Jordan Garzon Confident WNBA Dream Remains Open
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Israeli basketball forward Jordan Garzon, 22, has joined Spain's Casademont Zaragoza after a disappointing WNBA draft and injury. She believes her WNBA aspirations remain open and feels welcomed in Spain, despite concerns about antisemitism. Garzon also highlighted the growing talent and potential of Israeli women's basketball.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jordan Garzon joined Spanish team Casademont Zaragoza after not being drafted by the WNBA.
- Garzon expressed confidence that her WNBA aspirations remain open.
- She described the European game as significantly more physical and tactical than college.
- Garzon stated she has not personally experienced antisemitism in Spain.
- She praised the emerging talent and potential of Israeli women's basketball.
Israeli basketball player Jordan Garzon, 22, has joined Spanish team Casademont Zaragoza, a top club in one of Europe's premier leagues. This move comes after a successful college career in the NCAA, but also follows disappointment in the WNBA draft where she was not selected despite expectations. Garzon also faced a shoulder injury that cut short her time at the Phoenix Mercury's training camp.
Garzon expressed her surprise and initial frustration at not being drafted, noting that she had received positive indications from a WNBA team. However, she has since refocused on her game, believing that proving herself on the court is the most important factor. She acknowledged that while politics and organizational needs might play a role in draft decisions, she is concentrating on what she can control.
Transitioning to European basketball, Garzon described the game in Spain as a significant leap in pace, physicality, and tactical understanding compared to college play. She is adapting to the more physical style of play, which allows for more contact, and is working on her game reading and positioning. Zaragoza is currently undefeated in the Spanish league and aims for titles in the domestic league and the EuroLeague, where they finished third last season.
Looking ahead, Garzon stated that her path to the WNBA is still open, emphasizing her youth and the presence of WNBA players on her current team. She also addressed concerns about antisemitism in Spain, noting that she has personally experienced no negative incidents and feels welcomed by her team and the local community, contrary to some prior fears.
Garzon also commented on the rising talent in Israeli women's basketball, praising players like Gal Rabin and expressing optimism about the national team's potential to reach the European top tier. She sees a new generation of talented players emerging, contributing to a stronger overall level of the sport in Israel.
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