Made To Move

Made To Move

Interview with pro basketball player Jessey Voorn.

What is your background?
I’m 3/4 Surinamese and 1/4 Dutch. I was born in Amsterdam and grew up in the suburbs and in the city as well.

When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball when I was 10 years old and realised that same year I wanted to become pro when I grew older.

Why did basketball become your preferred sport?
I just fell in love with the game! In my opinion it’s the most spectacular sport there is. It’s fast and fun to watch as well.

What is your history with basketball?
My dad used to be professional boxer but when I was 8 years old, he got obsessed watching NBA games on what was back then called Canal +. I used to be a major daddy’s boy so I would follow my father in whatever he loved doing, so I must say that he got me into the game of basketball. He got me a leather Spalding basketball and I started to copy everything I’d seen from watching the games.

Where has it taken you?
It has taken me through ups and downs, it tested my patience and my will to reach the highest potential within myself. I have now played professionally for 10 years and I play for the national team of Holland as well, which is obviously a big honour.

What does fashion means to you in your daily life?
I love fashion, I really do, but in my own way. I get inspired of course by social media and by different looks and styles but I always keep it close to myself. My style changes a bit time by time but mostly I always know what my style is.

How do you use social media in your career vs your private life?
Good question! I use my social media platforms in my career to inspire youth, and to represent the game of basketball which I love with all of my heart. My job and passion is to share that with the next generation. My instagram I mostly use as a platform of me as a person which is the athlete but also me in my daily life and sharing outfits in my own way.

You play basketball for Leiden, where the second Matinique Store just opened. What is special about the city?
Leiden is a small city with a lot of students and universities. It is my second year playing there but I honestly do not know all the ins and outs of Leiden.

You are from Amsterdam. What does the city mean to you?
Oh Amsterdam means the world to me. I absolutely love it and can’t get enough of it, even though the city is almost getting too small for me because I have lived there all of my life. I have seen many places throughout basketball which I cherish a lot but I also came to realise how dope Amsterdam is. It’s truly unique!

Why is Matinique a good match for you?
Matinique fits my style perfectly. I like to dress simply but detailed - what most call the Scandinavian way of dressing. I love plain shirts, classic colours and a classy touch but still with a sporty, cool way of wearing it, so Matinique is a easy fit for me.

Do you have a favourite spot in the city?
I would say ‘De 9 straatjes’ area is just my favourite hangout. It’s always alive with good stores and chilled cafes.

Fun Fact: tell us something we did not know about you?
Fun fact is that I like to DJ techno but strictly as a hobby, haha! Most people don’t know but, yeah, I love DJ’ing.