Before the national team window closes and as we return to the Lithuanian Basketball League, we invite you to enjoy the new 1-on-1 episode presented by Me2U and get even closer to Rytas Vilnius leader – Jerrick Harding.
Jerrick Harding recalls how basketball became a part of his life from a very young age, with his passion nurtured by his family. Growing up in Wichita, Kansas, he not only learned discipline but also built connections with his community through basketball:
“Everybody used to come to my house because my grandpa bought me a basketball hoop when I was like seven years old. But my dad was the one who put the ball in my hands, taught me the game, everything that I know, and he’s still here to this day giving me advice on anything that I might be going through on the court. I really appreciate that because basketball has done a lot for me in my life.”
This early experience helped Harding become a true scorer. He reflects on his hard but steady journey in basketball:
“Early on, I was more so like a shooter. I would spot up from three, shoot the ball. In middle school, that was kind of my role – a shooter, maybe a couple floaters. But as I kept getting older and building more confidence, I kept working on my game, and it all clicked around mid-high school – I felt like, okay, I’m really getting good and I have goals that I want to achieve like playing Division One basketball. Hard work was instilled in me at an early age, and I just got addicted to that feeling – seeing myself improve and getting better.”
After college, Harding moved to professional basketball in Europe. First in the Czech Republic, he faced new cultures and a different style of play:
“I think just the culture, of course, the language barrier – even going to the grocery store, I didn’t know what to expect. Basketball was different, now I was playing with grown men and had to adjust. But I think I dealt with it well. I wouldn’t say I got too homesick that year. I was locked in and just excited to be playing professionally – that was always my goal.”
Later, Harding moved to Spain to play in the ACB League, where he had the opportunity to compete at a top level. After successful years in Spain, he received an offer to join Rytas Vilnius, a club with a long history of winning and passionate fans. He shares openly about his decision:
“It was crazy. They have been on me for a couple of years actually, and I always kind of heard them out. This past summer I talked to a lot of different teams, even had some interest from EuroLeague, but it didn’t work out. Rytas Vilnius was really attractive to me – they have a long history of winning, I already knew the club and the coach, and I feel like this was the next step in my career – to keep proving myself and show that I can win games or help win games.”
Harding also emphasizes his connection with the team and the incredible support from fans:
“The fans are like the best fans that I’ve had. They show a lot of support. After any game, they want pictures, autographs, even my shoes, which eventually I’ll give them for sure. I just try to show love back, answer questions, and interact with them as much as I can. At the end of the day, we’re not just here to play – we’re here to play for them.”
Regarding his goals for the season, Harding adds:
“My goals are to win as many games as possible, advance as far as we can in the Champions League, and try to win the LKL championship. I’m excited to be here, part of a winning team, and everyone on the roster is really hungry to achieve big things.”
You can hear more about Jerrick Harding, his experience in various European leagues, college years, and representing the Polish national team in the full 1-on-1 episode presented by Me2U, now available on the official Rytas Vilnius YouTube channel.