Master of Illusion: A Special Interview with Cameron Henry

Master of Illusion

When our friend, the chat, was asked about a player who fits the nickname "the Illusion", this is how it described him: "The Illusion is a player whose moves are very hard to read. Every time you think you know where he's going – he's already somewhere else. His body feints are smooth, his changes of direction are sharp, and the ball sticks to his hands as if it's attached to him by an invisible thread. One defender is left behind, a second comes to help and he too finds himself staring into thin air." Or in other words – Cameron Henry.

Cameron, who was born and raised in the city of Danbury, Connecticut, and has two older brothers and a younger sister, started playing basketball at the age of 6. In his second year at college he realised and decided that this was what he wanted to do as a profession. After playing at Lincoln University and Indiana University, Henry moved outside the borders of the USA last season and joined Kirchheim Knights of the German second division, and this past summer he signed for Hapoel HaEmek.

After a superb regular season, with averages of 10.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3 assists per game, we sat down together for a special interview, just before game 2 of the play-off quarter-finals.

Hi Cam, let's go back for a moment to the start of the season. What was it like for you arriving in Israel and at Hapoel HaEmek? "I was given a very warm welcome. Everyone – the players, the staff and the community around the club – received me with open arms."

What have you already fallen in love with in Israel? "I really love the people, the weather and the scenery."

On the other hand, what do you think is difficult for a player coming to the country? "It's a very unique country – you can never know what you'll wake up to in the morning, and there's a lot of uncertainty."

Who at the club have you connected with in particular? "I've connected with everyone in their own way, but I'd say I connected especially with Or Schwartz, the strength and conditioning coach.

How do you feel in the dressing room with your teammates? "The atmosphere in the dressing room is very good. Everyone is always laughing, enjoying themselves and cracking jokes."

What do you feel helps you cope here with being so far from home? "I feel that every single person who is part of the club contributes and helps in many ways."

It's impossible not to mention the period of the war. At the beginning of April, even before the ceasefire with Iran, you announced that you were returning to the club. What made you make the journey back to Israel despite the war? "The truth is there were a few things that made me come back – the fans, the staff and the players."

You live here in Gan Ner. Tell us about a place in the area that you particularly love. "I love sitting on my balcony and relaxing in the sun, because I have a really beautiful view of the mountains next to the house."

How do you feel about the club's community activities? With Beyond Basketball? "I think it's great to go into the schools, meet the kids, spend time with them and sign autographs for them. I really enjoy those days."

Are there people at the club who have a particular influence on you? "Yes, definitely. Itai Ron and Or Schwartz, who look after us every day, and also Amit and the rest of the management, who make sure that everything we need is sorted for us."

How do you feel when you see the club's fans? "When I see the fans it fills me with joy. It's amazing that no matter what happens, they're always there to cheer us on."

A great many fans love and appreciate you. What do you think is special about you that makes them connect with you? "I receive them with a lot of love and make sure to take photos and sign autographs for anyone who asks after the game. That matters to me."

You seem very committed and connected to the club. What brought about that connection? "I believe in giving back to those who invest in you. The people at the club look after me in an exceptional way, and I feel I have to do everything for them in order to win as many games as possible for them."

Tell us about a special moment from this season. "A special moment for me was the win over Hapoel Jerusalem in the third round of the season."

What do you want to focus on ahead of next season? "I want to focus on strengthening my body and making my shot more stable and consistent."

Where do you dream of getting to? "My ultimate goal is to get a contract in the NBA or the EuroLeague." This evening Henry will take to the floor again at the Haim Ohayon Arena, for a do-or-die game against Hapoel Jerusalem in the play-off quarter-finals (game 2), and he will do everything to show "the Illusion" once more, to win, to protect home court and to force a third game in Jerusalem.