Devon Hall on coach Messina: 'He is yelling for a reason' / News - Basketnews.com

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Kyle Hines sat down with his teammate in AX Armani Exchange Milan, Devon Hall, for the latest "A Quarter" episode. Both athletes touched on various topics regarding EuroLeague basketball.

Free throws this season

76%11,8Points made:11,8Accuracy:76,5%Place in standings:11Record max:18Record min:5Most made FTs:Malcolm DelaneyTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

According to Devon Hall, his first impression about the strongest continental league is very good so far, but at the same time, EuroLeague demands effort to adapt.

"It's a challenge. I think you learn that early, once you step into the environment, into the intensity of the games. How locked in, how focused you gotta be every possession. You gotta try to find a middle ground of how to stay locked in. It has been a ride, it's been great so far. I have learned a ton," the 26-year-old said.

Asked about surprising aspects of European highest-level basketball, Hall pointed out the physicality.

"The physicality of European basketball, in general. I felt that last year, playing in Bamberg, where the referees let you compete a little bit more. When you take a step up and play in the EuroLeague, the bodies are much bigger. You are getting pushed on screens or driving to the lane.

Though, it works to my advantage because I am a bigger body, so I can be more physical. I think just the physicality of the game, and how intense it is; it can catch you off guard," spoke Hall.

The 1.96-meter shooting guard also talked regarding the experience with legendary coach Ettore Messina. Via the player, basketball professor taught him new skills, which are essential in nowadays game.

"Coach challenges you in a way, he almost wants perfection out of you. He coaches you hard. He has taught me a ton: taking my time on Pick & Rolls, how to use my body - be physical, how to be aggressive, when to be assertive.

Coach has been great for me and has definitely pushed me. Sometimes coach gets really intense, you may not want to hear in at that moment. But usually, when he is yelling, most of the time he is right. He is yelling for a reason (laughs)."

Coming off the stint with Brose Bamberg, Devon Hall is having quite a successful first EuroLeague experience, averaging 9.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 7.3 PIR over 19 games (25 minutes).

Full episode

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