“Last year was special, but now we start from zero”
Sasha Vezenkov enjoyed a remarkable season with Olympiacos, winning the EuroLeague and the Greek championship while also being named the competition’s MVP.
“Definitely, when it ends with the big title, it is something that stays with you. But last year was last year, this year is this year, and we are ready to start this marathon called the EuroLeague,” Vezenkov told SPORT24.
The Bulgarian star insists the title has not reduced the team’s hunger.
“I wouldn’t call it a burden. I think it is the feeling that, in the end, everything you have worked for had a result. But we are just as hungry, with the same desire, the same effort to reach the end again.”
“Our depth was important”
Vezenkov does not like comparing different Olympiacos teams, but believes the depth of last season’s roster played a major role in the European triumph.
“I don’t like comparing teams. I never have. Every team is different and every player is different. The depth we had certainly mattered. We had quite a few injuries at the beginning, and I think the depth and the options the coach had were important.”
Experience from previous disappointments was another key factor.
“After so many failures, I think we knew exactly what we had to do to win this EuroLeague.”
“Every season starts from zero”
Defending the title could be even harder than winning it, according to Vezenkov.
“When we talk about the EuroLeague, just reaching the Final Four is difficult. Winning it is even more difficult, and going back there is even harder. So I understand and agree with that. But the good thing about basketball is that every year is different and every year is measured differently. It starts from zero.”
The hunger, however, remains unchanged.
“It doesn’t change. We are here to go all the way and fight for every title.”
“The new players have great quality”
Vezenkov is also impressed by Olympiacos’ new additions.
“They are players of great value, each with different characteristics and from different positions, and they have contributed to the teams they played for. When you have that much quality, I think it is easy to bring them into our system.”
As one of the team’s veteran players, Vezenkov did not feel the need to give the newcomers lengthy speeches.
“I’ll say it again, I don’t think they need many words. They know where they have come. They are players with great quality and great personality, and they are ready to help the team.”
The new SEF and Walkup’s departure
The Peace and Friendship Stadium is currently undergoing renovations, and Vezenkov is waiting to see the finished product.
“I want to experience it when it is ready. We have seen models and some things, but when it is ready it will be impressive.”
Olympiacos will also have to adjust to playing several games at another home venue.
“At first, theoretically, it will be a little more difficult until we get used to it and find our footing. But we are professionals. Through work and game by game, we will find our way. It will take some time, but we will be ready.”
Vezenkov also reflected on the departure of Thomas Walkup after five years with Olympiacos.
“When you become close to people you see every day, when you have shared memories and beautiful moments with them, it is difficult. But that is sport. Everyone makes their choices based on their family, their wishes and their beliefs.”
“The memories we have built cannot be erased. That’s why we have photos, videos and all those things. But I think the most important thing is what you carry in your heart and mind. I wish everyone good health and hope they enjoy everything they are going to experience. But we are focused on our work.”
“The NBA experience helped me”
Vezenkov also believes his NBA experience contributed to his development.
“From every difficult moment, from every moment when things don’t go well, I have learned to take something positive from it. No matter how difficult it is, I try to improve my game.”
“I definitely think it helped me. As much as it may not have shown and as much as it wasn’t what I wanted, it helped me a lot in developing certain aspects of my game and continuing to improve.”
“Support us wherever we play”
Vezenkov ended with a message to the Olympiacos fans:
“Wherever we play, support us. Let’s be one, as we have been in all the previous years, and go all the way to achieve our goals.”
Commenta
Visualizza commenti