Former Bulldog standout Kristin Turk signed a contract to play for the Swedish professional team Markbasket on Monday. The team is part of the club Basketklubben Marbo and is located in the town of Kinna in the Mark municipality in Sweden.
During her tenure at Drake from 2007-2011, Turk registered 1,405 points, good for 15th all-time at Drake. She was also named a first team all-Missouri Valley Conference selection her senior year after leading the conference in scoring at 20.0 points per game.
Times-Delphic: How did this opportunity present itself to you? When did they approach you or make the offer?
Kristin Turk: I actually only found out about this opportunity on Nov. 16 and they made an official offer on Nov. 17 or 18. I just signed this morning (Nov.28) at 3 a.m. after getting back from a long day of travel from the Drake women’s basketball tournament in Cancun. I was there as a radio personality.
TD: When are you scheduled to meet with the team for the first time?
KT: They are still looking for my ticket overseas, but the coach is looking to fly me over on Wednesday (Nov. 30). I will meet my coach, Frank Alm, for the first time at the airport when he picks me up. I have only spoken to him through email and have yet to meet anyone else with Markbasket. I am really excited to meet all of my coaches and teammates.
TD: I know you had an opportunity to play in Greece, what happened there? What caused the deal to fall through?
KT: I was supposed to play in Greece, but the poor economic and social situation in Athens prevented me from going over there. I am actually very fortunate that this happened, because I fell very ill with mono and a mouth virus the week after I was supposed to leave for Greece. I am now fully recovered and in great shape and am so excited that things fell into place the way they did.
TD: How hard was it for you to go through that? Did you ever think you would not be able to play professionally in Europe anymore? Did that ever cross your mind?
KT: I was nervous for a while that I wouldn’t actually play professionally because I had no “plan B” and I really had my heart set on going to Europe. I am very fortunate that I have a great agent that never gave up on me (Jeanne McNulty).
TD: What have you been doing to stay in shape and to keep you motivated to keep going?
KT: I am allowed a practice a month per NCAA rules with the Drake women’s basketball team, so I actually practiced with them in Cancun. I have also been running distance and sprints as well as doing court workouts daily.
TD: You were involved with covering the Bulldogs. What were you doing exactly?
KT: I have been doing color commentary on the radio for Drake Women’s Basketball this season. I have done four games and was scheduled to do more, but cannot because of my opportunities in Sweden. I have really enjoyed bragging about the program that has given me everything for the past four years.
TD: How nervous are you to finally go play in Europe? Do you think you are going to be a bit rusty?
KT: I know from practicing with the team that my passing is a bit rusty, mainly because I haven’t passed to anyone in an organized basketball game in about eight months. I do believe that I still have the energy and fire that I always had, which will get me through any rusty spots I may encounter. I have been shooting almost daily, so I don’t think that has been affected.
TD: What’s going to be the toughest thing about living in Sweden?
KT: I am an extremely picky eater and I’ve heard that they eat a lot of fish in Sweden. I like shrimp, but that’s about as adventurous as I am with seafood.
TD: When do you anticipate playing for the first time? How excited are you to play basketball again?
KT: I will play on Saturday, Dec. 3 against Telge, an undefeated team in our league. I am so excited to get back out onto the court and start playing again. There’s no better feeling in the world.
