AMMAN — Former
WNBA champion
Natasha Cloud wasted no time in settling into what instantly felt like a second home with Jordan at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, Division B in Amman.
اضافة اعلان
The Washington Mystics’ guard has not only brought top drawer skills to the table for the promotion-chasing host nation. Perhaps most importantly of all, she’s realized the mentality needed for a naturalized player parachuting late into an unfamiliar camp and how to get the right balance of not trying to be too dominant, a statement from FIBA read.
“It is absolutely about the vibe when you are a naturalized player and looking to fit into a new team and a new culture,” explained Cloud.
“From the moment I spoke to the coach, who also went to
St Joseph’s University like me, I have felt so comfortable and then when I actually got to Jordan, it was incredible — I really do love this team. And, that is exactly what we are — a team.
“I feel like we already have what it takes to be successful with us in the locker room. Making my teammates have the confidence to show that they can be a great team is really important to me.”
“I am a player that even when I am home and I am playing for the Washington Mystics, my job is to be a facilitator first, but also knowing I can score if I need to. That is my job here with Jordan too.”
For those questioning her motives as to why she would go from trying to land WNBA titles to playing for an adopted nation in the Asia tier — the message is simple.
“Being able to represent Jordan means the world to me,” she insisted.
“Whether other people say it’s not really my country or not, I don’t care too much about that. I know it does matter a whole lot to me and that I am proud to be here.”
“I feel like enjoying the situation you’re in is what matters most — not the name of a competition. The main point is how much you enjoy the challenge.”
So far, Cloud has lit it up with two big contributions that have helped Jordan move into the semifinals, although it has been a big team effort. The momentum is with them and now they are just two wins away from completing the mission.
She said: “It has been great because our fans have showed up and have really been the sixth man for us and provided a great atmosphere.
“This team is shocking a lot of people in this tournament, since many people were counting us out.”
While the main headline around Cloud being in Amman is understandably her quality and the fact she scooped a historic WNBA Championship ring, it’s not only basketball that defines the guard. She is just as well known in her homeland for being an advocate of social justice and is a passionate campaigner.
“Everyone can see from the outside there are a lot of social issues happening right now in America and especially for someone who is black and part of the LGBTQ+ community,” she stated.
“I represent a lot of marginalized groups and have to use my platform to be more than a basketball player. I have a passion in life to make sure that I use my position to be a voice for the voiceless.”
“I actually feel the same about being in Jordan. We are playing for a bigger purpose than to get promotion to Division A.”
“We are playing to help progress the role of women in sports, not just at this particular tournament. That added dimension means a lot to me and is another reason I want to be successful,” concluded Cloud.
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