Interview-story with Matthew Alarcon

Matthew Alarcon, who worked with NBA players, helped Galatasaray's pre-season camp in Bormio as performance coach. He talked to Can Pelister about Henry Domercant, Nathan Jawai's rehab and also about his Galatasaray adventure...

For people who don't know, who's Matthew Alarcon?
I am a performance specialist specializing in strength/conditioning and basketball skill development. I am from New York and have worked in Chicago for the last 3 years for Attack Athletics, Movement Physical Therapy, and for myself.  I have had the opportunity to work with about 20 NBA players, helping them rehab injuries, get stronger and faster, as well as improve certain skills on the basketball court.  During the summer, players come to work with me in Chicago and during the winter I will select one or two athletes and work with them during the season traveling to wherever they are.  Last year I was lucky enough to work in China, Russia, and Turkey. 

How you become trainer of Galatasaray for Bormio camp? Can you tell us how things develop...
Last year when Henry Domercant first injured his knee he brought me out to Turkey to help him get his health back. We had worked together for the last two summers and he trusted me to get him game ready again.  Henry is one of my favorite and most professional clients ever and I was glad to be able to help. Galatasaray was very welcoming and allowed me the time and space to prepare Henry...asking that he be ready for the big game against Efes.  Henry went on to score 9 points on 3/4 shooting from 3 pointers and we won. However, Henry eventually tore his ACL completely and was unavailable for the rest of the season. He would return to the states and hire me to conduct his rehabilitation.  I immediately contacted Sam Shah, owner of Movement Physical Therapy, because we have done great work together before and I regard him as one of the top in his field.  The two of us were able to develop an extremely tough program for Henry that would get him back to his high level of play.  When Henry returned this season healthy and strong, Galatasaray contacted me and asked me to conduct their pre season as well as conduct rehab for Nate Jawai.  I was honored to be considered and excited to work for such a classy basketball club. 

What can you say about Galatasaray team so far? What's going on with team? You think they're ready for season?
The team is working extremely hard.  Though we are missing some very high level players, the available players have been great.  The Galatasary coaching staff is first class and has worked very hard to prepare them for a tough upcoming season.  There have been some bumps and bruises but that is expected in the early part of the season. The players have a nice chemistry on and off the court and I think it will show when the games get tough.  The Bormio camp was a fun trip which included a lot of hard work and a lot of fun moments.  I think the team is where they should be or even ahead of schedule.  The other players will be added and after being around Coach Ataman and staff I know they will be more than prepared when regular and Euro League seasons start. 

There are some players injury.. Like Jawai. Domercant also had serious injury. What about them? Can you tell us latest on their performance?
Nate Jawai was a great surpise. His foot surgery was a serious one and being such a large athlete it's a lot of pressure on his foot.  We began with long intense pool workouts and I was surprised at his energy and his focus to get back as quickly as possible.  We are slowly transitioning to court workouts and he has shown great improvement in a short period of time.  The Galatasaray training staff has worked very hard with me and together we have helped him increase strength in his legs as well as lose close to 20 pounds already.  His effort has made all the difference.  He has gone through as many as three workouts in a day (therapy, in pool, on court) and allowed me to adjust his eating habits to lose weight and increase energy for performance.

Henry's first appearance on the court was good.  After sitting for so long you never know what to expect, and I feel like we were all a little anxious.  He scored 16 points in the first 20 minutes and I knew HenHen was back.  He is still a bit "rusty" but that is to be expected. The team limited his minutes which I thought was very smart.  We will be trying to save him for the real season and the games that count.