From EuroBasket Straight to usFutures: Basketball Fills Me Again, Says Alena Hanušová

She played her last game for the national team four years ago at the European Championship in France and hadn’t been part of the squad since. Alena Hanušová, an experienced post player, made her return this May when she joined coach Romana Ptáčková’s selection ahead of EuroBasket, with one group played in Brno. She participated in all six games of the tournament and helped the team secure sixth place. In an in-depth interview, she shared thoughts on the championship and her new career challenge at usFutures.

You hadn’t been in the national team for four years. Was the invitation to the EuroBasket training camp a surprise?
I never officially announced my retirement, but the invitation really surprised me. I had previously spoken with coach Ptáčková about my possible return, and at that time, I declined. This time, however, several centers had to withdraw for health or personal reasons, so I agreed to join.

What convinced you to return?
Playing EuroBasket at home was a huge motivation. I wanted to wear the national jersey in front of family and friends in the Czech Republic. I saw it as a beautiful opportunity to say goodbye to the national team on my own terms.

Were you satisfied with your role and playing time?
I knew what to expect and was ready to be a sort of joker off the bench. Coach and I discussed this clearly from the start.

You got the most minutes against Belgium, scoring nine points. Did you wish for more time in the quarterfinal against Spain?
Not really. It was the coach's decision to go with other players. What hurt was losing the game, especially since we led by 14 points during it.

Where did the game turn?
We started strong, confident, even a bit cocky, which unsettled Spain. But then we lost momentum, and as they caught up, we got nervous and couldn’t regain control.

You played with the silver medal generation from the 2010 World Championship and the EuroBasket semifinalists of 2011. What does this current team need to break the quarterfinal curse and fight for medals again?
It’s hard to say. Every game is different. But I do believe this team has the quality to succeed. Though this was the second tight quarterfinal loss in a row, the girls are growing and have the potential to make the top four.

Will you be there next time?
That would take serious thought. It would depend on how I’m feeling physically. I've had knee surgery, so that would be a big factor.

You were the oldest on the team, though not older than several other players at the championship. Did it bother you that your age became a topic in the media?
Of course. Germany had a player born in 1987, Serbia started Yvonne Anderson, who’s older than me. It’s strange when people focus on age rather than performance.

Did it feel like people thought you were on the team out of loyalty rather than merit?
I’m not sure, but I think I proved over the last two seasons that I still have it. If I didn’t believe I could contribute, I never would have accepted the invite.

What was your role in the locker room? Did you mentor younger players?
I didn’t try to play the mentor, but if I could help the younger girls, I did. For example, I encouraged them to use their speed and go one-on-one when they had the edge.

You have a lot of experience—winning the EuroLeague with USK Praha in 2015, and last season becoming the fourth-highest scorer in the Czech league while playing for Brandýs nad Labem. Will you continue there?
Absolutely. I enjoy basketball again, and that’s what matters most. I had doubts in the past, but now it brings me joy.

You even quit your job before the championship...
I had to choose between preparing for EuroBasket and work, and I chose the national team. I wanted to be ready.

But you didn’t stay unemployed for long. At usFutures, you'll help young basketball players get to U.S. universities. What do you expect from this new challenge?
I was approached by Irena Gillarová to join usFutures. Although I’m still learning the ropes, I see this role as meaningful and motivating. As a sports manager, I communicate with university coaches, collaborate with athletes and their parents, create player profiles, and help them choose the right school.

You never studied in the U.S., though...
True, but I believe my experience in elite basketball and my personal approach can truly help young athletes. I’m excited to show them how to balance education and the sport they love at a near-professional level. And there are people on the usFutures team who have been through the U.S. college system.

Have you started yet?
I’m working with one client so far, and I can’t wait to meet more.