Another Volleywod Exclusive!
A few months ago, King Lloy Ball announced he’d retire but then just a couple of months ago he’s coming out of retirement. One of the world’s best setters and the 2008 Olympic gold medalist will play in the Russian League this coming season for Zenit Kazan Ural Ufa together with Clay Stanley.
Since we really wanted to know the real scoop, we were able to obtain the real story from Lloy Ball himself.
His Majesty says…
“After two months of thought, I decided to sign with Ufa in Russia for next year. The deal was dependent on a knee surgery that I had a few weeks ago. It was just a clean-up nothing serious. I am already back to training. It looks like the knee will be good to go, so I anticipate heading to Ufa in late September.
There were many factors in changing my mind to unretire. The short Russian season. First game is Oct 4, then there will be a month break for the World Cup. During this time I will come home, since I am not a member of the USA team. The regular season ends in February and the last possible playoff match is April 22. This is almost two months shorter than last year. Also, Ufa is not competing in any Euro Cups, so I will only have to play one game a week, and I will never travel outside Russia. Compared to Kazan, there are at least 20 less matches!
It’s a big deal for a guy my age.
I will get to play with the best opposite in the world and one of my BEST friends Clay Stanley. Also, I have played with many of the guys on Ufa’s team, so the transition will be easy. And of course, the value of the contract was significant :)”
So there you go!
The full details on why King LB decided to come out of retirement.
As for the rumor that he’d play in London next year, he said he would rejoin the team if USA Volleyball would hire us as one of team staff members. Hahaha! We kid! We kid! LB didn’t say this at all. Although we’re hoping he’d give the Olympics another shot and be part of the team that would defend their Olympic crown.
As for his Ural Ufa contract amount, he declined to inform us but we could only guess that it’s worth $2M USD? You better treat us the next time we see you King LB!
Anyways, we’re so happy and so excited to see him back on the court again with Claymate.
Thank you for clearing the air king LB and best wishes!
Thoughts?
(images: FIVB)
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