Van Treese: I am called Vanilla Godzilla from time to time
The last time we saw Stephen Van Treese it was in 2013 as the confetti fell on the Louisville Cardinals who had just been crowned as the NCAA's National Champions. Known for his tough rebounding, aggressive defensive, and willingness to do whatever it took to win, SVT was a crucial piece to the Louisville Cardinals National Championship victory.
Today, Stephen Van Treese may have the best nickname in all of professional sports and is currently playing basketball professionally almost half way across the world.
I got the chance to catch up with him and talk about his career overseas, his nickname and what he would tell the current Cardinals squad what it takes to become champions.
Since we last saw you as a member of the 2013 National Championship team, what have you been up to?
SVT: I have been playing basketball professionally for the past three years in Japan. I am playing for Niigata Albirex BB this year in the B League. I’m home (in Louisville) for two months out of the year.
How has the transition been from playing in the United States at a big time program to playing in Japan?
SVT: It’s been a big transition. At Louisville, you are treated pretty much like an NBA player with luxuries like flights, hotels, training facilities. In Japan, we take buses to the cities we play in, sometimes trains. The hotels we stay in are not what most Americans are used to. Most of the rooms are half the size of a typical U.S. hotel. The gyms we practice in sometimes don’t even have heat. Let’s just say it’s not fun practicing in the winter.
We’ve heard that you’ve been given the nick name “Vanilla Godzilla.” Where did that come from?
SVT: Yes, I am called Vanilla Godzilla from time to time. Ha! I actually have to give Luke Hancock the credit. He gave me the name shortly after I signed my first contract to go to Japan. I thought it was pretty awesome & funny, so I helped promote it a little to my American teammates. My Japanese teammates just laugh when they hear it.
What’s been your favorite part of playing in Japan, and what has been the most difficult?
SVT: My favorite part about Japan would have to be getting to experience the culture. I would have never thought I would be living in Japan, but I have grown to enjoy it. It’s fascinating to see how they do things compared to how we do. I also have enjoyed meeting new people and exploring the country.
The toughest thing would have to be being away from my fiancé, family and friends. My fiancé, Lara, flies over and stays as long as she can, but I haven’t had anybody else come out here yet. It can be lonely at times, but with FaceTime it has made things easier. The language barrier can also be tough at times.
How much have you gotten to watch the Cards play this season? What are your thoughts on the team?
SVT: I get to watch most of the games, especially if they are later at night U.S. time. It’s a 14 hour difference right now. So if the game is at 7PM than its 9AM the next morning here. I really like this team. I think they are one of our tallest and athletic teams we have had in a while. They have gotten better all season and I think they are coming together at the right time. I think Coach P deserves a lot of credit for that. It’s really fun to watch them grow. I get to spend a lot of time in the summer around the guys and then I see what they do during the season.
If you could give these guys one piece of advice on what it takes to be National Champions, what would it be?
SVT: To win it all, it’s going to come down to the little things; getting that loose ball, deflection, steal, rebound, and boxing out. Once you get into the tourney you have to remain focused and keep all the outside distractions outside.