ISR - Tyus making most of new experiences

CANTU (EuroBasket 2013/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - Alex Tyus is making his Euroleague debut on Thursday when Pallacanestro Cantu take on Union Olimpija Ljubljana.

The clash between the Italian and Slovenian sides may not stand out to the eyes of most, but for the 2.05m Tyus, it's another milestone in his growing overseas career.

Following a four-year career (2007-2011) at the University of Florida, the 24-year-old spent the 2011-2012 season with Israeli side Maccabi Ashdod, helping them finish runner-ups to Maccabi Tel-Aviv in the Israeli Basketball Super League.

Then in the summer, Tyus - who converted to Judaism with his wife while attending college - made his debut for Israel's national team in the Qualifying Round of EuroBasket 2013. He played an integral part in Arik Shivek's side qualifying for next year’s tournament in Slovenia.

Tyus took time to talk to FIBA about representing Israel, his personal goals and his strong start to the 2012-2013 season with Cantu.

FIBA.com: How can you describe the experience at the Eurobasket Qualifying Round?
Tyus: It was an honour to represent Israel. I knew it was a different competition, different from a national league and different from the NCAA Tournament. I had never experienced such a physical game and everything was tougher because of the opponents' level and the trips. We travelled twice a week and we had little time to get ready for games.

FIBA.com: You averaged 12.6 points and 6.8 rebounds and had the best field goal percentage (73%) in the tournament. Your review of how you played should be pretty positive.
Tyus: Definitely, I never looked for better stats, as I was playing in a competitive team with many quality players. This way I had to use all minutes on the court to provide my contribution at rebounding, in defense or loose balls.

FIBA.com: How do you see your future with Israeli national team?
Tyus: It would be exciting to be in the squad at 2013 Eurobasket in Slovenia. Last summer was a nice experience and I am looking forward to playing against the best European teams. It's tough to talk about our ambitions because it's still early, but we have got quality and I think Omri Casspi is one of the best teammates I have ever had, if not the best. Playing with such a talented player, everything looks easier.

FIBA.com: Does the 2014 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain feature in your hopes and dreams?
Tyus: “I would be honoured to play in such an important competition, it would be great. We are talking about the best players in the world. Playing against Team USA for example would be simply amazing.

FIBA.com: What are your personal goals?
Tyus: I have always looked for the biggest challenge. Now I'm going to make my debut in the Euroleague. Obviously, a chance to play in the NBA would be great but now I am where I wanted to be when I started playing as a professional. And the national team experience prepared me very well for a Euroleague season, playing twice a week. This way, I think the Euroleague will prepare me well for the next competitions with Israel too.

FIBA.com: Two games into the 2012-2013 Serie A season, your team of Chebolletta Mapooro Cantù is undefeated. You're averaging 15 points a game on shooting 100 percent from the field (13/13) and 89 percent if you take into account the Italian Supercup and Euroleague Qualifying Round (33/37). Could you expect it?
Tyus: No, even if I had good expectations. My teammates support me, coach Trinchieri's system allows me to use my energy and my leaping abilities. I had the chance to take good shots, but it's always nice to see the ball going in. We started the season winning both Supercup and Euroleague Qualifying Round, we are building a good chemistry, our future can be bright. I like Italy, my wife's father is from Tuscany, and my transition was smooth off the court, too.

FIBA