Basketbal BNXT League Leuven Bears
Sam Huurman (right in archive image in Den Helder’s shirt) wants to become a key player in the new Leuven Bears. — © Gregory Van Gansen
The Leuven Bears practice campaign is running smoothly. All matches have been won so far. That was no different against Den Helder Suns (62-59). Power forward Sam Huurman was recruited from that Dutch club. Huurman, a 2m05 tall forward, scored an average of 14 points at Den Helder, grabbed 6 rebounds and handed out 2 assists. He has a good shot both from half-range and behind the three-point line.
How do you see your role in the team, Sam?
“I see my role in the team as someone who gives his all to the team and tries to bring speed. Making my mark by being well present in the game and communicating well in the public prosecutor’s office. Directing, giving the extra pass offensively and making the open shot are of course part of that.”
Offensively, that has already worked quite well. You were also omnipresent at home against Kortrijk and scored 17 points.
“Certainly. When I played in Belgium last time (at Limburg United, ed.) I was barely 19. If I was given minutes there, it was to give everything defensively. Today – after two years in Den Helder – I have gained in maturity and my role at Bears will have a broader impact.”
Where exactly are you from?
“I come from Hoofddorp, near Amsterdam. I now live in Wezemaal. I like the city of Leuven. Lots of nice restaurants, beautiful historic center. A bit similar to Haarlem. I’m definitely going to enjoy it here. There is not the slightest doubt about that.”
Mo Kherrazi preceded you last year as a Dutchman at Bears. Do you know him well?
“I know him a little. Of course I spoke to the Dutch international when I came here. He told me that Leuven is the perfect place to develop myself and that I couldn’t be in better hands than coach Casteels to take the next step in my career. Those were certainly hopeful words. I have the impression that the spirit of Kherrazi is still around here in Leuven.” (laughs)
Some figureheads have left Leuven, not to say that there is a completely new core…
“It’s clear that a lot of other players arrived this year, including myself. Everyone does their best to complement each other. But it has become clear to me that some figureheads left the club. Heath gone, Allen gone. The whole thing is quite tidy. A new wind is blowing. Let’s see if we can meet expectations with the new boys… That’s what I’m 100 percent committed to.”
