Trevor Mbakwe: My goal for next is to have a chance to make an NBA roster

Trevor Mbakwe has played his first season as pro in Italian Serie A with Virtus Roma. The big man ended the year averaging 10.6 points, 10.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 38 contests. The big man will play the NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Sportando had the chance to interview him.

How do you judge your first season as pro and what can you tell us about Virtus Roma?

The staff and management at Virtus Roma were great for me. They helped make my transition from college to Europe a lot easier. It was a little tough at the beginning of the season because I had to adjust to the way the game was played in Europe, but with the help of the coaching staff and my teammates I was able to adjust and have a pretty solid rookie season. I am also happy that I was able to do so well in the playoffs and play my best basketball of the year when it mattered most. I just wish we could have went to the finals. I really am thankful for everything the coaches and management at Virtus Roma did to help me have a strong season and great rookie experience on and off the court.

What are the main differences you've found between pro basketball and college basketball?

Some of the main differences college basketball and professional basketball were the 24 second shot clock compared to the 35 second shot clock we had in college. The game is a lot faster so you have to make adjustments on the go. I practiced a lot more as a pro this year than in college due to us only playing one game a week after being eliminated from Eurocup. I was also called for quite a few traveling calls this year in Europe since I was not used to having to take a dribble before taking a step. For the most part things are pretty similar though. I think it helped me playing in a big college conference like the BIG TEN because I was used to the physicality at the pro level.

What about your next future: Are you having scheduled any workout soon with NBA franchises?

I do not have any workouts scheduled with NBA Franchises. I was invited to attend quite a few mini-camps but I had to turn them down since I just made it back to the US and I wanted to have a chance to rest a little bit before getting ready for Summer League.

Will you play the NBA Summer League?

Yes, I will play NBA Summer League with the Los Angeles Lakers. I received summer league invitations from a lot of NBA teams but the Lakers were the best opportunity for me. I worked out for them last summer before the NBA draft and I know they've liked me ever since. They have a lot of open roster spots next year so hopefully I can do well in summer league and show them that I can help their team next year. They believe I have a chance to make their team next year so I just want to work hard and help them win games this summer and make the most of the opportunity. 

It was rumored you had an offer from Olimpia Milano, could you confirm?

I can't comment about any particular offers at this time but I can tell you that Milano is a great team and I have heard amazing things about their organization. Any player would be very fortunate to play for them. I can say that I am very lucky that quite a few teams throughout the NBA, Europe, and Asia have expressed interest in me so I am just weighing my options. If the right opportunity presents itself I will pursue it. 

What is your goal for next season?

My goal for next season is to first have a chance to make an NBA roster and the Lakers believe I have a chance to make it. If I don't make it, then I am 100% committed to finding the best opportunity and getting a chance to play for a Euroleague or other top level team.