Better late than never, here we go for the last part of this season’s Interview series with European NCAA freshmen. Today, the Finnish forward Kilian Cato from the University of Maine can talk about his experience in the United States.
For Finnish players, the NCAA way is quite common. What made you decide to take this step in your career?
I decided to come to the United States because I’ve always been dreaming about it and I felt that it is a natural continuation in my career.
Can you describe a bit more your recruiting process?
Well, Maine’s Coach Leichner saw me playing in the under 18 European Championships during the summer 2010 and after that tournament I started to get phone calls and e-mails from different teams. After thinking for a while I decided to go on a visit to Maine and then committed.
Maine is known for recruiting a lot in Europe. Do you feel the same when it comes to the Playing Style of the Black Bears? Is is more European than other teams that you face?
Yes, I feel that our playing style or plays are more European than other teams but of course every team uses those plays that work so in the end it’s not of a big difference between our playing style compared to other teams.
What do you expect as personal development over the next years?
I expect to get stronger/quicker in the weight room and of course that I become very versatile in my position.
You are majoring in Economics. Any specific ideas behind this choice?
Economics has always been an interesting subject so it seemed the best choice when picking a major. And after basketball I would like to find myself associated with business in general.
Will we see you with the Finnish U20 National Team this summer?
About the National Team, I can’t say anything else than maybe. First of course you need an invitation before you can even think about anything else, but will see what the final decision will be.
Kilian Cato finished his first season with the University of Maine Black Bears with an average of 4.1ppg, 2.0rpg in 17.0 minutes per game.
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