After a successful season in Latvia, Jaizec Lottie moved to Veolia Towers this summer. However, the American has had to overcome a number of hurdles on his career path. He is now bringing his knowledge and experience back to Hamburg.
Before your move, you won the championship and the cup in Latvia. How did you experience winning both titles?
The feeling of winning the championship in Latvia is one I will never forget. You put so much work into it and go through highs and lows with the team. To then be able to end the season so successfully is an incredible feeling. The two titles are definitely the biggest success of my career so far. But I hope that I can top that again, maybe even here in Hamburg. I am definitely excited to see what else is to come.
You’ve had to overcome a few hurdles on your way to becoming a professional. How has your career path gone so far?
First, I played for the Trojans at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. And not everything went according to plan there. After my first coach was fired, I had a coach whose plans I played no role in. That’s why I transferred to Flagler College. Probably a decision that not everyone would have made – but the following two years definitely changed my life. Two seasons at D2 level prepared me for my first, successful year abroad. I had a great season in Switzerland, which I really enjoyed. Then for my second year overseas, I moved to Italy. And unfortunately that didn’t work out ideally for me. I didn’t really fit in with the team or the coaches, which is why we terminated my contract.
How have these many twists and turns helped you grow as a player?
This detour led me to VEF Riga. For me, this was a blessing in disguise and a great blessing at the same time. Ultimately, I believe that everything happens for a reason and I’m glad that these experiences have brought me here. I’ve learned that you should never fly too high, but also never too low. Instead, it’s important to find a middle ground and somehow stick to it. This realization has helped me grow as a player. That and the knowledge that if you wait, your time will come.
You didn’t just sign a contract with us this summer. What other special document did you sign this summer?
I got married. This is very special for me to have my partner in my life now as my wife and by my side. She plays a huge role in my life. She is my balance and my peace. When I come home after a bad game, she makes sure I stay calm and don’t lose my mind.
You have been together for a long time. How did you meet?
My wife is a little younger than me and was checking out college during my sophomore year. When I first saw her, I didn’t really pay much attention to her. Well, as guys do, one day one of my teammates pointed her out to me. Then I messaged her on Instagram. Then we really got to know each other and started dating a little later.
Many of your Instagram photos feature you with your siblings. What does family mean to you?
Besides my wife, my family is one of the most important things to me. I have an older brother, his name is Izaiah. My younger sister is called Kaia. There is nothing in the world I wouldn’t do for them both. Family is everything to me, is one of my core values that I truly believe in. That will never change. I have a very strong bond with my siblings. We always have each other’s backs. We get along very well and enjoy spending time together. Whenever we are together, we have fun and enjoy each other’s company.
Back to basketball: What is your greatest strength as a player?
I see myself as a very vocal leader on the field, but I believe that in that role I should not only use my voice to say what or how something should be done, but also lead with actions and the way I work every day to back up my words.
Do you also set the tone off the field?
Off the court, I’m the complete opposite. I take basketball really seriously, so I’m very serious on the court. But off the court, I like to be silly and joke around sometimes. In general, I like to keep calm.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I’m most excited about being part of the team. Being part of something bigger than myself. Of course, I’m also excited about getting to know everyone. I feel like when you have a group of guys that get along well, it reflects on the field. If you get along well off the field, you can work well together on it. And when you work well together, you win. We also have a great leader in Benka as our coach. When you put all of those pieces together, you get a complete puzzle.
