Interview with David Hawkins: 'I expect big things with Besiktas'

During the tournament in Castelfiorentino, we had a chance to meet David Hawkins who left Italy after seven years to sign with Besiktas Istanbul.

What really happened with Olimpia Milano?
I did not have the contract for the upcoming season. The only way my contract was guaranteed if we made the final. So, we did not make the final. The only problem was that when I left Milano, they made me think that I was coming back. They started talking about next season and everything. And after I went home, I found that I was not coming back. So it was just bad communication.

In Italy, after your first experience with Rieti, you have played with Roma, Milano and Siena. Why Siena is the only one who wins? It is about organization, coaching staff, players or what?
There are a lot of things, but organization is the main aspect. In Siena everybody, from the top to the bottom, is committed to win. And the system, Pianigiani's system is great for good players. It is not as easy as buying, if you have a big budget and you get a bunch of great players, you've got to have a good system to help them to play.

Your new adventure in Besiktas, that team was the only one looking for you or was it your first and top choice? What do you expect from this season? You're also the Captain of this team and now you play with Deron Williams.
This is one of the reasons why I came to Besiktas, to play with him. I thought it would be interesting to play with a point guard of his caliber. I wanted to try something different from Italy and I thought this was a good opportunity and I expect that we do big things here.

What is the goal of this season, can you be at the same level of Fenerbahce, Anadolu Efes and Galatasaray?
I think it's really too early to talk about this, I don't even know the other teams, but I'm pretty sure we can compete with anybody.

Back to your Italian experience, what has been your worst and best moment here?
The worst moment when I was caught for doping, the best one when I won the Championship with Siena.

Who is the best player you have played with?
They're three, Bodiroga, Sato and McIntyre. As friends, Mike Hall and Lynn Greer.