn’t know much about him until seeing him in the playoffs last year and he was a vital part to the Orlando Magic’s NBA Finals run. Have you seen him play and can you see the comparison?
Corey: Yes, from France. Absolutely. I’ve seen Pietrus play and his roll on the Magic is a little different than mine. I would probably be more of an offensive threat than he would be. He’s a great shooter, a silent threat. In terms of putting the ball on the floor and going by people, with my quickness I think for sure I have the edge. I don’t know what his three point percentages are but it seems like he shot the ball pretty well during the playoffs. Defensively, I’m sure I’m just as good if not better.
Jon: Can you be an effective NBA player? Would you go one step further and say you can be a game changer?
Corey: Absolutely. Honestly speaking and not being boastful because I believe in being humble, I think for sure I’m one of the best defensive players out there with whatever level you would like to associate that with. I’ve never in my life had a defensive assignment where I couldn’t win the battle. I’m very good offensively but I think defensively that’s where I separate myself from guys with similar abilities. I’m sure if you ask Kevin Martin if I was a great defensive player he would tell you yes because I gave him a hard time everyday in practice when I had to guard him. At every level, France, Austria, wherever I went, my defense has stood out. I can jump, I can dunk, I can shoot, but I always figured everyone can jump and shoot when you play at a high level, but how can you separate yourself? I definitely think I've separated myself and I think it shows as well.
Jon: Well that’s it. I appreciate the time and it was great speaking with you. Good luck with the rest of the season and your career. I hope to see you in the NBA soon.
Corey: Thanks. I appreciate it. Take care.
Corey: Yes, from France. Absolutely. I’ve seen Pietrus play and his roll on the Magic is a little different than mine. I would probably be more of an offensive threat than he would be. He’s a great shooter, a silent threat. In terms of putting the ball on the floor and going by people, with my quickness I think for sure I have the edge. I don’t know what his three point percentages are but it seems like he shot the ball pretty well during the playoffs. Defensively, I’m sure I’m just as good if not better.
Jon: Can you be an effective NBA player? Would you go one step further and say you can be a game changer?
Corey: Absolutely. Honestly speaking and not being boastful because I believe in being humble, I think for sure I’m one of the best defensive players out there with whatever level you would like to associate that with. I’ve never in my life had a defensive assignment where I couldn’t win the battle. I’m very good offensively but I think defensively that’s where I separate myself from guys with similar abilities. I’m sure if you ask Kevin Martin if I was a great defensive player he would tell you yes because I gave him a hard time everyday in practice when I had to guard him. At every level, France, Austria, wherever I went, my defense has stood out. I can jump, I can dunk, I can shoot, but I always figured everyone can jump and shoot when you play at a high level, but how can you separate yourself? I definitely think I've separated myself and I think it shows as well.
Jon: Well that’s it. I appreciate the time and it was great speaking with you. Good luck with the rest of the season and your career. I hope to see you in the NBA soon.
Corey: Thanks. I appreciate it. Take care.
