Worthy de Jong (194-G-1988) is a 34 year old 194cm guard from Holland playing his 12th season for Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden (BNXT League). In between he played one season for SO Maritime Boulogne (France-ProB). He has won 8 titles in Holland and also been a member of the Dutch national team. He recently spoke to germanhoops.com about his experience playing at the 2022 European Championships.

Thanks Worthy for talking to germanhoops.com. Where are you at the moment and how is basketball life treating you?

I’m back home now, enjoying some time off with the family before I get on to the next chapter with 3×3.

You just completed your second Euro for Holland after playing in 2015. How would you compare this one overall to the 2015 one in terms of competition and player talent?

I think they were both packed full of great teams. 2015 we got the win, this time we came up short so many times. But we showed great heart!

The atmosphere in places like Cologne, Milan and Tiflis was immense. How was it in Prague?

Prague was amazing, great organisation. We had a great time! Much props to eurobasket !

Holland didn’t win a game but played some countries very close. What is your team summary of how the team performed?

I think we definitely showed we can compete but still need to learn how to finish games, get over the humps. We showed that we are supposed to perform at this level.

In the loss against Serbia, you were the best player on the court. What was it like seeing top NBA player Nikola Jokic up close? Was he as good as you expected?

I’m never star struck, he is a great player shows it every time and everywhere NBA or here at Eurobasket. I loved playing against him and being aggressive. He probably won’t remember my name. But I will remember the game.

Holland played Israel tough but lost. What was it like seeing NBA player Deni Avdija operate? Is he a player that you can imagine seeing longer in the NBA?

He probably will, he is a great talent. But I didn’t know him before I played against him. And that’s just who I am. Don’t really pay attention to names.

In the last game against Finland you once again belonged to the best players on the court together with Lauri Markkanen. What do you remember being his biggest weapon in this game?

Well he moves well for his size, he can shoot and put it on the floor. I think that is definitely one of his weapons. I think he will get better in time when experience catches up with his talent.

Team Holland was very experienced and there were few young guys on the squad. Talk a little about how you witnessed the development of Jessie Edwards and Keye Van Der Vuurst?

These guys are part of the future of our national team. Much to learn still but very talented.

How did you see the development of Fraport Skyliner Matt Haarms during the last weeks? He had a solid rookie season but more will be expected from him this season.

He is also a great talent for the future! He will be a big pillar for the foundation we are building.

You had a super tournament averaging 16/3/1/1 while shooting 44% from outside. What was your summary of how you played?

I think that what I left behind is that I’m not leaving because I can’t play at this level! Some will remember my name.

Was this some of the best basketball that you played in your career?

I for sure think so, and have no doubt I had more to give

Do you feel like your game was fully recognized on this big stage the way you wanted it to be?

I think it did and more.

What was your personal favorite play on the court that you made?

I don’t think I have one, but the first game just felt one that will last.

Luka Doncic tore up the competition. Where do you rank him right now with the best players on earth?

He is up there with the best, and he will get better! Scary

Where do you rank Steph Curry right now with the best points guards ever in the NBA?

Steph is 1. 2. And 3. Atm

Thanks Worthy for the chat.

T