Michal Michalak: 'Studying and waiting for the future' (dreaming NBA)

At the age of 18 - he was born on November 2nd, 1993 - Michal Michalak appears as very mature. He has a clear idea about tha path he has walked to become a basketball player, and he seems to be extremely focused and determined about the next steps to reach. Maybe this is the reason of his sensational 2012 run with the jersey of LKS Lodz in the PLK League, collecting fantastic numbers but - most of all - showing to be on the right way to become a top player. He has joined INVICTUS Sports Group, and now he has toto decide about his next future. And, step by step, about his career at all.

You played a great 2012 with Lodz, how do you judge the work you have done until now?
"I played for two teams last season, with AZS Politechnika Warsaw I had good opportunity to make first steps in the 1st Polish Division at the beginning of the season. For the second half of the season I came back to my hometown due to some organization problems of the previous team, and that second part was very good for me, I was allowed to play many minutes and also to gain a lot of confidence and experience".

What about your next step? Again Youth National Teams or do you dream about the call of the Senior National Team?
"Right now I have my high school exams, I will finish it on 17th of May. By the time I am preparing to the U20 National Team camps and to the U20 European Championship Division B. Concerning the Senior National Team, it would be a great distinction for me, but it will depend by coach and Federation".

And what about the next season? Do you already know where you will play?ù
"My present contract has expired, so now I am free agent. I don't know yet where I will play. I would like to finish my school exams and then start thinking about the best team for the future".

Looking behind you, how and when the passion for basketball was born in you?ù
"I started playing basketball at the age of 7. My parents brought me to the first practice. At the beginning it was just for fun, as it should be for young players, soon when first successes appeared and I started playing in Youth National Teams I started treating it seriously. But a player should never lose the joy and love of the game".

And when did you understand that you wanted to become a professional basketball player at all?
"Since I started playing basketball I always wanted to be a professional player. I would like also to graduate at University, but it would be difficult during the professional career I hope to run".

You made very important experiences with the Polish Youth National Teams…
"Playing in Polish Youth National Teams gave me a lot of experience and I had the great opportunity to compete against the best players in Europe and in world. For the last four summers I was always busy, having camps and tournaments with the National Team. It gives a lot in development of young player. We have really a great team of 1993 generation in Poland, that's why we achieved the 2nd place at the U17 World Championship in 2011 and we made also good places in other tournaments as the World Championship U19 and the European Championships U16 and U18".

Which is your day-dream in basketball for the future and your career objective?
"My dream, just like every basketball player I think, is to play in NBA one day. For the next future, I would like to have the opportunity to play and develop my skills in a good European team".

How do you describe yourself as a player? Which are your best skills and the skills you have to workout about the most?
"I am a guard, my biggest weapon is my shooting ability, but I can also create in offense with passes, come out from staggers, run pick and rolls. I think I have to work on my body to get stronger and more athletic".

Which was your idol in basketball or a model that inspired you?
"My first NBA idol was Kobe Bryant and still he is. I like the way he plays, his desire to win and be the best".