Rafal Juc

"Since I only remember I have always been connected with sport. Firstly I practiced high jump. But one time, because of personal problems I put many kilos and I had to search another passion. So I became basketball player. I played in second-league in Wisla Start Torun and then I became a coach", explains Karnowski senior. In 1994 he founded his own club MKS Katarzynka and focused on working with boys. At a same time he was working as a local referee too. In total he brought up few hundred people, not only future polish league or national team players, but also for example famous polish actress Joanna Koroniewska or couple of future models.

Finally at the beginning of this century his team joined his son. "I must admit that Przemek has been always treated harshly and I was always bothering him the most. I told him that he will play for me only if he will be one of the bests in team. Why? I did not want that anyone could say that young Karnowski plays, because his father is coach. I know many coaches who formed specially teams for their children. Przemek did not play with his peers until the last season. Previously he played with two or three years older guys", says Boniface, who adds that for him Przemek was always only one of wards. "As a coach with 35-years experience I know that Przemek has got 'something'. But except him under my wings there were many other talented boys. Now he is only another player raised under me, who has got a chance to get somewhere, maybe really high".

Nothing surprisingly that basketball has became a major theme in Karnowski’s house. "My mother was also playing, so it did not bother her. Some times ago I practiced only two times per week, now two times per day. My mom went through every step in my career really calmly. With dad we often had a different statement on court, but we were never moving our argument to the house. Although sometimes happened that after game we did not talk to each other", recalls Przemek.

Bonifacy Karnowski is undoubtedly a controversial figure and well known in the word of polish basketball. Not only does he courageously comment on current events, but is mainly criticized of the aggressive and blatant manner of coaching. "You may don't like me and complain about my job. But names of my former pupils testify about something. I can also boast that benefit when organizing the 35th anniversary of my coaching work, in Spozywczak (Hall in Torun - ed.). There were over 300 people. I invited close friends, but the rest came from itself.  If I meet someone we always have got long chat, everyone tells me about private life, what is with him. This probably indicates that these people do not resent me that when they were 14 I was yelling on them.  I am normal man. What is important is an effect of the work", he explains.

After the Polish national team unexpectedly went for fourth place on European Championship U16 in 2009 and Karnowski noted impressive statistics and showed natural talent, scouts, agents as well as fans started to perceive him as a future of European basketball. No wonder that he had offers from the most prestigious teams like for example Barcelona, but also from many NCAA squads. "Przemek has got a dream of playing in NCAA. Therefore, for season 2011/12 the best option was Siarka Jezioro Tarnobrzeg. Son is still MKS Katarzynka’s player but thanks to “green card” (document about loan - ed.) can play in first division for Siarka. Every single day agents and manager report to us and offer big money. However, we are not interested right now", tells his father.

Karnowski often changed clubs and is used to taking important decision about his future. However, the most important is still perhaps waiting to take it seems that Przemek will leave Poland and come over to States to continue his development in NCAA league. If he decides he will do it certainly after long consultations with parents. "Of course I consult everything with them, but I decide", explains 18-years-old prospect. Maybe if not talks with parent, Karnowski would never play in Tauron Basket Liga (first polish division - ed.). "After last year’s European Championship Przemek was for long time determined to move to prep school to United States. Before he gave up, I talked with him really long. Now he shows me that it was good decision to stay. We make all decisions together at home. Przemek says what he want and then me and my wife give him arguments for and against", explains his dad.

Despite fact that their cooperation ended in 2009 year, 18-years-old talent is considering much suggestions of his parents. "Very often we talk about my game. Only this season parents saw me in action several times. After game I always tell them what I could do better and what I have to improve", says Siarka’s center. His father adds: "I look to Przemek not only as a father, but also as a coach. I never judge him basing on only statistic. Always ask him how did he feel playing tonight. Then I listen him and on the and can give him advises".

As well father as son are aware of bulk of work that still awaits Karnowski. Young prospect first of all needs to improve body building, became stronger and expand plays characteristic for frontcourt players. "In history there were so many talented players. Jakub Parzenski, Mateusz Jarmakowicz, Wojciech Barycz or Jakub Wojciechowski. Currently they are bench warmers, did not present solid league level and struggle to injuries. Therefore it is needed to look long term. If indeed we have such a big talent, we can grind him longer and 'sell' 2-3 years later for a higher price", Bonifacy notes.

18-years-old center, who is making his debut on the highest polish senior level is averaging so far 9.5 points and 4.5 rebounds playing nearly 25 minutes per game, interspersing excellent games like this against Anwil (scored 26 points and 3-pointer for OT - ed.) with colorless performances. Siarka’s center enjoys big interested among fans and was selected to starting five to All-Star Game of polish league. Indisputably Karnowski is polish player of young generation with the biggest chance to be selected in NBA Draft soon and make there career. But for now it looks like the next for him will be joining NCAA. "At the moment we have a list of 30 universities, which want Przemek and he will definitely find his place. I will certainly not will let boy to school, where he will be running only behind four guards, who prefer streetball", promises Bonifacy.

No doubt about it that Karnowski is NBA-future player. He still improves himself and it seems that NCAA is the best option for him. Now all depends on with which school he will sign for. Taking into account fact that Karnowski does impress big IQ not only on court, but as well off, polish fans should not worry about future of this prospect.

Twitter of the author: @rafjuc.

Photo: FIBA Europe / Wojtek Figurski