Matt Nielsen, Power Electronics Valencia
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 As Power Electronics Valencia looks ahead to a difficult two-game series against Aris BSA 2003 for a ticket to the Eurocup Finals, it knows just which player to turn to for leadership. Veteran big man Matt Nielsen has seen it all before and knows just what to expect. This season marks his fourth time in the competition’s quarterfinals, including a run to the ULEB Cup Final in 2007 with Lietuvos Rytas. Moreover, he knows what to expect from the always electric atmosphere in Thessaloniki, where he began his European career – and made the first of his ULEB Cup quarterfinals runs – back in the 2004-05 season with Aris’s biggest rival, PAOK. The Aussie center is always capable of making the difference when he takes the floor, but against Aris, he just may make the difference even before that. "We know that playing in such a gym like theirs will not be easy," Nielsen told Eurocupbasketball.com. "I am ready to explain to some of the guys that may not know the kind of reaction they will get from that crowd. It is exciting, it makes the game more enjoyable."
Hello, Matt. Power Electronics is back in the Eurocup quarterfinals. How has been the season in Valencia so far?
"It's been a very decent season even when we haven't always played the way we would like. Obviously, taking that one loss to Hapoel at home was a very disappointing way to start the Last 16. On the other side, the character we showed to fight back in the following games, especially on the road, was a good sign. Overall, we have been pretty happy with the season until now."
You face Aris BSA 2003 in the Quarterfinals, a traditional team in European club competitions. What's your opinion about the matchup?
"It is difficult, we know we are coming across a very, very good team. At the same time, you don't expect anything less when you get to the final stages of the Eurocup. We know that playing in such a gym like theirs will not be easy. I know what the Aris gym can be like because I played for PAOK in the past. I am ready to explain to some of the guys that may not know the kind of reaction they will get from that crowd. It is exciting, it makes the game more enjoyable."
Like you said, you played for PAOK against Aris in the Thessaloniki derby. What kind of basketball atmosphere will Valencia face?
"For me, this is what it is all about. I think that the most enjoyable games only take place in this kind of environment. There is a lot of passion and I have always enjoyed that hostile environment towards me and the team. I am looking forward to the challenge."
Aris features four players that were in Spain in the past, including former teammate Demos Dikoudis. Can that be a factor in the series?
"I don't know, I think Aris has a lot of experienced players in other leagues as well. We have players like Victor Claver, who was not a big factor when they played over there, also Rafa Martinez. Some players have changed a lot, for the best, since they were in Spain. The one thing they have is experience and that's important for them, they have a lot of experienced players in big basketball competitions. That is what it will help them in this series."
Your old team, Lietuvos Rytas, won the Eurocup right before you got there and right after you left. Does that make you want to win it more?
"I always wanted to win it but we lost the final against Real Madrid. I always want to win the competitions that I'm in. What happened doesn't make me want to win it more but with a lot of passion, I really want to do it this year. That's for sure."
You moved to Valencia in the middle of last season and reached the Final Eight. Does a full season there give you more comfort facing the same challenge now?
"Yes, I think that last season was much more turbulent, because it was a big change for me. Me and my family moved in early in the season and had to get established. I feel much more comfortable in Valencia this season and also more relaxed about my position. I just enjoy what we have and feel very comfortable with that."
Despite your power forward's size, you have an offensive game that spends as much time outside as inside, distributing the ball rather than shooting three-pointers. How did you develop that style?
"It is just the way I always played. I think it is a big part of basketball - the versatility of the sport. There are a lot of things going on in basketball and I try to develop my game as best as possible with all these assets. I just enjoy that part and try to help the team in the positions that I am needed. That's how I got to this point, I guess (laughs)."
 Having played for him in two places, you know Neven Spahija's philosophy as well as anyone. How would you describe it?
"It is a good question to put it in the right way... For sure, I feel comfortable with his systems. He understand my game better than most people as well, he knows how to put me in situation to help the team and things like that. For my relationship with the team, I think that is what I appreciate - he understands my game really well and know what I need to do to help the team. I try to repay him, of course, and that is helpful for everybody."
As the oldest player on the team, and someone who has won trophies and medals on two continents, what role do you try to take in directing younger guys at this high-pressure stage of the season?
"I understand that experience is important and all that kind of things but I do feel that a lot of the time I have to help the team with actions. Words can be helpful in the right situation but it is too much talking sometimes. You just have to go out there and get the job done, stay focused, lock in... that is much more valuable sometimes that talking."
After reaching the Final Eight last season and the title game in 2007, what would it mean for you to win the Eurocup title?
"Oh, it would be just amazing. Been here in Europe and appreciating the experiences and the opportunities I have to play in such great environments all the time, adding a Eurocup title to all that would be just phenomenal. That loss against Madrid - in the 2007 Eurocup final - hurt a lot, but having another chance to win the final would be great. I would like to have an opportunity to get back to the final - and get a better result."
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Monday, March 22, 2010
Javier Gancedo, Eurocupbasketball.com
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