Tiago Splitter: “TJ Shorts is a giant, he’s the leader of this group”

Paris tops the Euroleague standings with 11 wins in 14 rounds

You don’t win 10 straight games by accident in a competition like the Euroleague, and when it’s a debutant team like Paris Basketball doing it, it becomes impossible to deny the huge merits of the group led by coach Splitter, currently first in the standings.

An exciting style of basketball, with heavy reliance on shooting from long distance and well-defined roles embraced by everyone. The “head of the snake,” the leader, is obviously TJ Shorts, also a rookie and already among the MVP candidates for the season.

“Another fantastic win,” the point guard said to EuroLeague TV after the road win against Olympiacos. “Playing in an environment like this, with the fans they have, with the roster they have, is really a great win. Everyone stepped up at the right time, big play after big play.”

“We knew who we were playing against, with their fans ready to push them the entire game,” said coach Splitter. “Despite being up by 20 points, they managed to get back into the game by playing very aggressively. They prevented us from taking our shots and moving the ball from side to side…

For three or four minutes we struggled, but I am proud how we finished the game. They were very aggressive with TJ and then I brought another guard. And Maodo, he is and experienced guy, he took the shots. And TJ took the shots when he was not pressured as much in those minutes. I am proud of these guys.”

 

A final thought for Shorts, who scored 21 points with 8 assists and 8 fouls drawn at the Peace and Friendship stadium.

“TJ is a giant… Forget about his height, he is a giant. He’s the leader of this group.”

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