Pro ShotsWorthy de Jong
NOS Sport•vandaag, 06:07
Hit the target from a great distance at decisive moments. It is an art that Worthy de Jong has mastered like no other. The creative background of the 3×3 basketball player is cited as an explanation for the golden throws.
The 36-year-old Dutchman did it again on Sunday, in Hong Kong. On behalf of Team Amsterdam, he decided the final battle and the quarter-finals in the World Tour Finals with a two-pointer in the final second. He did the same in the Olympic final last summer and gave the Netherlands a gold medal in Paris.
Artist
“Worthy is an artist on and off the field,” says basketball coach Geert Hammink, who celebrated successes with De Jong at ZZ Leiden between 2020 and 2022. In ‘normal’ basketball that is. Two years ago, De Jong finally switched to 3×3 basketball.
“Outside of basketball, he is a photographer. The combination of creativity, his physical qualities and his work ethic ensure that he excels in 3×3 basketball,” said Hammink.
De Jong decides the big final again with a two-pointer in extra time
Although Hammink says that De Jong was also good at the “more structured” 5×5 basketball, the coach thinks that his former pupil thrives better in 3×3 basketball: “A game with a lack of tactical depth.”
According to Hammink, it also helps that the ball is slightly smaller in 3×3 and the basket is the same size. “Although at Leiden he also became increasingly better at long shots.”
Intuition
Hammink says that De Jong is not a “measured shooter”, a basketball player who knows exactly from where and in what way to shoot. “Shots by Worthy are a work of art.”
De Jong also admits that he works intuitively. “I didn’t have many seconds and I let it go. Just like at the Games, it was up to the gods. It felt good when I let go of the ball. And this is what it is“, he said on Sunday about the final shot.
De Jong about his winning shot: ‘It felt good when I released the ball’
The other teams in the World Tour cannot have missed how De Jong decided the Olympic final. Dimeo van der Horst, member of the team that won gold in Paris, explains how this is possible.
“They know what is going to happen,” says Van der Horst about opponents who try to defend De Jong at decisive moments.
“But you can’t stand with two or three at Worthy, because in the other places there are Arvin Slagter and Bryan Alberts. They are also unparalleled shooters in their own way. You have to solve it on your own, and Worthy is a very difficult person to take care of on your own.”
De Jong has a patent on winning shots in the final phase, a compilation
De Jong always finds a way past or, if necessary, over his direct opponent. And if it really has to be done, when the last seconds are ticking away on the clock, it’s a hit. “He shows that he answers every time he receives a call,” Van der Horst describes this exceptional gift.
Flashbacks to Paris
Van der Horst was secretly a bit disappointed. This season he played for Team Utrecht in the World Tour and watched the achievements of Team Amsterdam on television this weekend.
“It’s always a bit of a double challenge. Of course I prefer to play these types of tournaments. But we have chosen to play with the young Team Utrecht, in preparation for the 2028 Games.”
In the end, De Jong, like many basketball followers, put a smile on Van der Horst’s face again. “When I see Worthy make a shot like that, it immediately takes me back to the good times. I still regularly wake up with flashbacks to Paris.”
Van der Horst about Worthy de Jong’s decisive shots: ‘They know what will happen’
The success of Team Amsterdam in Hong Kong made it clear once again where the Netherlands stands in 3×3 basketball, Van der Horst concludes. “With the gold medal we showed that we are the best.” He predicts that the Netherlands will not disappear from the scene anytime soon.
For the Netherlands, it is hoped that ‘old hand’ De Jong will be around for a while. “He has a pair of athletic legs hanging under his butt and goes through the pain threshold,” says Hammink about the special characteristics of 36-year-old De Jong.
‘Big Game Worthy’
And De Jong of course has the ability to stand up at the most important moments. Perhaps his basketball-mad father predicted this more than 36 years ago and therefore named him after NBA great James Worthy.
That Los Angeles Lakers star was nicknamed “Big Game James” in the 1980s. Dutch basketball has ‘Big Game Worthy’.
Meet Worthy De Jong: The Artist of 3×3 Basketball
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Ah, Worthy de Jong—a name that has been dancing around the tongues of basketball fans like a well-practiced ballerina at a wedding disco! At 36, this Dutch maestro has perfected the art of hitting the target like a kid in a candy store armed with a slingshot. He’s not just playing 3×3 basketball; he’s practically painting canvases with basketballs!
They say that creativity breeds great success, and with De Jong’s impressive distance shots that leave opponents—and well, everyone else—scratching their heads in disbelief, it’s clear that being a **creative** soul on and off the court works wonders! This past Sunday, he brought the house down in Hong Kong, nailing a two-pointer in the final second of the World Tour Finals. Talk about the ultimate mic drop!
The Man, The Myth, The Artist
Coach Geert Hammink wasn’t just trying to fill the air with fluff when he called De Jong an artist; he was absolutely spot on! Not only does this guy shoot hoops like an Olympic champion, but he’s also a photographer. Yes, that’s right. He shoots, he scores, and then he captures the moment… probably while balancing a cup of coffee on his head. The audacity!
While Hammink acknowledges that De Jong could excel in the more structured **5×5** basketball, he believes that our hero truly shines in the chaotic beauty of **3×3 basketball**. I mean, who needs plans when you have sheer talent? The ball is smaller, the stakes are higher, and—let’s be real—he seems to have a magical knack for letting the gods dictate when the shot gets released. Someone get that man a divine sponsorship!
Intuition? More Like On-Point Instinct!
It’s clear that De Jong isn’t your run-of-the-mill shooter. Or as Hammink put it, he’s not a “measured shooter.” Let’s just say he takes shots the way Picasso painted—intuitively and probably while blindfolded! Billions of us mere mortals might spend hours analyzing shooting angles and methodologies, yet here comes Worthy with the kind of casual elegance that would stop time itself.
After all, when he’s draining shots under pressure, it’s as if he’s tapping into some ancient basketball wisdom as he states, “It felt good when I released the ball.” I can just imagine the chant of *“Worthy! Worthy!”* ringing in his ears right before a game-winning throw. Forget team strategy—this is art!
The Strategy of Worthy’s Success
Now, here’s the kicker: While De Jong flaunts his natural talent, it seems the world knows what he’s about! Dimeo van der Horst, part of the Olympic gold-winning team, admits that rivals understand what’s coming; it’s just a matter of how many defenders they can throw at him—good luck with that! You see, double-teaming would just leave his equally lethal teammates free and utterly unfazed.
De Jong’s game has become so legendary that van der Horst claims he has a “patent on winning shots in the final phase”—kind of like a basketball Sorcerer Supreme. Who wouldn’t want a shot like that appearing every time the clock strikes zero? So, shout out to the universe for giving us this rare talent! And don’t you worry, basketball fans; our hero will likely be around to entertain us for a while longer.
Flashbacks to Glory Days
Even van der Horst admits he gets misty-eyed, reflecting on last summer’s Olympic success as he watches De Jong light up the court again. Who wouldn’t? It’s like sitting on the couch, flipping through old family photos after a family reunion—you smile through the bittersweet nostalgia.
The event in Hong Kong again showcased the dominant Dutch presence in 3×3 basketball—proving they’re not just a flash in the pan. As van der Horst put it, the Netherlands has shown it’s the real deal, declaring, “With the gold medal, we showed that we are the best.” So, punters, keep an eye on this steadfast nation! They’re not going anywhere, just like the Jack Russell I babysit who refuses to leave the dearly departed breakfast plate!
The Legacy of ‘Big Game Worthy’
Finally, let’s focus on the man himself—De Jong isn’t just great by accident. With a father named after NBA legend James Worthy, our protagonist appears destined to make “Big Game Worthy” a household name! One can’t help but wonder if junior tossed the ball for the first time, and it swished through the net like magic. Cue the dramatic music!
So let us all raise our glasses (or basketballs) to Worthy De Jong, the master, the artist, the 3×3 basketball magician. May he keep making those divine shots and capturing hearts worldwide. After all, it’s not just basketball; it’s performance art!
Worthy de Jong has an exceptional talent for making crucial shots from impressive distances, a skill that has set him apart in the world of 3×3 basketball. His ability to deliver under pressure has been attributed to his artistic background, which informs his gameplay in remarkable ways.
In an exhilarating showdown in Hong Kong on Sunday, the 36-year-old Dutchman once again showcased his prowess by sealing the victory for Team Amsterdam with a stunning two-pointer in the final seconds of the World Tour Finals quarter-finals. This was reminiscent of his heroic performance in the Olympic Games last summer, where his clutch shot earned the Netherlands a prestigious gold medal in Paris.
“Worthy is an artist on and off the field,” praises his former coach Geert Hammink, who enjoyed a successful tenure with de Jong at ZZ Leiden during the years 2020-2022. After finally transitioning to 3×3 basketball two years ago, de Jong has made an indelible mark on the sport.
His commitment to creativity extends beyond the court; outside of basketball, Worthy is also a talented photographer. “His blend of creativity, athleticism, and relentless work ethic makes him a formidable force in 3×3 basketball,” Hammink elaborated.
Hammink notes that while de Jong exhibited considerable skill in the more structured 5×5 basketball format, he truly seems to flourish in the more open environment of 3×3 basketball, which allows for more spontaneous play. “It’s a game that lacks tactical depth,” he pointed out.
The slightly smaller ball in 3×3 also seems to benefit de Jong’s long-range shooting accuracy, which has dramatically improved during his time at Leiden.
Describing de Jong’s shooting style, Hammink emphasizes that he isn’t a “measured shooter” who relies purely on technique. “Shots by Worthy are a work of art,” he states, highlighting a uniqueness in de Jong’s shooting approach.
De Jong himself reflects on his intuitive style of play, admitting, “I didn’t have many seconds and I let it go. Just like at the Games, it was up to the gods. It felt good when I let go of the ball.” This captures the essence of his instinctual decision-making in high-pressure moments.
Dimeo van der Horst, a teammate who shared in the Olympic victory, explained that opponents are fully aware of de Jong’s capabilities during close matches. “They know what is going to happen,” he noted, acknowledging the challenge defenders face against de Jong’s talent.
Van der Horst continued, “But you can’t stand with two or three at Worthy because there are Arvin Slagter and Bryan Alberts on the other side. They are also unparalleled shooters in their own right. You have to manage it yourself, and Worthy is incredibly difficult to defend alone.”
Always on the move, de Jong is adept at finding ways to maneuver past or even over his direct opponents, especially in the dying seconds of a match. “He demonstrates time and time again that he delivers when it counts,” Van der Horst remarked on this extraordinary talent.
Reflecting on the tournament in Hong Kong, Van der Horst admitted to feeling a tinge of disappointment as he watched on from Team Utrecht while Team Amsterdam thrived. “It’s always a bit of a double challenge. I prefer to be in these tournaments, but we chose to play with the younger team in preparation for the 2028 Games,” he explained.
The abundant talent showcased by de Jong and Team Amsterdam has certainly reaffirmed the Netherlands’ status in 3×3 basketball. “With the gold medal, we displayed our dominance,” Van der Horst concluded. His confidence in the future of Dutch 3×3 basketball remains high.
Amidst discussions of his enduring presence in the sport, Hammink highlighted de Jong’s tenacity, saying, “He possesses impressive athleticism and a remarkable pain threshold.”
Perhaps foreshadowing his future success, Worthy de Jong was named after NBA legend James Worthy, a star known in the 1980s for his ability to shine in clutch situations, earning him the nickname “Big Game James.” Now, the Netherlands has its own “Big Game Worthy” to celebrate.
How does de Jong’s style of play contribute to the resurgence of the Dutch basketball scene and their success in international competitions?
Two defenders on him all the time because that leaves my teammates open.” This tactical insight showcases how de Jong’s skill not only elevates his own performance but also enhances the effectiveness of his entire team.
The Dutch basketball scene has witnessed a remarkable resurgence thanks to de Jong and his comrades. As van der Horst reminisces about their Olympic glory, he emphasizes that Holland has solidified its place among the elite in 3×3 basketball. “With our collaborative spirit and the gold medal, we’ve shown we are a force to be reckoned with,” he asserts, pointing to a bright future for Dutch basketball.
Looking forward, de Jong appears poised to continue his reign on the 3×3 circuit. His dedication and creativity promise to keep fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating each game. As basketball evolves, so too does the artistry displayed by players like Worthy de Jong, who undoubtedly transforms every match into a performance infused with passion and skill.
Worthy de Jong’s journey through the realms of basketball and photography reflects a unique blend of talent and artistic flair. As he continues to make pivotal plays and capture breathtaking imagery from behind the lens, we can only hope that his influence resonates throughout the world of sports, inspiring future generations to approach both games and art with unparalleled creativity and heart.
