HOW DID IT START?
Xavier’s dad played in the NBA and overseas, so basketball has always been a family business for him. From an early age, Xavier always had a basketball in his hand. Like his father, he committed to Florida State to start his college career.
COLLEGE YEARS
Xavier was solid for Florida State, making history with his dad as the first father-son duo in ACC history to each score 1,000 career points.
After a good third year with the Seminoles, he declared for the NBA Draft. Unfortunately, no team selected him. Reflecting on this, Xavier shared:
"I was disappointed. I think I left college a little bit later than I should have because of bad advice, and I didn’t enter the draft the year I should have."
XAVIER THE GLOBETROTTER
Did you know you have played for 13 different teams in 8 countries over the past 8 years?
"I did not know that. That’s a lot. It’s a blessing to be able to travel to so many different places, discover different cultures, and be around amazing people. But now, at 30 years old, I want some stability. I signed a two-year contract with Madrid, which is a good first step. Hopefully, I can sign a long-term contract with them. That’s the goal—it would be beautiful for my family and me to stay here."
*Xavier has played in the NBA, Greece, Romania, Turkey, Israel, Australia, Russia, and now Spain.
RUSSIA IN THE HEART
Reflecting on your entire basketball journey, do you have one season or one team who left a mark on you?
"Russia, for sure. Playing over there with coach Arsic changed my career. For a player, it’s all about having the right opportunity at the right moment. This coach saw who I was, understood my talent, and let me be myself. Because of that, I had a crazy season, and now I’m at the biggest club in the world. Without that organization, the coach, and the season I had, I wouldn’t be here at Real Madrid, so I’m extremely thankful."
A 30 YEAR OLD EUROLEAGUE ROOKIE
Now you are with Real Madrid, one of the biggest sport club in the world, can you tell us how was the process to join this kind of team?
"Last December, my agent told me Real Madrid was interested in me. They really liked me, but I didn’t believe him because not many people have the opportunity to play for this organization, especially if you’re from Canada or the USA. Their roster is all about European players—the best of the best from here. They don’t care as much about having the best players from America, like other EuroLeague teams do. I told my agent, ‘Let me know when it’s true.’
This February, during a break from the Russian League, I was on vacation with my wife, and my agent called to tell me, ‘It’s real. They want you.’ Hearing that was a blessing for me.
I know people questioned why they signed me, but I think now those people can see me playing better, feeling more comfortable, and understanding EuroLeague basketball. I can be one of the best players in this league.
One big memory for me was when I received the contract and saw the Real Madrid logo on the top of the document. It was an unbelievable feeling—real and special."
“Real Madrid is an unbelievable team with big history and an amazing organization!”
A Conversation with his younger self
*We showed him his highlights from highschool.
When you look back to this, with all your journey, if you can talk to this guy, the Young Xavier, what you would tell him?
"Don’t ever change for anyone. Back in high school, I was one of the best scorers in the USA, but people always wanted me to change—work on my playmaking or other things. I always wanted to make everyone happy, and I think that negatively impacted my journey.
Don’t worry about what other people say about you. You are unique. You’re the player you are for a reason. In the last two or three years, I’ve figured out who I am as a basketball player. I’ve stopped changing for anyone and stuck to myself. I’m a dominant scorer!"
QUESTION TIME
Your top 3 Euroleague Players?
Mario Henzonja, Kevin Punter, Kendrick Nunn
One underrated player in the Euroleague?
Myself
Juan Hernangomez
Build your Euroleague team to win the title + 6th man:
- Facundo Campazzo
- Kendrick Nunn
- Mario Hezonja
- Nigel Hayes-David
- Eddy Tavares
-6th man: Juan Hernangomez
Where will you be in 5 years?
“Hopefully here with Madrid, winning championships. I think I have the ability to contribute to winning at a high level. We have an unbelievable core of guys on the team. Being in one good place with my family is the vision for me.“
We want to thank Xavier for his time and we are wishing a good end of the season to him and Real Madrid.
