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Draft Pick Gladyr Sets Example For Young Ukrainians
Sergiy Gladyr is sky high after being selected in June's NBA Draft.
The 20-year-old Ukraine sharpshooter was chosen by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round, though he doesn't expect to join the league next season.
"The good thing about a round two selection is that the team will most likely send you to Europe for one or two seasons to get the experience and to become a stronger player," he said to Basketball World News.
"I already have offers from Olympia, Toulon and a couple of Spanish teams. I would prefer to play in the Spanish league because it is very close to the level of the NBA game and a lot of players manage to go to the NBA after playing in Spain."
Since the draft, Gladyr has been working out with Mykolaiv's farm team in Ukraine.
His sudden rise in the game has had an impact on other players in Ukraine that he has been working out with.
"What I have noticed and what the coaches have told me is that the other players started to work a lot harder and started to take basketball more seriously," he said.
"They have seen a live example of what any of them can achieve. After all, I am the same kid who played with them in the same gym just a few months ago."
A key member of the Ukraine national team, Gladyr would like to play for his country next month in the Relegation Round when they go up against the Czech Republic, Hungary and Estonia.
Their first game is on August 5 at Hungary.
"I hope so," he said.
"I really enjoyed being a part of the team last summer. I hope that no matter which club signs a contract with me, they will understand that it will be highly beneficial for me.
"I hope to be in a position where I will not be asking for permission to play for Ukraine, but that I will instead be notifying I am playing for my country."
Sergiy Gladyr is sky high after being selected in June's NBA Draft.
The 20-year-old Ukraine sharpshooter was chosen by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round, though he doesn't expect to join the league next season.
"The good thing about a round two selection is that the team will most likely send you to Europe for one or two seasons to get the experience and to become a stronger player," he said to Basketball World News.
"I already have offers from Olympia, Toulon and a couple of Spanish teams. I would prefer to play in the Spanish league because it is very close to the level of the NBA game and a lot of players manage to go to the NBA after playing in Spain."
Since the draft, Gladyr has been working out with Mykolaiv's farm team in Ukraine.
His sudden rise in the game has had an impact on other players in Ukraine that he has been working out with.
"What I have noticed and what the coaches have told me is that the other players started to work a lot harder and started to take basketball more seriously," he said.
"They have seen a live example of what any of them can achieve. After all, I am the same kid who played with them in the same gym just a few months ago."
A key member of the Ukraine national team, Gladyr would like to play for his country next month in the Relegation Round when they go up against the Czech Republic, Hungary and Estonia.
Their first game is on August 5 at Hungary.
"I hope so," he said.
"I really enjoyed being a part of the team last summer. I hope that no matter which club signs a contract with me, they will understand that it will be highly beneficial for me.
"I hope to be in a position where I will not be asking for permission to play for Ukraine, but that I will instead be notifying I am playing for my country."
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