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Willie Cauley-Stein compares playing in Europe to NBA, explains how golf helped lead him to Italy

Willie Cauley-Stein gave his take on playing in Europe to playing the NBA during a press conference in Italy last week.

Cauley-Stein, who now plays for Openjobmetis Varese, said that unlike in the NBA, every game in Europe is important.

He noted that playing in Europe is a more tactical way of playing the game compared to all the one-on-one basketball in America.

Here is an excerpt of Cauley-Stein’s comments via Sportando:





“When I chose to come to Italy I forced myself not to have expectations; it was my choice because there is often the risk of being disappointed.

Here in Varese, however, I must say that I have found a great organisation and strong teammates, I am very happy. I chose to come to Europe because of the more ‘tactical’ way of playing compared to the 1vs1 basketball that is played today in the NBA, which is conditioned by the players’ desire to produce personal statistics. Here in Europe every game and every ball is important, not like in the NBA where all 82 games are equal…”.

Physically I’m fine and I’m working with my teammates to improve day by day.

I feel a lot of passion from the city and the fans around us; they make me feel like a superstar, which I am not. However, all this support can only help us to step on the court and give our best.


Golf? It’s literally an addiction; I played with Toto Bulgheroni and the conditions of the greens here are perfect; on some holes you can see a wonderful panorama.”

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