Keith Langford: “Players should take note of what I’m doing at my age”

Keith Langford (AEK) received the MVP trophy before the semifinal against Zaragoza, which AEK won in dominant fashion (99-75).

Here’s what he had to say after the game:

"I think the tendency for people is to assume that if you’re so talented offensively, you can’t play good defense. I think what you saw tonight was a team that was prepared, and was very aggressive on defense. In basketball, when you make shots it’s easier to play defense, because you get confidence from hitting some shots.

I just love the game. At my age, I have to understand that I have more playing days behind than ahead. So I try to take advantage of every opportunity that I get on the floor. I think that what I’m doing right now at my age, a lot of players can take note and see that you can be at an high level even late in your career. I’m satisfied so far.

That game against Burgos was a long time ago (Langford had his BCL career-high in Burgos in November 2019, scoring 30 pts). Both teams are in a very different position, playing at a very different rhythm. I think when we played them last year I had to do that because that was my role, now our team is built a little different. It’s gonna be a totally different game, Burgos is playing well – they got two really really good performances so far here. It’s gonna be interesting on Sunday.

I’m proud of every individual accolade I’ve won across Europe, and I’m very pleased with this MVP award. But I want the trophy on Sunday."

AEK will face Burgos on Sunday at 19:00 to win the 2019-2020 BCL trophy.