Cameron Hunt: "I never imagined I could make a living as a professional player"

BadalonaAsisa Joventut Badalona makes its debut in the Copa del Rey this Thursday (6 p.m., DAZN) against Valencia Basket, a host team eager to lift the trophy. Cameron Hunt (Duncanville, 1987) exemplifies better than anyone the ambition of a Joventut Badalona team that wants to repeat the success of 2008, when they were crowned champions with Ricky Rubio.

What are your feelings ahead of the Copa del Rey?

— I'm excited, obviously. It's a big event. I think we're currently the eight best teams, and playing in a competition like this forces you to play your best basketball. It could be an exciting tournament.

Last season he played in the Cup with Baxi Manresa. What do you remember about the experience?

— It was a wonderful tournament. We played against Real Madrid in the first round and played a very focused game, but what I remember most is the palpable energy. There were fans from all over watching the games. When you play in a tournament like this, where losing means elimination, you have to be very focused, but at the same time you have to enjoy yourself and play without pressure so you can deliver your best basketball. That's the right mindset.

When the decisive moments arrive, their best version usually appears.

— I try to block out the pressure. I try to approach my last shot as if it were my first. I suppose every player is different, but this works for me.

Before signing for Joventut Badalona, ​​he spoke with Ricky Rubio. What's it like playing alongside him?

— Ricky is a very intelligent person, a great leader. He talks to me a lot about staying calm for the full 40 minutes, because matches have a lot of ups and downs. He helps me a lot to maintain a consistent performance, which is key. Individual and collective balance is crucial. You always make mistakes, but what matters is what you do afterward. The same goes for positive actions. It's easy for them to make you lose focus.

Joventut will compete in Valencia without Sam Dekker and, still, without his replacement. How does this affect the team's chances?

— We face this challenge with unity, which is what matters. I think we've shown we can win important games without a new player. We'll take to the court with a lot of confidence. We feel we have a chance to beat Valencia Basket in the first game, and that's our mindset.

What was his childhood like?

— My family was all about basketball. My mom and dad played, so my choice was very natural. I never imagined I could make a living as a professional player or that I'd end up in Europe, but I try to make the most of it. I truly feel like it's a blessing, and I try to enjoy the opportunity to play every game.

How important is religion in your life?

— It's my number one priority. I always say my prayers before stepping onto the track; it's my way of showing gratitude. It's the only reason I'm here. Religion means a lot to me.

This is his second year in Catalonia. How is he finding it?

— I love it. I can't put it into words, but I love it. Both the experience on the court and the experience off it. I think it fits perfectly with who I am as a person and the lifestyle I enjoy.

Are you interested in politics? They're quite distracted by Donald Trump right now...

— The United States is going through crazy times, and the division is very deep. The nation is very fragmented, but I believe that soon everything will get back on track.