Darrun Hilliard, former player of Maccabi Tel Aviv, spoke candidly in an interview about coach Oded Kattash and his time in Israel.
After a very challenging season, the American left “The Pride of Israel” and headed to Turkey, becoming a new member of Pinar Karsiyaka. Hilliard emphasizes that the past year was very tough for him.
“It was the toughest possible situation for me. It affected me and my family. It’s hard when you know you can help the team, whether it’s scoring a basket or contributing with your experience. I was frustrated because I knew I could help, but I didn’t get the chance,” the experienced guard said.
He emphasizes that he realized Kattash’s decisions were personal and not professional at all.
“I know one hundred percent that it was personal. Every basketball fan knows what kind of player I am. When you’re treated as if you’re not a good player, you realize there’s no professionalism there, and it’s all about ego,” the former CSKA Moscow player stated.
In the end, the former NBA player pointed out that he believes he simply didn’t appeal to the Israeli coach, and the reason for this remains unknown to him.
“I don’t hate Oded, and I don’t think he’s a bad person. Off the court, he’s the same person, very quiet and humble, but there’s no doubt he didn’t like me. I’m not sure where it started, but I remember we had a conversation after the game against Zalgiris, and for some reason, he told me he didn’t trust me,” Hilliard concluded.