SBNation.com User Blog: PeteFalco

JJ in Sweden updated

PeteFalco — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 06:06:18 -0000

Homecoming for Jonas Jerebko last night when Sweden played Estonia in the city of Borås, right where Jonas' journey to the NBA started, playing with M7 a few years back. Also coverage of the other games, updated whenever there is something to report.

Aug. 3: Sweden vs. Estonia 84-66

Jonas had a pretty solid night, scoring 20 points, eight rebounds (one offensive), four assists, two steals, two fouls and three turnovers, playing just over 29 minutes.

Sweden got off to a very weak start giving Estonia a 10-0 advantage immediately. After an early time out Sweden came out much stronger and eventually won the game 84-66.

Jerebko started off a bit nervous and said himself that he felt a bit rusty, but as the game went on, Jonas started playing with more confidence and took the leading role expected of him. The team as a whole played basketball at a level they haven't been close to for ages. When I asked a reporter who has been following the national team for several years what part Jerebko had in the transformation he said "Jonas is never gonna be the guy who scores 40 points in a game, but he makes his teammates better, by leading by example, creating space for others and being a pure spark of energy in tough situations"

Aug. 4: Sweden vs. Estonia 74-68

Apparently there was another game against Estonia that I did not know about. This time Sweden took the lead early on and had 25-5 after the first quarter thinks looked pretty safe.. Not. In haftime the score was 39-39. In the end it was willpower that sealed the deal and Sweden won 74-68.

Haven't found any box score from the game, Jonas had 18 points however.

Aug. 8: Sweden vs. Belarus 75-66

Once again Jerebko had a solid night. Unfortunately I wasn't able to watch the game myself but there is a summary and links in the commetary section. Enjoy.

Aug. 11: Romania vs. Sweden 70-54

Romania was better than Sweden in all aspect of the game and won comfortably. Of Sweden's 54 points, Jonas Jerebko had 19. He also managed 14 rebounds, six of them offensive. So Jonas had a pretty huge night at least compared to the rest of the team, but it still wasn't enough.

Aug. 17: Sweden vs. Albania 111-64

Sweden pulverized Albania and despite reports that Jonas has been feeling less than great the last few days due to illness, he still went out on the field and had a big night. Playing 28 minutes, he went 9/13 from inside the arc and also had one three pointer (out of three atempts) and 3/3 free throws, scoring a total of 24 points. 14 rebounds, 4 of them offensive. As if that was not enough, he also had 7 assists and only one turnover. No blocks or steals this time around. Also two fouls to complete the box score line.

Aug. 21: Azerbaijan vs. Sweden 79-101

From fiba.com:

"...the biggest clash in Division B arguably took place in Baku where Azerbaijan had their unbeaten record smashed in spectacular style by visiting Sweden who came out on top 101-73 after a blistering final quarter and another phenomenal performance by Jonas Jerebko.

With the scores tied 41-41 at the half, Sweden edged themselves into a handy 7 point lead at the end of the third period and then exploded with 38 points during the last quarter to leave the hosts stunned. Jerebko claimed 35 points and 10 rebounds while Anton Saks added a valuable 20 points for the winning team."

Apparently, when Jerebko was substituted with one minute remaining he got standing ovations from the Azerbaijani spectators, so that has to have been one mean game.

Better late than never..

PeteFalco — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:30:30 -0000

I stumbled upon an interview with Jonas Jerebko on a Swedish fansite recently, thought I'd make a translation and post it, despite being old news.

This interview took place just before Christmas by Henrik Örtenvik in New Orleans. Original link

I've translated the essentials of the interview as well as I could. The interview was done from a Swedish point of view, some of those specifics I've edited out, others I've left in there. The questions, or rather the buildup to the questions are a bit funny, but that's how it's written and I've tried to keep the translation close to the original. I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have regarding the translation.

Q: In a few years you've gone from Plannja [Swedish first league team] to the Detroit Pistons, that's one hell of a trip. You must have added a lot of muscle since then?

A: I guess that comes naturally with age, but I've worked hard in the gym and sure, I'm a bit bigger than I was in Plannja. I was about 80 kg (176 lbs), now I'm over 100 (220 lbs). So that's a couple of kilos added.

Q: In interviews you've shown a lot of confidence and I'm sure that has appealed to the Pistons organization, what other traits made them wanna draft you?

A: I don't know, you'll have to ask them about that. But I know that George, our head scout had his eye on me for quite some time. I don't think they counted on me being around at 39, but when I was they picked me.

Q: What was it like, the first time, meeting legends like Joe Dumars and players like Tayshaun Prince, Ben Wallace and Richard Hamilton who have all won the championship with the Pistons? You must have been a bit startstruck?

A: Well, in the beginning it was a bit like that, sure. But then you start practicing, they practice like everyone else, they're people too. Then it becomes everyday life. Like today, I had breakfast with Rip.

Q: I bet you daydreamed about playing in the NBA, now you get the chance to meet players you've only seen on TV before. What are your strongest impressions so far?

A: What can I say... It's like I said, thing are beginning to be "business as usual". In the beginning you thought a lot about who you faced every game, but eventually you get used to that. Now I don't think about who I face, I just get out there and play.

Q: You've started most games and we're all curious: What's it like standing eye to eye with Dwight Howard?

A: He's a monster! He's huge!

Q: Is there anything that surprises you in the NBA? I imagine that there are lots of stuff we miss in Sweden because we can't see the games on TV.

A: It was fun playing the Lakers in LA, completely sold out. Probably not an empty seat in the arena. It's always fun with the people courtside trashtalking, the audience turned against you.. So far I haven't had any of that from other players, there is a mutual respect.

Q: Did you see the rookie rankings on NBA.com?

A: A teammate told me I was up to sixth place, it's fun to be noticed and recognized in the US... There weren't many people in Sweden who thought I was gonna get to play at all, it's fun proving them wrong.

Q: What do you expect from the season? Before this season most people thought you were gonna watch and learn. Were you mentally prepared for that or did you expect to play as much as you have?

A: Of course I didn't expect to play that much, but it's fun to get to show what you can do. Now I know what to expect, I just have to keep working. I know I can play here and I've shown it so far, I'm gonna keep training hard and we'll see where it goes. As a team we should make the playoffs at least. That's our goal.

Q: What was your favorite team as a kid?

A: You don't see a lot of the NBA in Sweden, but I guess it was the Indiana Pacers with Reggie Miller, at least for a while.

Q: Did you have any idols or role models?
A: Not really, not in basketball at least. As I said before, I haven't had the opportunity to see a lot of the NBA growing up in Sweden.

Q: Have you had time to make yourself at home in Detroit now? Or do you still feel like a stranger in the city?

A: No, I feel pretty much settled in now actually. We have a lot of time on the road but quite a lot of time at home too.

Q: What's Detroit like? It's supposed to be a run down city with a lot of poverty, do get to see that part of the city?

A: I do live in a suburb and I'm enjoying it there. Henrik Zetterberg [of the Red Wings] live nearby. Media makes it seem worse than it is, I think.

Q: Have you had much contact with the Swedes in the Red Wings?

A: I've been to six or seven of their games and I've had dinner with Henrik and Kronwall so I know them somewhat now. They've been to a few Pistons games too.

Q: How "taken care of" do you get as a player in the NBA, and as a rookie in particular? We've heard about clubs that spoil their players rotten.

A: The Pistons have a very good organization, if you have questions there is always someone who can help you, other than that, you're on your own.

Q: Is there a hierarchy in the locker room? Can a rookie claim his space or are you supposed to know your place, so to speak?

A: I don't think it's a good idea to go nuts, if you're a rookie, you're a rookie. But so far it's been cool.

Q: Are there any initiation rituals like in the NHL where the team has a night out and the rookies pick up the check?

A: Nothing at all actually!

Q: Have you become good friends with anyone in the team?
A: All are good guys, I mostly hang out with the other rookies, but Rodney Stuckey is my age and we hang out sometimes.

Q: What's John Kuester like as a coach? Is there a big difference in coaching compared to Sweden and Italy?

A: I like him as a coach, he's good and talks to everybody on the team. But I haven't really compared him to the other coaches I've had.

[Outro - End interview]

Voices on Jerebko

PeteFalco — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:37:33 -0000

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet asked a few basketball profiles to comment on JJ during the all star weekend. You get the translation right here.

Worth knowing: This is translated from English to Swedish and then back to English again, ie. these cannot be considered exact quotes. Original article link: Aftonbladet.se

{Ed. Note: Jonas Jerebko has been one of the lone bright spots of this season, so front-paging this was an easy decision. Nice find!}

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet asked a few basketball profiles to comment on JJ during the all star weekend. You get the translation right here.

Worth knowing: This is translated from English to Swedish and then back to English again, ie. these cannot be considered exact quotes. Original article link: Aftonbladet.se

{Ed. Note: Jonas Jerebko has been one of the lone bright spots of this season, so front-paging this was an easy decision. Nice find!}

Magic Johnson: - I like him! You know, he's athletic. Nobody knew he'd be that athletic. And he's smart and he's the player that works the hardest of all the Pistons. He's only gonna get better and better because he's young. I really like his game. (To the reporter: Promise me you'll tell him I said so)

Patrick Ewing: - He's having a good year, a very skilled defender and he can also shoot threes. He hasn't been consistent in his shooting but he rebounds, blocks and does everything for his team.

Dominique Wilkins: - He's gonna be a great player. He's got a lot of energy and is already a very good rebounder.

Kobe Bryant: - He's got lots of talent, when we played the Pistons he was very active and worked the floor. It's important for him to keep on developing his game.

Dwight Howard: - I like him. He plays hard. Attacks the basket, shoots well and I really like his intensity. But what I like the most is that he never quits. Never. And he does it all. He contributes to offense and defense, he rebounds and blocks. He does whatever the coach tells him.

Chris Bosh: - He's found his role in Detroit. They've had big problems as a team, but he does a fantastic job as a rebounder. And he shoots well, I think he's underestimated as a shooter.

Chris Paul: - A really good player. When we played the Pistons the first time I thought: "who is this guy?". But after seeing him some more I really like him. He brings a lot of energy.

Kevin Love: - I saw him practicing with us during the pre-draft and he's very good. A big player, very tall and does a lot of good things out on the court. He's got the ability to really defend aginst certain players. And he's gonna get better and better, his offense is gonna get better. He really deserves being here. (At the Rookie All Star game)

Jonny Flynn: - He always comes out playing hard and brings a lot of energy. He plays tough. There are lots of players out there who don't like doing that. But he plays tough. Every time.

SBNation.com User Blog: PeteFalco

JJ in Sweden *updated*

Better late than never..

Voices on Jerebko

JJ in Sweden updated