Kevin Wilson Q & A <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">NEW YORK, June 10, 2005 -- Knicks International Scout Kevin Wilson talked with NYKnicks.com recently about the globalization of the NBA scouting process and when New York will see the next great European player on its roster. Q: You have now been in the NBA as a scout in Europe for over 10 years. How has the game changed? A: The global game is becoming much more athletic, much more competitive than ever before. Kids are developing their skills and are using it now as a career goal where it may not have been in the past. The arenas are getting better, the TV coverage is wider, the quality of play and depth has improved. Q: Two years ago the talk of the draft were these young European players who went very high. Several have not done well in the NBA so far. What happened? A: Sometimes the fruit that is picked is too ripe. The only way players get better is with practice, experience and playing time, and in the NBA that is very hard to do. It is not really on the job training. The ones who did not fair well so far are still pretty young, but the clock is ticking. Q: Will we continue to see an influx of European players? A: Of course, the NBA is still the cr?me de la cr?me and it really is where most want to play. However with the improving landscape, and money, in Europe a few who could play here will stay overseas. That has happened in the past but now there is more opportunity over there. Q: There are many young Americans who cannot make the NBA level yet and have to choose other options. Is Europe a good fit? A: It depends on the player and the country but it can be. The biggest opportunity for players in Europe is the ability to play. The young players develop because of the club system and there are Americans who do go over, gain that experience and come back and have thriving careers. But it has to be the right fit, because the lifestyle is different.</div> Knicks.com
