The new winger from Reggio Emilia won the World Cup with Team USA, played for 8 years as a protagonist in the NBA and then toured the world
Amarcord from a nostalgic past or a market coup? That of Kenneth Faried, aka “Manimal”, new acquisition of Pallacanestro Reggiana, is an illustrious, high-sounding name. The 35-year-old big man played 8 seasons in the NBA, from 2011 to 2019, playing 478 games, exhibiting important averages: 11.4 points and 8.1 rebounds. The glory years were in the Denver Nuggets jersey, he also played, briefly, for the Brooklyn Nets and Houston Rockets, then. He won the gold medal with Team USA at the 2014 World Championships in Spain. As a starter, first quintet of the tournament, even. The others were Kyrie Irving, Pau Gasol, Milos Teodosic, and Nicolas Batum, so to speak. Big names. What is left of that Faried, then a healthy bearer of energy and intensity, a charger for his teammates by example, going up and down the parquet at a thousand miles per hour? We’ll find out soon. Faried recently played in Mexico and Puerto Rico, now he lands in Italy.
Faried at his best was one of those luxury wingmen that every team dreams of. Excellent rebounder, despite the “negotiable” 203 centimeters reported in his biographical profile. Manimal wiped the boards like a windshield wiper, on both sides of the court, defense/attack. A piranha that took everything down: intense, even ferocious. Physical and edgy. A tough guy, no doubt. An excellent athlete who actually wiped up and down the field far and wide. Always “on the ball”, not the most technical winger, not that, or more lucid in reading the game, Faried has always made the difference with energy. Contagious. Perpetual motion, he jumped on or on top of his opponents, taking them out of exhaustion. His easy shots, the 54.6% percentage with which he accumulated 5,430 points in the NBA says it all: his were baskets at the rim, dunks, supports from a few steps. Just 10 triples made, in just 45 attempts. In the NBA, Faried was centimeters smaller than his competition and his big opponents, but he was able to compensate with a big heart, powerful lungs and explosive legs, always on the move.
When the NBA gave him the sack, thanks for everything and good luck, but what you see is the exit door, Faried didn’t lose heart. He didn’t feel sorry for himself. Rather he became a hoops globetrotter, always traveling around the world, always with his suitcase packed. He played in China, for the Zhejiang Lions, first of all, in 2019. Then he went to the Caribbean, to Puerto Rico. Wearing the Leones de Ponce shirt in 2021. So a new look at the world map and a stop in Russia. To play with CSKA Moscow, in reality it was only a short interlude, autumn/winter 2021 (shirt) collection. Then another round, other races. In the G-League, the NBA development league, the consolation one, for a veteran like him. Just to stay afloat, that’s it. He played with the Grand Rapids Gold and Austin Spurs, the affiliate teams of the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs. Then he got back on track, the thing he does best. This time he ended up in Mexico, playing well, at least so the numbers say, for the Capitanes of Mexico City.
Faried still wants to play basketball. At 35, Danilo Gallinari’s former teammate at the Nuggets still intends to run and jump. He doesn’t lack the willingness to get involved, he has demonstrated his physical fitness, even in minor basketball leagues, it remains to be understood the level he has left to show. The snapshot that remains in the mind of the “vintage” Faried is the offensive rebound with 5″ left on a short shot by Gallo doubled by the support to the basket that gave Denver the success in the sprint against Milwaukee, in November 2015 At his best, Faried is this: he runs, jumps, rebounds, defends and repeats this court refrain endlessly. Without stops. In short, he does the dirty work, solves problems. If this were still the case, Pallacanestro Reggiana would have achieved a great success. Certainly, in any case, Italian basketball gains a prestigious protagonist. And it doesn’t happen every day.
## From NBA Glory to Reggio Emilia: An Interview with Kenneth “The manimal” Faried
**World Today News** sits down with newly signed Pallacanestro reggiana forward, Kenneth ”The Manimal” Faried, to discuss his storied basketball career and his exciting new chapter in Italy.
**World Today News:** Welcome to Italy, Kenneth! You’ve had an incredible journey, from winning the World Cup with Team USA to eight seasons in the NBA. What brings ‘The Manimal’ to Reggio emilia?
**Kenneth Faried:** Thanks for having me! It feels great to be here. I’m excited about this new challenge. Italy has a rich basketball history, and Pallacanestro Reggiana has enterprising goals.I believe I can contribute my experience and energy to help the team succeed.
**WTN:** You were a force to be reckoned with during your NBA years.Your tenacity, rebounding prowess, and explosive dunks made you a fan favorite. What do you think you can still bring to the court today?
**KF:** I’ve always been about playing hard and leaving it all on the court. That hasn’t changed.I’m still hungry to compete and win. While my game may have evolved over the years, my energy and commitment remain the same.
**WTN:** You played alongside some incredible talents in your NBA career. What are some of the biggest lessons you learned from those experiences that you can bring to the team here?
**KF:**
Playing with guys like Kyrie Irving, Pau Gasol, and Nicolas Batum taught me the value of teamwork, interaction, and leadership. Every player has unique strengths,and it’s about finding synergy and maximizing each other’s abilities.
**WTN:**
You’ve recently played in Mexico and Puerto Rico. How have those experiences prepared you for this new chapter in your career?
**KF:** Playing internationally has been invaluable. It’s exposed me to different styles of play and cultures. It’s also allowed me to learn and adapt, which will be crucial here in Italy.
**WTN:**
What are your expectations for the season? What are you most looking forward to?
**KF:** My goal is to help Pallacanestro Reggiana achieve success.
I want to contribute to a winning culture and see this team thrive.
I’m also looking forward to immersing myself in the Italian culture, experiencing the passionate fanbase, and enjoying the country’s beauty.
**WTN:**
Thank you for your time, Kenneth. We wish you a successful and fulfilling season with Pallacanestro Reggiana.
**KF:**
Thank you! I’m excited to be here and can’t wait to get started.
