Another early entrant of the 2023 NBA Draft we met is Czech sharpshooting wing Ondrej Hanzlik (02′), who grew up with Baskonia and now plays for Girona in spanish ACB.
How is the current season going for you personally so far?
It is not an easy season for me. I try to make the most of the minutes they give me and try to give my best. My mentality is always to leave everything on the court and contribute to the team everything necessary at all times.
For those who don’t know you and your playing style yet. How would you describe it?
I’m shooting guard / small forward, I can play both. My main role in the team is to be a shooter. My biggest weapon is shooting, especially shooting for three points and from a long distance. I can release my shot real quick.
Regarding your background: How did you get into basketball?
My dad was profesional player in past and my brother is also playing basketball. So it was very easy for me to choose what i wanted to do.
When you look back to two years ago, what did you improve the most?
I think I improved my defense the most. I have worked a lot on that last two years, but there is still a lot to improve.
This season again, you were part of the national team during the qualifier windows. How was that experience?
For me it was incredibly valuable experiences. I met new people and learned new things from them. I think its very important for young players to give them these oportunities.
After you signed up for the NBA draft a few days ago and probably also follow the NBA regularly, is there a player there that you look up to or try to pick up things from?
I really like Klay Thompson. I’ve been watching him since I was little and I try to follow what and how he does and I try to imitate him.
On which position do you see yourself in the long run? At Girona you are currently playing as a shooting guard. Where would you see yourself in the NBA?
I would like to improve my dribbling and start playing more pick and roll situations. also add pull up shots to my game and definitely improve my reads both defensively and offensively.
What do you think NBA scouts might have doubts about when it comes to your NBA level?
I think it’s my dribbling, I’m aware that I have to improve it and I’m working on it. Also my defense.
What do you like to do when you are not practicing or playing? Any other hobbies?
I like to play tennis, especially in the summer time when I’m back home. In my free time I like to watch Euroleague and ACB matches. I also like to go for walks both to the beach and to the city with my teammates, family and friends.
Back to the draft again. Is there a franchise you would like to go to?
I don’t really have preferences for any team, it would be amazing if any team draft me.
Have you talked to other (former) Czech NBA players maybe to gain info or insights?
I haven’t talked to the Czechs about the NBA yet, but I talked about it with players from Girona who have experience with the NBA and the draft in general, like Marc Gasol, Kameron Taylor and John Jenkins. They shared their experiences both in the draft and in the NBA and gave me a couple of tips.
Last question: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Since I was little I have had a dream and pending challenge to play in an NBA or Euroleague team. I would like to play in Baskonia, since it is the team that has given me the opportunity to grow as a player since I was 14 years old, and getting to play in the first team in one of the best leagues in the world would be a dream come true.
