"I chose Girona following my heart"

Forced to renew, like almost all ACB teams, FIATC Girona has incorporated this season a player with a resume and a differential label. The G-League’s all-time leading scorer, Mac McClung was a three-time winner of the NBA dunk contest, a record that is difficult to beat, and despite this he has not managed to establish himself in the main American league in his professional years. He arrives at Fontajau with open expectations in what is his first European experience.

What are your feelings in these first weeks that you have been working here and in the first games?

Yes, it’s been great. The truth is that I have fallen in love with the city of Girona and, you know, arriving here and learning the game… It is a different style of play and I feel like I am learning every day and in every game. I feel a little more comfortable and, you know, the coaching staff and management have been very good to me. I’m really looking forward to the season starting.

Why did you choose Girona? Did you have other options or offers from Europe on the table?

Yes, I think that, in my case, during the last few years I have been lucky enough to talk to probably more than ten Euroleague teams or teams at that level… But I was never looking for the money or how big the team was. I was just looking for a place that felt like a home away from home. And when talking with Marc (Gasol), with Moncho (Fernández) and with the board here, with the general director… you just know it. You realize it when you feel it. They called me and, speaking with my agent, we agreed that we were not looking for the biggest contract or the most striking offer; It was simply about following my heart. I feel very lucky because of all the interest there was in Europe, but I felt that this place was like home.

How important was the figure of Marc Gasol in this decision?

Yes, it was very important. I think talking to them… He’s played in America and obviously had an incredibly successful career in basketball. Listening to him talk about what they were looking for in me by coming here and what they wanted me to do made it seem like a perfect fit.

What are the adaptations to European basketball that you find most difficult? Any tactical or special adjustments that are tougher coming from the United States?

Yes, it’s a different game. In a way it’s fun because it’s like a challenge: you have to learn to score in different ways. People often ask, “Who’s better?” but it’s just different, you know what I mean? It’s not the same. Certain ways of scoring here are different, the way of defending is different, the three-second rule… there are no defensive three seconds here. It has been a fun challenge to learn and I feel that over time I am becoming more comfortable. I’m looking forward to moving forward.

He was a great scorer in the G-League in recent years. Will it be more difficult to have that role here in Europe?

Yeah, well, I’ve never been one to think, “Oh, I need to score this many points.” For me it’s about playing the game. I feel that when I am most effective is when I can get to the basket and make plays, although I can also score. You have to let the game come to you. So I never try to force anything like, “I need to average this or that.” You just play, and I think your impact on the game… it doesn’t matter if the game is shorter or how many points you score; In some of your best games it doesn’t matter how many points you made if you are influencing the game in other ways. So I hope to be able to contribute and influence the game.

Fans will also come to the halls hoping to see him make spectacular dunks and highlight plays. How do you manage that pressure?

I love it! I will try to do my best to give them everything I have. The treatment with the fans here has already been incredible, so I look forward to seeing them and integrating more into the community.

Do you see yourself playing in Europe for more years, many years, or what is your expectation for the future?

I have no idea what’s going to happen. I go day by day. Honestly, I’m super grateful to be here, but in my life I’ve never looked forward; Wherever I am, I never look too far into the future.

Would you compete in the NBA dunk contest again while playing in Europe? Would that be possible or…?

No, I probably couldn’t make that long plane trip. But you never know, maybe one day I’ll do it again, maybe not. So we’ll see.

Who would say that he has been the best matador of all time?

For me, my favorite is Vince Carter. Because I have been close to him, I have been able to forge a relationship with him; He’s a great guy and, yes, he’s number one.

Dunking is an evolving art and athletes are more physical now than in the days of Michael Jordan, for example. But it seems increasingly difficult to surprise…

Yes, it is a challenge. All those dunks have already been done, so you have to try to think of new things and it’s difficult. But it’s been fun to be a part of it; I am very grateful to have been able to participate.