Welcome to our interview with Aytor Alberto, a talented basketball player currently making his mark in Iceland with the Breiðablik Kopavogur. Aytor’s journey to professional basketball has been an exciting one, and this season marks a significant milestone as he embarks on his first job in a new country and league. Today, we’ll delve into his experiences in Iceland, exploring the challenges and triumphs he has faced both on and off the court.
DBA: This is your first job playing professionally on Iceland. What was it like transitioning to a new country and basketball league?
Aytor: The transition was smooth. As an international student in the United States for the past eight years, I am accustomed to living far from home and adapting to different cultures. The biggest adjustment in basketball here was adapting to the faster pace of the 24-second shot clock, as I was used to the 30-second shot clock in college.
DBA: How has the experience been adjusting to your new team with Breiðablik? What has stood out to you the most about Icelandic basketball culture?
Aytor: The experience has been great so far. All of my teammates do their best to make me feel as comfortable and at home as possible. One thing that stood out to me about Icelandic basketball culture is the high level of effort they put in, and how physical the game is.
DBA: Can you share some highlights from your first games on Iceland? How do you feel your style of play has adapted to fit the Icelandic league?
Aytor: I think my style of play has adapted well to the Icelandic league, as my strength is attacking in transition, and the basketball here emphasizes transition play. Some highlights so far include my 32-point game in the preseason against IA, where I also scored a game-winning and-one basket. Another highlight was in my most recent game, where we beat the projected number one seed, Hamar. I scored 22 points, including a clutch layup with 40 seconds left to put us up by 3 points.
DBA: What key lessons or skills have you developed since starting your professional journey on Iceland? How do you plan to build on them for the rest of the season?
Aytor: I think I’ve developed the skill of making 45-degree cuts when the ball is in the post, rather than just standing still. I am also actively learning how to strategically use fouls throughout the game, as that is something not typically taught in the United States.
DBA: How have the local basketball community and fans received you on Iceland?
Aytor: They welcomed me with a lot of love and appreciation. I am grateful to the entire Breiðablik community for always showing their support.
DBA: Beyond basketball, how are you finding life in Iceland? What aspects of the culture or landscape have you enjoyed the most?
Aytor: I’ve enjoyed the swimming pool culture. As an athlete, it’s very beneficial and relaxing for my recovery. I also appreciate the clean water and air here.
DBA: How do you envision your basketball career progressing from here? Do you have specific goals for your time on Iceland and beyond?
Aytor: I envision myself dominating any league I play in and, most importantly, winning. My goal this season is to win the league, secure the number one seed, and possibly earn MVP honors. In the long term, I aim to play at the highest possible levels in Europe that I’m capable of.
DBA: What advice would you give to younger athletes looking to take the leap to international professional basketball, especially in leagues like Iceland?
Aytor: Approach it with an open mind and be ready to work hard, because this is now your job, not just a hobby anymore.
By Dagger Basketball Agency
Aytor: The experience has been great so far. All of my teammates do their best to make me feel as comfortable and at home as possible. One thing that stood out to me about Icelandic basketball culture is the high level of effort they put in, and how physical the game is.
DBA: Can you share some highlights from your first games on Iceland? How do you feel your style of play has adapted to fit the Icelandic league?
Aytor: I think my style of play has adapted well to the Icelandic league, as my strength is attacking in transition, and the basketball here emphasizes transition play. Some highlights so far include my 32-point game in the preseason against IA, where I also scored a game-winning and-one basket. Another highlight was in my most recent game, where we beat the projected number one seed, Hamar. I scored 22 points, including a clutch layup with 40 seconds left to put us up by 3 points.
DBA: What key lessons or skills have you developed since starting your professional journey on Iceland? How do you plan to build on them for the rest of the season?
Aytor: I think I’ve developed the skill of making 45-degree cuts when the ball is in the post, rather than just standing still. I am also actively learning how to strategically use fouls throughout the game, as that is something not typically taught in the United States.
DBA: How have the local basketball community and fans received you on Iceland?
Aytor: They welcomed me with a lot of love and appreciation. I am grateful to the entire Breiðablik community for always showing their support.
DBA: Beyond basketball, how are you finding life in Iceland? What aspects of the culture or landscape have you enjoyed the most?
Aytor: I’ve enjoyed the swimming pool culture. As an athlete, it’s very beneficial and relaxing for my recovery. I also appreciate the clean water and air here.
DBA: How do you envision your basketball career progressing from here? Do you have specific goals for your time on Iceland and beyond?
Aytor: I envision myself dominating any league I play in and, most importantly, winning. My goal this season is to win the league, secure the number one seed, and possibly earn MVP honors. In the long term, I aim to play at the highest possible levels in Europe that I’m capable of.
DBA: What advice would you give to younger athletes looking to take the leap to international professional basketball, especially in leagues like Iceland?
Aytor: Approach it with an open mind and be ready to work hard, because this is now your job, not just a hobby anymore.
By Dagger Basketball Agency
Aytor: I think I’ve developed the skill of making 45-degree cuts when the ball is in the post, rather than just standing still. I am also actively learning how to strategically use fouls throughout the game, as that is something not typically taught in the United States.
DBA: How have the local basketball community and fans received you on Iceland?
Aytor: They welcomed me with a lot of love and appreciation. I am grateful to the entire Breiðablik community for always showing their support.
DBA: Beyond basketball, how are you finding life in Iceland? What aspects of the culture or landscape have you enjoyed the most?
Aytor: I’ve enjoyed the swimming pool culture. As an athlete, it’s very beneficial and relaxing for my recovery. I also appreciate the clean water and air here.
DBA: How do you envision your basketball career progressing from here? Do you have specific goals for your time on Iceland and beyond?
Aytor: I envision myself dominating any league I play in and, most importantly, winning. My goal this season is to win the league, secure the number one seed, and possibly earn MVP honors. In the long term, I aim to play at the highest possible levels in Europe that I’m capable of.
DBA: What advice would you give to younger athletes looking to take the leap to international professional basketball, especially in leagues like Iceland?
Aytor: Approach it with an open mind and be ready to work hard, because this is now your job, not just a hobby anymore.
By Dagger Basketball Agency
Aytor: I’ve enjoyed the swimming pool culture. As an athlete, it’s very beneficial and relaxing for my recovery. I also appreciate the clean water and air here.
DBA: How do you envision your basketball career progressing from here? Do you have specific goals for your time on Iceland and beyond?
Aytor: I envision myself dominating any league I play in and, most importantly, winning. My goal this season is to win the league, secure the number one seed, and possibly earn MVP honors. In the long term, I aim to play at the highest possible levels in Europe that I’m capable of.
DBA: What advice would you give to younger athletes looking to take the leap to international professional basketball, especially in leagues like Iceland?
Aytor: Approach it with an open mind and be ready to work hard, because this is now your job, not just a hobby anymore.
By Dagger Basketball Agency
Aytor: Approach it with an open mind and be ready to work hard, because this is now your job, not just a hobby anymore.
By Dagger Basketball Agency
