Today we bring to your attention a bit lesser-known prospect from Monaco – Nicolas Vanel. He recently declared himself for an NBA draft so this will be a perfect opportunity to find out a bit about him. Without further ado, let’s jump straight in.
Hello Nicolas, thank you for taking the time to talk to us today. We appreciate it.
Thank you as well for taking the time to meet me.
For people who might not know you, would you be able to tell us a bit about yourself? What is your background?
I live in a small village next to principality of Monaco, I have two nationalities, French and Romanian. I was born in Monaco and all of my education took place here.
When did basketball cross your path?
I started to play basketball at 8 years old, but I did not realized the place that will take in my life until my 10th anniversary.
How would you describe your game at the moment? What would you say is your biggest strength and weakness?
Aggressive, my biggest strength is my capacity to go to the rim and for my weakness I would say my 3 point shot. Working on it!
How about off the court? What type of person are you?
I am a confident positive person. Always trying to see the bright side of people or things.
While we are still off the court, could you tell us what other interests you have outside basketball?
As BasketbalI takes a big part of my life the remaining time I like to spend it with friends and family, watching movies and playing video games sometimes. Discover new countries when I can.
Going back to ball. Who is your favourite player and why? Which leagues/teams do you watch the most?
Certainly Kevin Durant because he can do all things. Monaco is the team which I watch the most.
Your home club made a Euroleague debut this season. What do you think about their campaign and what does it mean to the people of Monaco to have a team playing on the highest European level?
It was very interesting for me because I am watching Monaco since they were in NM1 (semipro). For all of us people of Monaco it’s a great opportunity to see all these great teams playing in the Monaco’s stadium.
For people who are not familiar with basketball in Monaco. How big would you say it is? What other sports people like to follow in your country? Did you have a chance to play any of them growing up?
The principality of Monaco is a small country but the sport is very well represented and it’s very important for us. We have one of the most beautiful formula 1 competition, we have a very famous tennis competition (Rolex Masters), Diamond league athletics and the soccer team is quite good.
How was your season? As a team and individually? How would you describe your role? Where was your focus in terms of improvement this season?
Both as a team and individually last season could of been better as I'm sure the next one will be. I think I have a really important role in my team because I am an energizer and I also play a big role in challenging the team cohesion. Being a leader in my team was my goal.
What did you enjoy the most in this particular campaign? Also, would you like to tell us maybe about experiences that haven’t gone your way but were valuable lessons you could have learned from?
New challenges, always try to be better, working hard; all the failures are valuable lessons actually. If I can think at one in particular, is that we didn’t get the results that we wanted as a team this year.
The season is over now. What are your plans for the summer? What area of your game will you try to improve over the offseason?
During the summer I am going to work on my weaknesses and continue to improve my strength. I will improve my 3 points shot and my free throws.
Can you tell us a bit about your last two campaigns with Monaco National Team? How long have you been representing your country? What does it mean to you to put on a jersey with a Monaco flag on it?
My last two campaigns with Monaco were great experiences particularly my last representation because we finished at the second place of the tournament. I am representing Monaco since I am 14 years old I did one U16 tournament and two U18 tournament. I am proud to represent Monaco in European tournaments because they give me an opportunity to express myself by playing basketball and I hope they are proud of my games.
What are your goals for the future? Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Playing on the higher level possible and if doesn’t work combine my studies and basketball.
What aspect of your game do you think will translate and help you at the next level?
My capacity to learn of my failures and my motivation of going as far as possible. My leadership, making my teammates better and winning mentality. I always want to do whats necessary to win game as a team.
Thank you, Nicolas, for all your answers. It was a pleasure talking to you. Good luck in the future.
