Fast Break

Adam Honig on the court

Adam Honig '14 (center, in white) picks up in Israel where he left off as a Red Devil. Photo courtesy of Adam Honig.

Red Devil standout Adam Honig ’14 takes his hard-court skills overseas

Adam Honig ’14 (international business & management) led the Red Devils through a supercharged NCAA Division III Tournament Elite 8 run in 2014, and now the All-American and 2014 Centennial Conference Player of the Year is overseas playing professional basketball. As a Red Devil, Honig became the second player to score more than 1,500 points; now he’s using his skills with Ironi Ramat Gan of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. Read on for a look into what it’s like to play professionally, why basketball means so much to Honig and what player he thinks is the “king” of the court (hint: He’s not alone in thinking it).

Can you speak to how Dickinson’s useful liberal-arts education applies to what you’re up to now?

I was an international business & management major at Dickinson. The biggest part that has translated for me is the international element. Right now I’m playing professional basketball in Israel. Basketball is a very harsh business at the professional level, and while it’s not the typical office job, there are many similarities that go on behind the scenes within each organization. Now in my rookie season, I’ve gotten a taste of how the business works. It’s ruthless. My education at Dickinson allowed me to understand business decisions and ethics that may be present in all types of industries.

What jumps out as a great memory from your time at Dickinson?

Winning the Centennial Conference tournament and advancing to the Elite 8 of the NCAA tournament.

How do you stay involved with Dickinson?

The relationships I’ve made through Dickinson will be with me for the rest of my life. The organizations I was a part of have made it easy to stay involved with the school and all the great people. All of the basketball alumni stay in touch religiously, and we continue to support the program. I’ve tried to watch every game on my laptop despite the time difference here in Israel. Because of the Raven’s Claw Society, graduation weekend is a time I will always circle on my calendar to get back to Carlisle. Getting that group together is special.

What’s it like to play basketball for a living?

It has always been my dream to be a professional basketball player, and I have the opportunity now to live out my dream. The fact that I can play the game of basketball as a full-time job is a blessing, and I think it will open up a lot of doors for me in the future as well.

What is the most challenging part of playing professional basketball?

Basketball is now a job, so I have to treat it that way. Taking care of your body is huge, and so is making sure you’re always getting better. The competition level here is through the roof, and the amount of work we have to put in is always a challenge, but a healthy one.

What’s your favorite thing to do on a Saturday night?

Go out with friends, eat great food, meet new people.

If you could have dinner with a famous person, living or dead, who would it be?

LeBron James. I know it’s a pretty generic answer, but I can’t knock the king. He’s the best at what I do and love, so he’ll always be my guy.

You just built a time machine: Where and when do you go?

The future. I want to know what the world will look like in 30 years and where I’ll be.

You’re going to live on an island by yourself for a year: What books, albums and movies do you take with you?

I’m bringing every Drake album, some John Legend, J. Cole, and Jack Johnson. I’m watching Inglorious Bastards and most movies with Seth Rogan or Jonah Hill. And I’m reading biographies on interesting and influential people, or anything peaceful to help keep me sane on this island.

If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

To bring my family and friends with me wherever I go.

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Published May 14, 2015