Keaton Wallace opened a new chapter in his career this summer. After years of fighting for his spot in the NBA, the 27-year-old guard decided to cross the ocean and sign a two-year deal with Maccabi Tel Aviv. In an interview with the official EuroLeague website, he spoke about the decision to come to Israel, his impressions of Oded Kattash, acclimating to European basketball, and his goals with the Yellows.
Wallace deliberated this summer whether to continue chasing an NBA spot through training camp or to opt for Europe for the first time in his career. A conversation with Maccabi sporting director Claudio Coldebella helped him make the decision.
"He left a very good impression on me and my family," the fresh recruit said. "We were all together while talking to him on the phone, and we felt comfortable. We felt it was the right decision to make. We had several offers, and Maccabi Tel Aviv was the best option."
Adapting to Kattash's style and European basketball
One of the biggest changes for the guard is adapting to Oded Kattash's style of play and to basketball that differs from what he knew in the United States: "He explained the offense to me and how it works. He has a very smart philosophy, and he is teaching me a different way to play."
Wallace admitted that he is still in the middle of a learning process: "It is an adjustment, but I am enjoying the process and learning the principles, the plays, and things of that nature. He has helped me a lot."
After his first exhibition game in yellow, he added: "I learned a lot. The pace, the principles, the plays, and also getting to know my teammates. I have only been here maybe a week and a half or two weeks, so I still have a lot to learn."
The EuroLeague will also be a completely new experience for Wallace, and he is not taking lightly the level that awaits him: "I know it is a competitive league. I know I will have to respect my opponents and that I will need to come ready to play every night. I haven't experienced the EuroLeague yet, so I am excited to see what it's all about and to be a part of it."
One of the reasons Maccabi targeted Wallace was his versatility on both sides of the court. From his perspective, these exact qualities should allow him to make the transition to European basketball: "I can play point guard, shooting guard, and combo guard. I can shoot, pass, and play defense. Those things should translate here as well."
High expectations and teammates' support
Wallace shared that his new teammates are already playing a significant role in his adjustment. "All my teammates have helped me," he said, elaborating further: "Bonzie Colson helped me a lot with the plays and things like that. John DiBartolomeo also did a lot, explaining principles and things of that nature to me. Teammates Amit Ebo and Nitai Dodo helped me from the sidelines with the plays and principles. All my teammates have been involved in my development."
Despite this being his first season outside the United States, Wallace is already well aware of the bar set for him and Maccabi: "I expect us to succeed. Maccabi already has historic wins and achievements, so I am trying to come in and fit into the tradition and culture. Expectations of our basketball team are high."
When speaking about himself, Wallace emphasized that he does not want to be defined by a single skill. "I am not a one-dimensional player," he explained. "I bring many different things to the game and to my team. If one thing isn't working well enough in a certain game, other parts of my game can step up."
From the NBA to number 17 in Tel Aviv
Wallace, the older brother of Cason Wallace from Oklahoma City, went undrafted in 2021 after completing his time at UTSA, but managed to pave his way into the NBA. During his time in the league, his career highs included 27 points against Chicago and a triple-double of 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 15 assists against Orlando. Now, he is attempting to open a completely different chapter in his career.
Even the number he chose at Maccabi, 17, is no coincidence. Wallace explained the choice: "It means new beginnings. I am excited to see what the next step in my journey and career will be, and that is why we are going with the number 17."