Exclusive: Matt Schneck on pastures new in Plymouth

The Cheshire Jets South Fans are tonight savouring the addition of Matt Schneck to their roster.

In his first interview since the announcement that he would be joining up with Plymouth Raiders, Schneck revealed exclusively to UK American Sports Fans, the details behind his decision to stay in the BBL as well as moving to the South West, together with his thoughts about the on-going situation surrounding the Jets organisation.

Rob Jeffries: Why Plymouth first of all – what did Coach Love say to persuade you to go Green?

Matt Schneck: I’ve always had an interest in Plymouth. I was impressed with the fan-base and the approach the organisation took to the game each time we played at the Pavilions. Coach Love made the initial contact last summer, but we were unable to come to an agreement. This time around it was me who reached out to the organisation. I was interested in their professionalism, and saw a chance to compete for silverware with some of the signings they had already made during the summer. Coach Love reassured me of those aspects and here we are.

RJ: How difficult was it to make the decision to move away from Cheshire considering the trials and tribulations that came your way in the two years there?

MS: It’s always going to be difficult when you leave a community that gave you your first opportunity. I’ve got friends and people that are practically family in that area now. I think it’s made a bit easier knowing that the situation that I’m going into is a positive one. On top of that I’ll still be in England and able to communicate with the old fan-base, that’s important to me. I don’t know if I’ll have a Mohawk anytime soon, but that was a time in my life I thoroughly enjoyed.

RJ: Joining up with Jeremy and Colin again, do you think that with the experience you’ve had during your time in the BBL, as well as time to mature for all three of you, it can make you the foundations of a team capable of being a serious challenge to Newcastle this year?

MS: Jeremy, Colin, and myself have all matured in very different and complimentary ways. I think our styles of play, and personalities suit each other well which is a positive for team chemistry. However, when we speak about the foundations to challenge Newcastle I think it’s important to note those have been in place for several years. If you look at the competitiveness of the organisation, the moves they’ve made this offseason by picking up Drew Lasker, the expectations of the fan-base, that foundation is already instilled. I’ve always been impressed with coaching, the organisation, and guys like Anthony Rowe. Jeremy has been there for a year already, and bought into it. I can’t speak for Colin, but knowing him well, I think we will both attempt to fit into that system rather than to build a new foundation.

RJ: You’ve mentioned previously you had other options from around the world. What is it about British basketball that brought you back?

MS: Each summer you kind of sit down with your agent and explore where the best opportunities are for you. Most of the markets seemed to move a bit slower this year, and the opportunities outside of the BBL weren’t ones I felt comfortable with. I could have wound up in Sweden, Argentina or Germany this off-season; the uncertainty is part of the experience. Every professional athlete sacrifices a lot, Plymouth offered the best opportunity for me to contribute to the organisation and feel like I was getting something back.

RJ: Looking post-Olympics, I know you have been over in the US during the summer, but do you think now is the time for the league to step up and take advantage of the enthusiasm generated by the Games?

MS: I think with the Olympics just completed, it would be a very natural occurrence for the league to make a push for this 2012-2013 season. You’re going to have people with a peaked interest in the sport, and new fans in the stands. It’s important for the future of the game in England to capture that enthusiasm. The MK move is a good start, you can only hope to see more organisations become involved like that. The most important aspect is going to be the youth, you’re competing against a very football culture. You have to tip your hat to people like Drew Sullivan, who has already taken that initiative with his camps.

RJ: Are you hopeful that the Jets will start the season?

MS: Of course I am hopeful of that. I am proud of my time there and want to see them succeed as long as it’s not in a game against us. There are a lot of hard-working people who volunteer their time to the club because it is their passion. You get to know those people and their stories and understand how important the game is. It puts it all in perspective, those are the people I feel for the most. They are really at the hands of the upper-management right now and I’m hoping they are able to pull through.

RJ: Were there discussions with Cheshire and a view to getting you back to the Northgate?

MS: After the 2011-2012 season, I sat down with Coach Lavery and we looked at this year. We came to an agreement of mutual interest if certain aspects fell into place over the course of the summer. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out. I have a lot of respect for Coach Lavery and the amount he accomplished with what he was given. And a lot of respect for what my teammates endured last year. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and everyone handled it as a true professionals. I wish him and the club all the best.

RJ: As such you never had chance to say your farewells to Cheshire Jets fans – do you have any words for them?

MS: I’m very connected with the Cheshire fan base through social media. I’ve had a chance today to message back and forth with some of them, and the out pour of support has been incredible. I’m very thankful for the experience, and hope that they will continue to stay in touch.

RJ: And to round off what is your message to Raiders fans – what can they expect with your arrival?

MS: I look forward to working with the organisation and getting connected to the fans. It’s been one of my better off-seasons and I hope that can transition into a campaign the club will be satisfied with. I’m always going to work hard, and attempt to fit into the foundation they already have in place.