Some of the same strategies the big man employs on a chessboard have come in handy on the basketball hardwoods across Europe.
Gran Canarias's Ethan Happ uses lessons from chess to put opponents in checkmate
Player Spotlight
4 Mins read
Ethan Happ is one of the most versatile low-post players in the BKT EuroCup with an all-around scoring attack and great passing skills. One of the reasons the Dreamland Gran Canaria center is so effective is the lessons he learned from playing chess.
Happ has made strong contributions to the reigning EuroCup champion, averaging 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals (eighth best in the regular season) in 18:31 minutes per game. He finished the regular season particularly strong, averaging 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.8 steals for a PIR of 19.3 over his last four games.
The 27-year-old American is an avid reader who also enjoys playing chess when he has extra time.
"I enjoy chess because it's an easy way to do something competitive,” Happ said.
The 2.08-meter big man said chess has helped him keep opponents on the hardwood guessing.
“Every chess game is different, no matter how many you play. And similarly to basketball, you have to predict what your opponent is thinking as well as misleading them with what you may be thinking,” he added.
Happ joined Gran Canaria this off-season after debuting last season in the Spanish League with Breogan Lugo. The city in northwestern Spain in the state of Galicia is also the home to Pablo Lopez, one of the top youth players in the world in speed chess.
Happ last season was surprised by a social media post made by the Brogan club and was able to face the then 17-year-old Lopez.
“Pablo beat me in both games that were filmed as well as the three that weren’t,” Happ revealed. “It was really incredible to watch him re-do a game move for move from memory that we had just played to show where my error occurred. After playing him I ramped up my time on Chess.com, but still won't come close to Pablo's level.”
Happ said it will take some time before he tries to face Lopez again.
“We have each other's contact information but I still need more time before I'm ready to get beat again. I went to the local chess club in Lugo and that was challenging enough,” said Happ, who has not looked for a chess club in Las Palmas.
Besides reading and chess, Happ is also trying to spend free time on the beach in Gran Canaria.
“I try and get to the beach as much as possible. It's calming to be outside in nature but especially on the sand. From the time COVID locked down the country, I started reading more than ever trying to spend all the newfound free time wisely, and it has stuck,” he said.
All those off-court activities also help Happ focus on the big task at hand on the court - winning the EuroCup.
“My reasons for picking Gran Canaria were many but really came down to wanting to play on a higher level team, looking to compete for a championship,” he said.
And Happ knows it will not be easy.
“It will be difficult for the team to repeat the championship as it is in any sport. We have the right coaches and players to get it done but a bit of luck is involved in the playoffs as well so time will tell where we end the EuroCup season. Part of my reason for joining Gran Canaria was the possibility to compete for a championship. It would be my first and obviously, it would feel very rewarding.”
Happ hopes those lessons he’s learned from chess will give him that little extra advantage.