A true threat to opposing defenses. Courtney Hurt, the American forward and top scorer of the championship last season, decided to settle in Nice last summer.
Averaging 13 points per game, Courtney Hurt is one of the main offensive weapons for the Niss’Angels this season. A great asset for the Azur club, which will count on her Sunday afternoon to secure a victory against Nantes.
Nice Premium: You spent two years in Mondeville, why did you decide to come to Nice, knowing that Nice would be promoted this season?
Courtney Hurt: Because I had the opportunity to play with renowned players I already knew like Ambrosia Anderson or Djéné Diawara, who signed during the summer. Plus, Djéné and I have the same agent, and she is the one who convinced me to join here. I also watched some Nice matches when they were in the second division, and the girls playing were very strong. It was really a great team, and I wanted to be a part of it. And the level in the second division is not as bad as one might think. I remember last year with Mondeville, we lost by twenty points against a second division team!
Nice Premium: After 3 seasons in France, what do you think of the championship level?
Courtney Hurt: I would say that the game here in France suits me perfectly. Certainly, I have had a lot of success since playing here, but I don’t rest on my laurels. Every game is difficult, whether it’s against the top teams or the bottom ones.
Nice Premium: How did your integration into the group go?
Courtney Hurt: I am rather a shy person. It takes me time to trust people. I’m not the kind of girl who becomes friends with everyone. But since I arrived, my teammates and the staff have welcomed me well and immediately made me feel comfortable. And I really enjoy being here.
Nice Premium: Your team and you are having an excellent season so far. Even if you’re scoring fewer points than last year. How do you explain this success?
Courtney Hurt: Yes, I’m scoring fewer points, but I expected that. Because when you play with other great players, you have to know how to share the ball. This means fewer minutes on the court and therefore fewer shots. But that’s perfectly fine with me, and so far, it’s working, and we are winning games. The strength of our team is the collective effort.
Nice Premium: In 2012, you were recruited by Indiana, which plays in the WNBA (the North American basketball league). Do you ever think about trying your luck in the United States again?
Courtney Hurt: My agent thinks I have all the qualities to play there. But I have a size issue at my position. I am 1.85 m tall, and in the United States, forwards can be up to 1.95 m. I did some tests this summer with American teams; I might have opportunities in the future. But as I said, the game in France and more generally the European game suits me perfectly.
Nice Premium: So will you still be in Nice next season?
Courtney Hurt: It’s up to the team to decide if they still need me. If that’s the case, I will gladly play another season here.
by Désiré Teivao
