After signing with Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv, DJ Seeley says he’s ready for and aware of the challenges ahead in the EuroLeague. “I’ve always wanted to play for Maccabi. I know that the fans had a tough season last year, that’s why I’m excited to come out on the court and make them happy.”
By Amy Samin
Dennis Jerome (DJ) Seeley, Maccabi FOX Tel Aviv’s new American guard (26, 6’4″), stands ready to help his new team go as far as they can. Seeley comes to Maccabi from Spanish club Gran Canaria, where he had a great season, helping them reach the King’s Cup final and the semifinal in the Eurocup. His next challenge will be taking on the EuroLeague, where he has never played before.
“I’ve been excited ever since I got the offer from Maccabi. They’re a EuroLeague team that I’ve always wanted to play for,” said Seeley in a brief interview with the official website. “I’ve heard that there’s a great atmosphere in the arena and that the fans are amazing. I know that the fans had a tough season last year, that’s why I’m excited to come out on the court and make them happy.” When asked what his strengths are as a player, and whether he expects the transition to the EuroLeague to be a difficult one, the player responded: “I’m an all-around player. If I had to focus on one strength, I’d say it was shooting, especially from outside the arc. I’ve been ready to make the jump to the EuroLeague for a long time, I was just waiting for the right timing and the right chance. I expect the level to be higher, but I’m not so sure the change will be all that dramatic.”
Maccabi’s joker? Watch Seeley’s highlights.
Seeley grew up in California, and graduated from Cal State Fullerton in 2013. In his senior year, he posted averages of 17.8 points (42% from three), 4.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. From there he made his way to a variety of teams in Europe, and even played in the NBA’s Development league for the 2014-15 season.
Most recently, Seeley played in Spain for Gran Canaria, where he averaged 11.4 points (50% shooting from three point range) in the Eurocup league.