Worthy De Jong is a 28 year old Dutch 194cm shooting guard that is currently playing with the Dutch national team in the European qualifying round. He completed his sixth season for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (Eredivisie) playing 34 games: Score-2(16.9ppg), 6.6rpg, 3.4apg, Steals-1(2.9spg), FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 30.6%, FT: 69.0%; FIBA Europe Cup: 6 games: 17.2ppg, 5.2rpg, 1.3apg, 2.0spg, FGP: 52.9%, 3PT: 31.3%, FT: 79.2%. He will play this season for SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB) He started his basketball career with the Rotterdam Challengers (Eredivisie). He had his best season last season playing 34 games averaging 15.0ppg, 5.9rpg, Assists-4(4.5apg), Steals-2(2.6spg), FGP: 61.8%, 3PT: 26.0%, FT: 74.1%. He also had a solid performance at the 2015 European Championships playing  5 games: 9.4ppg, 4.6rpg, 1.0apg, FGP: 51.9%, 3PT-2(66.7%), FT: 81.3%. He spoke to German Hoops before the last qualifying game in Leiden against Germany.

 

 

Worthy thanks for talking to German Hoops. Congrats on the 4-1 Holland record in the Euro qualifying. How good does it feel to have that #1 spot?

Well it feels good but it doesn’t mean anything yet until the last game against Germany.

You are preparing in Leiden now where you played 5 seasons. Does it feel strange waking up in a hotel bed and not in your apartment where you lived the last years?

Well I actually live in Amsterdam where I have my own house so being here I am staying in the comfort of my own home.

You won four titles with Leiden. What are your fondest memories from your time with Leiden besides the titles that you helped win?

Well each years holds something special either the way we played together or the new friends I’ve made. It´s been a hell of a journey with Leiden and I will cherish all the moments.

Congrats on the 98-88 victory against Denmark sweeping them in the qualifying. Denmark played very tough in this qualifying upsetting Germany. Do you feel as if they grew as a team in this competition?

They definitely grew during the qualifications. They are a pretty young team so it took them a little longer to get going, but I am confident to say that they will grow even more over the years and will become a team to look out for.

You had another good game with 20 point against Denmark after getting hurt against Germany. Do nerves set in for an experienced player like you after a game like Austria where you got hurt to come back the next game fit and being able to perform well or does experience block out any past problems?

I got hurt in the game against Germany where I only got to play limited minutes. The guys from the Physio lab Amsterdam got me right again just in time for the next game. As for my nerves they don’t really set in. I have a team that will help me when I am down and vice versa.

The last game is against Germany. Holland is qualified for the Euro 2017, but Germany in most cases should qualify themselves, but could not if they lose and Denmark wins with 20 over Austria. How focused is Holland to sweep Germany?

Well in my case I just want to win the game its nothing against Germany. We just want to win every game we play and we don’t want to put us in the situation where it comes down to hope that we are 1 of the 4 best 2’s.

Holland eked out a win over Germany despite shooting poorly from outside. How important will three point shooting accuracy be against Germany?

It will overall be a tough game as we are both fighting to end on top but in every game 3’s play a big roll. If they fall then that stretches the floor for other opportunities to occur.

Will you be extra motivated against Germany looking to bounce back from your 2 point game in the first game? How vital will it be getting that early bucket to get you going?

I just want to get the win if I score 0 this game but we win I will still be satisfied. This qualification is bigger than my personal stats. I will add to the team whatever they need .

Charlon Kloof demonstrated last summer at the Euro 2015 that he had arrived on the international scene. This summer he is filling up the stat sheet again leading the team in rebounding, assists and steals and second in scoring. How has his game helped team Holland most this summer?

He is a great player and this summer he has become more of a leader so I would say next to his stat line he also added some leadership to the group and some experience .

Germany finally found themselves again and played a good game for 40 minutes disposing Austria by 20 points after losing 2 games in a row. Do you feel that Germany finally realized that they had to come on the floor as a team and just perform?

All I know is that they are our next opponent they are the last team in the way of our ticket and tomorrow we will see who ends on top.

It is no secret that Germany-Holland have a huge rivalry in football, but do you feel it is growing in basketball as well?

I hope it grows because that would mean the sport is growing in Holland and that is one thing I find very important.

How important will it be for the Dutch basketball if Holland can place first and Germany second? Would this be another proof that Dutch basketball is continuing to develop?

We want to end on top and not trash Germany but like you said to show the world that Dutch basketball is on the rise.

If you could paint the perfect picture after 40 minutes in the Vijf Meihal arena what would the headline say the next day?

Dutch National Basketball Team Qualifies Once Again. A Moment To Be PROUD OF.!!

What was the last movie that you saw?

Friday.

Thanks Worthy for the chat.