Jesse Edwards (7) of Holland splits two defenders during a men’s basketball game at West Virginia University earlier this season. (Photo courtesy of BlueGoldNews.com)
MORGANTOWN — While the game of basketball may have its roots in the YMCA gym in Springfield, Mass., the brainchild of Dr. James Naismith, the sport of basketball has taken root all over the world, and on Saturday night, when it returns West Virginia State for a 6:30 PM Basketball Hall of Fame Classic matchup against UMass, and it does so with a team that provides evidence of how global the sport is.
This is an evening that could be a turning point in the Mountaineers basketball season, as Chris Krysa, a native of Tartu, Estonia, is coming off a nine-game suspension for accepting unapproved benefits while playing in Arizona.
Krysa’s skills are unquestionable and should make a huge difference to the Mountaineers’ play.
In Arizona, Krysa was a fan favorite, his headband was a trademark, and he was more likely to blow a kiss to the fans at home than to be blown away by a defender.
Azoulas Topilis, a Lithuanian who played with Krysa in Arizona last year and against him in international play, described it that way last year to Tucson.com.
“He always had this energy on the field, so it was really difficult to play against him. His team was always energetic, and every time he played, he celebrated. So that’s a positive thing, and it’s really good to have that kind of play in the team because he brings a lot .
And Krysa will not be intimidated in the Big 12. He has played against the best… not just in college play, but in international play.
It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, he will tweet at them all the time.
Take, for example, his encounter with NBA star Luka Doncic when Estonia played Slovenia in a FIBA World Cup qualifying match in August 2022.
“Estonia was leading 23-18 late in the first quarter, when Kerr Kreisa started bad-mouthing Doncic,” Basketball News reported. “Shortly after, Doncic led Slovenia on a 17-0 run, giving them a 35-23 lead.”
Among other things, Basketnews.com reported that Krysa waved his finger at Doncic when the Slovenian star tried to argue a foul call. Chrissa later said, the website said “It was very easy to get into his head.”
Things like that – coupled with his ability to work magic with the basketball – are sure to be popular with the student section and local fans.
But Krysa is just part of the pool of international talent that West Virginia University is bringing to Massachusetts.
Think of it this way, if first-year coach Josh Ehlert so chooses, he could field a starting lineup made up of five foreign-born players with Krysa, Jesse Edwards from Amsterdam, Netherlands, and Akok Akok, born in Cairo, Egypt. ; Ali Rajab, who is also of Egyptian descent, and Ofri Naveh, who was born in Israel.
There will come a time during the game when Eilert glances at his assistants and sees DeMar Johnson, whose post-NBA career has taken him to China, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Colombia, Lebanon and the Philippines. Argentina, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic; Former Mountaineer Alex Ruoff, whose professional career saw him play in Belgium, Finland, Germany, Spain and Japan, while former WVU great Da’Sean Butler adds professional experience playing in Europe and Asia.
It makes the locker room filled with so much more than just uniforms and sneakers. It’s a locker room filled with tales of adventure from around the world and a diversity of upbringing, food and music…all wrapped up as a Christmas present for them all in the form of a basketball player.
Early on, when they were getting together, before they knew that Chryssa was being stopped; Before they have “last” A decision on RaeQuan Battle eligibility, which currently remains in limbo as the case goes to court Under challenge of the transfer rule from attorneys general in seven states, players spoke of the melting pot that the Mountaineer represents.
“Yes, it’s fun, because everyone has different cultures and different backgrounds.” Edwards admitted. “Everyone has a different background and you have to come together.”
Edwards transferred to WVU after four years playing for Jim Boeheim at Syracuse and was the dominant scorer and rebounder they thought they were going to get when he came in because he didn’t have much to do.
“I’m used to it, because I’m international myself.” Edwards said. “For American men, it can be something new, seeing all these men with different ideas and accents.”
Edwards has abandoned any form of accent he might have had.
Since we’ve been to London, Holland and the US, let’s just assume he has a versatile taste when it comes to food.
“My dad is from London, so he’s into tea and cake.” Edwards said. “I got everything except his (British) accent. I like tea and cake. I got his tastes. I like sweets and all that weird stuff.”
Kreisa, who has also spent a lot of time on American soil — or hardwood arena floors, if you prefer — has his own favorite dishes from Estonia.
“Nothing beats my grandmother’s soup.” He said. “Soup, and she makes the best meatballs too with some amazing potatoes.”
If he missed anything when he first arrived in Arizona, it’s this.
When he talked about it, Krissa hadn’t yet been introduced to West Virginia pepperoni rolls, but his time in Arizona had introduced him to something he probably never dreamed he’d eat before leaving Estonia, which is across the Baltic Sea from Finland.
“I had never eaten Mexican food until I got to Tucson, and the next thing you know, all you had to eat was Mexican food.” They’ve got a crisis. “I was in the bathroom a lot; My stomach can’t take it. I’ve spent three good years in Tucson, but I’m taking a break from Mexican food.
Naveh, whom Butler recruited through his Israeli connections, is young and not as physically developed as the others
“I need to add 20 to 25 more pounds.” Nave said. “Right now, I’m 6-6 and 180, so I work with coach (Sean) Brown every day. He makes sure I’m eating the right things, I’m eating enough and I’ve gained 16 pounds in three months here.”
“Lifting weights is new to me. We did core and mobility exercises every day at home with the strength coach.
Mountaineering is a thrilling and adventurous activity that attracts people from all corners of the globe. From the towering peaks of the Himalayas to the rugged terrain of the Andes, mountaineers from around the world come together to conquer the most challenging climbs. Their love for the sport transcends borders and cultures, creating a unique and diverse community of passionate individuals. Whether it’s news about their latest expeditions, updates on upcoming competitions, or job opportunities in the mountaineering industry, the world of mountaineers carries a global flavour that reflects the spirit of exploration and camaraderie.