Being a rookie is never easy and more often than not success comes later, rather than sooner. In the case of Cypriot champions EKA AEL Lemosos, success on the European level came pretty quickly. Entering their first ever European competition last season, the club won the FIBA Europe Regional Challenge, beating Bosnian side KK Igokea 92:82 in the Final Four.

		Woodward in FEL action

The reward was a spot in this season’s FIBA Europe League, a large step-up in competition and one that was expected to be too much for the Cypriot club. It is fair to say that Lemesos, which was created in 1966, has found the transition difficult, but certainly not impossible.

The team has a 2-4 record, but has won the last 2 games, including a superb away win over Serb and Montenegrin side, KK Hemofarm Vrsac.

A large part of the success of the club has been down to the contribution of US guard/forward, Duane Woodward. Woodward led all scorers in last year’s Regional Challenge at 26.7ppg and he is doing exactly the same in this year’s FIBA Europe League, where he is currently number 1 at 23.2ppg. He is also number 3 in steals, and is averaging 3 thefts per game.

Duane gave the following interview to Lemesos web site www.eka-ael.com.

Duane, what made you renew your contract with EKA AEL?

The biggest motivation was that AEL is playing in the FIBA Europe League, a great competition with very competitive games and a high standard of basketball.

Before the begining of the season, nobody believed that a team from Cyprus, EKA AEL, could do something memorable in the FEL. What do you think?

Perhaps nobody did but we made them believe. Our performances and results speak for themselves. We beat KK Hemofarm away from home and played very good basketball in most games.

How do you see AEL's future after your team's 2 consecutive wins?

I think we are in the right path. Our aim is to progress to the next round.

How do you feel about being the leading scorer in FEL?

		Duane Woodward: FIBA Regional Challenge Final Four Champion and MVP 2003

I always try my best in order to help my team. Being the leading scorer in such an important European competition is quite exciting. Who wouldn't want to be the leading scorer?

Last season your team won the FIBA Regional Challenge Cup (Conference South) with an unbeaten record and you were the MVP of the final. Could you comment on that?

Yes, it was a very nice experience. We worked hard and had great team spirit. It was one for all and all for one. We played for our fans and overall it was a great year.

What is your biggest aspiration?

My ultimate goal is to play in the NBA. It is the best championship in the world and I believe that someday I will manage to  play there.

Duane, over the years you have played basketball in many countries including the U.S. and Europe. You have played against many teams in different arenas. How do AEL's fans compare to others?

I haven't come across other fans with such passion and dedication. It is always a pleasure performing in front of them and I very much enjoy the great atmosphere in home games. Their support lifts my performance.