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It has been six months since Jarred joined our team, and during this time the point guard has repeatedly justified his presence in the MINSK squad. His averages in 22 VTB United League matches are really impressive: 18.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.2 assists in just over 32 minutes on the floor on average per game. However, in addition to basketball, to which the Canadian player now devotes most of his life, Jarred tries to devote time to his family and hobbies, as well as getting used to a new role – being a father. Read more in the interview.
— This is a question that is often asked to basketball players, and we also cannot ignore it. How did you get into basketball?
— I was about 5 years old when I came to basketball. My older brother played both football and basketball. They gave me the same sports path: I immediately played football, and then I tried basketball and just fell in love with this sport. He was constantly disappearing on basketball courts. So I've been playing almost all my life. In Canada, from the age of 10 to 15, he played in youth teams, then at school in Calgary, where he entered the university. Next were the teams of Portugal, Spain, France, Finland, the Netherlands, and Denmark. In total, it turns out to be 9 years of career.
— After graduating from university in 2015, you played in the Portuguese League, and from that moment your professional career began. Do you remember that time and emotions?
— When my last playing season at the university ended, I started contacting agents, one of them was based in Toronto and we were constantly in touch, we talked a lot. He was saying: "So, this is your first professional year, when I'm trying to send you to a country that fits you and fits your game." I remember being informed that the Portuguese team was interested in me and the coach was going to call, it was a really cool feeling. And as soon as we talked with the coach, I realized that this was really going to be something cool. Also, another basketball player I know was going to join the same team, and it was easier for me to start this stage already knowing someone. The period in Portugal holds a special place in my heart. I've always wanted to be a professional player, and I've known it since I was 14 years old. I remember well the moment when I was met at the airport, the manager did not speak English very well. When I arrived, I saw palm trees and good weather in Portugal, I thought: "I can't believe I'm here."
— You have visited many countries during your career. What differences have you noticed in basketball?
— For me, each country is individual. When I first came to Spain, there was a very tactical basketball, focused on details, right down to what I kept in mind: you need to step on a certain part of the line at a certain time. I learned a lot there. France had a very physical, athletic League. When I started playing FIBA Europe Cup tournaments against teams from all over Europe, everything was mixed up there: a lot of teams, athleticism, real shooters. I have gained a lot of experience in my long-term career, and I hope that I will be able to continue doing this for a long time.
— What individual award is significant for you?
— In my second playing season in Portugal, I was named the best guard of the year, also in the Netherlands. When I was in Denmark, we won the championship. These are the moments that I'm proud of. Of course, the season in Minsk is not going the way we all expected, but I still try my best every day.
— You have been in Minsk for several months now. What conclusions have you managed to draw about Belarusian basketball?
— I think the team has a lot of young talents here. I remember playing against MINSK in the Bakken Bears a couple of years ago when I was in Denmark. Then it was a more mature and, accordingly, more experienced team. There are a lot of good young players here now, whose growth can be watched now and over the next few years, what they are capable of. But for the result, they need to work and believe that they can get better. Playing in such a difficult and serious League is an opportunity for prospects.
— What can you say about the Minsk team, who do you interact with more often?
— Danik Kasko, we call him Kutz (laughs), he is a really good young player, very athletic and promising, plus he is also a pleasant and friendly person. Stubeda comes to training every day, he has a very professional approach. I like Grisha Motovilov, he is a good example for the players because he works very hard. Vlad Mikulski has been here for several years and has gone through many situations, and now he has become a captain, this is a new experience for him. Mikus, like the others, gives his best. On trips, I often live with Cebasek – I call him Cheba. He jokes a lot, he's a funny guy. Since Alex Zecevic joined the team, I communicate with him a lot, since we are not from Belarus, and this unites us to some extent. Vanya Aladka is also a cool guy. And in general, I would not like to single out someone pointwise, I try to be open with everyone, just be myself.
— Is there time to explore the local sights in Minsk, how do you like life here?
— With the onset of winter, I don't go out so often anymore. When it was warmer, I was constantly in shopping malls, I really like your national library and parks. My impression is that it is a really beautiful big city with friendly residents. Of course, it's very cold here now, but I'm used to it, I'm from Canada, it's not a big problem for me.
— Tell me how you met your wife. What is your love story like?
— We met in France. There was her brother's wedding in the city where I was playing. I saw her in the pictures from the celebration, I was interested. At first, we texting for several weeks, or even months, and then finally met for dinner. Since then, our relationship has developed very naturally: we began to see each other more often. There was a period in my career when I traveled a lot, so we went to Paris, Geneva together, we had a lot of joint activities. When I played in Finland and the Netherlands, she came to the games to support me. We got married the summer before last. This is our little love story.
— How does your wife cope with your life rhythm? How difficult is it to be a long-distance couple?
— To be honest, she supports me a lot, it's really nice. Moreover, she is one of those who loves adventures, so I constantly hear: “I can't wait for us to go there, I'm looking forward to when we go to another country." Obviously, sometimes it can be hard not to know our specific plans in advance, to be on standby for work issues, or to fly on a random flight to a country where I did not expect to get to. But at the end of the day, we both know that it's a unique experience to be a professional basketball player, playing in different countries in front of thousands of fans who support you. These are trips around the world. I think she likes it and appreciates it. Of course, difficulties can happen in any job, but there are much more good things.
— There is information on the Internet that you have a very large family and more than 300 relatives.
– Oh yes (laughs). To be honest, I don't even know the exact numbers, but my dad has 10 or 11 siblings, my mom has about the same number. My dad is originally from Nigeria, he moved to Spain on his coming of age, lived there for two years, and then went to Canada. Mom left Jamaica for Scotland, where she worked as a nurse, and then also moved to Canada. I can't even count how many blood relatives I have, I think about 500. My family members live in Canada, USA (New York, Los Angeles, still in Arizona), Nigeria, Great Britain, Jamaica. Yes, it's a huge family. Whenever possible, I try to spend my free time with someone, but it's not that easy.
— Has anything changed in your worldview after you became a father? What life values would you like to pass on to your daughter?
— It's such an incredible experience, which gives you the realization of how precious life is. You begin to overestimate everything that is important in this life and what is secondary. I set myself a lot of goals that I strive for and focus on as much as possible. But with the advent of a daughter, awareness comes somewhere: she is something that needs to be put in the first place. Yes, I'm still getting my way in different areas of life, but now I have to spend time with her too. It means much more than striving for success alone. My parents were very active people and raised me, constantly involving me in all sorts of activities: they took me to training, traveling together. They taught me hard work, respect, to be a grateful person and an honest person. My dad says, “Family is the most important thing.” So I will instill in my daughter the same values that were instilled in me as a child.
— You have a hobby – podcasts. What inspired you and what are your podcasts about?
— I started getting involved in this not so long ago, since last season. The title of my podcast is “Stay True Be Great”. This is the phrase I've been living with for about 10 years now. I always try to be truthful, stay who I am, not pretend. Also, we often do not live at the maximum and are content with the minimum. But if we only live once, then why not try to be the best at whatever you do. I like doing interviews, talking about basketball and more. There are a lot of interesting people in my environment, connected not only with basketball. In one of my podcasts, I talked to the owner of the largest clothing brand in Canada, whose ambassador is Madonna. My online show is relatively new and fresh, not many episodes have been released, as it is difficult to find time now, given the large amount of work and travel. But this is a hobby that I want to pursue for a long time. I also watch podcasts about basketball and urban culture in my free time. I watch NBA and Euroleague matches. I am very often in touch with my family. As I said earlier, family comes first.
The Blitz
What was the last dish you cooked on your own?
— It was pasta with vegetables, bolognese sauce and chicken, baked in the oven.
The song that has been playing most often in the playlist lately?
— Drake – You Broke My Heart.
The phrase that you say most often?
— That's crazy (laughs).
Which social network do you spend the most time on?
Which of the last films I watched made an impression?
— "Creed 3" starring Michael B. Jordan.
The best point guard of all time in your time?
— Magic Johnson.
Just the best player of all time?
— Michael Jordan.
Which player in your career did you remember playing with?
— I remember it was my first year in Portugal, when I played against Decuan Cook. He played in the NBA for a long time, and in 2009 won the annual three-point shooting competition held before the NBA All-Star Game. I was still thinking at the time: “Wow, if he's here, then why can't I reach a high level in Europe?”
Name three moral qualities that are very important for success in basketball.
— Work ethic, discipline and humility.