Many American players in Europe struggle with the cultural differences when they first arrive. Hassani Gravett had no such problems since he spent a part of his childhood there.
European upbringing helps Slask's lion-hearted Gravett adapt
Player Spotlight
3 Mins read
Hassani Gravett is not the usual American player in the European game. The Slask Wroclaw guard and BKT EuroCup rookie already knew about how things were on the continent from having lived two years in Italy and some summers in Germany growing up.
"Some of my favorite memories I had growing up for some years of my childhood in Europe would have to be simple things, like having a lot of independence as a child," Gravett recalled. "My mom would leave early for work, and I remember having a change jar that I would get some Euros and go to the local bakery and choose some of - still to this day - the best pastries for breakfast before school.
"Also things like going snowboarding and ice skating in the winter. I don't like cold weather, but I did like the activities that came along with the snow."
Gravett's mother served in the US Air Force and he moved around a lot growing up. He was born in Alabama but also lived in Washington state, Virginia, Georgia and Florida as well.
"I think that because I had the opportunity to live in Europe with my mom, obviously the biggest challenge I faced was the language barrier. However, I would say that this shaped me into the person I am today, one who is able to adapt to any environment I am placed in," Gravett said.
"Maybe I did not become fluent in other languages, per se, but I am able to pick up on certain words and cultural customs pretty easily, which allows me to create relationships in these communities as a foreigner."
Having spent time in Europe, Gravett also took a liking to European football, or soccer.
"It's funny because growing up as a child I played all sports, but it's crazy because my parents believe that I was originally the best at playing soccer," he says. "I was very successful as a child and always had a true knack for just playing the game so naturally. However, I never shared the same love for the game the way I did basketball so in middle school I decided to drop playing soccer."
"I've always looked at myself as Simba who had to grow into being Mufasa."
Gravett said his favorite team was always Real Madrid and his favorite player was Marcelo.
"Of course, I liked Ronaldo as well, but I always respected Marcelo's speed and liked his hair," he said.
Just like Marcelo, Gravett is also known for his impressive mane of hair – which when he wears out looks like a bit of a lion – the animal he also bares as a tattoo.
"The lion tattoo was my first tattoo I ever received. It was without a doubt always going to be my first tattoo. My favorite animal is a lion. My favorite movie as a kid was Lion King," said Gravett, who uses the name "Lionchild" on Instagram.
"And to be honest when I have my hair fully grown and out it looks similar to a lion mane. So I've always looked at myself as Simba who had to grow into being Mufasa."