Stefan Vaaks targets NBA draft next year: "It's a win-win situation!"

Estonian national basketball team player Stefan Vaaks has returned to the team after a pause lasting over a year. Having transferred to the University of Illinois, Vaaks has stated that he intends to enter the NBA draft next year and is currently in the best physical condition of his life.

Estonian basketball international Stefan Vaaks has returned to the national team after a break of more than a year and said after Thursday's training that he plans to try the NBA draft next year.

Vaaks's last game for Providence University was at the end of March, so he has had a longer competitive break compared to his teammates. "I did some five-on-five in the US, but it was a bit more casual basketball. I've managed to do a couple of contact training sessions here now. I think the feel isn't quite back yet for the Latvia match, but I think I should be okay for the Slovenia match," Vaaks said.

New university, new physique

Vaaks transferred from Providence to the University of Illinois at the end of the season and has had no trouble adapting. According to the basketball player, the American approach has brought significant changes to his physical metrics. He has built up his body mass to nearly 100 kilograms and has also grown a few centimetres, now standing 199 cm barefoot.

"They tell you to eat a lot. In the first few days they gave me all sorts of tablets in the morning and in any case I had to eat a kilo and a half for breakfast," the player described the University of Illinois food program.

To maintain his form, he has worked on multiple fronts: in addition to University of Illinois training, he has been supported by KK Viimsi strength and conditioning coach Asko Meiner, basketball coach Joosep Indermitte and help from Latvian private coaches. "I think physically I'm in the best shape of my life, I just need to get the feel back," Vaaks said.

US vs European basketball

Vaaks noted that getting used to the national team takes a bit of time, as the playing styles are significantly different. "I haven't played that kind of basketball in a long time. In the US it was more individual and more physical. I can feel here straight away that there's less physicality and more team play," he explained.