Jordan Polverino is one of the most versatile and winningest players Europe has to offer, having won five tournaments in his first year of competing in Pro-Am.
Despite not making the NBA 2K League in Season 2, he was invited to participate in the EU Invitational event held in London last month, where he impressed current NBA 2K League coaches and scouts with his play. After his performances at the event, which saw his team come out as champions, he was notified that he would be a part of the NBA 2K League Season 3 draft pool. Jordan has his sights set on being selected in the draft this year, which is why I sat down with Jordy and asked him some questions to learn more about him on and off the court. You can also check out a previous interview I did with Jordan here.
Favourite EU 2K Team and Player?
I’ll start with the player, Harry (HazzaHurst). His passion for the game is unreal, doesn’t matter what he’s playing he will always put 110% in and he’s the kind of teammate you need if you want to make the league. On the court, he’s got great pick-and-roll defense, always baiting the PG to throw it to the roll-man even though he’s in that lane ready to get a steal.
My favourite team was definitely SourSavoury/GNA. We won everything together, played together since 2K18 and climbed to the top to be the best team in Europe.
Favourite NBA 2K League Team and Player?
I don’t particularly have a favourite team, I just like to watch the league and enjoy the games. My favourite player is Hotshot from Heat Check Gaming. I think he’s the best big on the game, he can play very well in all aspects of the game. He was also the first person to teach me not to go up with those bad alley-oop catch animations which I think saved everyone that year.
Favourite music artist?
As a kid, I grew up listening to Avicii every day, he is definitely my all time favourite. As time went on, I started picking up other artists like Ed Sheeran and Juice Wrld.
Favourite actor?
My favourite actor is easily Mark Wahlberg, you can put him in any type of movie and it will be a good one. My favourite movie from him is Shooter.
Favourite movie?
My favourite movie is Gladiator. I remember the first time I saw it, it went straight to the top of my all-time favourite movies. If you haven’t seen it, I recommend it highly.
“Jordy is one of the most unique guys I have ever met. In London, we spent so much time together talking about IRL stuff as well as chatting about the game too. He was definitely a super fun guy to spend time with. I think what he does best is being under pressure, he doesn’t really get affected by it. He really knows both 2K and basketball well. Like I said before, out of everyone from my teammates so far or IRL friends, he’s definitely one of the most unique guys I have ever met. “
— Turkish Pro-Am player TR-Tansu28, a teammate of Jordan’s and a fellow EU Invitational invitee
How would you describe your play style?
I would describe my play style as being calm and collected. As a sharpshooter I’m a catch-and-shoot player who relies on set plays and my favourite move, the “dex,” to get me open. At center, I’m a really good rebounder, and I’m also very good at passing lanes and reading plays before they happen. At PF, I have great corner bait and rotations to help paint and wing.
What do you think is your best attribute in terms of your on-court play?
My best attribute is defense, my bait and rotations are really good and I read plays before they happen like Fifi, Zizis, etc. I’m also a great shot-clock shooter, people have seen me hit so many shot clock winners or clutch shots that need to be made over the years.
“Jordy is a great teammate, he is always on time to the set time we agreed to play on, his communication is great and he’s one of the funniest guys in Europe.”
—EU Invitational MVP MGoCrzy, a former teammate of Jordan’s on Bayern Ballers Gaming
What makes you stand out compared to other prospects? Why do you think a team should draft you?
I think I would fit in to the league really well, especially after playing at the top level in Europe for almost 3 years now. I want to learn more and better my game, I’m a quick learner and one of the most hardworking players in Europe, playing with USA friends at night and back with my EU guys in the daytime just to get better. I’m also a great and funny teammate or genuinely just a funny person to know, really easy to get along with. I want to show my versatility in the league, I already showed it on stage at the invitational but I want to prove it again where it matters more.
