This series lets you get to know the men and women from our national team programs. This time we discover Pickering, ON native Devoe Joseph, currently playing ball for FIATC Joventut in Spain.

CB: You have been representing Canada for years, dating back to 2006 & 2007 with the JMNT, 2008 & 2010 with the DMNT, and 2013 with the SMNT. What does it mean to you to have represented your country for the better part of a decade?

It's a great accomplishment and it means a lot to me. There's so many talented athletes across Canada, so I consider myself blessed to be able to represent my country. 


CB: What is your best memory/moment playing for Canada?

My best memory playing for Team Canada was going to Novi Sad, Serbia to play in the U19 world championship. Being apart of a world championship and seeing teams from all over the world is one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. 


CB: What were your biggest goals coming into this season?

My biggest goals coming into this season were to help my team get better and make the playoffs. Also to use this opportunity to continue to improve my skills on the basketball court. 


CB: Your FIATC Joventut squad is currently 10-12 and sitting 10th in the Liga Endesa. Your personal performance has been stellar, leading your team in scoring, steals, and minutes. How difficult has the transition been moving to a new country and playing with a new team? Is the European style of play difficult for you to acclimate to or is your style of play well suited for the European game?

Moving to Spain has been very easy. Their culture and customs are different but I enjoy learning and trying them out. I brought in the new year by eating 12 grapes in 12 seconds. I always have ate my seafood in full shell and eye ball form, which I'm not a huge fan of but it was an experience. Also Barcelona is a beautiful city, the people here are very friendly, the food is exceptional and I live a block from the beach.

Every year seems to get easier and easier when it comes to playing with a new team. From transferring to Oregon with only one year left to play, then playing with another new team (Khimik Yuzhny) in Ukraine, you start to learn more skills on how to work with new teammates and coaches.

I feel like my game translates well to the European game although this is only my second year here and I know there's is still many things I can learn and get better at. 


CB: Talk a little bit about how special it is getting to play alongside your brother at the national level. How does having someone you share such a close bond & relationship with benefit you at a training camp or international competition?

Anytime I get to play with my brother is special and to do it at such a high level is even more special. Growing up playing him one on one outside and training with him, my other siblings, and parents are the foundation of my love for this game. Well the best benefit for me was off the court I got to spend a lot of quality time with my brother. Due to our jobs that time is not as easy to come by anymore. But once I step on the court I don't just have one brother I have a team full of brothers.  


CB: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

My pregame ritual is a nice warm shower while blasting music. Helps me relax and get hyped at the same time. 


CB: What do you miss most about Canada?

I believe that there is no place like home. I miss my family and friends and just the overall feel I get when I am home. I could list a whole bunch of food but that would be a long list. 


CB: What advice do you have for young Canadian kids, looking to progress in basketball and become an elite player like you?

My advice would be to never give up on your dreams. The road to becoming an elite level athlete has all sorts of pot holes and speed bumps, but it is how you deal with these up and downs that separates you from the rest.

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