HAGGAI Hundert is loving life with the Essex Pirates.

The Southend-based side’s playmaker was snapped up by head coach Tim Lewis in November.

And he is already feeling at home with his new team.

“I really do believe in what we’re trying to do here which is to present a British-based, young and exciting team that will provide young European and English talent with an opportunity to excel in the British Basketball League,” said Hundert.

“This season with the Pirates I have a chance to establish myself as a point guard that can lead a team to success in this league.

“Being in Southend is also a big advantage for me. I feel comfortable here and I love being close to my sister who lives in London.”

With Hundert in their side the Pirates have strung together a series of more promising performances and he has been pleased with the progress they have made.

Hundert now also feels that his team have the potential to test any of their opponents in the BBL.

“We’re a very young and inexperienced team so you expect some bumps along the way,” he said.

“It seems as if we take two steps forward, in practice and games, then one step back.

“But if we can become more consistent and build on the positives while improving the negatives, we could be a tough team to play against.

“The win against Cheshire before Christmas also gave us a lot of confidence.

“We know we can beat anyone in this league and we might look back at this win as a key moment in our season.”

Hundert has previous experience of the BBL having played for Plymouth Raiders last season.

And the year before that he enjoyed a successful season with Chemosvit in the Slovak Top league.

Last summer he was training in New Jersey, like he does every year, working out with players that play in Europe, NCAA and a couple from the NBA.

Hundert also graduated from Oklahoma City University and St Patrick’s High School in New Jersey which is currently ranked number one in America by ESPN and USA Today, and he is therefore well equipped to judge the level he is now playing at.

“The BBL is a good league,” said Hundert, who was born and raised in Israel.

“It showcases talented players and athletic play.

“The style of basketball is more American with high scoring and fast tempo.

“I think the BBL is underrated because of its lack of European basketball structure and also because no British team is competing in European cups.

“Most BBL teams only play six or seven guys who are mostly older Americans and, in the modern game, that’s simply not enough.

“We’re proud in Essex that we can go 12 deep.

“We also try to combine the American and European influences into our game.”

And Hundert is sure that style could be rewarded come the end of the season.

“Our team goal has always been making the play-offs, that’s the ultimate goal,” said Hundert.

“From there, the sky’s the limit. But I take it one game at a time and hopefully more and more people will come support us.

“We want to establish Essex Pirates as a strong competitive team, bring people out to watch and enjoy our games, and to have fun playing the game I love.”