"I came to Barça, I expected a big club and that’s what I found, everything is 10"

A happy, calm and “a little hyperactive” guy, as he defines himself, is waiting for us sitting in the middle of the Endesa League presentation to introduce himself to the Barcelona fans, although his name in Spain is more than well known. Olek Balcerowski (Swidnica, Poland, 2000) speaks to Mundo Deportivo to ensure that his signing for Barça represents the most important leap in his career.

At 25 years old, Balcerowski heads towards Palau Blaugrana after a spell in Malaga, where he left his place for another ex-Azulgrana, Willy Hernangomezwho precisely comes up to greet the Polish center during the interview. A curious exchange of roles that causes the appearance of the Spanish interior. “What’s going on, ‘pisha’? Is everything okay there? Now that there’s a new change, take advantage, man,” he says, laughing.

How is the adaptation to Barça going?

For me, very good. It has been very easy, really. I already know Spain well, so very well.

You arrived in Gran Canaria when you were just 13 years old. It can be said that you are almost another Spaniard.

You can say, the truth. I also master the language well, without problems, so yes.

What feelings do these first weeks leave you with?

The truth is that every day we are improving, I think that every day we are being a better team than the previous days. We have been together for very little time, but we try to do everything in our power, put in the hours, put in training and gain that trust between us. We are getting to know each player’s playing style, how they play, understanding each other as best we can and, from there, building.

He will share a position with Josh Nebo and Yoan Makoundou, now injured. How do you see the team’s inner game?

Well, very good, I feel very good with all the boys, I have a good relationship with both of them. In the locker room we are all still getting to know each other, but the vibes and everything inside are very good. And now, in the end, you play as you train and that is work. That cannot be missed, we seek to understand each other better and better.

What is Sekulic asking of you in these first weeks?

Run, run and run (smiles). He wants me to put up good blocks, to defend hard, that’s more or less what he asks of me. We are a super physical team and that is the intensity that the coach wants: to be physical, defend very well, build many counterattacks from defense and many more shooting opportunities for us than the rival has. From there, build together and play at a very high pace.

What convinced you about the Barça project to sign for the club?

Me? Well, above all, first the interest of a club like Barça, which is interested in me, and then that it is a new project, with many new players, many new faces, fresh legs, as the coach says. We are many new players, young players, it is a different style and that is a bit what has convinced me because I believe I can help this team in whatever is asked of me.

And at the team level? Is reaching the Final Four one of the goals?

Yes, of course, I think it is in the heads of each one of us, the players, the staff and all the club workers. What we want is to be at the top and we can’t get that out of our minds, we are a big club, a club that has to win, that has to have titles and that’s how we see it, with hunger and enthusiasm.

How was your time at Unicaja?

I love Malaga, as a city and as everything. During the two years I was there, the fans treated me with great affection and I hope to see them soon.

What do you miss most about Poland?

The food.

Don’t you like Spanish?

Yes, I like it a lot (smiles), but there are some things that are difficult to get here, there are few Polish stores, so I would say that above all I miss the food. I have almost everything else here.

What is Balcerowski like off the court?

I think he is a happy boy, a little hyperactive, he likes to talk, he likes to chat, he likes to make jokes. But I also think he is calm, he likes to be in his space and he really likes being with his family.

Any hobbies that people don’t know about?

Away from basketball? No, I don’t think so, and if there was something, I don’t think people should know about it (smiles).

Is it the most important step in your career?

Yes, I think so. That’s how I see it, at least. Return to the Euroleague in a very big club. Me, personally, looking back, every step I take is what I think is best for me. It is a very important leap for my future.

What has surprised you the most about Barça from within that you didn’t know?

I’ve been asked this several times, but I don’t think anything has surprised me. I came to a big club, I expected a big club, the best, and that’s what I found. So, I don’t think anything surprised me because everything is super good, everything was a 10, so I can’t complain about anything.