One on One with the U18 European B Championship MVP: Nathan Kuta

Source: Fiba

The Dutch national team defeated Slovenia in the final at the FIBA U18 European B Championship to conquer the first title ever for The Netherlands in a FIBA competition. Center Nathan Kuta, 18 years old, received the MVP award after an outstanding performance during the tournament. Kuta averaged 14.6 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 blocks. How does he look back at a successful tournament.

1. How did you experience this European Championship?

Very good! I had a great time with fantastic teammates and all the parents…!

2. You received the MVP Award. Did you expect it?

I liked it but didn’t expect it. My teammates did know it for a long time as they knew how I performed during the games in the tournament.

3. How do you rate your own performance. Are you satisfied?

I will never say I played well but I played as hard as I could to play the best I can to give my team a chance to win.

Source: Fiba

4. Can you improve? What are the areas you still need to work on?

I need to work on so many things: footwork, shots, postmoves, ball handling.

5. How did you celebrate after the final?

We celebrated it in a tremendous way, in a bar where players from all countries had to go after the tournament. Players from other countries congratulated us and we had a very good time with them. We didn’t go all out because we didn’t drink (I don’t drink) but players from other countries went over their heads…screaming…and more.

6. Why is coach Vervaeck so special to you?

He is a character, discipline is very important to him. When something is wrong he will explain it to you…sometimes in a not so funny way 🙂

Source: Fiba

7. This Dutch team is special with a lot of talent. Keye had a great tournament, Rienk as well, Morgan was so strong. Do you ever talk to each other what you could accomplish if the team stays together for years?

Yeah, it is a wonderful team, but we really don’t talk about it. We will play and see what’s next 🙂

8. What is the weirdest thing that happened to the team?

Uhm. Haha, we were stuck in the elevator with nine players, and I thought that was funny as we had practice after that. Most of us were already tired because it was 35 degrees in there…

9. You’re Dutch, but you live in Belgium. How did you end up there?

I moved to Belgium when I was eleven, so I grew up there.

Source: Fiba

10. What are the reactions in Belgium to your performance? Do they want you to play for Belgium now?

Hahaha, most of them think I played great and the others are extremely disappointed that I’m not playing for Belgium and wanted me to return to play for them, but normally I’m not going to do that.

11. What are your plans for the next seasons?

I’m going to practice good and hard with my current club which is Hasselt and plays in the first division in Belgium.

12. And the last question. What do you want to achieve as a basketball player?

The sky is the limit. That’s it.