Marial Shayok has opened up about his journey from the EuroLeague to the G League, then to China, and now to Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv. The 28-year-old has come a long way since his time with Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul two years ago, and he is eager to prove himself once again in the continent’s strongest league. Reflecting on his career and the growth he’s experienced, Shayok admits he’s a very different player today compared to when he was with the Turkish club.
Shayok’s decision to join Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv came after a diverse career journey, and he’s now set to return to the EuroLeague. His time at Fenerbahce was a significant period in his career, but it also came with its challenges. The experience allowed him to learn and grow as a player, and after his departure, Shayok moved to the G League, where he worked on improving his game in a different setting. A year later, he made the move to China, where he spent two seasons playing for Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin and the Liaoning Flying Leopards.
Reflecting on his progression, Shayok acknowledges the immense growth he has undergone since his stint in Istanbul. “I’m completely different now,” Shayok admitted, emphasizing how much his game has evolved over the past couple of years. “I’ve learned a lot of new things, both on and off the court, and it’s given me a completely different perspective on the game.”
Shayok’s shift to Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv signals a fresh chapter in his career. The opportunity to play in one of the top EuroLeague teams is a chance for him to showcase his growth and skills that he honed across multiple leagues and environments. He also reflected on the Team USA game during his time with Fenerbahce, remembering it as an important moment in his career. The experience of playing against some of the best in the world was a crucial turning point, helping him understand what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Now, as he embarks on this new chapter with Maccabi, Shayok is motivated by the chance to prove that he belongs at the elite level once again. His time in the G League and China has taught him adaptability and perseverance, qualities that he plans to bring to his role at Maccabi, a club with a storied history and high expectations.
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Shayok is focused on refining his game, bringing his experience to Maccabi, and showing that the player he is today is far different from the one who left Fenerbahce two years ago.
