Ben Kovac and his team Den Helder Suns have started perfectly into the (new) season in the Netherlands. After all results from 2020 were cancelled, the teams in the Dutch league started at 0.
Den Helder has won all 4 games since the restart in January 2021. „Very few people expected us to start that well, we were able to surprise which is a great sign for our young team. Immediately the first game of the season against Den Bosch was a surprise as we were able to beat a very strong and experienced team. We earned a key win against Rotterdam, a team that is on a similar level than we are. Since we will only play once against all teams, winning the direct comparisons could become very important later in the season. Against Almere (game on January 30th), we did not play that well but won the game, that’s all that matters. »
Kovac is happy with how the team is playing at the moment. „We play as a team, look for the open player and nobody is playing selfish, that’s the key at the moment. In February, we have a very tough schedule so that we need to be focused. We know that there will be ups and downs in a season. We have day off on Sunday and Monday, we go back to work.“
Kovac’s role in his first season as a professional season is growing. „I am currently the 6th man and in that role, I need to bring energy of the bench. Everybody on our team has a clear role to play. My role is to be a defensive stopper and create plays on the offensive end. I am looking for open teammates and also to finish myself. I am averaging 12 points per game in 22 minutes so that I can help my team to score. Right now, I am very happy in my role and with the overall situation in my club.«
His role as the 6th man is similar to the role he is playing in the men’s national team, Ken Diederich also brought Kovac of the bench to bring new energy in the last 2 games in the bubble in Slovakia.
