Catching up with Frank Hassell

Talk about your experience with the Charge last season.

It honestly was great. We were like a family, it felt like being at home and at college. The atmosphere where the city and fans really embraced us without knowing us at all was a surprise and really nice. They were just so happy that we were a part of Canton and so proud of us. I loved it.

What did you take away from your experience in the D-League?

I think the biggest thing that I learned was how to adjust to pro ball. The speed of the game is much faster and there was a bit of an adjustment to basketball being a job and the only thing to focus on. Before, it was school and basketball both equally had my attention.

How did you get your shot with the Hawks in NBA Summer League?

They called me at the last minute and asked to come to Atlanta and try out for their summer league team. It all happened real fast. I was there trying out and next thing I knew, I was headed to Vegas. It was a great experience though and I have been working hard to get a shot with an NBA team. I’m glad they called.

Did that make things tough for you to jump in with them at the last minute?

A little bit because the plays, sets and terminology are different. Teams all run similar things, but they are called by different names so the difficulty is mostly mental. It’s the same for both offense and defense. It’s hard, but you gotta do what you gotta do. That’s what it takes to be a professional.

What exact parts of your game have you been refining this offseason?

The biggest thing I’ve been working on is my body. I have been working to build muscle and to be leaner and healthier. That will translate into me being more mobile offensively and defensively to get into my spots quicker. I have also been working on my jump shot to add a bit of an outside game to my repertoire.

Finally, what would you say your goals are?

Obviously I would like an NBA team to give me a shot, but I pretty much just want to find the best job for me. Hopefully that’s here playing in the US, but whatever the best job for me is, then I will be there and be happy.