INSIDE
OUT
Gametime.
"Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game."
-Michael Jordan
Basketball Life.
by MARA DAVIS
Published February 20, 2013
SKOPJE— The life of a basketball player not only consists of daily practices and weekly games, but also attending events and making public appearances within the community.
Cade Davis who has been playing for MZT in Skopje, Macedonia since August 2011 has recently experienced several historical happenings around the place in which he calls his temporary home, a neighborhood better known as Aerodrom.
Aerodrom is considered one of the largest neighborhoods in the city of Skopje. High-rise apartments, parks and local grocery stores make up much of the area, but the one place that holds the best memories and most history throughout the area is the indoor basketball facility, Jane Sandanski Arena.
In May 2012, it was announced the arena would be undergoing a complete renovation. Last week, was the final hurrah for Aerodrom.
A campaign was held inside the facility for the upcoming election-taking place in March 2013. The president of Macedonia, Gjorgje Ivanov gave a speech to a packed house of fans and supporters. The mayor of Skopje, Koce Trajanovski and the mayor of Aerodrom, Ivica Konevski spoke as well.
Cade Davis said, "It was interesting attending the campaign rally in seeing how the leaders have made major improvements in Skopje in just two years of being here. We saw the president of Macedonia, the mayor of Aerodrom and the mayor of Skopje speak of past and future developments in the country."
The last practice in Jane Sandanski was also held last week. It was an open practice to the public and fans, many which have seen games played by legends in the gym for more than 30 years.
Davis said, "As the fans filed into the gym chanting their regular songs, they started to ignite flares, hold up signs, and pop firecrackers. But, before we could get through an entire practice it quickly ended when the fans started shooting off fire extinguishers. The smut in the air made it hard to breathe, the ball was getting lost in the fog, and the floors became too slick."
"What began as a practice, ended as a celebratory farewell," said Davis.
A fan of 30 years reflected on his most cherished memories at the arena. Sale Pancevski said, "Sometimes when I finished work, I come would sit through practice and watch, hang with the fans and players and meet new people."
"I will miss everything about that gym. It holds memories from my childhood and memories from the best games. The gym was my second home," Pancevski said.
Many former professional basketball players have also seen court time in this facility: Toni Kukoč, Dražen Petrović and Vlade Divac to name a few.
Both MZT practices and games are now played in the Boris Trajkovski Sports Center, a newly built arena for sports in Skopje until renovations are complete.
MZT is hosting the next two games against Igokea and Zadar beginning this Friday. They are currently ranked 8th in the Adriatic League with five games left to play.
Davis said, "We're trying to make a push to jump in standings before the season is over to see whether or not we could advance in the playoffs or in another league for next season."
"We need to make sure our players stay healthy, protect and win the games at home and stay focused in order to come out on top."
Live games and current standings can be seen at abaliga.com.
Halfway Home.
by MARA DAVIS
Published January 4, 2013
SKOPJE— Six months into the season means one thing for American basketball players overseas, there's light at the end of their journey and only five months left to play.
For the first half of the season, MZT Skopje has played 15 games and is currently ranked fifth overall in the Adriatic League standings. They have topped well-respected opponents such as Cibona and Cedevita who both come from Croatia, as well as Union Olympia coming out of Slovenia.
Cade Davis began the season with 21 points in the first victory over Cibona. Currently, he's played a total of 431 minutes in all 15 games scoring 176 points. While maintaining a solid 50 percent shooting average from the field and 36 percent from the three-point line, Davis has earned a spot on the top 10 Best Shooters in the ABA League Listings. He's also chipped in areas on defense with 13 stolen balls and 68 total rebounds thus far.
Davis said, "With having the first half of the season under our belt, it's great for our team that we have learned what needs to be done to win in this league along with building confidence not only in the team but in ourselves to play at this level."
With little expectations being rookies in the league, MZT has shocked many of the veteran teams by climbing in standings throughout the season. A few of the opposing teams MZT defeated contained future NBA hopefuls along with some Euroleague players, which is the best european basketball league.
"Being ranked where we are gives us motivation to finish out the second part of the season better than we did in the first. We have seen the potential in our team and have set goals that we hope to reach by the end of the season," Davis said.
This year the break between the first and second half of the season was short-lived due to the addition of the ABA League. However, the days given off for Christmas gave the Davis family an opportunity to venture out and see more of Europe.
"We were blessed to be able to travel to Vienna, Austria for our first official Christmas as newlyweds," Davis said. "The city was very romantic around this time of year with several traditions and sights to see. We got to experience and witness an entirely different culture. It was not only wonderful to see the fascinating city and its heritage, but also to rejuvenate for the second half of the season."
Also, the Davises were fortunate to bring in the new year seven hours earlier than usual due to the time difference between Skopje and Elk City.
"We were kindly invited to a neighbors flat for a traditional Macedonian meal and music as we counted down the minutes to 2013," Davis said. "It was interesting and intriguing seeing how another country brings in the new year."
Davis is in his second year playing basketball overseas making a total of fifteenth months being away from family, friends and home.
"Even though it may seem difficult at times being so far away from the things you know, there are valuable lessons to be learned along the way as well as great experiences to cherish."
All playbacks, statistics and upcoming games can be seen at abaliga.com.
Tip Off.
New League. Game Change.
SKOPJE — Tipping off the season as reigning champions, this year there are greater expectations overseas in the world of MZT basketball and the fan base, Family Aerodrom, has only multiplied.
After winning the 2011-2012 Macedonian Championship in May, MZT Skopje advanced to the ABA Adriatic League for the upcoming season, and it's a whole new ballgame.
There's a higher level of competition, more organization within the club, and a new head coach who has made changes to players on the team.
"The Adriatic league is prestigious amongst European basketball. The talent level is really good. It's been enjoyable to go to the different countries, seeing different cities, and playing in the different arenas. You not only get a feel for the love of basketball, but also a history lesson looking at the different cultures," Cade said.
So far, the team has traveled to Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina this year.
"It's been nice being able to fly to and from away games that are too far to travel by bus. It allows for the team to get their needed rest to prepare for the upcoming game," Cade said.
A coaching change was made at the end of October. MZT hired, Aleš Pipan, the Poland national coach in place of former coach, Alexander Todorov, who is now with a team in Bulgaria.
"The new coach is very knowledgable. He is a big believer in hard work and knows that putting in time and effort will show results in the game. He conducts himself in a professional manner, and teaches the game in a personal way."
Practices are usually held twice a day, five days a week with a game every Saturday. Off-day is Sunday, which is considered the weekend for the players.
There are very few hours throughout the week the team spends apart. They practice, eat, travel and play ball together almost everyday. Building friendships with one another, treating everyone as co-workers, and relying on each other in a foreign country is a bond these guys share. However, conversing isn't always easy amongst the diversity the team shares. The players nationalities are Macedonia, Serbian, Montenegro and American.
But, like any business, people are laid off and new people are hired on. Two of Cade's closest teammates, one American and one Serbian, have currently been released from the team and are now playing elsewhere in Europe.
"It's certainly is never easy seeing someone let go whom you have become friends with, but knowing that it's a business and part of the game you have to wish them all the best and move forward."
So, moving forward and adding-on is exactly what the fans are doing as well. One side of the entire arena is designated specifically for the pact, Family Aerodrom.
Known for entertaining one another as well as the rest of the crowd, the fans coordinate their attire and props for the home games a week in advance. Come tip-off, flares are igniting, flags are waving through the air and chants in Macedonian to the tune of R. Kelly's song "I Believe I Can Fly" are in full force for a solid two and half hours until the buzzer sounds.
"Our fans have been great all season, even through our low points and high points throughout the year. They continuously pack the gym to help us have a home court advantage, and some have even traveled several hundred miles to give us a boost at away games."
Last week the team traveled to Zardar, Croatia for a victory over Zardar with a final score of 76-68. This week they will have home court advantage against Szolnoki Olai, a team from Hungary.
"Even though the team is low in standings, every game is tough. We will need to play at our best potential to come out with a win."
The game will be held this Saturday at 1:30 p.m. (U.S. Central Time) on Macedonian RTV or live play by play action can be seen at www.abaliga.com.
By MARA DAVIS
Published November 28, 2012
Players Statistics
Cade Davis
Overall
GP-10
Min-283
Pts-116
%- 50.6
FG2
M-25 A-36 %-69.4
FG-3
M-15 A-43 %-34.9
FT
M-21 A-31 %-67.7
Rebs-
D-25 O-9
Ass-16 St-11 To-15
Blck-
Fv-1 Ag-0
Foul-
Cm-35 Rv-26
Value-
105
FG2, FG3-Field Goals
FT- Free Throws
Min-Minutes
Pts-Points
M-Made
A-Attempted
Blck-Blocks Fv-in Favoure of
Ag-Against Foul-Foul Cm-Committed
Rv-Received
Rebs-Rebounds
D-Defensive O-Offensive Ass-Assists
St-Steals To- Turnover Val-rank Value
Photo credits: MZTAerodrom.MK, Mara Elizabeth Davis