Last year’s Panathinaikos ACTOR and Olympiakos executioner Chris Jones has returned to the scene ahead of the EuroLeague Matchday 10 clash between Valencia and Ergin Ataman’s team (November 23rd, 9:15 p.m., Novasports Prime, Match Center on Sportish).

Sportish was at OAKA and spoke to the American guard a few hours before the game, about the progress of Alex Moubro’s team this year, which started impressively but proved dismal last week, about the Spanish technician and the rumors who wanted him to leave the club in the summer, but also about the difficulties faced by a rookie in Europe’s top club competition.

In a recent interview, Naz Mitrou-Long told me that Valencia were the surprise team of the season. Do you agree with that?

“I wouldn’t say I agree with it. I trust my teammates and feel like we should be where we are (they’re 5-4). I think it’s a surprise to a lot of people because they didn’t expect it from us. It’s a compliment and an insult at the same time. But I take it as a compliment because I think he meant it. But as I said, I expected this image from our team, so I’m not surprised at all.”

In the summer there were some rumors about the departure of coach Moubru. Were you afraid that he might actually leave?

“Rather yes. I have a very good relationship with the coach. One of the main reasons I stayed at Valencia was him, so I was a little shocked when I heard that. I’m very glad he’s here and he’s the reason.” I’m here too.

What is the situation in Valencia this year, what expectations do you have?

“I expect that at the end of the year we will be where others don’t expect us to be. We have goals and high expectations for this team. Personally, I think we are a playoff team. That’s our main goal at the moment.” It says: “It’s still early. We’ve had our hits, but we’re a little shaky at the moment. But I think we’ll bounce back and give ourselves a chance to fight for the playoffs.”

You had an impressive start to the season, but are currently suffering three consecutive defeats against the other big Spanish clubs (against Real – Barcelona in the EuroLeague and Baskonia in the League). How do you recover from a bad phase?

“It’s still early, so it makes sense. We have to keep fighting and do what we can, our game. Some things didn’t go our way, but we play in the second or third best league in the world, the ACB.”, and you saw that they suffered these three defeats against three good Spanish teams.

We have to keep trying and follow what we know. We got into this situation because we did certain things. We must return to them and find our way again.”

Year after year you play better and better. What was the most difficult thing for you in your first steps in the EuroLeague? Even now, we see veteran NBA players not adapting easily. So what are the main difficulties?

“Um, the details surrounding the game. In the EuroLeague you have to pay a lot of attention to the details, there is serious scouting before the games. Whether you come from a less dynamic league or the NBA, you have to understand the differences, the distances, the rules that apply when painting. Your response time has to be much faster than anywhere else.”

Last year he won the match in OAKA with a buzzer-beater three-pointer. How do you feel about tonight’s game?

“A lot of hustle and bustle. The atmosphere here is always great, especially when Panathinaikos wins. I’m sure the crowd will be great, but we have to go in, be fully focused and do what we know and can do. We have to block.” . we forget the rest. It will definitely be a tough fight.”

What image have you formed of Panathinaikos so far?

“It thrilled me. When I first came to the EuroLeague I had heard a lot about Panathinaikos, but in recent years they have not lived up to expectations and have not reached the position they should be. With the arrival of Ataman and all these new players, the excitement has returned. It is nice to see.”

Last year you were crucial in Valencia’s victory against Olympiakos Piraeus in the SEF with three precise shots in the final. Is there any extra motivation when you play for the Greek teams?

“No, no, nothing like that (laughter). I was lucky to be in that position in both games. Like I said, I have a really good connection with Alex (Mubrow). He gave me the ball at the end two plays and I was lucky to make those plays.

What is your first feeling at this year’s Olympiacos?

“I would say I was a little surprised with how the season started. Not necessarily negative, but they lost some games that we would have expected them to win. It’s still early in the season and it’s a similar situation to ours. I know they will continue to struggle and that they will find their footing down the stretch and win these games down the stretch.”

I saw earlier that you said hello to Kyle Guy. What is your relationship?

“He is my husband. We played against each other in Spain last year and developed a relationship. He’s a very good boy, but tonight we’re rivals so I’ll talk to him after the game.”

Did you give him any advice for his start in the EuroLeague?

“I explained to him that things are different. But he’s a great player, he can adapt, he can create his own shots. When you have those fundamentals and that talent, you just have to build on the details.”

If you had to predict which teams are currently making it to the Final Four, who would you say?

“I’ll say the same thing I said last year when they asked me. I say it to make it come true. Valencia will have one of these four places. I don’t know anything about the others (laughs).”

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