More behind-the-scenes from Žalgiris players’ work ahead of the upcoming season can already be seen in the first episode of “Žalgiris Insider presents” titled “PREPARATION,” which you can find only on the “Žalgiris Insider” platform.
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“So far everything is fine, I’m just trying to get used to it, but I haven’t done much yet. However, I have already met fans who came up and asked to take pictures. I am from Houston, so Kaunas is the complete opposite – it’s a smaller and less hurried city, the weather is also quite different, but so far nothing has surprised me too much because I have played here several times in previous seasons,” shared the American with his first impressions.
C. Edwards also spoke about one of the most important people in his life.
“My brother is like an authority to me. As a child, I did everything he did, so I started playing sports. Even now we talk every day, so we have a very close bond – he is my big brother, so I can talk to him about absolutely everything,” Edwards revealed.
The new Žalgiris player arrived in Kaunas with his mother, who helps the basketball player settle in during the first weeks in Kaunas.
“Yes, we came together, but she is only here temporarily. Mom helps me settle in, find an apartment, and tries to make this place feel like home. I am also very close with my mom – overall, family is extremely important in my life. We call all family members every day and are so close that playing in Europe is not easy because I am very far from my family, but they will definitely come to visit me,” shared the American.
Edwards also talked about his personality off the court.
“I am a simple guy. I wouldn’t say I have special hobbies. I think if I had the choice and time, I would definitely do more, but I generally like very diverse music, clothes, and shopping. Apart from that, I am quite a simple guy,” Edwards revealed his hobbies.
The American also shared a routine that started in his teenage years of writing down his goals on the mirror.
“I started doing this when I was still quite young. My main motivation to do this is simple – by seeing your goals every day, you don’t forget them, so it becomes easier to focus and pursue them. I think it’s important to see your goals in front of you – I still do this. It came quite naturally to me – I have enjoyed basketball since I was little, and as a teenager, I realized that if I want to become a professional, I have to start doing certain things. My dad also contributed to this, so that’s how my goals ended up written on the mirror,” the American explained.
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Edwards also opened up about his friendship with former Žalgiris player and EuroLeague champion Nigel Hayes-Davis, whom he met in his first season in Europe.
“I wouldn’t say that Nigel and I talked about Žalgiris before I came here. Nigel and I don’t really talk about basketball; we just talk about how things are going for us. Of course, I knew him before – when I was in college, we played against each other, but we got to know each other better while on the Fenerbahçe team. You could say we found common ground quite quickly – we saw each other every day at practice, and he is a very good guy who is interested in the same things as me. I think what brought us closer is that family is also very important to him. Nigel has experienced many good and tough times, so I can learn a lot from him. The level he has reached and the attitude he has towards basketball – I am lucky to have such an example beside me,” Edwards revealed.
The new Žalgiris player also met Saben Lee during the 2021–2022 season with the Detroit Pistons.
“I enjoyed playing with Saben – he is a cool guy. I am glad to see that he is doing great establishing himself in Europe. I am definitely looking forward to hitting the court with him again; that’s one of the things I really can’t wait for,” Edwards spoke about his already familiar teammate.
Finally, the American shared his ambitions for the upcoming season and dedicated a message to the team’s fans.
“My only goal is to become the best version of myself and help this team win in every possible way. It is important that during the preseason we develop good habits and have a shared understanding of what we want to achieve. Well, I can assure you that I will give my all on the court. There will definitely be ups and downs during the season, but I think positivity is the best response to anything that happens during the season, so I will give everything. I am also very much looking forward to seeing the Žalgiris arena full of fans,” Edwards did not lack ambition.
Žalgiris players continuing their preparation for the upcoming season will play their first preseason game against the Riga “Zelti” team this Saturday at 17:45. On September 2, T. Masiulis’ trainees will face the Utena “Juventus” team, and on September 6 – the Baku “Sabah” team. Only “Žalgiris Insider” subscribers will be able to watch live broadcasts of all these preseason games, and you can become a subscriber by clicking here.
