National team player Clancy Rugg has had an outstanding season. First, the 31-year old player of Basket Esch was able to win the championship with his club in the LBBL and a few weeks later, he came home from Malta with a historic gold medal at the games of the Small States of Europe.
What is your general conclusion of the 2022/23 season?
Thinking back about the season, it is one of the best season a player in Luxembourg can have. A championship and a historic gold medal are achievements that I am very proud of“, says Rugg who has been playing at an extremely high level for several straight years.
You had an outstanding performance in the finals at the GSSE in Malta scoring 28 points in the first half. How do you describe your performance in that game?
Before the game, I had a feeling that everybody was a bit nervous entering the final. We knew the gym would be full and loud, and that Malta was a tough team to beat in that environment. I wanted to make a statement in the first have to give our team confidence to finish the tournament right. It was probably one of the best halves of basketball in my career, and I’m happy it helped us win.
Note –> Watch some of Rugg’s top plays from the game in the highlight-video above.
How do you rank winning the gold medal in Malta in your career accomplishments?
It’s difficult to rank. Our championship with Esch this year must be higher for me personally, because of how difficult it was, fighting through illness, and game after game of very intense competition. But the gold medal is still something I am proud to have earned!
Are the team spirit in the national team and in your club Basket Esch comparable?
The team spirit in the National Team is phenomenal. All the players and coaches are very close group, who are together in fighting for our country. Esch has been like a second family to me ever since I came 6 years ago. Both teams are great groups.
At age 31, how do you look at your future as a professional basketball player?
Perhaps a few more years, I will keep playing as long as I am enjoying it and my body feels ok. Although now when I wake up my knees ache much more than 10 years ago 😉 We will see what happens!
