Viktor Juricek didn't take the usual path to play for the University of South Alabama men's basketball program. Instead of playing the game since his early childhood, Juricek played hockey in his native Slovakia before making the transition to basketball as a teenager. He played on two youth national teams and spent the previous two years in the Canary Islands. Juricek chatted with USAJaguars.com and talked about leaving hockey behind and his experience at a basketball academy.
When did you start playing basketball?
I started to play when I was 14.
You played hockey for 10 years when you were growing up – were you planning on playing it professionally?
Yes I was.
How did you get started in the sport? Did your family play?
I am not from a hockey family, actually the reason I started to play was because I had pneumonia three times in about a year and the doctor said that the cold and humid environment should help. So as a three year old I started to learn how to ice skate. I started as a left defender and about four years later I was a goalkeeper. That's the position I played until I decided to play basketball.
How high of a level did you play?
The highest level I got was making it through the first national team training camp.
Who were some of your favorite players?
My hockey role model as a goalkeeper was Dominik Hasek and as a player I loved to watch Pavol Demitra.
What made you decide to change and focus on basketball?
I used to play outside on the playground and people that were on the basketball team came up to me and asked me to try and practice with them and see how it goes. I loved it right away and decided to stop playing ice hockey. It was a tough decision, because I played ice hockey since I was three.
How did your experiences with two Slovakian national teams help your growth as a basketball player?
It helped me a lot and it was an honor to represent my country. The first time I made the team I played just for two years so I was still learning things and trying to listen to everybody. Once I got to the U18 team I improved a lot and made it to the starting five. It gave me something I needed to see, an experience and knowledge of the game, to play against other countries and other players.
What was living in the Canary Islands and playing for a basketball academy team like?
That’s just something I will remember and I will cherish for the rest of my life. It was a privilege to be there and practice with the coaching staff and to have the opportunity to play for the Academy and coach Rob Orellana - the way we practiced and got pushed every day in practice, the things he taught me on and off the court. There were some ups and downs, but he would tell me to keep on going and stay focused. It might have been the three hardest years of my life, but I am really happy that I did it. He is more than a coach to me.
Why did you choose South Alabama?
I chose South Alabama because I know we have a chance to be really good right from the beginning. Coach Arrow made it clear to me since I spoke to him for the first time, and I am glad to be here and I will do whatever it takes to help my teammates and win games.
What do you try to accomplish during the offseason workouts?
I am just trying to get better every day, either in the team practice, our workouts or lifting weights. Before the season starts I need to put on some pounds, so that’s the main goal I would say.
How do the workouts and pick-up games help the team bond?
It helps a lot; it doesn’t matter if we play or we are working out, the time we spend together just lets us get to know each other better and creates the chemistry we will need when the season starts.
When people watch you play, what kind of player do they see?
I just play my game and give it all I’ve got, every time I am on the floor.
What do you consider to be the strongest part of your game?
I would say outside shooting and pick-and-pop situations for now.
What do you enjoy the most of the game of basketball?
Everything that’s the part of the game, on and off the court. If there is a day off, I will be playing basketball or working out, that’s the way it’s been since I started playing. I just love it.
Other than basketball what are some of the things you’re into off the court?
It’s definitely my family and friends; I love to be around them. Since I have been gone from home since I was 16, I’ve gotten used to it, but otherwise, just hanging out with the friends or watching movies.
What are your expectations of yourself this season?
To create some space inside for the guys like Augustine (Rubit), stretch the floor on the perimeter and bring some outside shooting to the game. I will just do my best and help my teammates win the games, no matter what they need me to do.
Quick hits
Favorite NBA team: Miami Heat
Favorite team growing up: Cleveland Cavaliers
Favorite sport other than basketball: Volleyball, but it might be any sport if I play with friends.
Favorite musical artists: Jay Z, Drake, J Cole
Favorite class: In high school it was geography
Favorite movies: More Than a Game, Seven Pounds, Coach Carter
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