Will Clyburn is being, in a Barça key, the fittest man so far this campaign. At least that's how the numbers in the Euroleague reflect it, where Detroit's is being the most valued so far in the competition, with 15.7 credits per game.
The forward showed his ambition in an interview in Jijantes, in which He assured that Barça is one of the candidates to be in the Final Four. He was also forceful regarding his individual level: “Many people are going to be surprised. I feel that I am still a great player. Even more intelligent, I read the game better and shoot better than previous years,” he confirmed.
His physical condition, the great unknown of his signing
Will Clyburn's level has always been beyond doubt. We are talking about an MVP of the Final Four in 2019, defending the CSKA Moscow shirt. Precisely the same year, after starting the 2019-20 season, He suffered a serious injury that caused him to spend several months in dry dock. Injured anterior cruciate ligament.
This mishap kept him away from the courts until the end of the course. Despite this, he recovered well and returned to a high level. He put an end to his time in Moscow after the 21-22 season, coinciding with the Euroleague's decision to expel the Russian teams.
Clyburn acknowledged in the interview that if it were not for the non-sports situation experienced in Russia, he would surely continue in the Moscow club.: “I had renewed my contract for two more years before this whole mess arose. I had no intention of leaving Moscow. I loved it there, I loved the staff and I wanted to stay for the rest of my career. Obviously, it couldn't be, because I wanted to continue playing in the Euroleague. “If the situation had been different, if the Euroleague had not been a problem, I would probably still be there.”
Three irregular seasons between Efes and Virtus
Before signing for Barça this past summer, Clyburn went through a three-year journey in which his level left European basketball fans a little cold. Although his numbers were not bad, he did not regularly demonstrate the ability to dominate the Euroleague. as expected from a player of his level.
In it Anadolu Efes He was there for two seasons and He did not fit in with the stars of the Turkish team: Vasilije Micic and Shane Larkin. Nor did it catch on in the systems of Atamanwho after being European champion twice in a row, He failed to display his best game with the arrival of the American.
In the only year he was in Virtus, he also failed to be the Clyburn that Italian fans expected. The Lega won, but without being able to play in the finals, in which the Barça player also excelled. Shengelia Store.
Meeting again at Barça
At 35 years old, Clyburn faces one of his last opportunities to prove himself at the highest level. Precisely those three somewhat indifferent seasons between Istanbul and Bologna, set somewhat cautious expectations with his possible performance in Can Barça.
Will Clyburn, in a game this season against Breogán / Twitter: @Fcbbasket
However, The American is leaving sensations that many did not expect. Without suffering the consequences of his adaptation, Clyburn He has been performing at a high level since the first day in Barcelona. Being key piece for Peñarroyais averaging 13.9 points in the Euroleague and 13.8 in the ACB, confirming itself as one of the great offensive weapons of the Barça team. The big question is whether he will be able to maintain his level. Surely, Barça's chances of success this season will depend on it.
