Former University of North Carolina standout David Noel III has been all over the world since his days as a Tar Heel. Currently, Noel is spending his days in France, where he plays for Chorale Roanne Basket - a team based in Roanne, France - in the Pro A Eurocup.
A little background first:
Noel, a graduate of Southern High School in Durham, N.C., played 127 career games for the Tar Heels - and was a part of their 2005 national championship team - before being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round (39th overall) of the 2006 NBA draft. Noel averaged 2.7 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.0 assist in 68 games - playing just over 11 minutes per game - with the Bucks as a rookie. Since his rookie season, Noel has made several stops in the NBA Development League and even has played alongside Myrtle Beach resident Ramon Sessions (currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves) while both were in the Bucks organization. Last year, Noel took his game to the Philippines, where he played for the Barangay Ginebra Kings. And now, of course, he is in France with Chorale Roanne Basket.
Q | I know you have NBA and NBDL experience in recent years. Now you're
overseas. I know other guys who've been in similar situations. How did
your decision come about?
David | Some of us play this game for a lot of different reasons. For me it's because I love [it] and want to make a career out of it ... and in that career I would like to make as much money as I can doing what I love. The NBDL was great, but the pay isn't as good as I think it should be and playing overseas you get a chance to see the world and get paid a little bit more - that helps in that process, so that's why I come over.
Q | I know playing overseas is a good gig for big-time college players from the U.S. What is your ultimate plan - another crack in the NBA, playing top level internationally more or something else?
David | My goal is to get back to the NBA, but that will only last for about another year or so. If it doesn't work out that I get back in [the NBA], then I'll do my best to play internationally for as long as I can, [and] then do something with real estate after I'm done and also coaching.
Q | What's it been like for you leaving the U.S. and living in Europe and so far from home? Any specific pros and cons?
David | It's different, man. You have to adjust to so much, not only the game but also the culture and the language barriers, so it's tough. But I love seeing the rest of the world that the Lord has made and I think it's a blessing to see and learn about other countries and cultures.
Q | You told me you played with Myrtle Beach's Ramon Sessions via the Bucks organization. What are your thoughts on his game and what do you remember most about playing with him?
David | I played with "BIGTIME SESSIONS" - that's what I call him. But he's a great
player. He came out early and got an opportunity and did the most with it
and now he's living a dream. As far as his game, I think he's a smart point guard and
has one of the best floaters I've seen, one of the reasons I think he is
where he is now.
Email me - asher@mailmangroup.com
Posted by: Asher | 04/01/2011 at 03:18 AM