AEK has released a lot of transfer bombs this summer. But the one who made the most noise – and by far – was Ben McLemore’s.

With a nine-year NBA career under his belt — and a dunk contest win — McLemore knows a lot of the spotlight will fall on him this year. He is the player with the most impressive record in the team, he is playing in Europe for the first time, everyone expects a lot from him, especially AEK.

But the 30-year-old security guard doesn’t seem to be worried. He already feels comfortable in the AEK jersey. He is aware that the 100th anniversary season means a lot to the club. And he makes it clear that he wants to be one of the leaders of the group. To become the McLemore the world is waiting for.

Interview with Stefanos Makris

“Ready for a new journey”

One thing is clear about McLemore: He wants to focus on today and tomorrow. He knows people want to ask him about his years in the NBA. But he’s more interested in focusing on what AEK brings to the table.

“I am pleased to be here. It’s crazy because I was supposed to come to Greece for my anniversary in 2020 before the pandemic and three years later I’m playing for AEK and their great program. The American first added:

“It is a blessing for me to be here. Everything happens for a reason, I always say that, I’m excited. Spiritually for me it is a new process, a new journey, a new opportunity to try something different.

I felt that AEK offered me something different: the opportunity to play at a great club. So far everything is great. I heard a lot about Greece and Athens.”

The 100th anniversary season is a big deal for AEK and the American seemed to have it on his mind. “And as I walk I see history. Players from the past, the veterans who came to Media Day. I spoke to them.

I learn the story that speaks for itself. It excites me to be part of an organization with these people. I’m looking forward to a great season.

“I want to find a rhythm so you can see the player you’ve all been waiting for.”

Another thing you should know about McLemore is that he represents two mottos: The first is “Humble and Hungry,” which he also has tattooed on himself. The second thing – which he repeats quite often – is that “everything happens for a reason”. But is he really that hungry, is that still his motto?

“Yes, and that will always be the case. This is what I’ve been doing for years. If anyone knows me and knows my story, they know that I am hungry and humble. Especially when I come to AEK in a new situation for me.

At AEK they want me to be the leader of the team and I want that too. I came to win. To give us chances to win. Of course I’m humbled, but I’m hungry to help us get wins.”

Since McLemore was selected 7th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, he certainly expected to never leave the NBA. But as he remembers his course, he just seems to enjoy the moment.

“I’ve had a crazy journey with lots of ups and downs. I was a lottery winner and now play in Greece. I have encountered many obstacles in my life, but everything happens for a reason. I know that everything happens for a reason. To be in the position I am in now and to be part of something as important as AEK’s 100 years means a lot to me. Being in this position is a great opportunity.

I look forward to this journey and building good relationships with everyone at AEK. The main thing is to achieve victories. Let’s build the chemistry. Anyone who knows my journey knows what I experienced in the NBA, that I went to China. He knows I’ve had a lot of obstacles in my career, but everything happens for a reason and I’m just excited to play basketball and have fun. I can’t wait to get started like everyone else.

A lot comes into play in the NBA. The opportunity you’re going to get, the situations you’re going to be in, but at the end of the day it’s just basketball. Wherever you play basketball, if you have the right situation, the right coach and the winning culture, everything will be fine. You want to build chemistry between the players and improve. If that happens, anything will happen.

I feel like I had my chance on my way to the NBA. I was drafted, I was a lottery pick. I did it, I made my dream come true. I feel like I’ve matured, learned things and improved through experiences over the years.”

The final question concerned AEK’s goals and his own and whether he intends to become the team’s leader. McLemore had expected this question. And he was clear:

“The main goal is to win. Building chemistry between teammates, coaching staff and management.

Obviously it’s a different experience for me. I’ll need some time to adjust. This is my first time playing in Europe. I’m glad we had these friendlies because they help us build confidence and improve chemistry.

All of this is good for finding a rhythm and being ready for my new journey. Once I feel comfortable and find my rhythm, I can’t wait to see myself as the player people expect me to be. I can’t wait to win and be one of the leaders of the team.

I definitely want to be the leader of the team. As experienced players, we, Jordan (ss McRae), Kuzminskas, our captain Dimitris (ss Flionis) and the other guys have to be leaders. This is something the team expects from us. I can’t wait to be one of the leaders of the team and lead them high.”