Awak Kuier, who was chosen as the best player of the final series, has been quite busy during the day. Kuier hints at his future in an interview with Urheilu.
Joska Saarinen,
Janne Karinkanta
One can only imagine what Awak Kuierin was moving in his head as he stepped to the free throw line.
Kuier had to succeed in a performance that he has practiced numerous times. If the free throw went in, the Italian championship would be within reach.
If the Finnish basketball star himself is to be believed, there was almost nothing going through his head.
– Yes, it’s exciting, but you don’t really have time to think about anything else, Kuier recounts Tuesday night’s events in an interview with Urheilu.
The free throw sank into the basket and Venezia, represented by Kuieri, won the Italian basketball championship.
Moments earlier, Kuier had brazenly driven to the basket, sunk a two-point shot and earned a free throw for his team on that side.
– I thought that now I will go all out and try not to lose the ball and try to score. It was a really great moment.
The Suomalaistahtahti was at its best in the decisive moments, but the same spark was seen throughout the final series. Kuier was awarded as the best player of the final series.
For Kuieri, 22, the championship was the first of his career in the adult series.
– I feel like I’m still a bit in shock. I still haven’t realized that we won the championship. I’m really happy, Kuier beamed.
Venezia defeated Famila Schio 3–0 in the final series.
– I have played in Italy for four seasons and every season we have lost to the same team. It’s really cool that we were able to beat them this time.
Riding the gondola to the championship parade
Urheilu caught up with Kuieri on Wednesday. He said that the past day had been quite hectic.
– It’s been really crazy. We have had to go everywhere with the team. Tomorrow we have a parade in Venice, so there has been a lot to do.
Even the parades in Venice are a little different. While the champion teams normally travel through their hometowns on buses, Kuieri’s team will get on the gondola on Thursday.
Kuier has enjoyed himself in the Italian team. He says that the top players around him have pushed him forward as a player. For the first time in his career, the Finnish star has developed into an absolute decisive player in a foreign club team.
– We are really close and we can talk to each other and solve all the problems that the team has. That has been the biggest difference to other teams I’ve been on.
Euroleague next season?
Earlier in the spring, Kuier told Urheilu that he needed a rest after the Italian league season. That’s why she won’t go to North America for the summer to play in the women’s first league in the WNBA.
The top players of the WNBA often play in the winter season in Europe for financial reasons. Because of this, the players’ vacations are short.
Now Kuier plans to rest his mind, but he assures that he will also train hard in the summer.
New goals await in the fall.
At the end of the interview, Kuier hints at his future.
– I’m not 100% sure where I’ll play in the fall. I’m still looking through all the possibilities. I have time, so I want to make sure I make the right decision.
– I want to play in the Euroleague. It’s been my dream. Now I have a chance to get to play there.