In a conversation with Basketball Sphere, Maccabi Tel Aviv’s point guard Lorenzo Brown spoke about his basketball development in Europe. He also reflected on his time with Crvena Zvezda.
When Lorenzo Brown signed a one-year contract with Crvena Zvezda back in 2019, the European basketball community was not familiar with the game of the former North Carolina State student. Today, there are hardly any basketball fans on European soil who haven’t heard of Lorenzo Brown, as he has since established himself as one of the best point guards in the EuroLeague.
Before joining Crvena Zvezda, Brown played in the United States and China. In the NBA, he had stints with Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns, where he mostly received ten-day contracts, while his most notable role was with the Toronto Raptors. With the Raptors’ G League affiliate Raptors 905, he was named MVP of the G League.
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I spent a wonderful period at Crvena Zvezda
After a season in the red and white jersey, which was not concluded due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lorenzo Brown moved to Fenerbahce, then Unics Kazan, and last season he signed with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Due to war in their country, the “Pride of Israel” has been playing its home EuroLeague games behind close doors in Belgrade at the Aleksandar Nikolic Hall since November 9th.
“Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda are special to me and playing in “Aleksandar Nikolic hall” brings back many memories. This is where I started my career in Europe, and I spent a wonderful period at Crvena Zvezda, the club means a lot to me. It’s different playing without fans in this hall, because they always create a crazy atmosphere,” says Lorenzo Brown, continues speaking on the current situation at Maccabi:
“We miss the support of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans, but we all appreciate this gesture and the opportunity to play here.”
“I’m not particularly emotional when playing against Crvena Zvezda”
Brown will face his former club on December 21st when Crvena Zvezda will play as “visitors” in the hall which they called “home” in previous seasons, and which was regularly packed to the roof by the red and white fans.
“I’m not particularly emotional when playing against Crvena Zvezda. A lot has changed since my time in the club. They have a lot of new players, but a few stayed from the season when I wore red and white jersey. But they always welcome me here with a lot of love. Every time I see the guys, there’s a positive energy and we always joke. That’s what I appreciate the most about Serbia and Crvena Zvezda.”
After Russian teams were expelled from the EuroLeague in early 2022, it was clear that Brown would move to a new environment. There were speculations that Crvena Zvezda tried to bring the American guard back, and that even Partizan entered into negotiations with him.
“I don’t know if they wanted me. I didn’t have any negotiations because Maccabi Tel Aviv was the only team I knew was genuinely interested,” Brown responded to the rumors.
“I’ve learned a lot more about basketball through my experience in Europe”
For Brown, the process of adapting to European basketball took several months. Crvena Zvezda supporters weren’t always patient with the unpredictable moves of the American point guard, but by the end of November, Lorenzo shifted into “fifth gear” and showcased the talent and basketball IQ he possesses.
The most memorable moments from that period are the game-winning three-pointer against Valencia over Guillem Vives and the masterclass in Crvena Zvezda’s road win in Milano.
These days, Lorenzo Brown is recognizable for his pick-and-roll game and smooth floaters he executes after leaving his defender “frozen” following a lightning-fast change of pace.
“Since my season with Crvena Zvezda, I’ve changed a lot mentally. I’ve learned a lot more about basketball through my experience in Europe. I came from the G League and the NBA, where the game is completely different. Over the years, I’ve been adapting to the European style of basketball, started taking more responsibility for my mistakes, and learning from them to become the player I am today,” Brown explains.
Oded Kattash ahead of Sergio Scariolo
In Maccabi Tel Aviv, Lorenzo Brown is playing the best basketball in his career. In the previous season, he averaged 16.4 points, three rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, earning a spot in the All-EuroLeague First Team.
Throughout his European career, the 32-year-old basketball player has played for many top caliber coaches. Although it’s known that Sergio Scariolo played a significant role in his decision to suit up for the Spanish national team at EuroBasket 2022, having previously worked with Brown in Toronto, the American player emphasizes that he enjoys playing for Oded Kattash the most.
“Now I would say that coach Oded Kattash has probably had the most impact on my game and overall progress. He gave me the opportunity to play my game and lead the team. That’s something I do best.”
“I don’t think about the NBA at all.”
Most basketball players who make the move from the NBA to Europe often aim to use their performances as a ticket back to the best basketball league in the world. Despite currently being regarded as one of the best point guards on the Old Continent, Lorenzo has no intention of returning to the United States.
“NBA is not even on my mind. I entered the later years of my basketball career, and I think the NBA is more tailored to young players, especially in today’s game, which is played at an increasingly higher pace. I am focused on Europe, looking to see how I can further progress and help my team,” concluded Lorenzo Brown in a conversation with Basketball Sphere.