By Xavi Sentís
Alexandru Olah (C 7’0”, 1993) was born in Timisoara (Romania) although he played for Traders Point Christian Academy at Indiana before he committed with Northwestern University. In HS he had a great senior year reaching with his team the Indiana Christian Schools state championship. As a freshman at Northwestern, he played 31 games (29 as a starter) averaging 6.1 points and 4.1 rebounds. This year, Alex has improved his stats until averaging 9.1 points and 5.2 boards playing almost 30 minutes per game. Plus, he was the best blocker of his team (58 blocks in the season). In the summer of 2013, Alex played the EC U20 Division B, where he got an average of 16.8 points and 9.1 rebounds, reaching Romania youth national team until 7th place ending with a 3-5 record. Two years before, Olah played the U18 Divison B EC with a great performance whole all tournament (16.7pts+14rbs & 2.4blks) but Romania finished at 11th place.
-Romania, Indiana, Illinois…. When you were young and played basketball at your neighborhood, did you imagine becoming a modern Willy Fog?
To be honest with you, I never thought, as a young basketball player, that I will be where I am right now. When I was in high school, back home in Romania, I was dreaming to play pro basketball in Romania. But a lot of opportunities came my way, took advantage of them, and made the right decisions. And now here I am, playing in the best conference in the United States.
-You played in HS at Indiana before to play at NCAA level. Do you think that is the better way to get used to play in NCAA?
The basketball level I played at my high school in Indiana was not that great. However, my high school coach Dave Jamerson did a great job coaching me and preparing me for the next step, which was to play at the highest level in college basketball. Of course the family that I lived with was amazing. I was truly lucky that I ended up with them. But none of these would’ve happened without Ivan Vujic discovering me and bringing me to the States.
-What do you think about players who decide to play directly from Europe to NCAA?
I think it is doable. However, they have to make sure they understand the level of competition and know something about NCAA basketball. In my case, I had no idea what NCAA or college basketball was about. But I had two years to learn everything about it. In addition, I got used to the academics and the language as well. It definitely helps to come in the States for at least one year before going to college
-After some years in the States, which are the main differences in basketball between NCAA and Europe?
There is definitely an increase in speed and aggression. We prepare hard for every game by doing a lot of scouting and preparations on and off the court. We don’t leave anything on the side. We are making sure that we are giving ourselves the best chance to win the game. Basketball in the NCAA is very competitive. If you don’t perform well, there are thousands of other players out there that want to take your place. Therefore, you have to practice hard every time, and stay on top of your game.
-How do you feel in the NW Campus’ life? How is the relationship with the other students-athletes (football, soccer, etc)?
The campus has been great! I love every single thing about Northwestern. The campus is right on the lake, and it’s very beautiful in spring and summer. However, it gets really cold during the winter. I remember on day school was canceled because there were -50 degrees Fahrenheit. The relationships with the other athletes are also great. We all are a big family over here. We support each other’s at games, sometimes hang out. Everything is great.
-What role do you expect to have in your junior season?
For next year we are losing a great player in Drew Crawford due to graduation. Therefore, I need to fill in that gap. I need to be a scorer, a rebounder, great defender, and maybe the most important thing, I need to be a leader. We are going to have at least 5 new guys coming in, all of them freshmen, and me and the other veterans on the team will have to show them the way and how everything is done at Northwestern.
Twitter of the author: @garden7613
Photo: Chicago Tribune
